Phil Mercer

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

Western Canada (Part 3)

 

22/5/07. We've arrived in the Pacific Rim national park. The drive was very similar to one Darren and i did in New Zealand. I keep finding it very easy to compare the two. Big mountains, beautiful beaches, whale watching etc.
Yesterday we ventured to Long beach, a stunning long sandy stretch with barely anyone else around. The forest comes right to the shore line making ways down from the road a calm walk past big old trees. If it had been in Britain, it would have been packed with sun seekers. As it was, it was empty.
One of the things i had been nervous about, but kind of looking forward too, was Kayaking. Gareth had already been out many times in one. But this would be a first for me! A guide took us paddling across to the nearby Meares island, which has some of Canada's largest trees. It was a bit of a baptism of fire. A strong tide and blustery wind made my first hour on the water a real struggle. However once nearer the island it was a doddle.
Note to self, must look in to Kayaking back in the UK.
Today finds Gareth out Whale Watching, some thing i feel i did enough of in NZ. I've wandered down to another bit of beach called Schooner Cove. Another stunning place. The walk down through the forest had me a little nervous though, with a long winding board walk and me on my own humming the teddy bears picnic! I think i'll sit here for a bit longer before making my way back to pick up Gareth. Tonight is the first night of camping.
Fingers crossed.

# posted by Phil @ 3:09 am

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