Picture of the Day: Steam Fog in the Forest

Some dramatic scenes in the forest today

This morning it was raining heavily and so I didn't expect to be able to go walking outside.

However, by around 10.30am the skies cleared up to reveal patches of blue and about an hour later I headed out to Pacific Spirit Park.

I walked along a trail that went west and then I turned and went south towards the University of British Columbia. Then I started walking east and then north and that's when I started to see what's called "steam fog", when there is a steam or mist due to the change in temperature and the sun's rays hit is creating a dramatic sight.

The steam fog revealed sun's rays

Only when I saw a person taking pictures of this "steam fog" and the rays hitting the trees that I took my smartphone out to take photos too.

Every few paces I would turn around and marvel at the phenomenon unfolding in front of me and take more pictures.

After a while, perhaps because the temperatures were getting warmer and evened out that the "steam fog" was less pronounced, or perhaps I was in a different area of the park that there were no more dramatic sights.

Nevertheless, I felt extremely lucky to be able to witness such an awe-inspiring scene! 

PIcture of the Day: Forest Bathing

Looking up at these green giants in the forest

Shinrin yoku is the Japanese term for forest bathing, or the process of relaxation. People turn to hobbies, sports, music and exercise.

I do this literally by going into Pacific Spirit Park and letting myself be a tiny person amongst the really tall Douglas Firs.

The trails in this forest host avid runners, hikers and dogs that are arguably the fittest in Vancouver, as they run around this massive playground.

Recently in a bid to appreciate the trees even further, I have begun putting my hand on the tree trunk and looking up to appreciate the tree.

One fun fact is that a large tree can provide a day's supply of oxygen for up to four people!