Leaving behind the sea, into the woods we went
past skunk cabbage along boardwalk
over gullies by fallen wood
down steps by ferny banks
down steps between ferny banks
beneath fallen burgeoning ecosystems and over puddles of brown
we were careful not to startle the wooded oliphant
as we darted from the foresty safety across the open shoreline and creek
beneath a guiding tree
and up
and up
to pass between giants feet
and offer a moment's Atlas Jr. support
before moving on
plank after plank
step after step
stand after stand
by hidden waters revelation
within close proximity of the sea
yet sheltered still
in safety's grove
but to move on and on we must
barring no obstacle
wise guides welcome
spread out before us
adorned in life and grandeur of time
upward and again the tedious ages of wonder
steps in a time and a place to never be again but always to be remembered.. past passed
routes rooted and shifting
shadows and light the boundaries of life
corners turned to turn again
his/hers along the return to civilization
Farewell new salmon berry growth
Farewell Botanical Beach
of course it was still only early afternoon on our two day Inaugural Shorts and Gaiters adventure.. so we rested up at the parking lot before seeing what the back route to Lake Cowichan had in store... you're welcome to come along for the ride ;)
