Narvaez Bay: Explored!

Hike Report: Four of the Women Who Walk (AKA the Musketeers) got together on a lovely day, and explored Narvaez Bay. But first, because they like a challenge, they decided to walk up to Monarch Head on a side trail.


Photos by B. Grasswick

Unlike the way down to Narvaez Bay, which is an old roadbed, the path up to Monarch Head presents a few obstacles. Some fallen trees are just at the right height to cause a dilemma: over or under? Above, a demonstration of the "under" approach...

There is a payoff for all that exertion: magnificent views. Peaceful, gorgeous. But careful, watch your step! You are standing at the top of a cliff, the drop off is vertical.


So the Women Who Walk took the high road, then they took the low road... and went down to Narvaez Bay. This area of the Gulf Islands National Park has recently been opened to what the Park people call seven "Walk In Campsites". Our Musketeers found some young campers. Nice young folks all the way from France. They struck up a conversation.

After a bit of a chat, the Musketeers and the French Kids (they'll forgive me for calling them that) all walked and scrambled over rocks to the point. This is where the above group shot was taken. Bonjour, Cécile, Raphaël and Philippe!

Sometimes, when you walk, your eye is attracted to minute things, like beautiful mushrooms growing on decaying wood.

And for those of you who are not familiar with arbutus: here is a nice specimen. This is a tree with personality! The recent rains have really stimulated fresh new growth all around us.

The Musketeers report that they had a good time, and were happy to have explored the Monarch Head trail. Next week's hike will be posted on Wednesday. Stay tuned!