Bogumil Pacak-Gamalski

Continuing my explorations and re-visiting old familiar places, I went the other day to the picturesque Old Marine Drive.  Used to like to take it for the vistas it offered while passing many coves. Was shocked (or sad?) how much the cove with the marina has changed. There was not even half the amount of yachts and boats in the older days. It was actually tranquil. Not so much anymore – au contraire.

But I never really stopped in previous years to explore the shoreline more acutely. I think once I was intrigued if you could observe the ferry passing on its way from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo. I hardly ever took that route, it was just easier (and less busy at that time) to take one from my home terminal in Tsawwassen.  However, I did take often the small ferry to Bowen Island – my Mom just loved it over there. We would put lot of snacks and some food to the cooler, and would take a little propane stove and she would be happy on that little last beach facing the Howe Sound. There were so many black and salmon berries there – incredible. I would swim and fish there too, and mom cooked the fresh fish. She really loved it there.

I was going to take that little ferry again now, but the timing was not good. One just left and the other would have been too late to have time to truly enjoy the visit.  Therefore exploration of the shoreline was in order. And I did what I could, starting with Whytecliff Park. Never knew there was such a maze of rocky trails with unpararelled vistas of the Salish Sea.

Next was, unknown to me before, little marvel cove called Caulfeild Cove. There is a monument there to the memory of on British vice count Francis William Caulfeild, who at end of his career v-ce was appointed the rank of Admiral of Royal Navy and served during the 1 world war under the British Imperial ensign. As far as I could search from British Office his bio, he was neither very successful commander nor liked by his crews and got the distinction in Admiralty only at the end of his active career, so he would not command a ship anymore and do more damage, LOL. Having a British Peerage (due to his aristocratic birth) called for such military title though.

However – the cove by his name is a true and true marvel to explore. Highly recommend. Be careful though during rain – rocks are very high and could be very slippery.