On a hot summer Sunday, taking a drive on Vancouver Island is a great way to spend the day with my fur baby, Baylee. Our adventure began at a Tim Horton's parking lot where we excitedly spotted what we initially thought were eagles or hawks. However, upon closer inspection of the pictures, we discovered they were turkey vultures. It was a thrilling start to the day!
Next, we headed to Yellow Point Ecological Reserve, hoping for some excellent photo opportunities. Unfortunately, there wasn't much to capture, so after a brief walk, we returned to the car. Our next stop was the cemetery to pay respects to my parents and leave some flowers. This quiet moment of reflection was a meaningful part of our journey.
Afterward, we made a quick stop in Duncan for a car lunch before heading to Cowichan Bay Nature Reserve. I was hoping to photograph some cormorants but was instead treated to the sight of a majestic bald eagle sitting on a pier. As soon as I spotted it, I ran down to the beach and out onto a rock pier to get as close as possible. I managed to snap some photos and then continued further down to a small pier where I captured the eagle from a different angle before it flew away.
While I didn't get a lot of photos from this trip, it was a wonderful way to spend a Sunday and appreciate the beauty of where I live, especially during times of grief. Being in nature helps me cope with the sorrow over my mom's passing, and wildlife encounters significantly boost my mental health. This day was a reminder of the healing power of nature and the simple joys it brings.
Looks like a nice summer trip!