Vancouver Island is full of stunning hiking opportunities. This Marina was the trailhead for one hike,
where we were greeted by a curious fawn!
The hike wound through pristine rain forest,
and river gorges with wildlife all around us.
The beach was mostly empty and the water so pristine, it formed perfect mirrored surfaces for reflection.
A killdeer was unconcerned with our arrival at his beach.
The crystalline sea water,
makes sea anenome look like they weren’t under water.
Although all of these shots were taken through sea water, there was no distortion. This is what perfectly clean sea water looks like. We don’t have this in California!
We have been home at The Holler for several weeks now, but these photos send cheers to you from beautiful and unspoiled Vancouver Island~
These are lovely photos, Cindy. 🙂
You are a lovely friend Ranu! <3
The photos through water are amazing, and your animal closeups are, too!
Your kindness is so appreciated. Thank you! I was amazed at the clarity of the water. It was as if it wasn’t even there~
You’re welcome! Like photograph, like photographer — like writer, like writer! 🙂
I guess they are reflections….
It’s hard to believe that you took the shots through the water…stunning. I was born with hiking boots on my feet (so they say) I can’t wait to go on a hike soon.
It looks like you guys have a wonderful trip. That makes me happy~!
You and I need to meet up somewhere on this big green planet of ours and go on a hike together! That would make me happy~ <3
I have a reunion in Los Angeles next year – we could make it happen. Wouldn’t that be something?
That would be wonderful. Keep me posted~
Will do.
Why gorgeous photos of a beautiful place! I love areas where the ocean meets the forest. 😊
Rain forest pine trees growing down to the sand on the beach. Pure magic! I agree with you~
It’s why I love Marin County. I wish I lived there!
Marin is beautiful~
This is Canada? Wow. That’s gorgeous. Great shots!
Canada provides extensive unfair advantage for Canadian photographers!
Haha I can see that!
Incredibly gorgeous – those anemones are not only colorful, but a perfect expression of nature. I want to go there!
Tell me when your going, and maybe I can meet you on a trail!! <3
🙂 Wouldn’t that be grand!
Pristine and peaceful…nice!
We need those P&P’s! Thank you Cynthia and cheers to you my friend~
Fantastic. What a beautiful place.
That basically sums up the whole big country!
Stunning photos from a stunning spot
Grazie mille and so happy you enjoyed!
Lovely photos!
Merci beaucoup mon ami!
You’re welcome!☺
Gorgeous captures – looking forward to one day visiting!
I hope you post when you do. I want to see and hear your impressions!
Too funny Cindy – as if I won’t post!😂
Good!
Beautiful photos!
Grazie mille!
Wow! Awesome reflections, such transparent waters bringing out what is above them so well, and your amazing eye to detail and the names of birds so easily that come to you. 🙂
I am so lucky to get to know kindred souls like you Joyce, here in our virtual community. Someday we need to meet up and go hiking together! <3
Oh, I would love that. Thank you for saying that. Maybe here, or maybe there, I’ll be ready. 🙂
I would be too and there some others that would want to join us. It would be very special!
Sounds like a start to a great plan. 🙂
Yes, it would. You can lead the group. 🙂
It would be fun but I don’t have to lead~
OK. 🙂 Sounds good.
<3
https://superduque777.files.wordpress.com/2016/10/precioso.gif
Grazie mio caro amico! <3
Love the photos, Cindy. And Curt and I were just talking about Vancouver today on his blog because I had 2 great-Aunts living there way back when.
I hope you visited them! You would have some incredible memories. I was first on the island when I was fourteen and I just bascially keep going back! It turns out I have relatives from my paternal side all over Canada which is probably why I love it so.
I’m afraid not. My mother wrote to them suggesting we visit, but we received a postcard in return saying, “We believe everyone should stay in their own backyard.”
Which was rather strange being as they emigrated from St. Kitts to England (and because of the weather) relocated in Vancouver.
Don’t you just love families!! They moved from St. Kitts to England???? I wonder why! There is some interesting back stories here. I wonder if I could get you to post about it……..Enquiring minds want to know!
