Spring on an Island
On the first day of Spring I packed my suntan lotion, shorts, camera and journal and headed to Bowen Island.
The cherry blossoms were in full bloom at Horseshoe Bay, where I snapped quite a few pictures while waiting for the Bowen Island ferry.
When I arrived on Bowen I hiked 20 minutes up the trail to Dorman Point and ate my lunch by this spectacular tree. 
Lunch digested while I relaxed in a cozy, secluded nook on the side of a cliff overlooking the Strait of Georgia.
The shorts and suntan lotion never left my knapsack. I napped, journalled, phoned a friend and watched the Nanaimo Ferry pass by.
But mostly I enjoyed the view.
Two hours of heaven was spent in my favourite little corner of Bowen Island. Then I set out to hike around Killarney Lake.
On the way I had a chat with a crow named Chester. He was happy to pose for this picture.
The trail led me past a great view of the mountains. Notice the snow up there at the top… where it should be.
Killarney Lake was just as I remembered it. I spent two hours hiking the trails, serenaded by a flock of Canada geese who’d apparently taken up their own celebration of the first day of Spring. Their song was mixed with that of the bullfrogs in the swamp.
I made it around Killarney lake and back to Snug Cove by 5 pm, and promptly headed to Doc Morgan’s for an early dinner.
The steak tenderloin with mashed potatoes and crisp, snap peas silenced the table next to me when it arrived. I could feel all eyes on my plate. Sorry folks, I didn’t think to take a picture. But trust me, it was delicious.
The smooth, carefree day took a slight turn when at 6:20, the waiter informed me that the next ferry to the Mainland wasn’t until 8 pm. Great planning Davina!
Killing Time on an Island
It was getting dark and quite chilly, but luckily it wasn’t raining. I wandered towards the ferry dock and planted myself on a bench where I chatted to a friend on my cellphone for a few minutes.
Then I wandered back up the hill, Bowen Island’s main street which I must add, is not much longer than six city blocks.
Most of the stores were closed so I wandered around absorbing the quietness of the Island’s nightlife.
Dogs lounged lazily on benches outside of restaurants, waiting while their “family” ate dinner. Quite different from the city dogs who you quite often see pulling on their leashes, impatiently staring at the window, whining.
I read posters about community events: There was a mother/daughter pajama party coming up and a Kid & Kaboodle sale where parents could buy clothing, shoes and toys.
I stared longingly through windows at antiques, clothes and artwork. Saw a picture of a figure skater who’d won Gold in the Olympics in the late 1800s and an old picture of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
I took pictures of Daffodils. Lots of Daffodils.
And more Daffodils.
Eventually I stopped for coffee at a small restaurant called Mik•sa where I blended in with the locals, watching the Canucks play hockey.
I felt so much at home. The atmosphere was relaxed and here was a restaurant full of people watching a hockey game! I could get used to this Island life.
Soon after, I reluctantly left Mik•sa and headed towards the ferry which was now waiting at the dock. Even here, people were subdued.
The trip home took me two hours. Normally this would have frustrated me, but I was too relaxed to care.
Spring is my favourite season and I can’t think of a better way to welcome it than by spending it outside, enjoying some time on my favourite Island.
Springtime Haiku
Spring is the season
Mother Nature wakens life
with rhyme, with reason.
I’m dedicating this post to Janice at Sharing the Journey where she has recently written about Daffodils and Haiku for Spring.
It is here where she invited her readers to compose some Haiku and of course, I couldn’t resist. Perhaps you’d like to write one and share it in her comment section.
What did you do on your first day of Spring?
What is your favourite season?
Hilary
Jannie Funster
Jim
Patricia
Joy
Linda
Tony Single
vered
Chris Edgar
Evita
{ 39 comments }
Davina,
Lovely writing. I enjoyed the rhythm of your prose, how you blended the images, the words and your mood in this post.
I love the colors that Fall brings but I love as well the renewal meaning of Spring.
I spent the first day of Spring mostly inside sharing with my family.
All the best,
Boris
.-= Boris´s last blog ..Google Wave – An update =-.
Hi Davina,
I love the spring season, and what always feels like a newness, or a coming to live – in the air. And I love the pictures and story of your first day of spring. What a very wonderful day! Me? We had a bit of snow in Wisconsin…and….I spent most of the day inside. Today, though, should be much nicer…and I am ready!
.-= Lance´s last blog ..Sunday Thought For The Day =-.
