Day trip to Tofino

Got going early today to drive the Saturn to Tofino. Left Qualicum Bay at 9:00 and stopped at Little Qualicum Falls about 20 minutes later. Hiked down to the falls (not far, but all downhill) and Elaine discovered that Graham had left the memory card for the camera in the computer! No pictures and a hike back up the hill!

Onward to Port Alberni where we can pick up a replacement memory card. After Port Alberni, H4 west is a good drive for about 50km, and then the West Coast Roller Coaster begins. Everything is up, down and round corners, speed limit maximum is 80, but more often is down to an average of 60 or less.

We're particularly glad we decided not to bring the motor home with us. Average downhill grades in the Rockies are 6-7%. We encountered one hill on H4 that was 18% grade! For proof, we took a picture of the sign. We got to the west coast around noon and stopped at the Pacific Rim National Park info centre. Then it was off to our first stop, the Rainforest Trail. This is about a 1 kilometer walk that we took with the dogs, down the hill via a cedar "sidewalk" with many steps and ramps. It's interesting enough since the various signposts explain the different forest layers and how they contribute to the eco-system.

After getting our exercise in the rainforest, we decided that lunch on Long Beach was a good idea. This is a "surfer" beach, although it appeared that there were more wannabe surfers than the real thing. Not very many people standing up on their boards. However, Cassie and Tucker loved the place. Lots of sand to dig up for Cassie and lots of beach to run on and water to paddle in for Tucker.

Then, on to Tofino itself, and a walk around to a few art galleries. Elaine bought some fish and chips that we all shared as a picnic in the park before starting back. A quick stop at Radar Hill (and another walk, although only about ½ kilometer this time) with a viewpoint at the top. Then back in the car and off toward the east side of the island.

We made good time to Port Alberni and stopped just east of there in the Macmillan Provincial Park (Cathedral Grove). Trees are huge, although a windstorm a few years ago toppled some of them. Back on the road again and an obligatory stop at Little Qualicum Falls so we could hike down the hill (again) and this time actually could take some pictures. Then back to the motor home around 7pm and an early night. We're all tired from the walking. A minor problem is that Tucker has a cut on his paw; not sure where he picked it up, but he's licking it and causing it to bleed. Elaine did some first aid and he now has a bandage which we hope will keep him from licking too much.

Jun 18, 2007

Show all 6 photos