Wednesday, March 09, 2011

Water Wednesday ~ Juan du Fuca Provincial Park

I am spending some time on southern Vancouver Island and made a trip to Port Renfrew, BC. This remote community on the southwest coast of the island is the starting place for the world renown West Coast Trail and some lesser known but no less stunning Provincial Parks.
Botanical Beach is one of the most stunning and diverse tidal areas along the west coast, formed by tides and wave action against sandstone, basalt and tumbling rocks.

This area has so much diversity that the University of Minnesota established a marine research station here in 1900.   Researchers continue to travel here under special park permits.
Tidal pools formed by rocks tumbling over the soft sandstone by tide action are full of unique marine life which have to be capable of surviving the extreme conditions of tides, temperatures and predation. (Some of these tidal pools, which look like puddles are over six feet deep!)
There is a saying on the west coast..."when the tide is out the table is set!"
Mmmmm....Blue mussels!
For more watery places why not join us at

13 comments:

Martha Z said...

Stunning shots! A friend once suggested that we hike that trail but it never happened. Looking at these images I wish that it had.

Linda said...

Beautiful. I long for a blast of that ozone-laden air!

Judy said...

Interesting post! That sounds like a great place to visit! My favourite shot is the first one, with the reflection in the water! Gorgeous!!

Anonymous said...

Interesrings pictures

Barb said...

Being landlocked here in CO, I loved visiting the coast through your wonderful photos. The sky reflected in the tidal pools is wonderful. Who would have thought they could be so deep? The rock formations look like art.

Naturegirl said...

We have family that lives in BC..after looking at these images I think it's time to visit!
Amazing images!!Have a great week!Thank you for sharing!

JC said...

Oh my, those were gorgeous photos. I know someone who did the trail last year.

Gaelyn said...

That first photo is Awesome! What a gorgeous spot to be. I'll be it's fun to explore along the tidepools. Nice to know your around and enjoying this beautiful scenery.

Anonymous said...

Looks like a great place - beauty and food readily available!

Lorac said...

Extremely beautiful! Very informative. Very tasty. More, please!

Powell River Books said...

A beautiful spot. I love the rock formations. - Margy

Janie said...

Wow, what a beautiful, impressive, and wild coastline. Great photos!

Tammie Lee said...

wonderful beach photos. Just love all the forms and reflections. Thank you. Lovely to drop by and have a peak into your world.

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