Like an old PlaidCamper feeling his age? Maybe not, although the aches and pains I’ve been enduring in recent months…I could go on about that, but I won’t. Not this week, anyway! A few final photographs in what has turned into a short and unplanned series about our recent Vancouver Island trip.
This time, it’s centred around a collection of storm tossed logs we rested by, or on, when we were hiking Long Beach. You’ll see these wooden wonders strewn all along the coast, fringing the beach and in front of the forest.
They are quite huge when you get up close. I can barely roll one of the smaller ones (why did I even try, given my aches and pains? Oops, I forgot – not going there!) so it’s something to imagine the power of the ocean when you see large logs seemingly casually flung up on rocks, or piled atop each other.
An invitation to your inner child, it’s hard to resist scrambling and climbing up them, so I didn’t (resist) and the years fell away and I didn’t fall off. Ship’s spars, broad beams, and possibly logging lumber (?), all evidence of natural forces and cycles greater than our human schemes, and all washed up on the shore for us to ponder and beetle over. PlaidCamper playtime…
It may be the inner child imaginings, but it didn’t take much to think some of the shapes could be sea monsters or beasts from a different time. An overactive imagination, or a lack of caffeine?
Smoothed by the seas, the texture is pleasing, and warmed by the sun, the scent is resiny, slightly oily and medicinal – pleasant enough as we sat and surveyed the beach, the forest, and the surf. An enjoyable pause in our hike, a chance to embrace the elemental and feel alive – and a little less washed up!
Thanks for reading, and have a wonderful weekend!
OldPlaidCamper 
I have never seen such huge piles of trees on a beach, this takes driftwood to a new level, pc. I think it is gorgeous and as you say, emphasizes the power of our great Pacific Ocean. I like knowing that you were scrambling around in them, imagining things. The shapes are so variable; I, too, found myself seeing things in your photos. Great post today, as always, pc.
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Glad you enjoyed this one, Jet! We were amazed by just how much driftwood had piled up after the winter storms. The Pacific coast always provides so many outdoor delights – you are lucky to live so close to the ocean!
Thanks, and I hope your week is off to a great start!
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Such great shots. What is it about scrambling and climbing over logs and rocks that brings out our inner child . Very nice.
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Thanks, Miriam! It was a lovely spot to hang out for a while, and as my inner child is always close to the surface, there was no avoiding the chance to climb and scramble. I’ll take a tumble one of these days, but like you sometimes mention, you have to run a risk or two to feel truly alive…
I hope your week is going well!
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Hey PC I can relate to that inner child, let’s hope we never lose them hey?
My week has started with an excruciating tooth infection and a trip to the dentist unfortunately. Hope yours has been better. 🙂
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The driftwood definitely has a sculptural quality and makes for some fine leading lines.
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With your photography skills, I think you’d have a fine time with all the driftwood!
I hope your week is going well!
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Yes, it is! Getting responsible and taking time for a balance of work and play. Thanks for the nice compliment, too!
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Beautiful photos, especially Prehistoric?, and I’m glad you were able to shake off the aches and pains to scramble around and explore. Enjoyed seeing the beauty of things a little “washed up.” I’ve enjoyed the Vancouver Island series and hope you have a great weekend!
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Thank you! It was a great place to be, sunny and just warm enough – you’d have had fun there with your camera (and Gabby would have enjoyed gnawing on a stick or two?)
I hope your week is off to a good start, with more fine spring weather.
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I once was walking on top of all the washed up logs when I spied a 7 foot fluorescent light bulb sitting in the pile! During the storm,It had washed up with logs weighting many tons……It didn’t break!
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Ha, it always amazes me what might get washed up! Odd the bulb survived though…I imagine you’ve seen all sorts out and about in your boat there!
Thanks, Wayne, and I hope your week is going well and you’re getting out!
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There is something about these log and rock formations that inspire us and keep us humble and in touch with our wild and youthful urges. Some of the images reflect the apparent chaos of nature while others are almost artistic (like “prehistoric?”) in their shape and smoothed texture. Thanks for bringing this out for us in a fine reflection from your coastal wanderings!
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Thanks, Walt, and you said it so well! We were enjoying a serene coast that day, but evidence of power and ferocity was all around us. It’s these contrasts that bring us out to wilder places wherever and whenever we can. Keeps us in check!
Hope you’re having a good week!
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The stories that these trees could tell…..
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…and they’d be wild stories and tall tales in the best possible way!
Thanks, John, and I hope your week is off to a good start!
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