I took a direct non-stop Air Canada flight. The plan was an AirBus A319. This plan has an over wing emergency exit (Row 16) that they have taken out the window seat (i.e. only two seats in row 16). Therefore if you can get the window in row 17, there is no seat in front of you. It is a very big deal for someone like myself that is 6’6”. The flight left on-time or even a bit early at (8:45pm) arriving in Victoria about 10:40pm (1:40am Toronto time).
I visited with some friends and family for a day. The next day my Mom and I set off for Tofino from here place near Mill Bay (just north of the Malahat).
Cowichan Bay (took some photos early in the morning on a grey raining morning) There was no wind which made being out in the rain much more pleasant. With no wind the rain was just falling straight down and my hood wasn’t being buffeted around.
We started off about 9am, drove to Nanaimo where we had breakfast. A brief stopped in Parksville to pick up a few last provisions and take a look at the beach. It was still raining so we didn’t stay long. Then we got on Hwy 4 to cross the island.
We stopped in to Little Qualcum Falls provincial park. This is a very intriguing river/waterfalls. Fast moving water in a narrow and deep gorge.
Cathedral Grove
Pass through Port Alberni
As we left Port Alberni, the rain stopped and the skies cleared. We saw snow capped mountains. There was even some snow at the side of the road in shaded areas.
Polished River Bed
Kennedy Lake very large
Highway ends at a T, Right is Tofino, Left is Ucluelet.
We took a short drive through Ucluelet and only found one restaurant that was open. We stopped in for a late lunch. After lunch we drove towards Tofino.
We stopped at the Wickaninnish Centre. Here we got our first view of the Pacific Ocean. WOW! They have a restaurant that we made reservations for 7pm (sunset is about 8pm)
Check in to Pacific Sands Resort. Highly recommend. Clean, comfortable, accommodating. Nice beach, and sunset point is very nice.
Went for a walk on the beach to take some photos
Dinner/sunset at Wickaninnish centre restaurant.
Next day
We woke up to another glorious sunny clear day. Breakfast at Wickaninnish Inn (The Point Restaurant), and made dinner reservations. Drove around Tofino, visited the Ray Vickers Gallery and a few other stores.
We spent the next few hours stopping at each of the beach areas.
Radar Hill
Coombers Beach
Long Beach
Went back to the resort for a rest before supper
We went back to the Wickaninnish Inn (different than the Wickaninnish Centre) for dinner 6pm (I was feeling a bit off and didn’t really each that much)
We got back to the resort about 7pm. I headed off to Sunset point. Nice trail in the woods (half way with a board walk) other half was over tree roots and a bit muddy. I should have worn my rubber boots and carried my whole camera kit. When you have all your stuff you don’t use any of it. When you decide that you only need to carry a couple of things, that’s when situations arise that you would have used the stuff that you don’t have.
The walk was well worth the effort and I was rewarded with some wonderful views in a very calm and relaxing area overlooking two different bays. Watching a glorious sunset over the pacific ocean is a very rewarding experience.
The next day was another glorious day, clear skies and warm temperature. After checking out of the resort, we went to Tofino for breakfast and to buy some art from the Ray Vickers gallery. It was late morning and we started the drive back to Mill Bay. As we were leaving the skies started to cloud over and cool off. We stopped again at Cathedral Groves and Little Qualcum Falls for some more photos when it was not raining.
The early flight home the next morning was uneventful. No matter how good a trip is, coming home is always the best part. :)
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