Hi Davina .. lovely story and what a gorgeous day out you have – revitalising the soul! I’ve been on that ferry .. so felt I knew where you were! The photos are lovely and really show your trip – the tree where you had lunch, your daffodils, the Lake .. good memories for you and lovely post to read .. Thank you – my haiku is up over on Janice’s .. – wonderful dedication to Janice and our Spring here – thank you! Though we’re 400 miles distance apart ..enjoy today .. Hilary
.-= Hilary´s last blog ..Spring Cleaning and Passion …. =-.
We’ve been on that ferry, too. ;) Good memories.
What did you do on your first day of Spring? Our first day of Spring was chilly and windy, with periods of rain and, just a couple of counties away, it was snowing. I spent a good part of the day in the workshop, working on a new roll-around work bench.
What is your favourite season? We generally prefer the more moderate seasons, Spring and Autumn. It is often quite hot an muggy here in the Summer, so we tend to head toward cooler places such as the Rockies, once even as far north as Jasper, Alberta. We were on our way to a cabin we had rented in Valemount, B.C.. Winter is usually spent here at home, but the winters continue as cold here as it was this year :( , we’ll likely consider spending part of the season some place a little warmer.
.-= Mike Goad´s last blog ..14 new photo galleries =-.
That sounds like an excellent day.
I’m spending mine writing and working on segments for the radio. I am going to go for a run but nothing extraordinary today.
Thanks for sharing your day!
.-= Chase March´s last blog ..Ya Down with O.P.P (not really) =-.
Beautiful, Davina – You are one month ahead of us with the blooming and the awakening. Everything seems expectant here. I spent the first day of Spring hopefully banishing a tenacious gastro bug, and eliminating the vestiges of the 1970’s from my kitchen – the cabinets are now freshly painted white. It has been an assault to the senses living in “That 70’s Show.” Perhaps I’ll move to the second level and do it there, as well, although it’s a more daunting task. :)
.-= Betsy Wuebker´s last blog ..What I Should Have Said =-.
Hi D.
I don’t know what I like better your photos or experience of spring. I love Haiku and haven’t written any for a while. I think I’ll do it soon as you’ve passed on the inspiration from Janice. Happy Spring to you my friend and thanks for sharing your life with us! xo
.-= Tess The Bold Life´s last blog ..Life Is Good, Don’t Miss It =-.
Hi Davina,
Spring is a favorite season of mine. Ironically I didn’t even realize yesterday was the first day of Spring. It was a lovely day, though with sunshine and 60 degree temps. I also noticed my lilac bush has new buds on it. Mmmmm. I’m looking forward to see it all in bloom.
By the looks of it, you had a wonderful time. Even your writing projected your relaxed state. Thank you for sharing and Happy Spring to you.
.-= Barbara Swafford´s last blog ..The Secret That Keeps Us Blogging =-.
Nice pictures. I love the smell of cherry blossoms. Our lilac tree already has buds on it.
I have not been to Bowen Island in years. This year I have to make a point of visiting the island. I wish it had a campground.
Spring is my favorite season, because Mother Nature brings in so much new life.
I had a lazy day doing some work on my new computer and enjoying the warm weather on the deck, occasionally looking at the Olympic flame.
I like autumn best
summer’s finally fleeing
leaves, kings and queens
I like your blue-jeaned knees. And those view,of course. Golly!!
And guess who won a little something over at my place? In…
this post…
http://www.janniefunster.com/2010/03/21/it-aint-easy-being-queen/
xo
Hi Boris.
Thanks. Fall is one of the most beautiful seasons; was my mother’s favourite. Family time is rare these days. Sounds like you relaxed and enjoyed your first day of spring.
Hi Lance.
You saved up your energy on Saturday; look out Sunday. I know what you mean about that newness in the air. Everything smells so sweet and fresh. When spring comes I feel like I could live forever and time seems to stand still. You had more snow? Gee you guys have had quite the winter.
Hi Hilary.
You’ve been on the Bowen Island ferry? Or, the Nanaimo ferry? That’s cool that you could relate to where I was. It was revitalizing. I drifted to sleep feeling incredibly relaxed. I’ll pop over to read your Haiku at Janice’s blog. :-D
I’m baaaack… Duh… I did read your Haiku when I was over in Janice’s comment section. And here it is — so beautiful. I love the part about “dripping patterns form”
Whistling wind rustles
Soaking rain splatters on panes
Dripping patterns form
Hi Mike.
