Ivor.Plumber/Poet

The Kinsol Trestle

The Trestle, one of the few accessible and visible reminders of early mining and logging industries, brings history to life in such a powerful way. At the end of the 19th century, the race was on to build railways so that lumber and minerals could be more easily shipped. Construction of the Kinsol Trestle started in 1911 when a more efficient way to transport huge, old-growth timber was needed.
Designed by engineers but built by local farmers and loggers, the Kinsol Trestle is one of the tallest free-standing and most spectacular timber rail trestle structures in the world. At 614 feet in length and standing 145 feet above the salmon bearing Koksilah River, the Kinsol Trestle is an incredible structure.
.

The Kinsol Trestle over Koksilah River

The view from the bridge

Ivor Steven (c) September 2025

The Ferry Back to Brentwood Bay and North Saanich

Late Monday morning. After visiting the incredible Kinsol Trestle, it was time to board the Mill Bay to Brentwood Bay ferry, and then drive back to cousin Lynn’s place in North Saanich.

On the ferry from Mill Bay to Brentwood Bay with Penny and Dave

Senanus Island and approaching Brentwood Bay.

After lunch at Lynn’s place in North Saanich, it was a fond farewell to Penny and Dave, who headed back to Duncan and Maple Bay (Mount Tzouhalen) …

Ivor Steven (c) September 2025

The Tourist Has a Rest Day

Lady O and the O’men

Sunday we drove up the coast, not too far away, for lunch and live music at the Osborne Bay Pub. And I meet a group of Penny and Dave’s friends, Nancy & Joe, Joy, Jane & David, Pauline & Patrick, and Hermann. (Yep, they all received one of Ivor’s poetry cards)

The Tourist Has a Rest Day

Where else would I want to be?
On a rainy Sunday afternoon
But at the rustic Osborne Bay Pub
Overlooking the opal blue bay
For my Canadian tour’s rest day

There, listening to live jazz music
From the talented, Lady O and the O’men
Enjoying the Irish Guinness beer on tap
Then sipping on a Cabernet Sauvignon
From Smoky Bay, South Eastern Australia

Ivor Steven (c) September 2025

Gabriola Island

From the delightful township of Nanaimo we went by ferry over to the picturesque Gabriola Island, where I had arranged to meet up with my fellow WordPress pen-friend, Louise Gallagher. We had previously met via Ali Grimshaw’s, ‘Writing Circle’ Zoom meetings. Meeting Louise in person was very exciting for both of us. Our shared love of words and nature made Gabriola the perfect backdrop for a memorable meeting, now captured in the images that follow.

Cousin Penny and Louise. Louse’s lovely sunflowers

Louise and Ivor together with Bau, David, and Penny on the sundeck

The view from Louise’s sundeck

On the beach in front of Louise’s house

Louise: https://dareboldly.com/ and, https://sundayswithbeaumont.com/

Ali Grimshaw: https://flashlightbatteries.blog/

Gabriola Island

Ivor Steven (c) September 2025

Duncan’s Totem Trail (a Haiku)

The traditional towering totems of the Cowichan Tribe in Duncan

Duncan’s Totem Trail

Follow the footsteps
Around Duncan’s Totem trail
Cowichan stories

Ivor Steven (c) September 2025

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

Above the Mist

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

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

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’

Ivor Steven (c) Sept 2025

Throwback Friday, Within Us

I am entering the last five days of my journey to Canada and appropriately I have chosen “Within Us” as my Throwback Friday poem. This nostalgic piece also appears in my book “Tullawalla”, Chapter 6, page 98.

Remembering our 49th wedding anniversary, Carole

Within Us

The oceans wave us goodbye.
Sand and sea, one beach.
Like the surfs white crest.
Love is, within our lonely breasts.

The lands push us apart.
Alps and plains, one realm.
Like a rivers rocky cascade.
Love is, a turbulent escapade,

The sky opens us up.
Dawn and dusk, one sun.
Like the moons daytime eclipse.
Love is, a hidden apocalypse.

The universe covers us complete.
Stars and planets, one creation.
Like the distant Milky Way.
Love is, within us to stay.