Vancouver Island
Also went to the west coast of Vancouver Island with my brother. An island off the coast from Vancouver. Lots of 'nature' tourism stuff. We (actually my brother) drove there and we crossed to the Island by ferry from the mainland.
The views on the Island around the Pacific Rim National Park were beautiful. Lakes and mountains, many of them still snow capped. Vast wind swept beaches ringed by conifer forests. Post card perfect. Stayed at a youth hostel in Tofino, a pretty seaside town. The hostel has a beautiful view of the bay and islands. British Columbia (the state in Canada where Vancouver is in) is a state of beautiful views.
We arrived late the first day and had to scout around for a place that was still open for dinner. It was a 'fine dining place' with 'fine dining prices'. I think the most expensive meal I've had so far this trip. But the local wild salmon was yum and my brother said his seafood pasta was delicious. And I had my brother's good company too. So perhaps it was worth it. Besides we had no choice other than to go hungry.
We managed to book a last minute kayaking day trip to the Broken Islands. Sounds so fantasy-like doesn't it? We were with a couple on their honeymoon and the guide. We kayaked through some remote feeling places. Sheltered bays and coves which made it feel like kayaking on lakes rather than a body of water connected directly to the Pacific Ocean and Japan many many miles away. Almost the whole time we were alone with nobody else around except for the sea-lions (Californian and Stellar's) and the birds. Also saw Grey Whales! And harbour seals. And interesting sea invertebrates.
Quite magical. But also tiring, being so unfit and not having kayaked for more than ten years. Getting old. Really enjoyed myself though. Hope my brother did too, as this was supposed to be his belated birthday present. Happy Birthday!
The views on the Island around the Pacific Rim National Park were beautiful. Lakes and mountains, many of them still snow capped. Vast wind swept beaches ringed by conifer forests. Post card perfect. Stayed at a youth hostel in Tofino, a pretty seaside town. The hostel has a beautiful view of the bay and islands. British Columbia (the state in Canada where Vancouver is in) is a state of beautiful views.
We arrived late the first day and had to scout around for a place that was still open for dinner. It was a 'fine dining place' with 'fine dining prices'. I think the most expensive meal I've had so far this trip. But the local wild salmon was yum and my brother said his seafood pasta was delicious. And I had my brother's good company too. So perhaps it was worth it. Besides we had no choice other than to go hungry.
We managed to book a last minute kayaking day trip to the Broken Islands. Sounds so fantasy-like doesn't it? We were with a couple on their honeymoon and the guide. We kayaked through some remote feeling places. Sheltered bays and coves which made it feel like kayaking on lakes rather than a body of water connected directly to the Pacific Ocean and Japan many many miles away. Almost the whole time we were alone with nobody else around except for the sea-lions (Californian and Stellar's) and the birds. Also saw Grey Whales! And harbour seals. And interesting sea invertebrates.
Quite magical. But also tiring, being so unfit and not having kayaked for more than ten years. Getting old. Really enjoyed myself though. Hope my brother did too, as this was supposed to be his belated birthday present. Happy Birthday!
posted by smathi @ 2:21 pm
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