I wish I knew. Their brother (my grandfather) decided on New York while they went to England. My mother didn’t know why they were being so standoffish either.
I love these family mysteries. Every family has them!
Reblogged this on Matthews' Blog and commented:
So picturesque, all of them.
Thank you for your thoughtfulness & cheers to you too!
My pleasure, Cynthia.
<3
Fantastic pictures!
Honored! Thanks much & happy Thursday to you~
You capture everything so well. That little island is so well done!
Everytime I visit, I think of moving….but, if we get some rain at The Holler, I’m happy here~
The best thing about photos is that we can relive moments over and over and over again. Vancouver Island is amazing.
And it is just a ferry hop for you! Lucky you! Some of us are talking about meeting up for a hike…….That would be pretty special!
Fantastic! Another place on my list for visiting.
These lists are good for our psyches. It keeps us motivated with positive imagery of the future! I hope you go~
Yes, me too
<3
Hi Cindy– I”ve always wanted to travel to Vancouver in general and now you’ve confirmed it!! That rain forest walk was stunning– thanks to your photography!! I would love to be there right now. thanks for the beauty you send out every week… xox
Thank you so much more for you kind appreciation Rhonda & have a wonderful weekend my friend~ <3
Wow for some clean water Cindy, it looks amazing 🙂
Kinda sad statement isn’t it. That clean water is an amazing sight!
I enjoy to see the clean water and really hope, this will spread to all our planet.
I would love this too~
I know. This amazed me. Absolutely no distortion!
…for the weekend
https://www.zambeza.de/img/cms/Spacecake%20foto.PNG
http://www.taste.com.au/images/recipes/sfi/2013/10/bubblegum-rainbow-cake-27824_l.jpeg
I
It’s amazing, Cindy, the gorgeous landscapes, animals and flora you always show us💐 Thank you very much.
Ahhh, you make it so worthwhile! Thank you much more for such kindness & cheers to you Martina~ <3
gorgeous; those anemones are extraordinary. Maybe like most of the youth on Vancouver Island they are chemically enhanced?!!
They are just enhanced by a chemically pristine sea, what one calls a natural high!
Wonderful photographs Cynthia and the water is soo pure! Thank you so much for sharing!☺
Makes me sad for our oceans. This is how it is meant to be!
☺💜
wish I was with you… xxxxo
I wish you were too! It would be so much fun to meet up! <3
I’ve never been to Vancouver Island, but it looks like a gorgeous place to visit. That crystal-clear water is simply amazing — thank you for pointing it out. Those of us in land-locked areas can certainly appreciate water, especially the pure kind!!
I have never seen ocean water this clear except in Antarctica. This is how our ocean is actually supposed to be!
You make wish I could hike! Not to mention the most fabulous photos. You have a great eye and manage to capture some incredible shots! Wow!
Ahhh, thoughtfulness like this is why I love bloggers and our community so much. I am so priveleged to be part of this. Thank you & hugs to you~ <3 <3
Vancouver Island is quite something else and you’ve managed to capture it’s charms in your photos, Cindy.
Leslie
People think paradise and picture a tropical island. I love the tropics too, put this island is paradise to me!
We were there many years ago and it really was a paradise.
Leslie
Lovely photos, Cindy. Vancouver Island isn’t that far from me. I’m going to have to schedule a little visit next summer 🙂
Oh good! You will be so happy you did this and I will be so happy to follow along virtually!
Would give anything to go there with you — you have such an eye for the beautiful!!!
We need to rendezvous with some of our blogging buddies! It would be so wonderful to do this~ <3
A paradise! Ahh, and with your photos, i am There! (Just in my mind for now, but will Have To visit, someday.) Thank you as always for sharing the beauty : ))
Yes! Traveling in one’s imagination is an incredible way to see the world and I am completely serious. I go to places all the time in my mind. It lowers your stress levels and makes you happier. It is a form of really fun guided imagery~
Yes, definitely! Thank you for so beautifully aiding the vicarious travel! So hard to choose, too: the lush serenity of forest greens, or water so clear, or … ! (My alternate to traveling in one’s mind: find beauty wherever you may be : ) Thanks as always, Cindy. Stay beautiful.
