A sanctuary with giant trees, a clear stream, a couple of rapids and the other version of 'Niagara Falls'; it is a hiker's and picnicer's choice destination during any season.
The annual fall pilgrimage to Goldstream Park continues despite drizzle, cold, fog and a threat of snow. Why come here? Chinook Salmon make their way upstream to spawn - and subsequently die. Gulls, mink, racoon, the odd bear and eagles congregate around the stream, where decaying salmon cadavers provide plentyful feed for all of them.
Having given their all when alive to next years new salmon crop, they now offer their spent bodies to other creatures.
This year, the expected 20,000 fish did not turn up in such great numbers. So far only 5,000 or so found their birthplace, cleaned a sandy place in the gravelly riverbed, laid and buried their eggs, and defended their 'nest' until they died.
Screaming gulls pounce, as soon as the fish is too weak to flee, eat the unprotected eyes first, then wait, until the tough hide of the dead fish softens sufficiently to be ripped open to get at the underlying flesh.
United in their watery grave....