Sounds like you had the perfect rainy day project to keep you occupied. Renting a cabin is music to my ears! Sigh. Sigh… again. :-) There is a furnished cabin for rent on Bowen Island; hmmm. I hear Arizona is nice to escape the winter…
Hi Friar.
Verrry true. I opened up this Happy Compartment today while I was working. More than once, too. I’m going to go back to Bowen more often this summer. I’ve missed it.
It’s kinda weird talking to you over here on my blog :)
Hi Chase.
Your day sounds quiet and rewarding. Having good amounts of time just for writing is a luxury it seems, these days. Writing segments for the radio — now that sounds interesting!
Hi Betsy.
Thanks. Oh, that’s too bad you were not well; damn that gastro bug! I remember Spring out east. March was one of the most impatient months; expectant is a great way to put it… and ENTITLED :-D Maybe you can save the upper level for Fall…
Hi Tess.
This was a lucky day for photography; I took about 90 shots (and these were about the only ones that were any good :-) Thank God for the digital camera! I can’t wait to read your haiku…
Hi Barbara.
Happy Spring to you too! I love the smell of lilac bushes. A friend of mine cuts them and puts them in a vase; the smell gets a little strong inside though.
Hi Jim.
Camping would be handy on Bowen with it being so close. Your deck is one of my favourite spots on the North Shore. It’s extremely quiet and private. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Hi Jannie.
I did? I won!? Weeee :-) I’m being goofy today… My blue-jean knees were really hoping to see the light of day, but the sun stayed hidden most of the afternoon. Autumn is invigorating, I’ll say that. The windy days, swishing through the leaves, nippy mornings. It wakes you up in a different way than Spring. You did haiku… I love it :-D
Hi Davina .. the Nanaimo ferry .. to visit a cousin of my mother’s whose son now farms their farm in the Duncan area of VI. Love to go back some time .. enjoy the week – Hilary
.-= Hilary´s last blog ..Spring Cleaning and Passion …. =-.
Bless you – you’re a sweetheart! I loved the photos, and this is my absolute favourite kind of Davina writing. You always make me feel I’m right there, not there with you, but there on my own experiencing it myself. You sohave a travel book in you. I haven’t been reading your blog from the start, so I don’t know where you live or why you live there, so forgive me for asking why you don’t move to one of these places where your heart always seems to soar?
I LONG to visit Vancouver and Vancouver island. I have dear friends in BC, and up the west coast of the US. And there must be somewhere there where I can make a home by the sea again!
.-= Janice | Sharing the Journey´s last blog ..A Patchwork Post: Daffodils, Haiku and Chickens =-.
What a day, Davina! Thanks for bringing it to life for the rest of us with the gorgeous photos and your accompanying thoughts. I spent the first day of spring walking in the woods and poking around a small town. So I smiled when you talked about reading posters of community events. I did the same thing, and had the same thought, that I could get used to that life!
.-= Patty – Why Not Start Now?´s last blog ..Meaning Mondays: The Spring Fever Edition =-.
lovely
I enjoyed so many picnics at Horseshoe Bay. Thank you for sharing and allowing me into memories that had been pushed aside.
.-= patricia´s last blog ..A Nice Tall Drink of Water =-.
Davina — How do you do it? You make your writing a visual and a verbal pleasure. I love how you placed your text in this one and how it flowed. It made me sigh with contentment:~)
I also loved the pictures….you should share your pictures more often! My favorite is the “legs” picture and the last Daffodil, which looks like she is dressed for a party.
Go on some more picnics…I really enjoy yours. Mine, I’m certain, are never quite so much fun:~)
.-= Sara´s last blog ..Picture Story: The Waltz of Flowers =-.
Gosh, you make writing seem so easy!
Yes, spring is definitely my favorite season. How can it not be? It gives me hope, year after year.
Beautiful photographs and evocative writing. What more can a blog reader want? I especially love the image of that crow. I think they are striking creatures.
I’m also a sucker for place names that take the mind into flights of fancy: Killarney Lake, Bowen Island, Snug Cove. These exist in the real world, but could also be locations for a fantasy novel. Gotta love it! :)
.-= Tony Single´s last blog ..Normal Man Goes Super =-.
Hi Hilary.
I had a feeling it was the Nanaimo ferry. I’ve ridden it a few times myself. Vancouver Island is a nice place to visit. I especially enjoyed the trip I took to Tofino.
Hi Janice.
