Island View Beach 14/38 weeks

We ARE having a good time, really. Its just hard to smile into the wind.

It has been a long time since we have experienced a windstorm like the one that hit the island and lower mainland early this weekend. It had pretty much blown itself out by the day of our 14th hike but it was still interesting to be on the water. Island View park is a strip of beach and marshland that runs along Haro Strait in Central Saanich. The island that can be viewed from here is James Island, hugged by Sidney Island. A friend told me that this little island is allegedly owned by Bill Gates. With no confidence in my research skills to uncover that paper trail, I will just admit that it is a rumour. It is a beautiful island to look at regardless of its ownership.

Our own version of the white cliffs of Dover; James Island

We took the recommended hike north along the beach and back through the dunes. It was a fairly windy morning and the kite surfers were showing up for the day. I asked one about his methods for controlling the kite in such strong wind and he told me the size of the kite varies for the wind speed. On a day like Sunday they were bringing the smaller sails. I had to admire them. The guy in the picture reached a top speed that would have been scary in a boat, much less skimming the water on a small board.

I meant to take more photos of these brave individuals.

The park sign states that these logs are to remain in place to help preserve the shoreline.

All of the beach walkers were entertained by this
dog's insistence that his stick was just the right size.

Recognize the name 'Douglas'? On a previous week we climbed to the top of the erroneously named Mt.Douglas. It was named for this same, very busy forefather of BC.
We walked north on the beach and turned inland to the trail that would lead us back to the parking lot. It was difficult to tell where the First Nation's property actually was but we figured that we might be on the wrong trail for only a moment. The best course of action is to conduct yourself respectfully at CRD parks as well as on First Nation's land. If your intention is to not harm and to experience the beauty of an area without leaving an impression of yourself then I think we might be forgiven for stepping off course.

It seems like two very different hikes; the shoreline and the trail back.
I was happy to hike Island View Beach and especially on such a dynamic day. This is a park that our friend Jessica goes to a few times a week and I really missed sharing that with her. Hopefully she will be able to join us again soon.
Im looking forward to hiking Island View in the evening. Sunday was a gorgeous day and a welcome relief from the endless wind of the previous two days. It would be good to look out at the water with the sun behind. We were at the park for a very relaxing two hours and heres hoping everyone slept as well as I did that night.