A Quick Circuit at The Beach

Hike Report: We thought it was going to rain... but it didn't, not really. Just a very grey day (hello, this is the West Coast)... A large group of people got together and walked a short circuit - under an hour - from the vineyard to the beach, and back.

Above: the road to Thompson Park, Saturna Island

Down the road we went. At one point, our two advance scouts were surrounded by goats, which were being chased by a dog. I won't say whose dog it was. My lips are sealed. Unfortunately, the photographer got there too late for action shots... The scouts reported that it was quite exciting to have a herd (troupe? gaggle?) of goats stream by you. Sorry I missed it.


The park is bordered by a small pebble beach, with this highly bent fir tree at water's edge. Some people have described it as a "culturally modified tree" or CMT, which was bent at sharp angles to signal the presence of freshwater nearby. These are trees that First nations people have used, and modified, without killing the tree. For an interesting side trip in the archaeology of BC forests, click here.

Above: Rose hips, dripping with moisture.

I wanted to catch the drop falling off the rose hips... but again, my timing was awful. It would have taken some time, and all the while, the group continued to march down the road. Hard choices...

Above: There is indeed freshwater at Thompson Park

At the old home site on Thompson Park, you can see the remnants of an orchard, the few bricks of an old chimney... and a hand pump. One of the participants demonstrated the art of pumping water the old-fashioned way. It takes some elbow grease and good timing. I am trying to imagine pumping water for every cleaning, watering and other chore that people had to do... a long time ago. After using one of these contraptions, they certainly didn't need to go to the gym to keep their arms and shoulders in shape. Note the hot pink gloves!

Above: Saturna vineyard in November

And finally, on the way back to the vehicles, we walked along one of the fields, with a nice curvy view of the vineyard. Did I write that it was a grey day in November? Ah but we are hardy souls, we can't be stopped that easily. All in all, a good, quick circuit on a Saturday afternoon.