Hiking, Vancouver Island

Day 24: A Tale of Two Trails: Jack Point Park and Morrell Nature Sanctuary, Nanaimo

Retirement Reflections

Trail 1: Jack Point Trail Loop (Duke Point)
Distance Walked: 6 km
Walking Time: 1 hr, 45 min
Trail Rating: Easy

Jack Point Park is a fascinating place with much to offer. It is a Geopark, recognized for its geological interest. In particular, the sandstones and mudstones found here display unique erosion features. This park runs along the eastern edge of the Nanaimo River Estuary, which is the largest estuary on Vancouver Island and the fifth largest in British Columbia.

Every step on this trail found us reaching for our cameras.

This yellow cedar carving, displayed near the beginning of the park, added to the natural charm and wonder of this trail.

‘Bliss’ by artist Dick J. VanderEyk.

This path ends at the gate for Duke Point Ferries. During your walk, you can easily hear the announcements for the next sailing. In the course of this trek, we saw three ferry boats at one time. I’m still not sure why we missed that photo!

***

Trail 2: Rocky Knoll, Beaver Pond, Morrell Lake and Alder Trail Loop (Morrell Nature Sanctuary)
Distance Walked: 5.1 km
Walking Time: 1 hr, 30 min
Trail Rating: Easy
Combined Walking Distance: 11.1 km

When planning our #30hikesin30days, we figured that a challenge might present itself along the way where it would be difficult to hike as usual. That challenge will occur tomorrow. Long times friends of ours from Toronto, have surprised us with a short visit to BC. They are briefly staying on the mainland in White Rock. To not miss out on this opportunity to see them, we will leave our house at the crack of dawn tomorrow, take an early ferry to Vancouver, spend the day in White Rock and return home in the evening. I defintely plan to get my steps in and to do a quick post to keep myself accountable. But the hike and the post may be a bit ‘creative’. To help pay it forward, we did an extra trek today. We are glad that we did as we immediately ran into a wildlife photography who pointed out this fledgling barred owl.

All Photos - 1 of 1 I know…I really need to use a real camera!

Although this was a hard act to follow, the remainder of this hike was also stunning and incredibly peaceful.

Stay tuned to see what tomorrow brings!
#30hikesin30days

Published by Retirement Reflections

Prior to retirement, I lived and worked in Beijing China for fourteen years (Middle School Principal/Deputy Director at The Western Academy of Beijing). Leaving international life behind, my husband and I retired to Vancouver Island in June 2015. To document both this transition and our new adventures, ‘Retirement Reflections’ was born. I hope that you enjoy reading these reflections, and will be willing to share your own.

31 thoughts on “Day 24: A Tale of Two Trails: Jack Point Park and Morrell Nature Sanctuary, Nanaimo”

  1. You can just change it to 30hikes31days- it’s the intent that counts. I also would not give up the opportunity for socializing even at a distance with loved friends. Have fun!

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  6. How wonderful that you went to Jack Point. We almost went there this past weekend, but went to Maffeo Sutton for crabbing instead. I will definitely go to Jack Point soon. Have a lovely day with your friends, Donna!

    Deb

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  7. Beautiful pictures and a great trail! Not to worry, the terrain is flat and wet but amazingly beautiful! Don’t forget your water shoes in the morning!!
    Can’t wait to see you!

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  8. Hi Donna – I hadn’t realised those stats about Nanaimo estuary – but what two lovely walks and I loved seeing the Barred Owl – as you both must have done. Your header photos are always gorgeous …

    Enjoy the trip today to White Rock and meeting up with friends … Hilary

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  12. I have never seen an owl in the wild. They’ve probably been there but I’ve been oblivious to them. I’m told they are masters of hiding in the open, so I would have been absolutely tickled to get this photo! Congrats!

    The name of the carving rather surprised me. ‘Bliss’ isn’t what immediately came to mind when I first looked at the photo. “Misery” was the impression I got, but I guess I’m just off my game this morning 😉

    Wishing you bliss today!

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    1. Hi, Joanne – Those were my thoughts exactly about the carvng. I tried to find out more about the artist’s intent. Sadly, I found nothing specific about this sculpture. I did fnd out more about the artist though. He has lived in numerous countries around the world. He is especially sensitive to the beliefs of tribal cultures. He has taken a great interest in primitive art. Still, that didn’t explain ‘Bliss’, atleast not to me.
      BTW – I completely understand your thoughts about not (yet) seeing an owl. I feel the same way about bears and cougars. Just because I have not seen them…does not mean that they have not seen me!

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  15. Pingback: Hiking Jack Point - In Search of the Salmon Petroglyph - THE WIDOW BADASS BLOG

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