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One of the truly wonderful advantages of staying with us at Nomads'
Rest Bed & Breakfast is that you don't need to go far in order to come face to face with the beauty of the area.
This photo, one of our favorites, with Mount Garibaldi in the backgroud, was
taken from an area which is but a short 5-minute walk away from our house.
The peaceful nature of the area combined with the grand views
that surround you make it a great walk to do. The fact that this excursion possibility is so close to home is just one
of the bonuses!
It is not at all uncommon to see groups of Trumpeter Swans
swimming around the waterway pictured above.
This photo was taken in January, as I headed back home from the river after some
eagle watching.
What a pleasant surprise!
Alice Lake Provincial Park is a beautiful, easily accessible area that has lots
to offer year round. There are wonderful biking and hiking trails which join Alice
Lake with Fawn Lake, Edith Lake and Stump Lake. Alice Lake, pictured here, is superb
for swimming and floating around in the summer. It is also definitely a worthwhile destination in the winter, where
the walking is easy and the views grand. (You'll notice that there is nobody swimming in this photo. Although
the water looks inviting here, this photo was taken in February - still a little early for a dip in the lake!)
The fact that the park is a short 10-minute drive from here... well... is great!
Pictured here is Edith Lake. Taken in February, you'll
notice that while the snow has melted, there remains some ice on the lake. I can't wait to see it in the summer!
It is not only possible to walk around Stump Lake, it is easy! The peaceful
atmosphere and wildlife viewing opportunities ensure you will have a memorable time.
Need I mention the spectacular views of Garibaldi from Stump Lake...
It is amazing to me how these mountains light up in the afternoon sun. As the sun sets, Garibaldi
glows brighter and brighter, seeming almost as if it were artificially lit by spotlights.
It is spectacular every time!
Eagle Run is where,
each year, thousands of Bald Eagles gather. From November through February, eagles can be seen feeding
on salmon on the river's edge or perching in the giant cottonwood trees.
Yes, you guessed it. This world-famous spot is located less
than a 3-minute drive from Nomads' Rest - really, really close!!!
One reason (the main reason) the Bald Eagles come to this area in such great quantities
is because the food is so abundant. They love to feast on the huge
meaty salmon that come up the Squamish river and beyond to spawn. It is a truly amazing sight to see these powerful
birds dig in to the salmon's tough skin using their strong talons and beak.
As was mentioned, the quantities of salmon are so plentiful that there really isn't any reason for the
eagles to fight or compete for food.
After eating in the morning, the eagles will usually fly up into the trees by the river's edge where
they prefer to conserve their energy.
The Estuary, even in the winter, is a beautiful and peaceful
place to relax, walk, and birdwatch.
It is a short 5-minute drive from our home, or can be reached
easily in less than 20 minutes by bicycle.
The natural light that bathes the Estuary
at mid-day gives the area and its colors a rich and almost surreal glow.
The Estuary contains a number of beautiful walking trails where bird watchers can
spot a variety of interesting birds and wildlife.
Pictured here is a Blue Heron. Although they are rather
large, colorful, and quite unusual in appearance, these birds stand so still, blending into their surroundings, that they
can be easy to miss!
It's not quite as easy to miss the Cormorant. They can
often be seen sitting on a jutting branch or log in the middle of the water. Pictured here is one of these birds doing
what I call the "crazy dance" - always an entertaining show!
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