This multi-day backpacking trip was outstanding. So much so that it kick-started my blogging habit! That first blog was called "The Intertidal Flush" with a sub-heading of Pity the fish, inspired by our first experience of hiking somewhere where there were no toilet facilities. According to the guide book (Hiking the West Coast of Vancouver … Continue reading Nootka Trail, 25-30 Aug 2006
We awoke at dawn. At least, that's what the alarm clock said. Inside the cave it was still quite dark. A really good night's sleep too! Even though the sea was quite loud in the cave, it provided a soothing white-noise background which made it easy to sleep, and not worry about little scurrying sounds … Continue reading Nootka Trail Day 6, 30 Aug 2006
All good things must come to an end I suppose and we were back to our early starts. Another beautiful calm and clear morning greeted us as we sat around the remains of last night's camp fire eating breakfast. We hit the pebbles around 8 am again, walking past the cabins, the wilderness retreat and … Continue reading Nootka Trail Day 5, 29 Aug 2006
Something woke me up. Listen. Nope – must have been imagining things. Take a look outside to be sure. I unzipped the tent as quietly as I could and looked out. You know, words just can't convey the bit fat WOW I felt when I found myself staring into a beautiful starry sky. I almost … Continue reading Nootka Trail Day 4, 28 Aug 2006
Aaaah - what a relaxing night's sleep! The sound of the waterfall was soothing and the gravel remarkably comfortable. I opened my eyes a few minutes before the alarm went off and hauled myself out of my sleeping bag. I rolled and packed my bedding to get moving and warm up a little. Another clear … Continue reading Nootka Trail Day 3, 27 Aug 2006
Off went the alarm at 6 am and I dragged myself out of my sleeping bag. It had been a restless first night – was this the start of a pattern? Scurrying noises had kept me awake and there were plenty of tiny footprints all around our tent. But thankfully no big ones. A beautiful … Continue reading Nootka Trail Day 2, 26 Aug 2006
Setting the trend for the next few days, the alarm went off at 6 am. We packed our tents, piled our stuff into the car, and headed for Gold River. We reached the town within half an hour and before we knew it, we were out the other side, heading for the Air Nootka dock. … Continue reading Nootka Trail Day 1, 25 Aug 2006
Labour Day weekend, the official end of summer, last chance to get out hiking etc. Three days camping near Garibaldi Lake. Saturday: We set out to camp at the Lake, only to find out there were no camp sites left. Plan B was to head to Taylor Meadows where we got one of the last … Continue reading Garibaldi Lake, 2-4 Sep 2006
This multi-day backpacking trip was outstanding. So much so that I devoted a whole blog to it :-) Like our first backpacking trip to Della Falls, it was also on Vancouver Island. Well, not strictly on the Island itself as the hike follows the coastline of Nootka Island, but we had to go to Vancouver … Continue reading Nootka Trail, 25-30 August 2006
Our last day :-( It was going to be hard to leave. I still had one of my goals to fulfill, which meant I was up at 5.30 am, camera in hand (batteries in pocket so they wouldn't die on me – note to self: make sure you fully charge all batteries before heading out … Continue reading The Heather Trail Day 4, 6 Aug 2006
Being. Outdoors. 