story and photos by Scottee Giles –
Tendrils of fog curled around Garry oaks, giving the morning an ethereal air as I slipped past a split rail fence into Gore Park. The mossy rocks and meadow grass blended with the pale yellow lichen hanging from trees like ancient spirits guarding the glade. A sense of peace settled into my bones as I set out for a solo hike in one of my favourite places.
There is something beautiful and unique to discover in every season here: an abundance of spring wildflowers, tall golden summer grass, a forest tapestry of fall colours and bright red arbutus berries that remain into winter. I paused to admire a northern flicker looking for breakfast, then set out on a meandering path covered with oak leaves and acorns.
This 16-acre park is a fragile Garry oak ecosystem and home to an abundance of plants and animals. The Coast Salish people have a long relationship with this land and traditionally harvested camas, other food, and medicine here. Signs direct visitors to stay on paths, keep pets leashed and to leave nature undisturbed.
A red-tailed hawk circled overhead as I passed fallen logs, snowberry, mahonia and rosehip. Footsteps brought me out of my reverie as an older gentleman walking a small dog came around the bend. The red poppy pinned to my well-worn sweater matched the one on his smart wool coat. We exchanged a “good morning” and continued on our way. I wondered how many decades he had been coming here to walk these trails, and how much had changed in the world in his lifetime. I took a moment to remember how connected we all are to each other, how fortunate that people give selflessly to protect their communities for generations to come. The words of a hymn for world peace ran through my mind: “dona nobis pacem.”
As I crested another hill, the fog lifted and brilliant sunshine lit up the clearing. A chickadee tipped his black cap at me and called out a distinctive two-tone song, making me smile as I bid farewell to the stately old trees. Nature was ready for a season of rest and it was a great reminder to slow down, breathe deeply and recharge.
Things to Note:
- One picnic table is available
- There is limited parking, no washrooms
- Entrance to the trails can be found on Greig Avenue in Central Saanich
