Friday, January 12, 2007

Kanaka Creek

Today we woke up to a sparkling clear morning. I hustled the kids to school, then we bundled up and head over to Kanaka Creek Regional Park. The name for the park comes from the term “kanakas” given to Hawaiian labourers who settled in the lower portion of the creek in the late 1800s. There is an awesome foot bridge there that I wanted to capture with the snow and blue skies. Its not even a five minute drive from our house, but I wanted to get there early while the light was the best. To get to the bridge, we had to walk through the forested area. Huge black poplars tower overhead, with thick undergrowth. This is a bird refuge so the dog was to be kept close by. Also, we didn't want him going out onto the ice. There is a well maintained trail that winds through the trees towards the Fraser River, which is on the south side of Maple Ridge. It comes out onto a diked area, which opens to the river. The sun was hitting the water and silhouetting the trees. We often see seals along here, especially when the fish are running. The posts rising from the water are made of several logs on end. strapped together with steel cable. These are used to anchor the log booms, while they await a final trip down river to be processed into 2x4s. From here, the path turns sharply west to follow along side the river. The bridge crosses the ice-skinned creek just where it enters the Fraser. Below it are the skeletal remains of the old docks which were built by the settlers to this area at the turn of the century.
This is a tidal river. It was low tide so the sandy beach was visible. But no sand castles today. We have seen beavers in this creek, sometimes as large as dogs. Not today though. Do beavers hibernate? Maybe they were off playing hockey or perhaps at work making those cell phone commercials! They have been voted Canadians favorite commercial of the year by the way!!! I love those little fellas.
The bridge was very pretty. I took loads of photos and will share more in the next few days.

Have a great day, and thanks for stopping by!

5 comments:

Louisiana said...

your words help me so much hon. to me and Joe. how kind. i'm trying to fight back and stay strong. right kidney is an issue but lungs are better. i can read some posts when i'm strong for i can turn the laptop but it hurts to sit up and write. i wanted you to know i know your love and thank you. i wish i could ask you so much with your nursing and experience.i'm glad you are healthy again. i'm sorry you were sick. much love. many hugs. say hi to your dad. i miss his beautiful blog. i can't wait to come back. i hope your friends daughter is alright and Kayla is well. hugs.

Tee/Tracy said...

BEAUTIFUL photos. We still haven't had our first snow this winter. Makes me excited :)

Phyllis said...

Beautiful pictures! I just love Winter! We got about 6" and it hasn't melted at all!! It is like living in a freezer these past few days!

Heather in Beautiful BC said...

I think all those busy beavers are in Nelson today for Hockey Day in Canada! Great photos! Thanks for sharing.

Karen said...

I'm WOW'd once again... incredible photos. I love the last one the best; it's stunning.