There are a lot of places where you could make a home by the sea up this way. It’s just SO gorgeous! I’ve been living in Vancouver 10 years this May, coming from Toronto. Living on Bowen Island is something I’ve considered; though I’d pretty much require a car and that is an added expense I don’t want right now. However, there are places for rent there over the summer that I’m tempted to look into, just to see what it would be like.
Hi Patty.
You’re welcome. Poking around a small town is great fun! It’s like opening a treasure box, or something to that effect. Your day sounds just as relaxing as mine was, walking in the woods.
Hi Patricia.
Horseshoe Bay is a nice spot. Trolls Restaurant is a pretty hot spot. Nice to sit on an outdoor patio during the summer and people watch… and of course ogle the mountains.
Hi Sara.
This was an easy story to tell. These are the fastest post to write and the most enjoyable; saving memories. I sigh with contentment when I read through this and look at the pictures.
Bowen Island is a special place… there is just “something” about it. These are the most pictures I’ve taken in a long time and it was great fun. Everything just fell together naturally. I was wishing I’d taken a picture of the dog lounging on the bench; his paw lazily hanging over the edge of the seat.
I bet your picnics are loads of fun with JC by your side. I’ve seen some his comments on your blog; he’s hilarious :-)
Hi Vered.
I hear you. Spring gives me hope too. Plus, winter is the farthest away it will ever be :-) Though, I see from your tweets that you are a skier. Something I wish I’d learned how to do. That’s got to be a great way to make winter more enjoyable.
Hi Tony.
Thanks :-) You should have seen the crows. There were a number of them hanging around. And ducks too. Someone had just passed by and fed them. They’re vicious beasts though… fighting over the food. The crows just sat and watched, lol. Smart, if you ask me. You’re right, these are great place names… there’s also a cafe called the Happy Italian :-)
Sounds like a magnificent and soul-nourishing day, Davina! Just the kind of quiet rambling and exploring that I love.
I spent mine wandering the beach (well, for a few hours, anyway) with my husband, taking video of waves and circling gulls. That was pretty nice, too. :)
.-= Lynda Lehmann´s last blog ..Sibilant Songs of the Shoreline: Surf, Shells, Seagulls, Sand, and Sky =-.
Hi Lynda.
Oh, it was! Wandering the beach is very relaxing too. Just being by the water itself is soothing. Quiet rambling and exploring is an excellent way to put it. Perfect!
Wow! Seems like you really had a good time. Spectacular view. It really is nice to get in touch with nature the way you did. Ahh… wish I could do something like that again.
What did you do on your first day of Spring? – Unfortunately, we don’t have a Spring season, but I did catch some sleep. That’s the closest thing to relaxation that I could do. LOL
What is your favourite season? – Nothing in particular, but I do like it when it’s cold. It’s easy to fall asleep when the temperature is not rising. hehe.
Thanks for sharing your pics. I enjoyed reading your post.
Peace out!
Ryhen
.-= Ryhen @VS Mind Power´s last blog ..Correspondence: Why The Macrocosm and Microcosm Are So Fugging Awesome =-.
Great photos — from looking at the bay and the grey sky, I can almost feel the wind chill that had you leave the shorts in your backpack.
Hi Ryhen.
Welcome. Thanks for your comment. Yes, I had a fantastic day; lots of good memories.
I was just over to visit your About Page; where are you located? Sleep? Relaxing? Yes! Lol. Doesn’t get much better than that. Now… go get some nature! :-D
Hi Chris.
I was lucky actually, that the sun was hidden. Sitting on that lookout in the summer, when the sun is pelting down on you gets uncomfortable. Not to mention there are more ants scurrying around the rock. The weather was perfect. It wasn’t windy or cold… just warm, cloudy and pleasant. Dreamy… :-D
Love the daffodils! What an awesome trek into spring. Makes me feel I’m there. Here, the only thing seemingly awake for spring is the tree pollen. Achoo! So for me, fall is a kinder season. But then again, I love the first rainstorm with thunder. Tomorrow, snow of 4 inches or so is in the forecast.
Wintering robin
sits atop the evergreen
catching first sunlight
.-= Lori Hoeck´s last blog ..Gaslighting, is someone using this trap on you? =-.
Hi Lori.
Yay, you wrote a Haiku! Love it :-) The first rainstorm with thunder; how could I forget that! My neighbour has the achoos too, lately. I hear the pollen is stronger this year, at least in Vancouver. Let’s hope that’s not the case for your area.
Beautiful!
