Along the Botanic Loop walk, there are several short paths off to the ocean shore, where you can explore. As land-locked Albertans, every chance we get to sit and contemplate the vastness of the ocean, we jump at it.
As this is a Provincial Park and conservation area, signs are posted requesting you be careful walking on the rocks, so as not to damage the habitat. Also, warning signs are posted to stay back from the edge of the shore during windy conditions, lest you be swept out to sea. No problem, we were there to take it easy and thus in no hurry.
Our view of Botany Bay as we came down the staircase from the trail
Views from the beach
People on the beach
In the 2nd slide below, Patty seems to be saying, “Why do men always have to climb things?” Benji says, hey, you forgot to include me.
Greenery on the beach
Fascinating geology
Veterans of the sea
After exploring for a bit, it was back on the trail.
Not much to tell. After working for 3 companies over 43+ years (38 years 7 months with my last company), I finally got that promotion I had waited my entire career for……retirement.
I have been exploring this new career for the past 7+ years and while it is not always exciting, the chance to do what I want for myself and my family instead of what my company wants has been very fulfilling. Early on, there was a long list of projects in my “to-do” hopper and I attacked these projects with a vengeance for the first 9 months of retirement. Eventually, my brain told me that this was not what retirement was about, so it took me another 5 months before my industriousness again took over and I attacked another line of projects, this time somewhat shorter and less complicated, as well as many new projects related to the family weddings in 2016. After going hard for 6 weeks and 3 weddings, my body was telling me to relax, then the flu bug hit and as soon as that was done with me, my sciatic acted up. No rest for the wicked. In 2020 and 2021, the Covid 19 pandemic changed the whole retirement gig. I was lucky to not be still working, for sure.
I enjoy photography, gardening, working with my hands, walking, cycling, skiing, travelling, reading and creating special photo and video productions obtained in my first pastime. I may never become wealthy in any of these pursuits, but I already feel I am rich in life experiences far beyond any expectation.
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And doubly so since they brought out a cool (literally and figuratively) atmosphere to me, which is extremely welcomed during this heat wave. Thank you for sharing them: very timely!
What are the dots on the trunk? (3rd photo in first slide show)
Heat waves seem to be going on most everywhere these days. It was a cool day for this walk. The holes were likely made by marine isopods (gribbles or shipworms). Thanks for reading. Allan
It was rugged for sure. I think the signs were there for the Insta crowd, who tend to damage things and take extreme risks to get that perfect shot. I was like that in the era before Insta. Not quite as bad as the guy who fell into Vesuvius crater when he dropped his phone, but my wife says I took risks. The rocks would survive, but the little critters might not. Thanks for reading John. Allan
Beautiful pictures, Allan. Looks like a lovely spot to slow down and focus on the smaller details. I couldn’t agree more about the allure of the ocean of wanting to be near it when you have the chance. Take care. Linda
It was just nice to be exploring somewhere different. The West Coast has such great variety from one area to another. It was good to be there at low tide and see little snippets of sea life. What is it about the ocean? Thanks for reading Linda. Happy Friday. Allan
It seems like in every area, there’s one thing that’s lacking and then you go on a vacation to get your fill of it. In California, it’s snow. People go up to “snow country” aka Lake Tahoe or Yosemite to get their fix. In the UK it’s sun. People go to Spain, Southern France or Egypt, or anywhere in the Mediterranean to get their fix of sun
PHOTO DROP 
A nice walk near the Ocean is always welcome by me too! The photos are lovely💖💖💖
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Thanks Luisa. It is always nice to have the gift of a sea view on a walk. This walk was such a walk. Thanks for coming along. Allan
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Thank you for sharing your wonderful hikes!
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🚶♂️🙂
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And doubly so since they brought out a cool (literally and figuratively) atmosphere to me, which is extremely welcomed during this heat wave. Thank you for sharing them: very timely!
What are the dots on the trunk? (3rd photo in first slide show)
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Heat waves seem to be going on most everywhere these days. It was a cool day for this walk. The holes were likely made by marine isopods (gribbles or shipworms). Thanks for reading. Allan
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Any ocean visit is always marvellous!
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I 100% agree, especially given we are flat landers. Thanks for reading Lynette. Allan
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This place reminds me a lot of the Oregon Coast. You can breathe when you’re at the ocean. Wonderful photos
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I can see the similarities to both sides of the border. We are lucky to be able to visit the ocean as often as we do. Thanks for reading Ann. Allan
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I love this rugged coastline. The sign is funny. I’d be more worried about personal injury than damaging the rocks if I fell. 😄
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It was rugged for sure. I think the signs were there for the Insta crowd, who tend to damage things and take extreme risks to get that perfect shot. I was like that in the era before Insta. Not quite as bad as the guy who fell into Vesuvius crater when he dropped his phone, but my wife says I took risks. The rocks would survive, but the little critters might not. Thanks for reading John. Allan
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Beautiful pictures, Allan. Looks like a lovely spot to slow down and focus on the smaller details. I couldn’t agree more about the allure of the ocean of wanting to be near it when you have the chance. Take care. Linda
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It was just nice to be exploring somewhere different. The West Coast has such great variety from one area to another. It was good to be there at low tide and see little snippets of sea life. What is it about the ocean? Thanks for reading Linda. Happy Friday. Allan
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Hi Allan, there seems to be a lot to explore in Botany Bay. From all these great photos, it looks like you had a really nice and interesting visit.
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It gave us more than promised for sure. It was a beautiful spot to explore and I am glad you have enjoyed it Blanca. Happy Friday. Allan
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Looks like a fun hike on the rocks. The greenery on the beach, a scenic place to wander.
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The beach was better than we expected. So much of interest to see. Thanks for reading Ruth. Allan
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It seems like in every area, there’s one thing that’s lacking and then you go on a vacation to get your fill of it. In California, it’s snow. People go up to “snow country” aka Lake Tahoe or Yosemite to get their fix. In the UK it’s sun. People go to Spain, Southern France or Egypt, or anywhere in the Mediterranean to get their fix of sun
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You are so right. We can not live by the ocean, but love to visit whenever we can. Snow and sun we get. Thanks for reading. Allan
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Nowhere has the perfect amount of everything, and sometimes, you need a fix of something. Simple!
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