cathedral grove

lost...stand still.

the trees ahead and bushes beside you are not lost.

wherever you are is called here.

and you must treat it as a powerful stranger,

must ask permission to know it and be known.

the forest breathes. 

listen. it answers.

i have made this place around you.

if you leave it, you may come back again, saying here.

no two trees are the same to raven.

no two branches are the same to wren.

if what a tree or a bush does is lost on you,

you are surely lost.

stand still.

the forest knows where you are.

you must let it find you

                                                     - david wagoner

with school starting in just over a week

we are soaking up these last few days of summer.

our last week was spent in qualicum bay...

if we weren't by the ocean, you would have found us in the forest.

this part of vancouver island is a nature lover's paradise,

there are so many nature paths and forest trails to explore.

these pictures were taken in cathedral grove,

a very special ancient douglas fir ecosystem.

all i can say is...it truly is a magical and spiritual place!

we spent a couple of hours meandering, picnicking, and hugging some giant trees.

walking/hiking with my teens is the best way to get them to talk...and talk they did.

they are excited and feeling confident for this upcoming school year.

ian and i just listened and smiled...

we are both feeling soooo grateful (it has been an incredible summer!!)

erica

xoxo