Discover Sooke

Sooke, British Columbia in the winter – it could be a balmy 20 degrees Celsius, with crystal clear skies, or it could be grey and damp, with a constant drizzle. Or it could be like it is today; the wind is howling and bone-chilling, the ground is blanketed with fresh white snow, the waves are raging in the Juan de Fuca Strait, and the west coast sky is a schizophrenic mix of cyan blue and ominous opaque cloud-cover.

But, it’s one of those rare days on south-west Vancouver Island where you can dig out the winter boots and snow pants, pull on your fluffy wool toque, and trek out into the west coast winter wonderland…even if it is only a centimeter or two. Whether you choose to hop in your toboggan and slide down a gentle slope, walk along snow-covered paths at East Sooke Park and take in the breathtaking backdrop, or simply gaze at the view from a cozy spot in front of your fireplace and sipping a cup of gingerbread hot cocoa (Bombora Gifts carries a yummy variety), we can all agree that a little snow at this time of year is perfect.

In truth, we love it and we hate it. It gives us something tangible to complain about, but it also makes us appreciate how great we have it most of the time with our mild climate. While little rivals the winter-land beauty of the crisp snow contrasted against the vibrant green coastal rainforests of the Sooke region, we are reminded to take care on roads and slow down. Despite the inconvenience of the cold and scraping the snow off the windshield with a CD case, bundled up in our warmest clothes we feel a youthful joy, like being a kid again.

So, I’m going to enjoy it, because soon enough the snow will melt and our snowstorm of 2008 will be a fleeting memory. Sooke in the winter – it makes me love living here even more.

Check out the photo of the week, taken today near Muir Creek: www.discoversooke.com. And, don’t forget to check out the rest of the official Discover Sooke Online website to learn more about Sooke businesses and our community.

Filed under: Latest News on December 14th, 2008