- That was yesterday
It was my last weekend here, on the island, at the farm. I was asked if there is anything I'd like to do/see/etc. Saturday night I went to Victoria for dinner with a friend. Sunday was the big day. 'Canada's Biggest Tree' was the goal of the day. To see this tree you have to drive about an hour and a half up island, past Mill Bay and Duncan, to Carmana (which is actually on the West Coast). Well after our drive up island we then headed inland - on wonderfully pothole filled logging road. We drove by a group of elk which was pretty neat. We were heading down the logging road, past Cowichan Lake, past millions of logged trees. We were getting closer. After about an hour on this logging road we came to a halt. The road had been flooded - and there was actually a current. Well, to get to this point we had already driven through lots of water so we at first didn't lose hope. We inched along in the water, then decided that getting stuck in a lake on a logging road in the middle of nowhere was probably not a good idea. The road was flooded, washed out, and after driving three hours and being only an hour away from Canada's largest tree (which is a cedar by the way) we felt defeated.
Well now what?
It ends up I saw the world's third largest spruce tree - which is pretty humongous. We also drove to Port Renefrew (mind you, yesterday I spent around seven hours driving through logging country). The tide was high, and that with all of the rain had flooded out the road. In three spots we drove the Tacoma through feet of water. There was a couple vehicles that had sucked water into their exhaust, a van stuck in the water, and an awesome offroading Sidekick that was fully capable of pulling out any vehicle that needed help. We were fine though. The truck got some good use out of yesterday, that's for sure. When we got to Port Renefrew I finally was able see my ocean sunset. This is pretty special, seeing that it's November and being able to see the sun let alone a sunset is something to be thankful for. I saw the sun set right on the ocean. Around much of the lower island the sun actually sets behind the Olympic Mountains, not on the ocean. The stretch of coast I could see was rough, and violent. The winds were strong, and the waves stronger. It was an absolutely beautiful view, completely priceless, and a reminder of the magnitude of beauty that untouched nature has.
And then! I was taken to a surprise (though the surprise had been spoiled due to large mouthed people) at one of the restaurants in Sooke we sell produce too. Let me clarify: we only sell food to incredibly high end restaurants that without the financial aid of a secondary source I would never eat at. Everything was local and the chef was my favourite chef from all of the restaurants. We ate well - and I've never ate anything so expensive - ever. Everyone from the farm was there, and there was a toast dedicated to me. It was really kind, and I feel like I am going to be leaving the farm on the best possible note!
Today - well at ten we have coffee. Because that's what we do every day at ten. Then I am going for a hike to my favourite look out spot in East Sooke Park with the neighbour. I'll have chicken wings tonight. Because that's what we do every Monday night.
I cannot believe that this experience is almost over. I've become so used to life at the farm, working every day, eating the highest quality food, seeing the beautiful ocean views, and not being scared of cougars. I'm nervous to go back to school - and to Guelph for that matter. Mostly school though. My desire to return to school will go unmentioned, because it's rather small. I really do love Vancouver Island, the rugged beauty, and the incredibly eclectic people. East Sooke has a rather high concentration of them. Every person involved with the farm has aided in how enjoyable this has been for me, and how difficult at times as well. I'm often times a flip-floppy person when it comes to whether or not I enjoy things. I have a love-hate relationship with lots of activities. After much reflection and thought I can seriously say that I have enjoyed being here at the farm, that I've grown, I've been challenged, and I'm a little less scared of the unknown, my questions and my doubts. I want to continue to pursue truth, to search after what's real and what's genuine. I have no clue where that search is going to take me.
No comments:
Post a Comment