On Haslam Creek

There are many of these gorgeous little creeks along BC’s Sunshine Coast, bordered by lush ferns and old, old evergreens.  Few people ever see these little gems, because they’re not very accessible. This one, called Haslam Creek (or McNeill Creek), drains McNeill Lake near the small community of Madeira Park. There’s no trail along the creek. Just some mountain bike routes that cross it. McNeill Lake supplies drinking water to the local communities. In the summer it’s a fabulous place to swim. (Just don’t, you know, mess up the water.) In the spring and fall, the fishing’s pretty good, too.

These photos were taken on one of those dead still winter evenings, when the only sounds were the flowing water, the buzzing thrushes (sounding like whistles) and a scolding junco. I sat amongst old-growth hemlock, fir and cedar and let the chill seep into my skin.

Some of these little creeks look like they should hold cutthroat trout. I may have to cast a fly here soon and see what turns up.

I’ll let you know.