Ripple Rock Trail

A girl I met here took me hiking today on the Ripple Rock Trail. It starts from just off the highway and you end up 8 kms later on top of the ridge looking down on the Seymore Narrows. Seymore Narrows is a stretch of water where the water runs quickly and you see whirlpools. Cruise ships, barges and other boats come through this way but they couldn't always get through because there was a reef or a ridge under water that was too close to the surface and so at low tide the boats would run into it and sink. So people in the 1950's dug a tunnel under the water there, filled it with dynamite and blew it up so now the water is deeper and the big boats can get through. Because of making space there are now whirlpools and fast moving water there. The trail was fairly long and the hike was quite a workout. But really great too. We saw how the logging companies store the logs in the water. We were walking in a forest of trees, ferns, and other things growing. The trail was shady for most of the time. We saw a garden snake, a shrew, lots of slugs and a bird or two.

All in all a good morning of hiking and enjoying the great outdoors!

Campbell River - 1 week in

We've been here for one week now. The family have gone home, the house is unpacked and put together, we've met some of the church family, I've found grocery stores, done laundry and even done some sight seeing. Sounds like we're settled eh?

On the surface, yes we're settled in. Tim's started his work as vicar, I've got the house in order and can find almost everything! And I'm getting familiar with the city. I hosted 4 people in my house before being here a week. Once they all left I crashed and had no more energy to spend. Moving sure takes a lot out of you. I've changed my phone number, arranged for cable, and stocked the kitchen.

Under the surface we're still getting comfortable with our life here. I'm wondering what will keep me busy this year. Who will I make friends with? What will enjoy doing? Will I find a job? I already have one job to apply for this week. And I'm waiting until we have internet access to find more job opportunities. Thankfully the internet is being hooked up tomorrow! :)

On a more exciting note I've met some wonderful people at the church! They have really opened up to us right off the bat. Wherever you go in town people say “Hi” to you. The ocean is beautiful. I've been down to the pier twice when the sun was out and the water looked incredibly blue. We saw a crab swimming seals poking their head up for air and blue herons probably looking for food. I saw someone catch a fish off the pier! I walked in a forest where the tree tops were metres above your head.

Campbell River is truly a beautiful place! There is so much to see and do. The other day I said, “This is a place that you come to visit, do all the touristy things and then leave. I don't know how to live here.” But there is more to this place. I can already see that this is a friendly community. Everywhere I've gone people are meeting people they know.

Overall this has been a great beginning to our year here in Campbell River.