I love getting out on to the trails this time of year! Firstly, they are less busy and more peaceful. School is back in session, most folk's summer holidays are over, the peak of tourist season has passed, and you find yourself with more time for quiet appreciation of the world around you. As the rains begin to fall, the ecosystems of our area begin to reawaken. The mosses deepen, ferns are standing tall, creeks and rivers running faster and deeper, mushrooms bloom, Salmon are returning to spawn, and the entire forest seems to breathe a sigh of relief as it recovers from the Summer drought; balance is restored.
Outside of the absolutely necessary seasonal rains, there are pockets of nearly tropical weather to be enjoyed, and you will find yourself completely overdressed 10 minutes into a hike. Days like these are best spent on a beach along the Metchosin/Colwood shoreline, as these beaches are often sheltered from the cool northerly winds. Tower Point Park in Metchosin has a few small sections of beach, tucked into some rocky outcroppings which act as windbreaks. Grab some apples from the trees at the park entrance, toss a blanket on the beach, and pretend you're on some tropical island paradise.... Oh, wait a minute... You are!
So no, it's not actually, officially, technically, really, truly, honestly Summer. But I hate sweating all day when I hike, so this is much better.