Spring Wildflowers starting to show along the Tsolum River in Courtenay

by Keith and Heather Nicol 

A fawn lily on March 28

   On Saturday March 28 we decided to check the fawn lilies and other wildflowers along the Tsolum River in Courtenay. Usually we head down to this area in April but we thought this year we would explore this area abit earlier and we weren’t disappointed. The delicate fawn lilies and trilliums are starting to open up and the show will only get better over the next couple of weeks.

   The area we go to is the trail network located behind the Exhibition Grounds off of Headquarters Road in Courtenay and there is lots of parking. Take the main access trail (really a road) toward the river and we found many clusters of fawn lilies on the trails to the right. You don’t need to walk very far before you see the flowers in bloom along the trail and under the trees.

Trilliums are also coming out

  So if you want to see some colouful wildflowers in this strange time we are in of Covid 19 this area will brighten your day.  If you are into pictures you might want to bring a tripod for your camera and something to kneel on since the carpets of flowers are best photographed low to the ground and the ground can be wet. If readers know of other local spots to see flowers let us know in the comments section below and stay safe. 

A fawn lily with another about ready to open behind it

Cross Country skiing is superb at Mount Washington

Keith skiing past Lake Helen Mackenzie

by Keith and Heather Nicol

     The Cross Country skiing has been stellar for the last few weeks with perfect temperatures, lots of

sun and great snow conditions at Mount Washington in the Comox Valley of Vancouver Island. With close to 2 meters of snow on the ground it is a winter wonderland with lots of trails for all levels of skier.  The trails in Strathcona Provincial Park are ideal for beginners and intermediates where as Lake Trail and Far East are popular with skiers wanting more of a workout. And new for this year is the option to be able to ski both ways to Lake Helen Mackenzie on the Lake Trail. This lake is well worth seeing under a blanket of snow so this 2 way trail is a great new possibility.

The tracks have been great for classic skiing

    Advanced skiers and those looking for an aerobic test will certainly get a challenge from the Grind, Marmot Flats, and Lower West. And for those cross country skiers new to this area it is worth while knowing that you can ride the Hawk Chair lift and ski down the thrilling Upper West trail. But there is more to the Nordic Operations at Mount Washington than cross country skiing. Raven Lodge is a full service building with rentals for cross country skiing, snowshoeing and fat biking. You can also book lessons for cross country skiing and snowshoe tours as well as grab a coffee, lunch or a snack. And with the longer days and warmer temperatures the deck at Raven Lodge has a view that can’t be beat.  There is lots more skiing left in the season and some special events so check out the Mount Washington web site for more information: www.mountwashington.ca

Keith skating through open areas of Lake Trail