Backyard Trails - Communing With Nature

Let me be the first to welcome you on another one of my walking holidays.

For as far as the eye can see, from horizon to horizon, we enjoy a wonderful view of majestic mountains, many of which are preparing for their white winter hats. The Fraser Valley, where I call home, is surrounded on all sides by these giants.

Because I grew up along the West Coast of Bristish Columbia, I sometimes take these spectacular sights for granted. It wasn't until I started writing that I began looking at my backyard with an eye to sharing my little corner of the world with others. Then, of course, it became a matter of pride to show you my home and "garden" in all their glory.

One of these days I will remember to take my camera with me in the spring when all the flowers and trees are in bloom so that I can share how truly glorious it is to live in the Vancouver area.

I have managed to compile a collection of spring pictures from around the lower mainland and I am hoping to be able to sit down and showcase them for HubPages readers one day soon.

I enjoy taking pictures almost as much as writing, and I would like to find a venue that is suited to photographs as much as HubPages is suited to writing. Maybe I'll invest in one of those electronic picture frames. It seems like such a waste to take the picture and have it sit on my hard drive instead of being enjoyed.

If I had been smarter, I would have taken a video of this little stream. The sound it made was truly refreshing. But of course I didn't think of that until I sat down to write. One of these days I will remember to do all of the things that I only seem to remember while firmly ensconsed at my desk.

I will say that the water really is as cold and clean as it looks in this picture. Nothing refreshes better than fresh, clear mountain water. I know, I know, I'm supposed to boil it first, but I am ashamed to say, I took my chances!

Next time I will come prepared!

Nothing would have pleased me more than to be able to share a picture of a flock of ducks taking off from this little cove...however, the ducks flew faster than my feet and my camera, so I was left to show you the reflection of the tree lined beach in the crystal water they just left!

I still think it is a beautiful shot...just not the one that I really wanted. I have to say I am improving as a photographer, and have managed to snag a few really cool shots, but none of them are of ducks, or geese. I think I will have to invest in a camera with a zoom lens for me to be able to accomplish that. (Personally, I don't think the zoom lens has anything to do with it. I think it is the person snapping the pictures! But you didn't hear that from me.)

As you can see, the rain forest goes on for miles into the mountains. The green jacket is worn year round, with colourful splashes in the fall and bright green accents in the spring and summer. Now that temperatures have cooled, the skys are wearing their fall colours of misty blues on their aprons, keeping their summer suit of brilliant hues protected from the storms that go hand in hand with winter.

Now that our drought is over, the grassland and mountains can get back to that lush green foliage that is a trademark of the west coast. As much as I enjoy the warmth and sunshine, I also love the smell of the air after it rains. Everything is clean, refreshed and cool.

The forest floor seems a long way from the misty clouds - but the precipitation they leave behind is evident. Mountain streams that were barely a trickle in the summer have swollen to swiftly rushing rapids. Everywhere you look, nature is showing her fall attire.

Many of the plants that you see abundantly growing on the forest floor will remain long into winter. A few will shed their leaves and slumber until spring, but much of the foliage will stay green all year long.

When the sunlight peeks through the tall stands of trees, it's like a spotlight has been turned on the moss covered stage of the forest undergrowth. You can clearly see the vibrant greens and earthy browns - a place where time stands still, and you feel the ghostly footseps of the ones who went before.

During the summer, you can almost forget the heat of the day when you hide among the trails. The trees are so tall that in many areas they completely block out the sun's rays, only allowing the light to filter through to the forest floor.

Nowhere have I ever had the opportunity to photograph such a beautiful specimen of nature. Actually, I almost missed seeing this fellow - but I was quicker than I was with the ducks! I didn't dare get too close in case I spooked him.

Believe it or not, there are 87 different varieties of dragonflies (and damselflies) in B.C. I have no idea which one this is, but he or she is beautiful none-the-less.

I did manage to capture this little fellow on camera before we left. He was sitting so still and quiet I almost missed him. Fortunately, he didn't hop into the water as soon as I brought my camera (phone actually,) out to snap his picture. He stayed long enough for his close up, then dove into the water after only one photo opportunity...maybe if I changed my deodorant...