Category: Travel

Above the Mist

Featured Image Above: A street art mural from the township of ‘Chemainus’ on the way to Nanaimo

Today’s poem below, is the one I gave to ‘Sandra’, my cousin Penny’s, sister-in-law, at our luncheon meet up in Nanaimo

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Above the Mist

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The train of peace and serenity
Has been sliding from futurity to eternity

But now, atop Mount Tzouhalen
Above the misty column of stardom
And above the world’s harbouring problems

I am in another home away from home
Within the Cowichan tribe’s honeycomb
Savouring nature’s harmonious thunderdme

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Ivor Steven (c) September 2025

“Birds” at The Raptors (Duncan)

The Raptors, located in the heart of the Cowichan Valley near the township of Duncan, offers compelling and interactive experiences with a variety of birds of prey species. Get closer than you ever imagined to eagles, hawks, owls, falcons and more during our daily flying demonstrations, hands-on encounters and conservation talks. 

At The Raptors, our birds soar the skies unfettered and return – not always when we expect them to! They live enriched, fulfilled lives as educational ambassadors for their species. Guided by our team of biologists and falconers, visitors will gain a profound appreciation and understanding for the vital role these intelligent and majestic predators play in maintaining our delicate ecosystems.

The Great Horned Owl

The Bald Eagle

The Harris Hawk

The Gyr Falcon

Bald Eagle in flight

Ivor the bird man

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Ivor Steven (c) Sept 2025

Butchart Gardens

An awesome day with my Canadian family (cousins) at the incredible Butchart Gardens.

My cousins, Reeny, Lynn, and Penny. The family photo, Maureen, Robin, Lynn, Ivor, Penny, and Dave

Barbara (our travelling companion from Wainwright), Maureen. Me with my tall cousins, Penny, and Lynn

My favourite blooms from the rose garden

The three Sturgeon’s fountain

The spectacular Sunken Garden

Totem poles in the garden

The Italian garden

The jade Japanese Garden

A giant redwood tree

This article is becoming long and “boring”

Leaving the gorgeous Butchart Gardens I walked past a ‘Turbo Snail’

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Ivor Steven (c) Sept 2025

Aspiring to Spiral Higher

Today we drove to downtown Victoria

There were many inspiring spires

We had lunch at the Flying Otter Restaurant

Victoria’s Inner Harbour area

The shopping mall and my purchase at Russell Books

My photos of some fascinating street art murals

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Aspiring to Spiral Higher

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Higher than the hovering bees,
I am gazing beyond the towering trees.

Wondering:
Does all that sky ever feel at ease
Hanging above our polluted seas?

Wandering,
Through life on blended knees,
I am like yesterday’s mountain breeze-
Aspiring to spiral around the big freeze.

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Ivor Steven (c) Sept 2025

A Kite in Flight

Island View Beach and kites, with my wonderful cousins, Lynn, Mungo, Robin, and Kelly

On the Island View Beach and kites

Deer in my cousins yard

Kites in flight

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A Kite in Flight

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Serendipity is overwhelming my soul
I am tripping the lights fantastic
From cloud nine to cloud nine
My feet have not touched the ground
I am living a surreal dream that has come true

I am an untethered kite in flight
Free as a bird, enjoying all the wondrous sights
I am in a land full of kind hearts
And breathing in all the light that surrounds me
I have reached the stars of my universe
But wait, there will be more from beyond to this verse

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Ivor Steven (c) Sept 2025

The Stonehouse Pub and Canoe Cove Marina

The Saanich Peninsula, is a beautiful stretch of land on southern Vancouver Island, just north of Victoria. It’s bordered by the Saanich Inlet to the west and Haro Strait to the east, with a rich history tied to the W̱SÁNEĆ (Saanich) First Nations, whose name means “emerging people”

It’s a fitting place for a poet to wander—rolling hills, coastal views, and a quiet kind of magic in the air.

The historic Stonehouse Pub

A rustic atmosphere and friendly staff

Excellent beer and doggie friendly

The Canoe Cove marina was a fascinating place

Andrea was the new owner of this boat being lifted out of the water, and she graciously accepted one of my poetry cards

The boats had some interesting names: Cloud Nine and Spill the Wine

At the end of the day, Mungo looking exactly like I am feeling

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Ivor Steven (c) Sept 2025

From the Mountains to the Sea

A Picnic in the Rocky’s

Leaving Salmon Arm

On the outskirts of Vancouver heading towards the Ferry

The ferry from Vancouver to Sidney (Vancouver Island)

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From the Mountains to the Sea

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I am gradually drifting down
From out of the mountains smoky shroud
Toward the seaside playground
To rejoin a welcoming crowd

Where around the magical island
There will be more stories unfold
As time quickly filters through my hand
But these precious moments will be all molded
Into poetic lines, written in charcoal and gold

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Ivor Steven (c) Sept 2025

Up Among the Embers

The smoky Rocky’s on the way back to Vancouver, and Frankie waiting at the front door for my sister-in-law to come from work.

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Up Among the Embers

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Climbing higher and higher
Riser after blackened riser
Hovering above the forest fire
In the middle of this smoky mire

Here, beside her charred pyre
Listening to her hallelujah choir

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Ivor Steven (c) Sept 2025

Jasper and the Rocky Mountains

Leaving Jasper and then going for a scenic ride on Whistlers Skytram.

The Skytram

Driving through the Rocky Mountains

The picturesque scenery through the “Rocky’s” was spectacular

Then after 7 hours on the road, we the see the sunset at Salmon Arm, our overnight destination …

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Ivor Steven (c) Sept 2025

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Ivor Steven (c) Sept 2025