We often walk along the Englishman River, and I find it fascinating that such a mighty river often has such a humble aspect. Originating on the high slopes of Mount Arrowsmith, the river and its many tributaries create a tremendous watershed on central Vancouver Island, one that supports the salmon spawning grounds, thousands of species of plants and animals…while also serving as the water supply for most of the Oceanside region of the island.
The Englishman River can be fast and dangerous as well as slow and lazy, and when I walked down to this quiet bend one August afternoon, it was tranquil and transparent as it turned the corner. There was no sound but the water and the birds, and it was a magical moment.
I’ve just finished the E painting in my Farmstand Alphabet series.
Check out The Bend In the River!
