What's in Tofino ( other than us)

#1 on our list – Scott, Stacey, Presley, our new grandson ( Gracie ) and of course Weber the wonder dog. It was great seeing them, meeting and holding Gracie and spending time playing with Presley who has the most wonderful smile in the world.

#2 on our list – Crystal Cove Resort and RV park, our home away from home. This resort is directly across the road from Scott and Stacey.

View from our front porch

Inside the cabin

#3 on our list – Tofino Hospital where we went when Jan's ankle seemed to be getting worse. The diagnosis? A tendon torn away from the fibula that took a good chunk of bone with it. Ankle is now in a cast and Jan is using crutches for at least 6 weeks. A real nasty injury.

Because of this mishap we stayed in a cabin instead of our small camper.

#4 on our list – Beaches and oceans

# 5 on our list – Wildlife such as eagles, bears and seals.

The eagle in the tree, swooped down within 20 ft of Jan and the dogs looking for lunch. scared the sh*t out of Jan.

# 6 on out list – The town of Tofino

Tofino harbour. There is also a great art Gallery in town featuring the art of Henry Vickers. See www.royhenryvickers.com

#7 on our list - Ukee dogs 

Located in Ucluelet, about 40 km from Tofino, Ukee dogs is a great little restaurant featuring a wonderful and weird assortment of hot dogs. Received a 4 1/2  star rating from trip adviser.

#8 on our list - Tsunami warning sirens.

After the earth quake in BC, the Tsunami sirens went off in Tofino and the area was evacuated to the public school (the high point in the town of Tofino). The evacuation went smooth and lasted for a couple of hours. We were thankful it turned out to be  a false alarm.

Port Alberni

Oct 8

Pot Alberni is about halfway between Nanaimo and Tofino. We didn't need to stay there however we wanted to see two attractions that were near by “ Stamp Falls Provincial Park'' and the “Goats on the Roof market”

We saw the “Goats on the Roof” first. Wow , was the place packed. Of course we picked a beautifull, sunny Thanksgiving day to visit this place ( a reminder for our American friends, we give thanks a month earlier than you do) Yes there were goats on the roof which was covered in grass. The market as a whole had a wide variety of goods ranging from home baked fresh bread to hats, clothes, kids toys and art. Worthwhile the stop.

Hat night we stayed at the Somas Motel and RV park. They had 8 RV sites, 3 of which looked like they were being lived on full time. Not Willemsen recommended.

The next day before heading to Tofino we wnt to Stamp falls Provincial park. The forest was full of old growth trees which were covered in moss. Reminded me of a forest in a spooky movie. We walked to the fish “ladders” and watched as the salmon worked their way up and against the current to their spawning place. What an incredible journey they make to spawn and die.

Nanaimo BC

Oct. 5,6,7

Stayed in a private park named “Living Forest Campground and RV park” overlooking Nanaimo bay.This park would rival most provincial or state parks in its setting and layout. Would highly recommend it.

Planned on staying one night. However Jan fell and severely “sprained” her ankle. In order to give Jan a chance to heal and stay off her leg we added two more days to our stay. Jan did have a chance to meet up with her cousin Virginia for dinner and a chance to catch up on life.

Before we left Nanaimo we stopped at Smitty's for breakfast, the bakery for some genuine Nanaimo bars and the drug store to buy a cane for Jan.

Hope BC

Oct.4

On the way to Hope we stopped at the Osoyoos desert Model Railroad Display. What an unbelievable

display. I would consider it a work of art. If you get a chance see it! You can check it out at www.osoyoosrailroad.com/

Stayed at the Coquihalla campground. A nice spot owned by the city of Hope.

From Hope we dedided to head to the ferry terminal in North Van and head to Nanaimo. On the way to North Van we passed through Chilliwack . Unfortunately that day must have been”empty your septic tank” day or fertilize your lawn with something obnoxious” day. The place stunk ! And I mean stunk.

We had a short wait for the ferry to Nanaimo. And had a uneventful voyage to Nanaimo on the BC ferry system which is the largest in North America and the second largest in the World.

