• Martha SleutelVancouver Island, CanadaMartha Sleutel
    Charlie among the giants (ferns and trees)
    Reflection of mountains in the clouds in Antler LakeMountain and clouds reflected in lakeView of Antler Lake and mountains through treesA sea of green ferns2Giant douglas fir and CharlieEnchanted forestRipe blueberries!Charlie clamors over rocks into Insect CaveCorner Cave with mossUpana River runs through Resurgence Cave. Can you see someone exploring the left part?A smaller stream inside the caveUpana River running through Resurgence CaveView to forest from inside caveUpana River exiting Resurgence CaveFoxgloves by the side of the road (at least 3 feet tall!)Closer view of foxgloveIn town, carved bearChain saw art on benchMore chain saw art

    Antler Lake and Upana Caves

    July 10 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 68 °F

    We started our last day in Gold River at Antler Lake. The trail circles the lake through enchanting old growth forests, meadows, and green hillsides. We sampled ripe blueberries, raspberries, and salmonberries along the path. See pics.

    The Upana Caves area is a cluster of interconnected caves within one small area. The Upana River runs through some of the caves (and goes underground!). The caves are open for all to explore. Some people went deep into the caves, scrambling over rocks and through small tunnels, but we were happy to look at each cave from at or near their entrances. Really unique experience!

    Back at Gold River, locals told us that they have a heated community pool, open to all, but they have to close it in summer. Why? Everyone swims in the 50 degree waterfall pools and lakes! BRRRR!

    As a final note about Gold River, we noticed impressive chain saw carvings all over town. The last 3 pics are 3 examples near our hotel.    Read more