A Long Beach Day Trip - revisited

From Victoria BC to Long Beach and back. Approximately 626km and over 16hrs adventuring around Vancouver Island.

This is where we ended up... but how did we get there?

From A long Long Beach and back day trip

It started in the dark of winter, around 6:44am. In the rain.
We made sure to leave early so we could catch sight of the Saanich Peninsula beneath the sunrise from on top of the Malahat.

From A long Long Beach and back day trip

Not much of a sunrise. Here's a shot of the Victoria International Airport in the rain around dawn.

From A long Long Beach and back day trip

A few hundred kilometers down the road we changed course west to cross the spine of the island via the Alberni highway.

From A long Long Beach and back day trip

We made our way through rainforests

From A long Long Beach and back day trip

and coastal towns

From A long Long Beach and back day trip

From A long Long Beach and back day trip

past where creeks fall

From A long Long Beach and back day trip

till we arrived

From A long Long Beach and back day trip

From A long Long Beach and back day trip

From A long Long Beach and back day trip

From A long Long Beach and back day trip

From A long Long Beach and back day trip

From A long Long Beach and back day trip

From A long Long Beach and back day trip

From A long Long Beach and back day trip

From A long Long Beach and back day trip

From A long Long Beach and back day trip

The above is a glimpse at the sights seen on our daytrip photoadventure. Below is the whole series of images from the day for those interested. I hope you enjoy it and it inspires you to get out and see the world around you too :D

You can open the video in HD as well for better quality.



Let me know if you enjoyed the images or have any suggestions :D

May you have a wonderfilled day!
MM

Harris Creek Canyon - between Port Renfrew and Cowichan Lake

Harris Creek Canyon - between Port Renfrew and Cowichan Lake

From Places I've wandered

Cruising around corners on the back route between Port Renfrew and Lake Cowichan we came upon this bridge shooting across Harris Creek and the Island Alpinist (Karsten) wanted to check out a site for a possible rappel.

From Places I've wandered

From Places I've wandered

I looked down at the water below

From Places I've wandered

and figured I'd find a way down closer..

From Places I've wandered

or at least for a better view ;)

From Places I've wandered

Two birds came swooping down the canyon just a few inches off of the cold green water

From Places I've wandered

One of them landed on the rock wall across the creek

From Places I've wandered

As I continued down to the edge of the water where it stretched out and calmed down

From Places I've wandered

to a place where I could stop for a few moments and pause; and ponder...

From Places I've wandered

before making my way once more up the hillside through the sword fern carpet and the red alder stands

From Places I've wandered

From Places I've wandered

and with that it was time to head out on our way once again

From Places I've wandered

farewell Che

From Places I've wandered

Next we'll travel by old forest industry remains and discover the tale of the kidnapping of Pedro! See you soon!

The Maplemusketeer

Big Trees between Port Renfrew and Lake Cowichan

Big Trees between Port Renfrew and Lake Cowichan - Places I've Wandered

Leaving behind the Bridge exploring bathroom break we continue to put miles between Port Renfrew and ourselves

From S&G Day1

We encounter a decision and, being told about really big trees up a gravel road to the right, we go right.

From S&G Day1

where we find a logging road in great shape

From S&G Day1

and cross another bridge

From S&G Day1

to go around another corner and discover

From S&G Day1

a giant maple tree

From S&G Day1

with cling-ons

From S&G Day1

that wants a hug

From S&G Day1

a big hug

From S&G Day1

a really big hug

From S&G Day1

so we headed back in the direction of the parked Subaruby and towards the giant spruce

From S&G Day1

that was not a giant spruce.

From S&G Day1

This is

From S&G Day1

it was a pretty majestic and awesome sight...

From S&G Day1

it also had cling-ons

From S&G Day1

Then with a goodbye to the poor red alders who were missing out, it was time head further along on our backroad journey

From S&G Day1

we're on our way up the backroad in search of some stop sites and rest, waterfalls and adventure :)


Till then,
See you around, ;)
The Maplemusketeer

PIW - Botanical Beach Pt.6 - Through the Woods Home

Places I've Wandered - Botanical Beach June 2011 Pt.6 - Through the Woods Home

Leaving behind the sea, into the woods we went


past skunk cabbage along boardwalk


over gullies by fallen wood


down steps by ferny banks


down steps between ferny banks


beneath fallen burgeoning ecosystems and over puddles of brown


we were careful not to startle the wooded oliphant


as we darted from the foresty safety across the open shoreline and creek


beneath a guiding tree


and up


and up


to pass between giants feet


and offer a moment's Atlas Jr. support


before moving on


plank after plank


step after step


stand after stand


by hidden waters revelation


within close proximity of the sea


yet sheltered still


in safety's grove


but to move on and on we must


barring no obstacle


wise guides welcome


spread out before us


adorned in life and grandeur of time


upward and again the tedious ages of wonder


steps in a time and a place to never be again but always to be remembered.. past passed


routes rooted and shifting


shadows and light the boundaries of life


corners turned to turn again






his/hers along the return to civilization




Farewell new salmon berry growth


Farewell Botanical Beach



of course it was still only early afternoon on our two day Inaugural Shorts and Gaiters adventure.. so we rested up at the parking lot before seeing what the back route to Lake Cowichan had in store... you're welcome to come along for the ride ;)