Two silver penguins go camping

Meares Island, declared a Tribal Park in 1984,  has some of the largest red cedar trees on earth. Thanks to Ron's suggestion, we checked it out and found out that one of the trails is open. A water taxi with a laid-back schedule leaves Tofino now and then and after a meandering boat ride, drops you off at the trail head. The boat driver (surfer in his other life) asked us when we'd like him back to pick us up? He said he could come in an hour after we do a leisurely walk on the boardwalk, or (apparently less likely to him) he could come in about three hours if we decide to do the 7 km trail. "We'll do the trail," said Bill.  Well, it would take a few pages to describe the trail and even more to describe us accomplishing it... The boardwalk was rough, but when the trail ended in about a kilometre, the seven kilometre slog began. It was more than challenging and at one stage, Bill made the observation that he now knows why giraffes don't live in rainforests.... ...

 Because of COVID19, there are many restrictions in the Pacific Rim Reserve. Only three of the eight trails are open to the public and trails are clearly marked with directional arrows. The other difference to our advantage is that, while the towns of Tofino and Uclulet are still busy and crowded, the majority of people seem to be surfers (young, fit, and wearing spandex) or residents (suspicious of tourists). That means the trails are virtually empty.  Another beautiful day and we explored the Rainforest Trail - two loops, one on either side of the highway that had amazing boardwalks that took us down, down, down, into the depths of the forests, then up, up, up above the tangled roots and fallen nurse logs. Again, the best way to observe is slowly, breathing in the  humid air, and savouring the silence. While not old-growth, some of the trees are gigantic and the trick is to crouch down low at the base to try to look way up to take in its size. We were both glad we had n...

 We had to change campsites every night - not an easy task with our big trailer but no trees taken out, no slipping off into the ditch, and a calm driver throughout! The flag girl was less calm but waving madly in all directions made her feel good anyway.... We walked down the path from the campground and wandered the beach after dinner. The tide was out and the beach nearly deserted.  We also managed to find time to sit in our isolated campsites and read and look at the trees and listen to the always furious pine squirrel above our heads. 

One of my favourite places is a bog. An insignificant-looking place where monumental struggles have gone on for centuries.  The trees in the bogs in the Pacific Rim are shorepines and look like a “broccoli forest”. Some of these trees are as much as 300 years old but the lack of nutrients in the bog result in stunted and distorted shapes.   The boardwalk rests on the sphagnum moss and it is best to spend time on your belly looking over the edge at the world below your feet. One square foot could take a lifetime to explore. 

While in Uclulet, we walked through town and found a trail leading through a rainforest to the ocean. Our first taste of the beauty of this area.

  We decided a few weeks ago that once the grandkids start back at school we’d have to keep a distance for a while as we see what that looks like. We’ve packed our trailer with enough essentials to keep us happy for months - a comfortable bed, good books, and a lot of tinned beans….  We’re set!  We skipped our Port Alberni stop - and took a chance on finding a spot in Uclulet. As always, Bill lucked in and found possibly the last spot on the peninsula - and the view was beautiful.