Vancouver Island
Last week, Maxfield and I finally made a trip out to Vancouver Island and Canada’s surfing Mecca, Tofino. Although neither of us actually surf, for the past two years we have heard countless people rave about this part of B.C. And boy is it truly awesome! Here’s a slight re-cap of our quick trip.
Upon arriving at the ferry terminal at Horseshoe bay with literally no less than 30 seconds to spare, we quickly got settled on the Coastal Renaissance sun deck and enjoyed a sushi dinner.
Me, about to heroically save the non-existant man overboard.
Arriving in Nanamio, on the eastern side of the island, we then drove the three hours across the island, winding amongst lakes and provincial parks to Tofino!
I had arranged to stay in a little B&B/hostel (which actually turned out to be just some guys house) in Tofino. It was cozy, convenient, clean, and our host gave us some great tips on where and what to check out. Although our hostel was nice, we decided to save our cash and camp the next night in the Pacific Rim National Reserve.
In the morning I woke expecting the worst the Pacific can offer: wind and rain and rain and wind. However, our luck was with us and the day was clear, sunny and picture perfect!
Classic Anita…first thing in the morning I managed to lock my keys in my car. Along with my phone. Fuming and frustrated with myself I had the grocery store call the tow truck to no avail. Feeling even more defeated, I moped, convinced that my classic move had ruined our day.
Alas, Max to the rescue! During my little fit Max managed to stay calm and super positive (the idea of breaking into my car was just a little too exciting for him). He scoured the hardware store and two grocery stores before he found it. A fly swatter. Despite my negativity and conviction that it ‘wasn’t going to work,’ Max managed to bend the fly swatter wire, slip it into my window, and gently push the unlock switch in my car to save the day! So now I know, forget AAA, get a fly swatter.
First stop, Chesterman’s beach for some intertidal exploring! After goofing around for a while during low tide, we headed back into Tofino to roam around town, grab some supplies, and buy a couple of skim boards.
On our way into the National Reserve and Green Point campground, we made a crucial stop at Tacofino for lunch. This coveted truck taco stand has killer fish tacos! Once at our campground we set up and hit the beach with our skim boards and a bottle of wine!
Rock scrabblin’
Max is way better than me. I definitely got wet.
BEST PART! While sitting on the rocks, sun setting, drinking wine and watching the tide come in all of a sudden we saw a spray off shore….and then another one, and another! Whales! And not one or two, a whole pod! We watched them for about 40 minutes. Blowhole sprays, fin slaps, duo fin slaps, AND a full breach (whale out of the water with the tail slap). It was utterly amazing! Never before have I seen a group of wild animals be so interactive and playful with each other, let alone while I’m watching the sun set with a glass of wine in my hand. Best entertainment ever.
Back at camp, we began the feat of cooking our seafood extravaganza via camping stoves and candle light. It turned out amazing! Fresh caught salmon, giant oysters, and crab. Lil’ lemon, butter, garlic. Done.
Oh, and a little Fireball whiskey to wash it all down. Classy.
The next day we awoke to another gorgeous sunny day! After packing up our campsite we headed out to explore the more of the coast and the island interior. Took a little hike around a salt bog, saw a lighthouse in Ucluelet, stopped in Cathedral grove to check out some 800+ old growth trees, and snagged some candied salmon from Goats on the Roof in Kooms! All on our way back to the ferry, across the inlet, and up the sea to sky highway home to Pemberton.
WHEW WHAT A WEEKEND!
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