What beautiful captures to reflect back on. Thanks for a lively share Cindy 💛
You are most welcome Val and I am happy you enjoyed! <3
A piece of heaven! Thank you for these gorgeous photos for us to enjoy. 🙂
Visa versa 2Ux2 my dear Amy & happy weekend 2!!
🙂 💖
Stunning photos, Vancouver Island is gorgeous. :o)
Thank you and it is a remarkable island!
You have such an eye for this photography, Cindy. Amazing shots…especially fond of the fawn closeup…are you using a telephoto lens ? ☺
Aren’t deer beautiful! Yes I use zoom up to 1200mm equivalent to get all the little eyelashes!
The crystalline sea-water is amazing! I loved the innocence in the fawn’s eyes…so adorable… <3
Yes, deer are the sweetest, most gentle creatures and the fawns are all Bambi is my eyes!
Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
I have heard that Vancouver Island is stunning and have Tofino on our list.. looks like we could be spending a lot of time that side of Canada.. as always Cindy Knoke shows everything in its best light.
I was seriously bit by the Tofino bug when I was there. Such a wonderful community! Highly recommend you visit. Hugs to you Sally and be well my friend~
Thanks Cindy…in the meantime.. at least we have your images.. xx
<3
Absolutely gorgeous. The water doesn’t look as if it’s there, you’re right and the deer, makes my heart beat faster, so very beautiful.
Yes, deer are the most gentle, lovely creatures, and seeing one always makes me feel blessed, especially if they let me be in their peaceful presence for a bit, like this fawn did. Magic~
Reblogged this on Random Ramblings; Myriad Musings and commented:
There is nothing like the purity of pristine, unspoiled nature. Those of us who appreciate it definitely respect it, as Cindy shows in these beautiful photos!
😎
I feel your respect for our fragile planet and all her creatures and I so appreciate it. Thank you~
Such lovely photos. 🙂
Honored & most appreciative!
Wow, those are nature wonder to see. The perfect crystal clear want and the colorful sea anemone are amazing!
I was transfixed by the clarity of the sea water. It was as if it wasn’t there! So clean and clear~
Welcome home Cindy! These photos are incredible. What an experience… to come face-to-face with a fawn and, yes, to see water so clear that it doesn’t seem there’s any between you and the sea anemone at all. While I enjoyed spending time at the tide pools in Santa Barbara, the experience wasn’t quite like the one you had!
California’s coast, especially as you head into Central California and north is so incredibly gorgeous, but we do not have ocean water quality like this anywhere on our coast. I helped my son do sea water sampling a few years ago up the entire coastline. There were no samples anywhere near this pristine which makes me sad.
So beautiful! I love BC 🙂
Alison xo
Yep. I know why. Lucky you!
Love how clear the water is. Where in Vancouver were you? Unbelievable photos as usual. Thank you for sharing, Cynthia. <3 🙂
Very happy you enjoyed! We were on Vancouver Island, spending most of our time on North Island, Telegraph Cove, Port Hardy, Port McNeill, Port Alice, but also Tofino and Campbell River.
Your hits keep coming!
Aww, thank you!
Beautiful pics Cindy! Amazingly clear sea anemones. But I loved the gorge photo the best – looked like a painting. Fantastic pics, thoroughly enjoyed my armchair trip – thank you 🙂
I love armchair trips. No flight delays, no packing and unpacking, and your imagination is really the best travel agent possible!
In this particular case, I didnt even need to tax my imagination 😉 😀
<3
Beautiful area Cindy! Wonderful photos to show it off.
Thanks Timothy. It had animals and nature, so like you, I was very happy there! Hoping you are doing well today and sending my healing prayers to you daily my friend~ <3
So serene and beautiful! I especially love the underwater pictures you got without even diving 😘
We would need our penguin suits for swimming here!
http://cdn.xl.thumbs.canstockphoto.com/canstock22211245.jpg
Thanks for the beautiful mini vacation Cindy. 🙂
You are most welcome! I go on at least several a day in my imagination~ <3
It’s good for the soul! <3
It is for the soul & psyche!
