I know I just wrote a blog post a couple of weeks back about a recent hike to Smuggler Cove up here on B.C’s beautiful Sunshine Coast, but we went there again last weekend, and saw some cool creatures. The weather has been warm and sunny here lately, and I just couldn’t help myself – the urge to wander into the forest and along those trails again was too strong to resist. ( besides, the housework can wait for a rainy day, right ? )
Smuggler Cove Sign
The first thing I said to my husband as we started along the trail this time was ” I hope we see some snakes today ! “. I have always liked snakes since I was a little girl. When I lived in Chatham, Ontario, one of my public school buddies had a couple of big snakes – he told me they were Anacondas – and we’d often wrap one around my neck when we went to my house for lunch. My Mom always made me take it right back to his house, for some reason. Anyway, my point is, I feel pretty comfortable around them, and find them to be both beautiful, and fascinating.
Garter Snake
As you can see, I got my wish that day. Within 10 minutes of starting our hike, we came upon an open spot in the trees where the sun shone through, and found a bunch of common garter snakes basking in the afternoon sun. There were several tiny babies, but they were far too quick to get a picture of. This guy was up in a nearby tree. I also saw a green snake, but couldn’t get a closeup, as he was a bit farther away.
Green Snake
I was pretty happy to have seen so many snakes – I guess what they say is true – if you ” put it out there ” that you want something, it may just very well come to you. That was the first time I had seen a green one there, or garter snake babies – they were very cute.
One of my favourite parts of the hike is near the end when you get to the cliffs overlooking the water. I have a tendency to crawl down all over the rocks, hoping to see some underwater life. Yes, my husband and I both Scuba Dive, and can see these things any time we want when diving, but I find it particularly interesting to try and photograph them topside. This is obviously rather challenging, since you have to factor in the wind etc. The next shot makes me laugh – to get it, my husband perched on a rock, I had to sit on his lap, lean forward as far as I could, and he had to hold me tightly by the waist. The things we’ll do for a picture.
Starfish Surrounded by Limpets
You can see the purple starfish, but you may not recognize the
limpets surrounding it. I don’t think I’ve ever really seen limpets before, and I had to ‘”Google ” them to find out more about them. Here’s a closer look at some stuck between the rocks at low tide:
Limpets at Low Tide
This next guy got stuck up on the rocks when the tide went out:
Purple Starfish
These are just a few of the many creatures we encounter during our hikes. We mainly take pictures of flowers, trees, odd looking mushrooms and various mosses, and of course, the shots of the water from the cliffs, but catching these creatures in their natural habitat is pretty cool. Most people that use the trails around here are very respectful, and make sure they don’t get too close as to disturb these wonderful living things. I am looking forward to our next chance to get lost in the forest, and maybe catch a glimpse of something new. It sure is a good way to leave the stress of the ” everyday ” far, far behind.
