Palm Trees Growing in the Great White North

Just about 80 Kilometers, 50 miles from Victoria BC is the town of Chemainus, population approximately 5000.  Chemainus is a seaside town founded in 1858 as a logging community.  This small town is famous for 39 outdoor murals painted on their buildings.

During a visit by my son to Victoria, we decided to take a trip and check out the murals.  To get there we crossed the Malahat mountain past Goldstream Provincial Park which houses some 600 year old Douglas fir trees, western red cedars  and arbutus trees.  The arbutus is Canada’s only broad leaf evergreen tree which is found in Canada only on Vancouver Island and the southwest coast of Canada.

Hey this is one sexy tree folks.  It is naked.  The bark of this tree peels off and reveals a very soft smooth surface that feels good to touch.  If you are touchy-feely you cannot resist this. This also reminds me of my friend, standing naked.

Just looked outside and there is a little “Bambi” in my yard looking kind of lost.  I see them all the time around here. I hope “Momma” is nearby and safe.

Ok, back to the trip.  On top of the Malahat is an awesome view.  Then comes the town of Duncan that has the world’s largest hockey stick and puck, 205 feet and 61,000 pounds stuck, or should I say slapped on the side of the Cowichan Community Centre. I do have a picture of that as well.

Driving into Chemainus, you can tour the town quite quickly in a vehicle but it is much better to get out and walk around to view the murals on the buildings.  Some are quite stunning.  Here is a collage of some of them, check out the palm tree in the center of the collage.  Yes we do have them here on the Island, some would not believe that, palm trees in the Great “White” North!

There is an interesting story about The Hermit:

Walking around the downtown streets is a good way to experience and see lots of small interesting establishments. Lots of character there, also some good hand made chocolates which were delicious.

One more picture that I like, and there are others I like as well, this one is quite simple and who does not like an old steam train!

I have quite a few more to remind me of the trip to Chemainus. It was well worth the trip.  There are so many places to see and explore on this island.

Cheers,

Eugene

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Tagged with: 600 year old Douglas fir trees • Chemainus • collages • Cowichan Community Centre • Goldstream Provincial Park • hand made chocolates • Malahat mountain • one sexy tree • outdoor murals • seaside town • standing naked • the Hermit • Vancouver Island • Victoria BC Canada • world's largest hockey stick

Filed under: life

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