Nymph Falls, Puntledge River, Courtenay
Feather, Nymph Falls
Rocks Puntledge R, Courtenay
Old man's beard, Nymph Falls
Bison & calf, Oyster Bay, Vancouver Is
View from garden, Belle Vue B&B, Courtenay, Vancouver Is
After a breakfast feast served by our host Walter, we organised some washing and then drove to a scenic reserve area called the Nymph Falls.
These are extensive cascades rather than actual high waterfalls on the Puntledge River with dense and dark spruce forests on either side.
There are a number of walking tracks within the reserve area and about a 2 km section that run adjacent to the river from near the car park. We spent several hours in this idyllic spot following the cascades and walking out onto vantage points where possible. The river was about 50 m wide and flowing fast with treacherous whirlpools and small waterfalls. There were many signs along the river bank warning potential swimmers of the extreme danger associated with undercurrents, submerged hazards and slippery rocks.
Even the thought of rafting down this section of the river’s cascade would be very difficult and only for the absolute experts.
There is a weir and hydroelectric power station further upstream and in warm sunny conditions we walked through the forest upstream until we reached this point which was where the track terminated.
Despite the water being crystal clear, there was no sign of any salmon or other fish moving upstream even though ladders had been installed at the weir for the fish to use.
We then drove towards Campbell River town and stopped for lunch at a small coastal resort and marina. The person serving us lunch was a bit gruff and plonked plates of soup and cups of coffee down on our table without a smile or a pleasant manner. It made us contemplate this fact when we were still expected to give a 15-20% tip on top of the bill.
We then went to a farm that grows bison and water buffalo for their meat. There were 150 or so of these large beasts grazing close to the road and we managed to get close enough for some photos. The farm shop attendant told us of the dietary value of the dark lean meat and its special taste so we bought some processed sausage meat (cabana style) to try. It was very much like standard beef but darker in colour.
Along the road near the bison farm we laughed when we saw a sign on the side of the road offering ‘organic firewood’ for sale. We assumed that this was evidence of a sense of humour rather than the words of an extreme greeny.
To finish off the day we drove back into Courtenay for an evening meal in a popular local eating place which was packed out on a Friday evening.