Saturday, October 26, 2019

Picnicking at Saltery Bay Provincial Park


Picnicking in the truck out of the wind.
Continuing our road trip excursions, today we drove 28 kilometres south from Powell River to enjoy fall foliage and sunshine at Saltery Bay Provincial Park.

There are two parts to the park, the Mermaid Cove Campground with 42 sites that are open from May 15 to September 15, and the day use picnic area that is open all year. It's called Mermaid Cove because of a bronze mermaid statue at 10 fathoms that is popular with scuba divers.

We stopped by a favourite restaurant south of town called Skeeter Jacks to pick up a sandwich and drinks to take with us for an impromptu picnic.

Oceanfront grass, trees and picnic tables.

The wind was blowing 25 knots so we sat in the cab of our truck while we ate. Then we took a stroll down the beach to watch the waves rolling in and enjoy the colourful fall foliage. On calmer days, there's a public boat launch available.

Clear blue skies to set off the last of the bright yellow maple leaves.

I'll leave you with this YouTube video by themarinedetective about scuba diving to see The Mermaid. Way back I was a scuba diver, but I never experienced anything this special.


It's good to remember to visit and enjoy places near home. What are some of your local favourites? -- Margy

22 comments :

  1. So very often the close to home places are overlooked, looks like a lovely spot you checked out,

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    1. So true. I lived near to Disneyland in Anaheim and only went four times in my life there (over 35 years). Think of how many people spend lots of money to get there.

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  2. That’s a great spot...I’m so glad you included the video of the dive to the mermaid statue. I wasn’t even sure I read it right at first when you said the statue was located at ten fathoms.... that is so neat to know! (For me, it’s like knowing there are wilderness areas ... I will never hike there or see them but I am so happy they are there ... same with beautiful statues miles under the sea!)

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    1. When I was diving they didn't have personal camera that could do underwater photography. I love seeing the statue as well. - Margy

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    1. Thanks. It was a fun little staycation kind of trip. - Margy

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  4. I'd love to visit the park. That mermaid statue would be awesome to see!

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    1. Divers come to see her. We have another dive attraction in Powell River. A little over a year ago they sank on of the old cement boats from the paper mill to become an artificial reef. The boat was prepared to ensure no harsh chemicals or fuel would get into the sea and then used dynamite to scuttle the ship near shore but in water deep enough to not danger boat traffic. - Margy

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  5. Margy - that mermaid looks quite realistic! One of our favorite places for a picnic is along the Swan River, with a superb view of the mountains in the distance. Enjoy the rest of your week.

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    1. Not long ago I recall that she was cleaned of underwater growth to make her more distinct. - Margy

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  6. I like strolling though the woodlands close to my home. Very beautiful seasonal shots!

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    1. We have some great trails that start at the edge of town, and one that follows the ocean shore with lots of historical logging equipment to see along the way. - Margy

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  7. Such a beautiful place for a picnic. I would have loved to join you.

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    1. It is. We have several oceanside parks to choose from. - Margy

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  8. Wow, that's an awesome place to stop! How cool that the mermaid is 'down there'!!

    Locally, I enjoy going the the ocean to watch the waves any day of the week!

    I'm so glad to see you at 'My Corner of the World' this week!

    My Corner of the World

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    1. I love waves too, watching from shore. Normally we have calm seas, but during storms coming from the southeast we can get some really large ones. - Margy

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  9. You always take me to the nicest places and this picnic is no exception. Fun!

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    1. Thank you. Next we will go to the end of the road. - Margy

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  10. It is such a great idea to (re)discover some of the places close to home as well. Even though it was windy, seems like you had a fabulous day...plus gorgeous fall foliage!

    -Soma

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    1. Why is it we skip over places many people travel from great distances to enjoy. - Margy

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  11. The bright yellow maple trees are SO beautiful!

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    1. Tis the end of the season. A few wind storms and the leaves have fallen already. - Margy

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Thanks for stopping by. Comments, questions, and suggestions are always welcome. - Margy