For sure! 🙂
Beautiful photos of our gorgeous West coast. Thank you
You are most welcome, you live in a natural paradise!
Your pics nearly bring tears to my eyes, Cuz. Memories of hikes along clear mountain streams, crystalline mountain lakes, salmon fishing offshore of the Washington coast, and, the quiet inlets and lagoons along the western coast. They all seem to be receding into the murk of “civilization”, never to be seen again. Thanks for sharing this, Cindy. Hugs ! 🙂
When you see pristine water and it is an amazing sight, it is shocking isn’t it! I remember the pristine waters in my childhood. Now seeing it is cause for amazement. I agree, this is a sad state for our planet to be in.
Beautiful and unspoiled it is Cyndi. Absolutely love the fawn photo. And of course the reflection shots. Might I ask what camera you use in your gorgeous photography? –Curt
Thank you Curt, much appreciated! I used a SonyHX400 for all of these shots~
il vivido colore e la ricercatezza delle immagini, così perfette, ci mette in movimento con un mondo lontano ma che insieme si può quasi toccare e trattenerlo nelle mani
🙂
Che gentile e bella commento! Grazie mille e abbracci a voi in bella Italia!
Superb shots!
Grazie mille!
So sad. No one likes you. It’s probably the terrible photography. Should I ever acquire that Sony I’ll probably find it takes more than a camera. 😉
Laughing, I think you will be amazed with the Sony. I hope they keep making the series. I have been waiting for the 500. It is rather a touchy camera because of the adjustable zoom, but so fun and versatile. Let me know if you get one. The 400 should be pretty cheap now~
where did you go on the island Cindy?
Pretty much all over. We started in Victoria, and spent a few nights in Parksville, then Campbell River and into Knight Inlet from there. We rented a beach house in Port McNeill which I recommend highly, then stayed in Port Hardy, and went all over the northern island, to Port Alice and environs. We then did the scenic drive to Tofino where we stayed for several nights and back to Victoria. I was just thinking, this was my fifth trip to Vancouver Island, the first one was when I was 14!
Stunning photos of a stunning place 😄 x
Thank you. Vancouver Island is very special.
Nice natur, great photos again. Hugs Joe
Ahh, thank you & hugs back to you!
Grossartig Cindy…
Vielen danke mein lieber Freund Ernst! <3
what splendour 🙂
It is a gorgeous, unspoiled place~
Brilliant although ~
You’d be safe and warm if you were in LA.
Are you ‘California Dreamin and such a London Day’???? You don’t miss a note, or hint of one, do you!
You got me there. I’m the one who put the last two syllables in sentimental. 🙂 🙂
http://lewamack.com/Facebook/Pics/Laughs/Laughing-animated-Tom_and_Jerry-jerry-laugh-mouse-o.gif
It looks like a wonderful place to go on vacation!
I recommend it highly~
Bonjour CINDY très beau partage
Ton amitié c’est un rayon de lumière
Une tendresse journalière
Un doux morceau de bonheur
Telle la douceur d”une fleur
Je viens déposer une petite recette sur ton blog que j’apprécie
Alors, je me dis
As-tu déjà ouvert ton internet .Es tu là ! Oui ou non
Ce n’est pas bien grave tu trouveras bien mon petit mot
Je venais juste te faire un petit coucou
Passe une bonne journée en ce vendredi
gros bisous
Bernard
C’EST MOI LOL après un petit passage à vide
http://img4.hostingpics.net/pics/843654toutou.gif
Merci pour le beau poème Bernard. Il est beau et vous êtes très talentueux mon ami. Être bien! <3
What an absolutely gorgeous place.
Yes, it is and it keeps drawing me back!
How unspoilt and clean it is there. Amazing pictures. Let’s hope it stays so clean there with the beautiful nature wildlife.