Did the crow have anything meaningful to say in return or did he just go on and on about shiny things? ;-)
.-= Kim Woodbridge´s last blog ..14 Free WordPress Coffee Themes =-.
Hi Davina!
Wow, it looks like you made an amazing day of the start of this beautiful season! Sounds like you had such a beautiful time.
I love all your photos and I cannot believe how far along spring is in B.C. We are just lucky not to have any more snow :) It was a really mild winter though and nothing to complain about, and yes we too are getting some nice temps, but nothing compared to the flowers and all that you have!
How beautifully you write. Your pictures are worth just as much.
Spring blossoms and buds later here. Winter hangs on along the southern shore of Lake Erie. Drive just a very few miles south and there’s a world of difference. I grew up in southern Ohio, where spring actually happened as the songs go. Here we keep our heavy coats handy as we put away the turtle necks. Just in case.
My favorite season is the one I’m in. Once spring does warm up to balmy, and those Zephyr breezes blow — and the yellow-greens of young leaves fill the trees, and hyacinths and lilacs gently perfume the air — well, it’s hard to not love it most.
Wonderful post, Davina. :)
.-= Barb Hartsook´s last blog ..Do We Recognize Opportunities as They Soar Over Us? =-.
Hi Kim
No, this crow was the strong silent type… actually, the kind of silent I wish the crows on my street would adopt at 6 a.m. :-)
Hi Evita.
Thanks. I consider myself pretty fortunate to be living here. I remember Spring in eastern Ontario. It seemed to take forever to arrive; the winters were SO long.
Hi Barb.
Thanks! I remember getting snow in Ontario in May one year. Winter does like to hang on tight doesn’t it? Sure makes you appreciate the beautiful Spring when it does arrive. You’ve described it beautifully.
Many people overlook tha natural beauty all around them. You gently invite people to take a closer look at not only where they are, but also their own forgotten inner beauty. Certain people forget that how you perceive the world around you is a kind of mirror or extension of how yu love and apprecaite or reject aspects of who you are.
.-= Liara covert´s last blog ..What to do for personal well-being? =-.
Hi Liara.
There is SO much for our senses to appreciate! We are blessed to be living on this planet.
Hi Davina – You really seem to love going to that island. I read that some people actually live there and commute to work.
It’s hard to choose a season. Spring hasn’t really started here properly yet. We do have snowdrops but they come in February. It’s still a bit cold and dull here though.
I do love Spring, when we get a nice one, because it’s a time of everything being born and growing. And I love Summer, when we actually get a proper one over here, for the long days and sunshine. Autumn and Winter are not so great for me though. I like the coolness of the air sometimes but as you know, the darkness makes my depression worse. This one has been bad. Cross your fingers for me that I manage to leave the UK this year.
What a lovely recap of your first day of spring. I love to see how others enjoy nature, the scenes are often so different than what I’m used to, and it’s nice to share with each other. I think I honestly enjoy spring, summer and fall equally. I can do without the cold! This first day of spring I spent some time at the beach and then sitting on the back deck enjoying my yard. That is my all-time favorite warm weather activity.
.-= Stacey Shipman´s last blog ..A Personal Note About the Benefits of Silence =-.
Hi Cath.
Nice to see you again! I do love that island; there is just something about it. A lot of people live there and commute as it’s only a 20-minute ferry ride. The dark dreary days are hard to take for a lot of people. I hope you are feeling better now… it’s a good sign to see you again. And yes, I’m keeping my fingers crossed for your move. Let me know how you’re making out with your research and if there is anything I can do to help.
Hi Stacey.
Ya gotta love just sitting on the back deck. One of my favourite past times… when I had a back deck, that is :-) And just think of all the months ahead of you with warm days to enjoy on that deck. I’m not a fan of the cold either and you’d think I’d be used to it after growing up in northern Ontario. Nope!
Davina, thank you for visiting and commenting on my blog.
I deeply appreciate this spring journey you shared as I could travel along with you. The daffodils are now blooming in my mountain garden. Spring here in Japan is glorious, too – Catrien Ross.
.-= Catrien Ross´s last blog ..Catrien Ross on Stretching Your Potential Through the Real Power of Intention to Direct Your Energy Flow =-.
Hi Catrien.
I just did some research about spring in Japan and learned that it is called the Hanami season and that sakura is the Japanese word for cherry blossom. The pictures I saw were gorgeous. Enjoy your spring :-)
Beautiful! Beautiful surroundings really make a difference, don’t they?
They sure do, Dot. :-)
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