Jack Point from an early point in the walk.
Biggs Park or Jack Point and Pipers Lagoon – Classic West Coast Views from a gorgeous West Coast Weekend.
The Point at Pipers Lagoon.
The weather was a real mixed bag this weekend, alternately cloudy and sunny, but the temperatures were mild and the walking was beautiful.
Crocus’s in the long grass at Pipers.
Saturday morning when the sun was brilliant and bright in the sky we walked over the rocks and around the point at Piper’s lagoon. About 15 min into the walk my battery died in my camera and I did not have my spare with me. So, not too many pictures, but enough that you can see how beautiful this area can be.
An Eagle coasting overhead at Jack Point
There were crocuses blooming in the long grass and buds were starting to form on the trees. Out off the rocks four Sea Lions were cavorting in the Straight (you’ll have to imagine this part as by this time the camera was dead!). There were families with young children clambering over everything in sight. Many of the children were discovering tiny crabs for the first time, and finding the many red sea stars that had been washed up onto the beach!
Nature’s Art.
A narrow path on the Jack Point Loop. The point is mostly rock covered by a skiff of dirt, held together by tree roots and moss!
Sunday we walked Jack Point.
I am ashamed to say that I had not been there since before Duke Point Ferry Terminal had been built. I had been missing an incredible walk. The link above said that it was a quiet place, not walked by many. That was old news – it was busy with walkers and photographers. Some had picnics. Some had children and almost all had dogs.
The walk starts from the parking lot – as you walk under the road the view as you emerge is the Nanaimo River Estuary – Stunning. There are a couple of pieces of art, created by local artists, as you walk deeper into the park; but the main show is the work created by nature, incredible.
Some of the walks are Jack point are beautifully built wooden walkways.
There were Ravens, Eagles, Ducks of all kinds in the water, and many song birds in the trees. The walk was over easy paths and wooden bridges for the most part. But you must like stairs. There were many staircases taking us from level to level within the park.
Tangle of Douglas Fir Branches overhead!
The trees were a wonderful mix of Arbutus, Garry Oak and Douglas Fir. Mosses and Lichens of all kinds cover many of the old trunks that twist out over the water. In the low-lying areas there was some marsh with Wild Rose Bushes and Aspens.
Nanaimo River Estuary
The views of Nanaimo and the Estuary are gorgeous. You feel like you could reach out and touch Gabriola.
There were sailboats out in the Straight and it was a gorgeous day for an incredible walk!
Happy Walking
Lynette
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