Trip Dates: June 28, 2014
In my post on Nanaimo Urban Lakes I mentioned that I had not found a good place to put in on Harewood Lake. Thanks to the comments of two helpful commentors, I was able to find the place. They were right, it is indeed off of Godfrey Road just across from Fernwillow.
It looks like this:
And once your are out on the lake looking back, it looks like this:
I have to say my expectations were not high for this little lake. The coal tailings and access under the power line belie a gem of unusual beauty. This is a classic Vancouver Island wetland lake, surrounded by a fringe of sedges, rushes, and willows.
Paul and I and Molly made our way slowly around the lake, enjoying the reed banks, but also the long meandering wall of rock that forms the North Western shore of the lake. Near the put-in on this shore is a sign that says, "Island Wildlife Sanctuary, private Property, KEEP OUT. I tried to Google this sanctuary without finding anything. Does anyone know anything about this? Can people make donations to help keep this gem looking beautiful?
Just to the right of that platform at the top of the stairs is a little path that leads to unobtrusive diving board.
At the far end of the lake we stopped so I could experiment with paddles. (I wanted to order a new one) and will write a review of what I ended up buying.
And eat our lunch among the lilly pads.
Then we lazily cruised around the lake for awhile enjoying the tranquility and beauty.
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Nice companion who enjoyed your paddle too, nice dog. The lake does look very nice for a relaxing, leisure paddle, it has some vegetation. Good you found put in to the place.
ReplyDeleteharewood lake is a great paddle, very peaceful and scenic. a couple of locals told us the property with the sign is owned by a cranky guy who yells at people to get off his lake. he does not own it though, and we were told to ignore him if confronted. there is no wildlife sanctuary, he put the sign up to deter people. also the diving board is now broken; i guess someone tried to use it!!
ReplyDeletethank you for your very informative site:)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the update Nancy! Too bad the property is not actually a wildlife sanctuary, sad to think that area might be developed at some point. I know there is a lot of development going on down slope from there. Glad to hear others are enjoying this little gem. Happy paddling!
ReplyDeletethanks for the updates..its really helpful and informative.
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Harewood lake is beautiful thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteHare wood lake is mindblowing
ReplyDeleteThis blog was absolutely nice, It is really very well written and explaining in a very simple Language.Lot of great information which can be helpful.Great job, keep it up..
ReplyDeletelove your blog especially the photos!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Tania!
DeleteAre there trails around this lake? I live relatively close and wouldn’t even know how to get there
ReplyDeleteTo my knowledge there are no trails around the lake, but I have not visited for several years. I recently asked a local about the "nature reserve" on the one side of the lake. He informed me that it is private property. So I would assume that means a trail would be unlikely.
DeleteI really like you words and appreciate your article post. Really Cool please keep writing.
ReplyDeleteI hiked in yesterday from the road and found that the cabin has been broken into and ransacked. But not damaged to bad as of yet. The hydro service has been cut at the cabin and the lakeside picnic table burnt.
ReplyDeleteSad to see as a few years ago it was powered up and safe and secure.
Does anybody know how to get in touch with the owner so the place can be re secured before it's completely distroid
Unfortunately I do not know who the owner is. Sad to hear this, but I know it is common now with vacation property. The times we live in...
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