nature challenge // child in the woods

Exploring the bond between ourselves and nature. 

"The world displays a lovely order, an order comforting in its intricacy. And the most appealing part of this harmony, perhaps, is its permanence - the sense that we are part of something with roots stretching back nearly forever, and branches reaching forward just as far..." // Bill McKibben, The End of Nature

Mid-hike moments are one of my greatest pleasures: taking pause amongst the trees or at a viewpoint, imprinting the sights and smells of our surroundings, enjoying time together in our chosen spot, snacking on food that always tastes better in the woods... Sunday morning we went for a family walk around Buntzen Lake, appreciating the fern-dominated understories, and the mossy canopy above. I am continuing to enjoy the David Suzuki Foundation's 30x30 Nature Challenge*, feeling myself a part of the landscapes I visit and finding comfort in the permanence.

[Photo credit for the last photo: Sean Markey]

///

*Our little photo of Grace playing in the cherry blossoms won the first week's photo competition in the 30x30 Nature Challenge - so fun & thank you to the David Suzuki Foundation for choosing it!

nature challenge // sleep by the water

Oceanfront camping at Porteau Cove Provincial Park. 

"First, we need to roam, and learn from nature itself. To dabble, wade, dip, wallow, and splash. Toss pebbles, or pick them up. Sleep by the water until it sounds in our dreams..." // C.L. Rawlins, My Coyote Education (1996)

My family and I took to the tent Sunday night for an impromptu evening of camping at Porteau Cove Provincial Park. We spent the afternoon walking barefoot on the beach, engrossed in the fresh, salty smell of ocean life - learning from nature itself. The warmest day on the coast this year, everything seemed to glow from within.

In bed before the sun, our little one had trouble settling, though once asleep she enjoyed a deep slumber - barely stirring when the train went by at 1am (the only downside to this park). After our difficulty getting G to sleep, I realized that we really ought to drop all semblance of a routine when camping, and embrace free-spirited living. For our next camping trip we will let Grace stay up until the sun is closer to saying goodnight, saving a few tears. Perhaps we will even introduce her to the ritual and beauty of a small campfire!

With our babe soundly sleeping, Sean and I settled into our camp chairs for a little quiet time and some wine. On the program: bats dancing over the ocean, a viewing of the evening's first star patterns, and sharing in the warmth of our small fire.

Our small fire - built as much for ritual and beauty as for warmth. 

Week one of the Nature Challenge has been splendid - I don't think we would have geared up for merely one night of camping if it weren't for the inspiration derived from knowing thousands of Canadians are thinking about their relationship with nature (as are we). I am motivated and excited to get into nature in week two! 

30x30 nature challenge // week 1

Nature party in cherry blossom rain! 

30x30 nature challenge: week one.

///

Half way through week one of the Nature Challenge, the weather has been glorious and the time I spend outdoors with Grace fills me with a brand new joy. The spontaneity of our days is something I will truly miss when the time comes for our little gal to go off to daycare or preschool - it is so nice to have an agenda that simply states "get into nature today".  On day one we watched as a great blue heron took flight at Spanish Banks, later playing in cherry blossom rain while on a pre-dinner neighbourhood walk. On day two Gracie learned how to make dandelion wishes, and on day three we threw rocks into the ocean at New Brighton Park.

As we left the ocean on Wednesday, driving in the direction of home, Gracie asked "more ow-shin, pease"? Music to my ears!

Feeling for blossoms in her hair. 

30x30 nature challenge

Sandy remnants, oceanside at Spanish Banks. 

30x30 nature challenge: the kick-off.

///

The merry month of May is here - the month that says, all things seem possible, you can do it! Grace and I are kicking it off by participating in the David Suzuki Foundation's 30x30 Nature Challenge. For us, committing to spend thirty minutes in nature each day for thirty days presents a delightful challenge. An important part of our family narrative, the relationship we have with nature is integral to our emotional health and happiness, serving to reinforce that we belong to something bigger than ourselves.

The associated photo contest for the first week of the 30x30 challenge (May 1-7) is themed "Nature in My Neighbourhood" and since G and I went to the west side of Vancouver this morning, we will have to make sure we stick closer to home later this week. I have never submitted an entry for a contest of any sort, but am thinking it might be quite fun to share some shots of us getting our daily dose of nature over the course of the next month.

Nature, here we come!