As a refugee from central California, I've always loved Canada for her seasons, particularly Fall, when the forests display an absolute riot of colour. This year (2008), I decided to share some of the display with you.
Enjoy!
Photography by Kenneth McVay is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-No Derivative Works 2.5 Canada License.
Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at http://islandroamer.smugmug.com.
Enjoy!
Photography by Kenneth McVay is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-No Derivative Works 2.5 Canada License.
Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at http://islandroamer.smugmug.com.
Oxydendron Arborium - The Sour or "Lily of the Valley" Tree
I have been watching this incredibly beautiful tree grow for more than 30 years. The range of colours it displays throughout the year is truly spectacular!
Sourwood an exceptional mid-sized tree is also known by less common names as Sorrel Tree as well as the Lily of the Valley tree. A relatively slow growing deciduous specimen reaching eventual heights of 25 to 30 feet and about 20 feet in spread. The sourwood's habit is a broad pyramid with arching/ drooping branches. Notably dark bark that develops deep furrows with age.
The leaves emerge a shiny green in the spring turning a dark green in the summer. The fall color of these 3 to 8" long leaves vary from yellow to red and even purple, with color variation possible on the same tree. The fragrant white flowers bloom from June into early July and are borne in 5 to 10 inch long panicles covering the whole tree in a quite impressive show. Hardy to zones 5 to 9 this tree is well suited for placement in full to part sun in slightly acidic, moist well drained soils.
National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Trees
Western Edition
Bowen Park
Bowen is Nanaimo's largest innercity park; it straddles the Millstone River just north of downtown, starting just above the river's estuary and stretching well upstream.
Bowen is an old and beautiful park featuring beautiful forest and riverfront spots, and a well loved Rhododendron grove.
The park is especially gorgeous in the autumn.
This was taken in the parking lot of the Bowen Seniors complex - the sun's impact on the view immediately caught my eye:
This lovely lady resides nearby the Raines Cabin...
Bowen is an old and beautiful park featuring beautiful forest and riverfront spots, and a well loved Rhododendron grove.
The park is especially gorgeous in the autumn.
This was taken in the parking lot of the Bowen Seniors complex - the sun's impact on the view immediately caught my eye:
This lovely lady resides nearby the Raines Cabin...
The Raines Cabin
Bowen Park
The Raines cabin lies within Bowen Park, but may face demolition if the City of Nanaimo cannot locate a group to relocate it, as the City believes it is becoming a hazard.
According to a plaque on the site, the cabin was built in 1872 at Nanaimo River Delta, and became the property of the Raines family in 1897. It was donated to the Nanaimo Centennial Museum in 1984 and restored to near its original condition that year.
According to a plaque on the site, the cabin was built in 1872 at Nanaimo River Delta, and became the property of the Raines family in 1897. It was donated to the Nanaimo Centennial Museum in 1984 and restored to near its original condition that year.
The Eye of the Dragon
Newcastle Channel
These photographs were taken from the bow of the dragon boat U BETTE on October 26, 2008. My thanks to the crew for making them possible.This view is typical of the west (city) side of Newcastle Channel, with its marinas and condominiums lining the shore.
The West side of Newcastle Island (Newcastle Channel) displays fascinating sculpted sandstone caves... soon to be the subject of another lens...
Newcastle Island
Speaking of dragon boat paddlers and their dedication to the sport, no display of Nanaimo colour would be complete without the Bra Tree. Nanaimo's dragon boat teams began hanging their undies on this piling in the Spring of 2008, and things, er, sorta got out of hand. (This tree does not appear in the Field Guide to Western Trees.)
Millstone River
This photograph shot from a footbridge in Bowen Park
This one was shot from the bow of the U BETTE, which entered the river from Swy-a-lana Lagoon.
This one was shot from the bow of the U BETTE, which entered the river from Swy-a-lana Lagoon.
Field Guide to Western Trees
A Collage of Colour
curated content from Flickr
Visit Spectacular Vancouver Island
More Nanaimo Resources
This maple is across the street from my home, and fills the living room window with an incredible range of colour.
- Nanaimo's Annual Bathtub Race
- The Great Race starts in Nanaimo harbor and ends at the beach at Nanaimo's Departure Bay.
The 36-mile course leaves Nanaimo harbor around Entrance Island, up to and around Winchelsea Island, past Schooner cove and back to Departure Bay.
And yes, it helps to be a little crazy to do this. Tubbers are a weird lot :-) - Nanaimo's Spectacular Harbour
- I've enjoyed living in Nanaimo, the harbour city, for nearly 40 years. Nanaimo is located in the center of the east coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, and once you've been here, you may never leave.
Visitors are amazed by our people, places, adventures, and entertainment. They find space to breathe, to relax, and to reconnect.
Slip through our protected waters by kayak or try your hand at a ropes course through the trees. Take in the natural surroundings of the area with a stroll along the waterfront walkway or through one of our picturesque parks.
Although shopping in Nanaimo is always in season, I want to introduce you to Nanaimo's spectacular harbour, where you don't have to spend a penny to take in the incredible beauty. - Nanaimo's Seawalk - Shops and Views
- Nanaimo's popular seawalk includes interesting shops, a few great restaurants, and a wide range of spectacular views.
Around the Neighborhood
These photographs were taken on November 3, 2008, late into Fall, within 1km of Departure Bay Road.
This Willow offers a spectacular display!
Great Cameras on eBay
Digital Cameras have come of age - eBay's a great place to get them!
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand by
Sour Tree in Flame!
I could not resist taking shots of this riot of contrasting colour, with another Oxydendron Arborium, The Sour or "Lily of the Valley" Tree, in the foreground and a Japanese Maple peeking out from behind it.
Around the Neighborhood Two
You almost need dark glasses to view this incredible Japanese Maple!
Look at the range of colours arrayed on this Canadian Maple!
Look at the range of colours arrayed on this Canadian Maple!
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- Mortira Mortira Nov 16, 2008 @ 12:12 am
- Nanaimo has some of the most beautiful trees in the world. The Japanese Maples are my favorite! Welcome to the Four Seasons group! 5 stars!
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- Sandra Sandra Oct 30, 2008 @ 3:08 pm
- Great pix Ken
Great Tree Information from Amazon
The Big Burn: Teddy Roosevelt and the Fire that Saved America
Amazon Price: $14.58 (as of 12/02/2009) 
The Sibley Guide to Trees
Amazon Price: $26.37 (as of 12/02/2009)
The Lorax (Classic Seuss)
Amazon Price: $10.17 (as of 12/02/2009)
Bear Stays Up for Christmas
Amazon Price: $9.99 (as of 12/02/2009)
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