Walking in the woods

We walked almost every track in the Tofino/Ucluelet area of the country, saw some massive trees and rugged coastlines. People come here in winter to watch the storms rolling off the Atlantic and smashing onto the west coast. I think that would be great but we’re not sticking around just to get a wet bum.

Fallen 'Nurse' tree

From Ucluelet we had to go east as the roads north were “forestry roads”, which I thought sounded a challenge but doable. The wee lass in the Information Centre seemed to think I should be assessed if I was to continue with that train of thought… so I shelved it. Smart move I thought to myself. Funnily enough those that matter seemed to think so too.

We found lodgings on the east coast at Qualicum Beach and decided to head out for a walk, in a suburban park, can’t be too difficult. A good walk and we tip toed over a very fragile looking railway bridge 500 feet above a creek only to find ourselves lost. The Westpac Rescue helicopter was mentioned and we did offer a small donation a year ago so we had that up our sleeve. After walking into someones back yard, fortunately they didn’t have a rottweiler, we made a hasty decision to go north and fortunately we found a road with a 5 km walk back to our lodgings. Short walk complete. 

On the move again in Blairs generously lent Mazda 6 and we see a sign to Hornby Island. Diana had never been there and I hadn’t as far as I could remember so why not, we’ll never be closer. Out on the ferry and we’re off, but hey there is another chunk of land in our way (Denman Island) so we drive over that and board another ferry and finally make Hornby Island. The local Hornbyites consider this the Hawaii of Canada. Yea right! We set off on another walk in the woods (on a well defined trail) which had some great ocean views, we took pictures. 

 Walking done and time to find some lodgings. The island is busy and there is no space so out with the tent, brought along for such occasions. It was cold and uncomfortable, we were in bed before the 10 year olds as we didn’t have anything else to do. Very little light and the bugs liked us. It was a long night and we were up and out of there before any of the Canuks had awoken.

Finally we are in Campbell River where we have an AirB&B which is very much appreciated. More walks in the woods, but no bears in the woods, or large animals but I did see a snake on the track this afternoon. When I spotted him he was no more than 50 cms in front of me. I lifted both feet in the air immediately but was surprised at the short time it took them to head back to the earth. Fortunately the 40cm long snake had decided he had seen enough and wriggled his way into the undergrowth. A rush of adrenaline pushed me along the track for the next 15mins so no harm done. Google told me he was a garter snake, very common, not dangerous and make good pets, I could buy one $49.95. Another day perhaps.

So we have had an eventful week, ended by celebrating our 40^th wedding anniversary. Nothing over the top, we had dinner out, no rubies, no fizzy wine, just a couple of crafty beers and dinner at a Greek restaurant. Diana did buy a dozen oysters for $9.00 ... not sure why! On to Gold river in the morning, must pack my pan and my prospectors hat.