Nobody is ever going to mistake me for the "Outdoorsy Type." I will never be coaxed to go camping (don't campers understand there are BUGS!?!) Or, among a hundred examples, I wouldn't be caught dead sea kayaking, or zip-lining, or whitewater rafting, or mountain climbing — because, you know, I could wind up that way — dead.
But, here we are, in Beautiful BC, "Spectacular by Nature", the Wet Coast of Canada, on the
edge of the Pacific Ocean, in the rainforest, at the foot of the mountains — a wild, soggy, rugged place. Yup, it's pretty natural out our way — at least it is just past Woodgrove Mall, from what I hear.
Seriously, there have been cougar sightings reported nearby — and I don't mean one of those "older female seeking younger male" variety, that you might find at the mall. But out in the woods. A mountain lion? A bear? A wolf? A Real Housewife? Oh, my!
Sometimes, nature comes to our doorstep. The neighborhood deer seem pretty friendly. Our garden is a popular all-you-can-eater buffet. Deer faces with their doe-eyes peek in our windows at us. They lounge on our lawn camouflaging themselves as boulders. We get to nature-watch without ever having to leave the house!
Still, one does feel compelled to go outside. This region is blessed with a temperate climate, beautiful beaches, fragrant evergreens. Locals like to brag that they can be active outdoors every day of the year. So, the Mr and I bought some gear — fleeces, rain jackets, Goretex hiking boots, water repellent pants, rain-proof Tilley hats. It's the west coast dress code. I even bought a pair of high performance gloves. They have their own little raincoats. No, really, they come with outer shells that fold up and can be tucked into a pocket on the back of the glove. Real "skookum," as they say out here.
We suit up in our Adventure Outfits and head out for walks or excursions in our Subaru, the archetypal BC vehicle, or go into town looking like locals. If we plan to go out somewhere nice for dinner, I'll insist that the Mr, "For gosh sake! Wear your dress fleece! We aren't barbarians!"
I saw a seal glide by in the tide today while we strolled the beach. A bald eagle soared above us, watching for salmon. Bufflehead ducks and Mergansers bobbed in the water, diving and resurfacing like synchronized swim teams. Ravens cawed and chortled to one another. Bucks can be seen wandering in their rutting-season dopiness, following female deer like their love-sick high schoolers.
It's all so enchanting. We wonder aloud if it's only us newbies who are charmed by these nature sightings. Maybe, but I hope our excitement never wears off.