I hope so too. Over 75% of old growth trees have been harvested in British Columbia. On parts of Vancouver Island there are 1% of these old trees left. The reach of human destruction extends everywhere. See:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/the-fight-to-protect-whats-left-of-old-growth-forests/article9868144/
Thanks for that link, very interesting. We are so advanced yet so uncaring with everything and just use use use without thinking.
It is pathetic isn’t it.
beautiful post
enjoy these images
kisses
So happy you do & hugs back to you!
Beautiful photos in such a beautiful part of the world!
Grizzly bears are now swimming from the Canadian mainland to Vancouver Island, which is exciting to me!
Reblogged this on Living Life Fully, Confined to Bed – Author – Nancy J. Walker and commented:
A photo journey by my talented friend, Cindy.
Hugs to you my sweet friend Nancy. The best trips on the planet happen in our own imaginations. I go on them daily! <3 <3
How do you get all the animals to show up? You have the best luck!
I love them so much, I hope they sense it! <3
I think they do.
Animals may sense moods and intent in ways that we may not have developed as keenly!
I think humans lost that along the way unfortunately
Yes, we lose abilities we don’t value, but the good news is they are there for those of us who care, like you! <3
And you! Though this is stuff that should be valued
<3
I have been “away” for a couple of months, but your photos continue to stun!
So kind and so appreciated! <3
All are beautiful photos, but I especially love those of the sea anenome.
I am so glad you do! I didn’t know if anyone would, but I was amazed at seeing them so clearly under-water~
That’s when they are most beautiful.
<3
I love them all but I especially love how the moss has invited nature’s wood of the man-made fence to become one with nature again.
Isn’t that beautiful! I love this too and I love your imaginativel description that captures the natural beauty of it perfectly!
They are stunning indeed 🙂
We live on an awesome planet. Happy Saturday!
Yes indeed we do 🙂
Beautiful
Grazie mille!
Fabulous pics as always, Cindy. 🙂
Ah, thank you Kev & cheers to you~
beautiful photos 🙂 thanks for sharing
Thank you more for appreciating~
welcome 🙂
Reblogged this on penpowersong.
Hugs 2 U & gratitude 2!
Beautiful pictures! It’s such a lovely area.
Thank you, and it is wild and beautiful~
My husband and I watched two seasons of ‘Alone,’ a survival television show filmed on Vancouver Island. Your photographs are another wonderful glimpse of this beautiful place.
I’m going to google this and see if I can watch it for the cinematography. Thanks for the heads up!
I think you will love the landscape. We also enjoyed watching the participants try to live off the land.
Sounds fascinating~
Ah, even down and under
Is all heart 🙂
<3 <3 So pleased! Gracie~
There’s nothing I’m better at than island dreaming, Cindy. Looking at your photos of Vancouver reminds me why it’s a place I’ve always wanted to visit. 🙂 Happy Holler days!
You and me both! When we’re not traveling, we’re daydreamng about it! 😉
All the previous comments already said it all, but I say it anyway-absolutely beautiful, so clear in so many ways. We should take better care of nature so we can find these places everywhere on earth.
Thank you for such a thoughtful comment and yes, we could, and should, have such places everywhere on this earth. This is how the earth was made to be!
I agree. In my town and municipality we try to tell our politicians that we need to keep our beautiful nature as it is. They don’t get it yet. But we will try to keep our clear water in the archipelago and our ancient forests and hope they understand the value of protecting nature in time.
I agree with you wholeheartedly and wish you success!! <3 <3 🌲 🌲🌲
Thanks!
That cover picture of sailboats floating in a tranquil lake look so serene. And the anemones….they look beautiful in a weird kind of way. 🙂
Thank you. Methinks beautiful in a weird sort of way is very cool! Cheers 2U~
Those plants in the sea are amazing. Beautiful photos to look at on a dark, cold night, we turned our clocks back last night so it was dark at 17:30.
