LOW TIDE – PARRY BAY
When Joy and I visit our children and their families in the Victoria area our stay almost always includes getting outside in all that southern Vancouver Island has to offer. No matter the time of year, there’s never a lack of nature’s beauty to explore. There are hills to climb, forests to wander, ocean beaches that never end, boating excursions and salmon to be caught, and lakes full of trout to satisfy any dream of a fine trout supper. In short, being outside when we visit our family is a given.
Almost always we have one walk in particular that has become so familiar. Tower Point reaches out into the Juan de Fuca Straight with Washington’s Olympic Mountains as a backdrop. A trail through the tall grasses meanders such that one’s view changes every few seconds. Wild roses and other flowers adorn. Garry oak trees provide cool shade for part of your walk, particularly on hot summer days. This idyllic park located on the shores of the City of Langford is almost always a part of our visit to Melanie, Brian, Mya and Charlotte.
And each time we’ve walked at Tower Point I’ve seen the painting I knew was there. Each time I’d say the words “Some day I’m painting that little bay.”, but never could I find the composition. Without fail, I’d always stop on the edge of the cliff and look down on Parry Bay, but the image never “came into focus”. It was in the spring of 2023 when Joy and I walked the trail with our grandson Carter that I found the painting. The tide was out and the sun was perfect as it lit the little bay. I carefully climbed down the steep cliff and stood where I’d never been before. The low tide beach provided the composition on that perfect day. It truly was a matter of being in the right place at the right time.
If ever you’re in Victoria and want to treat yourself to an easy, calming and beautiful walk, search out Tower Point. And as you walk, I’m sure you’ll recognize the little islands depicted in my painting. If you’re lucky, it’ll be low tide. And if you’re able, maybe you can clamber down the little cliff and see the image for yourself there under the garry oak tree. That’s LOW TIDE – PARRY BAY.
