Bob is having a really great journey this summer. He continues to feel well and have enough energy for all that we do. Well!!!!!!, maybe not the parasailing----he he. Good thing that wasn't part of the adventure.
Leaving Nanimo we start out to, at least on the map,to what seems to be the wilderness. Highway 4 traverses the island taking us to the Pacific Rim National Park which on some info is known as a rainforest.
We thought that Coombs was the last of civilization so we stopped to walk through all the tourist shops. Fleetingly saw the goats that live on the roofs. The goats must think humans a rather strange group as we are all standing in the rain and the goats are in their little shelters--the odd goat peeking out to have his picture taken.
Onward ho in the rain and all the very lush green forest along the road. Out of the rain appears Port Alberni-- a very definite town--home to lots of people plus a McDs and Timmies. Yikes the edge of civilization--for real??? On we go up and down, in and out, even an18% grade yikers. It always seemed wet but not always raining--the growth is amazing. We see so many different plants, I was thinking some must have been the ancestors to what we grow in our gardens such as lupins, ferns and foxglove--the ones I could recognize. The road often became a canopy totally covered over with the tree branches. Would trucks really drive here in the winter? We are on the Pacific Ocean--in Ucluelet. Not sure if anyone ever wondered what happened to a large number of the old VW hippie vans or love buggies. I think a large number are in BC and for sure in Ucluelet and Tofino. We have never seen such a large number of those vans in one place------new hippies are thriving out west. We found a motel--actually cabins in Ucluelet----thinking that it would be less expensive to stay in "Ukkie" than in Tofino. The cost was on par with every where else we had been. Those who live in Ucluelet are actually called Ukkies!!!!! This cabin was great and great lady who ran the place. We were right across the street from the Little Beach and found out smack in the centre of the tsunami area. Made us think of the waves that could actually come in from the ocean and then ask for protection from the Lord. We enjoyed it here---wet the whole time but not a real rain more of a mist. Tofino is a neat place. Oh and the best fish and chips ever was at Jiggers in Ucluelet--honestly. The kids thot that the name came from--getting the bill and saying Holy Jiggers!!!!! Jiggers is run out of a truck--van-- so it is all take out. Oh and Tofino is really geared to tourists. Neat to walk the beaches and just be where we've never been before. From what we could see unless one wanted to do ocean fishing or some water sports like kayaking---which one would have to be very good at out there, or parasailing---just enjoy the scenery. We passed on the whale watching as we had two possibly 3 folks apprehensive about going out plus our budget didn't fit with what was required.
Leaving the coast we began our trek to Victoria. Spent some great time there. Did you know that the wax museum was closed? We did some of the harbor stuff and no rain. Crossed over on the ferry early and went all the way to Hope BC so as to avoid the traffic the next day. Great pool--inside, as it was still raining. We cancelled our Hell's Gate trip as the rain was really coming down hard---one of us for sure was not sorry. I think we hooked on one of those clouds when we were up high and it kept us company all day. Last night on the road a great game of Dutch Blitz and fun. Last day---homeward bound and the only day the kids started to get short and snappy with each other. A. got wound up--must be glad to be getting home.
What a special time. We would take the kids again in a heartbeat. Thanks for being great travellers and companions. Next time perhaps a destination holiday and do everything there is to do at that place. All of us got a look at different parts of our great land and perhaps it will help to see new possibilities and opportunities.
NOW time for laundry and a sleep in my own bed.
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