It sounds like fire in the fireplace and winter well on it’s way which has seems cozy over here in the sunshine where we are still praying for rain. We are leaving to the desert soon so I’ll send you some desert sun and cacti too! Stay warm my friend~ <3
It would be fun to get your performance schedule for 2017 as we are going to Europe twice next year and would love to hear you sing~
How lovely 🌞🌵! I’ll have to make do with a radiator, we’re banned from having candles in the student halls for obvious reasons but I used to like lighting candles on dark nights.
Best wishes
Charlotte
<3 <3
Clean, pristine waters are such a treasure to come across. I loved your sea anemones, truly beautiful.
So pleased you do and thank you!! <3
Love the shots of the anemones!
Yay!! I wasn’t sure how they would be received so I appreciate this~
Oh…we’re going to Vancouver next month. Thanks for the sneak peak, Cindy. 🙂
Lucky Duck! Have a wonderful time~
I can’t wait. We get to spend time with our son too. A real joy.
Enjoy! <3
What amazing shots, Cynthia.
I think you’d have to travel up in to our mountains to find water that clear (and definitely not our southern beaches in my state).
Yes clear mountain water is joyous but finding such clear beach water is rare for me to see too~
Loved those anemones. 🙂
So glad! There colors were quite different to the ones I am accoustomed too~
Stunning photos Cindy, especially the clear water! I remember the beauty of the NW, but haven’t been to Vancouver or Vancouver Island.
A definite place to keep in mind for your bucket list. I keep going back again!
Agreed!
<3
The first photo reminds me of the North West of Lake Superior.
I need to travel to that area. I’ve never been~
I continued to Lac Tremblant, were I had french food at “la petite cachee”.
J’ai été enchantée.
Oh, it sounds delightful!
Pingback: Blogbummel Oktober 2016 – Teil 2 – buchpost
Makes me happy. Thank you so much & cheers to you~
A smile of Provence, Tuesday 1 November 2016, 4 minutes before 4am.
Smiling back at you~
Thanks for taking us along to Vancouver Isl., Cindy. It is always such a joy to see pristine natural places in the world, and these photos are exquisite. I find the sea anemone especially gorgeous.
Traveling wouldn’t be the same without you my friend. I love following you on your travels too! <3 <3
I like those faces best of all!
They are adorable creatures aren’t they!
Indeed.
These are such beautiful photos, Cindy! I haven’t been up to Vancouver island yet, but it is on my list!
Oh good! You will be happy when you visit~ <3
Stunning photos!
So pleased you enjoyed & thank you!
Those are fantastic pictures, especially the anemones. They really don’t look like they’re in water. It’s amazing! 😀
The clarity of the water amazed me too! Thank you for your thoughtful words~
You’re welcome. 🙂
It was so fun to find this post the other day. They are perfect pictures for our Pacific Northwest GreenFriends newsletter! Beautiful.
Green Friends need each other more than ever! Thank you and with you in solidarity~ <3
You contribute so much and I, and others, really appreciate it.
As do you x2 my friend! We are now, more officially in this together, and our need to think and act together is more important than ever.
That is so true. Now it is up to us and other like minded people.
<3
Love the expression on the killdeer and the lovely wafting sea anenomes
Thank you Hilary! It is so lovely and unspoiled the way it should be!
Beauty is everywhere and you capture it so that we hear the sound of water gently against the shore, thrashing along the streams, smell water pure and sweet, taste of air so clean, we want to cry and oh the textures and sensations – you, Cindy, master of the lens!
Ah, my sweet friend Sheri. You take time out of you stressful days with Tom’s illness and send wonderful thoughts like these to me. You are the definition of a good friend and a light in so many people’s lives. Be well my friend~ <3
These are lovely pictures Cindy. Thank you for your visit and the like. 🙂
I always visit and like your blog Ranu~ <3
Beautiful!!
Merci beaucoup!
I’m so glad you got to see us on Vancouver Island <3 Next time hopefully we'll meet in person! Hugs
I keep coming back to VI. It is one of my most favorite places. Next time we should meet up.
I would love that! Awww how wonderful that you are a frequent visitor xx
I fantasize about moving there~