Lake Cowichan, BC, Sunny, 23

The Cowichan River Trail

 Once again, retirement strikes and we're off camping and hiking. This time with our long time friends Ted and Sue who we camped with often over the years as we raised our families. Always a very satisfying experience with good memories. While we are now all slightly on the other side of 60, we still enjoy our time together and as the relationship has matured the camping seems to get better...like a good wine aging. We have in the past taken the troops out to walk, but today (happily or sadly?) it's just the four of us. These days the walks are quieter, but just as fun AND, no bribes are required to keep the herd moving! The suggestion of a cold beer at the end of the walk usually suffices to motivate the four of us. Mind you, we're an easily motivated crew!
We walked yesterday, but most of it was road walking and fairly routine. I have no photo history, so you can imagine that the scenery was lacking, though the company and conversations were excellent. Today was another story. Ted and Sue suggested a walk along the Cowichan River, world renown for its Steele Head salmon fishing. Serious anglers equipped with fly rods and all manner of support gear make the trek here each year to see if they can land these highly sought after fish. Aside from the fishing, the setting is quite spectacular. 

We sourced the trail and off we went along the north side of the river heading down stream. 

The trees quickly revealed themselves and it became quite apparent that we were walking through a moderately high precipitation belt. It's been extremely dry these past two months, but the fall and winter here experience decent amounts of rain. I really liked the trees and took far too many pictures as I usually do, but who really cares:)

We found ourselves pleasantly surprised as we followed the shore. My friend Dennis has since explained to me that the water rights to Lake Cowichan are held by the large pulp operation close to the river mouth. So a certain amount of water is released through the weir to satisfy the needs of the mill, which has a large diversion pipe to transfer water from the river. Over the years the water level of the lake has been maintained to assist with logging operations and booming, but those days are now long gone. Today water levels in the river are managed to ensure adequate flow is maintained for various residential downstream users, fisheries and recreational purposes.

We eventually climbed up onto the cliff edges of the river canyon where the river had cut deep channels with the falling gradient. Essentially forming a beautiful tree lined gorge.

We continued to follow the river downstream, but eventually crossed a bridge and headed back upstream. I guess if it was raining hard one could take shelter inside here...better than getting soaked!

We eventually climbed back out of the gorge and again had access to the river.

At one point we walked a short portion of the 22,000 km long Trans Canada Trail.  Some Camino that would be!!  Ken, Neil...what do you think??

High on cliffs above,

The river runs far below,

A day shared. Priceless.