East Point: Women on the Rocks

Hike Report: It was a lovely afternoon. Not too hot, not too cold, "Just right!", as Goldilocks would have said. Although it is part of the Gulf Islands National Park, East Point was far from crowded... We only encountered a few people who were having a picnic, or sunning themselves on the rocks. The tide was still low at 1 pm, so we were able to venture on the sandstone...

We explored the meadows and their lovely treasures of wildflowers. At this time of year, the meadows are a riot of colour.

Among the flowers we saw, the Death Camas (zigadenus venenosus), which is poisonous to animals and humans alike. Its pollen is also poisonous to bees. One wonders how it gets pollinated... bees wearing gas masks?

Above: Death Camas

If you are interested in the cultivation of Camas lilies by First Nations people, there is an interesting article on the topic here. While managing their fields of edible Camas lilies (the blue ones), they made sure to weed out the Death Camas, for obvious reasons.

Above: Chocolate Lily

We also checked out the tidepools, and we had brought a reference book to identify the creatures we spotted. We don't muck around on these excursions, people.

Above: Oystercatcher, looking for dinner

Usually, oystercatchers are shy, and peep in protest and take off when people approach. This one appeared very focused on its dinner. There were lots of limpets in the shallows around that spot...

Above: The Women Who Walk... on the Rocks

We had a lovely picnic on the rocks, and we saw seals, sea lions and eagles. On the way home, we came across the Saturna Traffic Jam, AKA someone's sheep - who had escaped the family compound and were busy taking care of the turf on either side of the road. On this island, never mind if you are in a hurry... you still have to avoid livestock and wildlife while trying to get to the ferry on time.

Above: Saturna Traffic Jam