Of Waterfalls and the Love Project
The islands, I fondly call my paradise on the west coast of Canada are home to so many rain forests and lakes, pristine sandy beaches, rocky coastlines, and tons of trails. You could then understand if when the weather gets a little warmer, I cut myself from hibernation to just play under the sun. Despite the pandemic, I adhere to protocols in respect of other people and for my own safety in general. At this time of the year in the pandemic, people are really wanting to get out and be in nature, or just maybe it’s what we British Columbians love to do.
Last weekend, my former buddy and I went for a spontaneous camping spree to Sombrio Beach, about 96 km northwest of Victoria. From the Juan de Fuca Highway as you turn left to the park is a dirt road of about 15 minutes to the parking lot and is a bit windy and downhill. A 4x4 would take that road swiftly.
From the parking lot is another 15–20 minutes hike to the beach, along well-paved gravel that a trolly for your camping gears can easily make its way through. Lucky to be there at just the right time, a couple was ready to leave in an hour or two so we struck a deal to have their pad after them. The guy was a surfer while the girl was strapped with what I thought was a full-frame DSLR.
Tent pitched at last. Now I’m free to roam the beach and headed north. At this time, it was still chilly and the cool breeze effected goosebumps as my skin was exposed to the elements. With my lens ball in tow, I captured several photos and a few videos of the beach, and the horizon that is quintessentially west coast beach. Soon darkness took over and grateful for the campfire for warmth. The waves are getting stronger and louder that quickly consumed the silence of the growing night sky. We were lucky to enjoy an evening by a campfire under a star-dusted sky. I could hardly sleep that night. The ocean waves were just bursting one wave after another. It was getting louder and louder and it seemed like the tent could be washed ashore. At about 4 AM, it started raining.
At dawn, and since I can’t sleep anyway and needed to relieve myself, I stepped out of the tent to a pitch blue morning. I see shadows and noticed a few of the campers were already leaving. The heavy rain stopped, thankfully. Later that morning, we made a short hike to the Hidden Falls, probably about 20 minutes away from our tent. This was where we found PROJECT BLUE JAY.
It was a tribute initiated and created by “the mama” of Jason (Jay). Years ago, Jason gave his mom a painted blue stone that currently lives in her garden as a symbol of love. Jason as described by his mom was a loving man with an inclusive and empathetic heart. He was an artist expressing himself through painting, music, dance, spoken word, and journaling.
Sadly, on June 23rd last year Jason ended his life that left his whole family in shock. This love project was initiated with love by “mama” to honor the best parts that make up the beautiful man that Jason was. It was also meant to spread joy aside from coping with her own grief.
Jason and his family lived in California. These BLUE JAY stones were thoughtfully placed all over the United States and with the help of some of their friends made their way too to other countries. And so it did and one lived at the Hidden Falls by Sombrio Beach where I found it. I’m happy to have encountered one BLUE JAY and quite honestly, there was a temptation to keep it. I love what it represented and how a painted rock brought me joy and curiosity to dig its roots. May you rest in eternal peace Jason.
