Surf's Sup(per)

When we woke in Langford we were staring at the unfortunate realization that our BC component was drawing to a very quick conclusion. It was Monday March 29 and we were scheduled to fly out on Wednesday the 31st. We had originally planned to go directly back to Vancouver from the Gage's, but we had heard so many good things about Tofino and Uquelet that we were drawn to go. So, in the purest of traveller's decisions, we decided Monday morning to change our plans for that day and night and that we'd go to Tofino and 'Uqey'. Only hitch - they're 4 hours from Victoria. Not to be deterred, we rented a car, booked a hostel, punched the directions into TomTom, and were on our way.

The drive was very cool because of the varied terrain and tempermental weather. Again we experienced bluebird skies for 40 km only to be followed by terrential downpours amidst skies so grey-black I was tempted to put my highbeams on. Apparently this was par for the course for the North part of Vancouver island but I do propose that we experienced a particulary ornery set of conditions.

Part of the reason that I wanted to make the trek was to ensure that we saw some old-growth forests before we left. Fortunately the drive passes right through a section of old growth called 'Cathedral Grove', which we took advantage of to both stretch our legs and admire the centuries-old trees. We truly were walking at the feet of giants and it was a very humbling, calming time. The amount of lush, dripping greenery could take any visitor to a place of enchantment at what might live in these forests.

Back on the road and we finally arrive in Tofino, where we had booked our hostel. We realize, though, that our new friend Paul was in nearby Uquelet and, since we didn't have any real plans or people we knew, we switched our hostel to Uqey and made the short trip over. Paul will live in the area for the summer, surfing and working (in that order). We met up with him and he introduced us to his roomates and showed us his new home. He had only been there three days but has spent past summers in the area. We then got into the rental and did an insiders' tour of Uquelet, including a walk down to the shore to listen to the waves crash against the black rocks and a hike into the jungle to see 'Hitchhike Mike's' treehouse. Apparently Mike had built this treehouse using only a hatchet, nails, and the wood in the forest. He then lived there for two years on his own. If he was anything close to as cool as his abandoned treehouse is, my hat definitely goes off to him. And Paul for showing us around.

We got to experience yet another BC potluck that evening with Paul's roomates, meeting a whole group of extremely welcoming and engaging new friends. After dinner we went back to our discounted hostel (thanks Christy!) and slept well. We had to get up bright and early in order to make it back to Vancouver within the day but did manage to get to the beach that morning before we left. Robyn's starfish below is a testament to our great time in this Canadian surfer's haven.