2011 - 12 Morison Creek Falls

Morison Creek winds it way through Errington BC and eventually joins up with the Errington River.  I have been told there are a number of falls along this creek however, this is the only one I have searched out.  The trails in the area have many windfalls across them but it was only about 1 km to the falls from Stagdowne Road where the truck was parked.   It was an excellent spot to go for a walk in the bush but the trail down to the falls is very steep and I slid down the last six feet; luckily on my boots and not my butt.

Chip found it easier going over and under windfalls. He is certainly in his element.

2011 - 11 Little Qualicum Falls

Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park was a great place to be today.  It is situated about 12 km west from the Qualicum Beach/Parksville area and is situated in a forested area and the Little Qualicum River weaves its way through a rocky gorge down to the ocean. 

As you will see in some of these photos the weather was very transient; rain then sun and then a little snow mixed in the rain but no one got wet and the river had lots of water. 



Upstream view from the lower falls bridge




Downstream view from lower falls bridge




Did I mention snow in the rain?



Lower Falls



Deep section of the gorge




The river took a path of least resistance a few years back (million or two)




These falls are just downstream of the middle bridge and are the most impressive.



This photo was taken July 2009, not much water flowing that day...



2011 - 10 Englishman River Falls

Linda and I returned back to Vancouver Island on Wednesday and after unpacking the trailer and getting caught up on some chores we headed off for a small hike close to us.  The day started with rain but the sun came out and so it was off to the Falls.  We haven't seen this much water going over the rocks for quite a few years so it was good to be there.

Here is the description of the provincial park from their website: 

The park has a large day-use area and campground and contains several hiking trails that meander through the forest and along the river. Visitors can expect spectacular views along the way, particularly from two bridges that cross the river where it plunges down the narrow rock canyon toward quieter waters below. The lower falls end in a deep crystal-clear pool - an ideal swimming hole in the summer when river levels are low and a great place to view spawning salmon in the fall.

Upper Falls - looking down from the bridge



Water pouring into a narrow slot canyon





View from the upper bridge looking down stream



After a winter in the desert this is so lush and GREEN!



Rain drops still hanging on the cedars



Lin took this photo of the fungi and vines - great contrast



Chip and I survey the damage from a storm that went through a few days ago





Sun playing with the water current



The forest floor with its beautiful carpet of plants



Lower falls - picture taken from lower bridge. The water is starting to spill over the large rock that plugs the canyon.



Lower falls - Nov 2010



Lower falls - Feb 2009



Lower falls - May 2003



Another view of our forest carpet



2011 - 09 Joshua Tree - Hidden Valley and Barker Dam

My last hike of the Snowbird season was actually two short loops in Joshua Tree Park.  The first was Hidden Valley named either because the area is framed in by rock walls or the fact that in the 1800's rustlers used to hide cattle here.  The natural vegetation is coming back in this area and it was good to wander through reading the posted signs to find out a bit more information about what we were looking at.



The entrance to the valley is not obvious. If you took away the fenced in path you would have to be facing due west to see the valley opening.




Trees get their water by running long roots through the cracks in the rock.




This is what you see as you enter the valley





Some of the rock walls that hide the valley.  It is amazing the variety of rock forms that have been created.




Prickly Pear Cactus





This rock formation is called the 'Big Burrito'.  Rock climbers named this giant; probably by someone hungry for some good Mexican fare.




The Joshua trees lend themselves to the landscapes vertical beauty




The hiking trail is made up of sand and small stones of granite that have worn off the surrounding rock.




The pinyon pine cone was used by the first natives as a valuable food source.  They would knock down green cones and burn them so the cones would open and the seeds could be extracted.  You won't get any out of this one as it appears to have already opened.




Standing on the saddle of the valley entrance you can see the Joshua trees growing all over the plain below.




Rock climbers have made it to the top and are enjoying a well deserved view.  Below you can see the Hidden Valley picnic area.




An Antelope Ground Squirrel watching us eat some lunch in the Barker Dam parking lot.  He probably did his rounds after we left for our hike.




A hummingbird trying to gather some warmth from the sun.




Why you don't want to fall into a cactus...




More unique rock formations



Panorama of the Barker Dam Basin.  The dam was built in the early 1900's to hold water for cattle and mining.  There was no water source just rain water fed and it is now used by all the wildlife in the area.



A moment to reflect




Dam Inspectors?



The Dam Face looks like there has been some maintenance or they did a great job during construction for it to look so strong.

The cattle trough was feed by a pipe from the dam. It is located at the base of the dam in the wash area.



This natural cave is a site of petroglyphs.  It is unfortunate that some visitors figured they would look better coloured.