This park has something for everyone! The main hiking trail – Pepin Brook Loop – is a 3km route that winds through the park. When you reach the eastern edge you can choose to continue along the Pepin Brook Loop, or veer left up a path towards Lefeuvre road. If you choose the latter you will connect up with the Rock-N-Horse Trail, a popular spot for horseback riding.
This photo came to mind as soon as I saw this week’s challenge. I think it speaks for itself.
Upon the water
Things are not as they appear
Above the water
This week’s photo challenge – to highlight the structure of something often overlooked. I think that fungi probably fit into this category.
I came upon this particular specimen on a recent walk. I think that its structure is quite beautiful – with its symmetric “wings” in shades of green and brown. Like a butterfly that is ready to take flight.
Next time you take a walk, don’t forget to look down. You never know what fascinating features might be hiding in plain sight.
The immediate image that came to mind when I saw this week’s challenge theme (“corner”), is the corner of a room. Just two blank walls coming together. I know – a bland and uninspired word association. After giving it some thought, I imagined the word “corner” in broader terms. Corners don’t have to be 90 degree angles – they can be round. Corners can be meeting places. You can “see around a corner”. As I looked through my photo collection I realized that the following photos, taken at the Brockton Point Lighthouse in Vancouver’s Stanley Park, are great representations of this theme.
Small aviator
Looking for a place to land
A floral runway
This wonderful wetland park, in the middle of Surrey, has a lot to offer the urban explorer who appreciates green space. The centerpiece of this park is, of course, the lake for which it is named. 
Dogs are also frequent visitors to the park (though owners are asked to keep them out of the water due to the sensitive marine habitat).
Surrounding the lake is a well-groomed trail. The strategically placed benches welcome visitors to sit and stay awhile. Be warned though! At the north end of the park it pays to stay alert for stray golf balls from the neighbouring golf course. Fore!
As you make your way past the lake, you come to a decision point. Should you go left or should you go right? Well, you can’t go wrong with your choice as this is the entrance to a 1.5km loop. About 1/3 of the loop takes you through an open grassland area. You’re advised to look skyward during this part of the trail as you are likely to see more of the birds who call the park home.
There are also many interesting things to see closer to the ground. The flowers found along the edge of the path appear to be unintentional; perhaps transplanted by the bees who work here.
The other part of the trail leads through a forested space which is a welcome relief on a hot, sunny day.
I can totally relate to this week’s theme. There are so many wonderful and interesting things that deserve attention. Look at that bird! Wow – do you see the size of that flower? The detail on that building is just amazing! You get the idea. Part of the reason that I love photography so much is that I am able to capture these “shiny moments” that give me so much joy. A recent trip to the botanical garden at the University of British Columbia resulted in one of these special moments.
I was fascinated by this sculpture by artist William Pye that welcomed us into this lovely garden theater. I have no idea if the streaks of rust are intentional, but I think they add a certain je ne sais quoi to this reflective work of art. It’s also shiny. And I love shiny!
This photo, which captures a number of natural elements, seemed a perfect choice for this week’s photo challenge. From this vantage point you can make out the town of Squamish (the English translation for this Salishan word is “Mother of the Wind”). If you look closely you can also make out the Squamish River that branches off from Howe Sound.
Illumination
Sailing over copper waves
Slip into darkness
Wendy's World 