July 15, 2022

 

I was deep in the forest on Vancouver Island on a journey to Port Alberni to catch the MV Lady Rose, a working diesel coastal boat servicing small lumberyards, fish camps and delivering and picking up kayakers.  We stopped briefly several miles before Port Alberni to see the old growth forest at Cathedral Grove, such a rarity these days. There are so few old growth forests left in North America that it is a real treat to see one.

The day was sunny and the path onto the grove was a blanket of moss, the Douglas fir and cedar trees are magnificent, the biggest trees are 800 years old and 250’ tall.  I stood in awe, thinking about these earth’s creatures standing tall and bold against buffeting winds and winter storms. They had been spared from the huge saws of loggers cutting away at their bases.  I was physically drawn to one of the tallest and thickest tree and tried to put my arms around it as an acknowledgement of its survival.  Could I hear a heart beat?  Could I feel a pulsating of its life force?  Might have.  But its girth is so big that it would take more than 20 of us to circle its trunk.
The grove was magical and a calming influence in a hectic world.  Hopefully they will remain here another 800 years if we respect our poor earth.

When we arrived in Port Alberni and boarded the Lady Rose we were transpired again deeper in to the wonderment of Mother Nature.  As we chugged along we counted many eagles perching in the tall trees lining the shores.  I was fascinated to watch the ship crew off load equipment in small lumber camps.  They seemed so remote and far away from civilization.  Several kayakers had their boats lowered into the water and we watched them paddle away, envious of the adventures they will have ahead of them.