The Pacific Rim

Gradually since the 1970s, Ucluelet (yew'-kloo-let) or affectionately called Ukee) and Tofino have become vacation spots for Islanders and world travelers. Although it is less than 25 miles between the two towns, it was not connected by a road until the 1930s - or perhaps even later. My sources seem to be in disagreement.

A Misty Morning

As I had no desire to hang around the Ucluelet campground, I took off for an early morning walk.

Start of the Lighthouse Loop

around the lighthouse point.
It was still a bit overcast and the water a little choppy. The buoy bell clanged incessantly and occasionally the larger alarm called out.

Viewpoints All Along the 3 km Walk

It was a very pleasant walk. I only saw two other couples on the trail. True to Canadian and Canadian visitor behaviour, neither of them stopped to chat.

100 Yearl Old Lighthouse

Little Boat in the Bay

Fishermen in the Rain

The main path is less than 3 km long. However, there are many little side paths where you can walk down and have a fantastic view and, if it is not raining, sit and contemplate life. I managed to turn an estimated 45 minute stroll into a 2 hour excursion despite the rain.

Only Wildlife I Saw

There are frequent visits of bear, deer, and wolves in the area. I hoped to see at least something. I saw one gray squirrel. The next day, I talked to two different groups (Yes, I did finally find someone to talk to!) who had watched a bear on the beach around 4 in the afternoon. The early bird does not always catch the worm - or see the bear.

Bear Was Here 6 Hours Later

Lovelocks

Oyster Jim , a man from Colorado who moved here when he was about 30 on a back-to-earth endeavor, is responsible for the development of this trail and a much longer stretch of the West Coast Trail.

Every clerk, waitress, and service person I came in contact with asked me if I had seen the storm the previous night. I always replied that "Yes, I had enjoyed listening to it from the comfort of my bed in the van." I only learned later that everyone was so excited because thunder and lightning are very rare on Vancouver Island. We might get 300 days of sunshine in Denver, but we also get at least 150 brief and violent lightning storms a year - always on the same day and often at the same time as the shining sun!

I kept debating over whether to go on a whale viewing expedition or a kayak tour. After such indecision, I missed both opportunities. Instead, I spent the day at the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.

The visitor center has been remodeled in recent years and many features of the park emphasize First Nations history. The word Reserve was added to the name of the National Park because some of the First Nations are now claiming they never signed the treaty so this land is a Reserve (Reservation in the USA). So far, negotiations continue on how to maintain this beautiful land and beaches for the public instead of private development for either First or Canadian nations.
The only picture I took of the visitor center was of a couture contest held this year at a local high school.

Fashion Contest from Found Items

The history of this area is interesting from all aspects: First Nations, European explorers, small numbers of settlers, hippies, and now tourism. There are several online links, so I will just let those who are interested delve into them. I also saw several interesting books on the local history, but decided not to purchase any.
Of course, I took another forest and beach walk here in the National Park Reserve.

Welcoming Totem

Natural Totem

Another Well Maintained Walkway

Forest Floor

Surfing Lesson

South Beach

Sand and Surfers

Tofino was filled with tourists. I didn't feel like touring the shops, but finally found a place to park and enjoyed a delightful order of fish and chips at Shelter.

Eat at Shelter

I drove into only one campground (once again, all sites stacked like cordwood). All spots reserved. I just wanted to relax, so I stopped at the first lodge I saw and rented a room. There are many lovely lodges, cabins, VRBO and AirBnB spots along here. If you come with a plan, book before you arrive.

For My $260

Oh Yeh There Is a Bathroom

And a Little Outdoor Seating

I enjoyed my modest room and some nice walks on the beach admiring the shore and other rental options.

Long House Style Cabins

Rent Me

Perhaps $400 a Night

Patterns in the Sand

I was feeling almost as bitter about the cost of my room as my friend Dominique did about the cost of hotel rooms in the USA. I just now used the currency converter and realized that my $263 Canadian was $200 USD - not really so bad for a beach front room.