Osoyoos

Oct 1,2.,3

  This is wine country. There are 120 vineyards in 120 miles. Wow!. Jan and I visited several including the well known Jackson Triggs and Inniskillen wineries. Each one let us samlple 4 wines, however I believe Jan got 5 in at Inniskillen.

We stayed at NK'Mip campground. It's an Indian name as the entire region has a large population of Indian tribes. We toured their Indian Cultural Center and outdoor displays that are frequently inhabited by Rattle snakes. I wanted to see one, Jan definitely didn't. Jan won.

The town of Osoyoos, although in a semi desert is on lake Okanogan which makes it a very attractive town. If it stayed warm all year I think we could live there.

Kelowna via Vernon

Sept. 30 ( Jan's Birthday)

Stopped in Vernon to see Jan's cousin Wayne and his wife Trudie. Served us a great lunch and Jan enjoyed a glass of birthday wine on the terrace of their beautiful home. Very nice people.

 Left Vernon and missed a turn to our campground. Turned of in Kelowna and found Bear Creek Provincial park. Nice spot but no water or power. No problem , we carry drinking water and a Coleman stove/bbq. Also have lights that work of a 12 volt battery in the camper.

Had a bond fire, ate bbqd sausage, enjoyed a glass of wine and had an early night. Next morning we walked along the beach with the girls who followed a pair of ducks ad they swam long the beach. Enjoyed our “boon docking experience”

Kamloops

Sept 28,29

Silver Sage Campground was located in an industrial area of town and contained a lot of “permanent/seasonal trailers. Not a good first impression. However when we got to our spot we were pleasantly surprised and got a nice spot backing on to the Thompson River.

The river had a nice beach that was deserted so the dogs could run to their hearts content. There were signs og a bear on the beach, however to park owner said it was destroyed several weeks ago because it attacked a ranger. On the last day there, Jan took the girls to the beach and found fresh bear tracks and scat. Better watch out Mr. Ranger.

Did a quick tour of Kamloops and decided it wasn't our type of town.

Valemount B.C

Sept.27

Left Jasper and crossed into BC. Stopped to take some pictures of Mount Robson.

Pretty tired so decided to hit a Super 8 in Valemont BC. Got a nice room, 2 beds, TV, hot shower, free breakfast and a place to do our laundry. The place was so small there was not 1 stoplight in town.

However we had a good sleep and clean laundry.

Jasper

Sept.26

Take highway 1 A and  highway 93 ,the scenic routes from Lake Louise to Jasper. Every stop along the way would make a great postcard.

Off course we had to stop at the Columbia Ice fields, take the tour and sample the pure glacier water. I'm glad I did it once but wouldn't pay to do it again.

We stayed at the Whistler campground in Jasper National Park. We received the standard warning a bout bears; leave your campsite clean, leave no food out and hide your coolers ( the ones made by Coleman not Smirnoff). Also beware of Elk. it is the "rut" which, for you non naturalist. means mating season. Say at least 30 meters away from any Elk. Males will attack you as well as your car or RV. Great advice. We leave the office make a wrong turn and come face to face with Elk1. Get back on track make a correct turn and meetElk 2. Find our parking spot and find Elk 3 crossing the road towards our campsite. Perhaps the Elk should be told to stay 30 meters away from people.

Took a ride on the Jasper tram (gondola) to 7472 ft. above sea level. ( the only other time I got that high was on an airplane...that's my story and I'm sticking to it). Jan, closed her eyes and joined me and the girls Great view of Jasper and Mount Robson ( the highest mountain in the Rockies). Spent some time in town but didn't find it that interesting. good place to go if you're looking for expensive outdoor gear and Clothing.

Lake Louise

Sept 24,25

Tried to visit Moraine lake day 1. Couldn't get near the place, parking lot was full and cars were parked 2 miles up the road. On the way there had to stop and let a partridge family cross the road. ( no not that one, actual birds)
The next day we got there and the place was almost deserted. ( maybe because it was raining on and off ).

Did take a few pictures and enjoyed the view. Actually it's a much nicer place to visit than the more famous Lake Louise