A short piece this week, written swiftly and in the hope that the sometimes sketchy internet at delightful coffee shops allows for it to get posted.
We went for a wander along the Nuu-chah-nulth trail, and it is a beautiful little hike. On boardwalks winding through rainforest and over sections of bog, this path has it all. Ferns and fronds, magnificent trees, sun and shade, texture and colour, shelter from the rain, no shelter from bugs, and arresting views of the Pacific through gaps in the forest.
The trail starts its winding route from behind the Kwisitis Visitor Centre and connects to Florencia Bay. Once part of the longer route joining Ucluelet to Tofino, and now named for the grouping of First Nations people who have resided in the area for thousands of years, the path truly is “all along the mountains and sea”(nuu-chah-nulth translated) and worth taking your time to explore.
The route is about 2.5 km each way, and takes very little time or effort to complete, but you wouldn’t want to rush! This is a path to linger and dawdle along, to stand and gaze, to inhale and exhale and generally unwind on. Take your time – where else are you going to go? – you’re on the edge of the world…
Stop at the first little bay, barely 5 minutes from the visitor centre, and you’ll likely have it all to yourself – you might spot seals bobbing in the water, and there is plenty of birdlife feeding on the shore.
Eventually, as the sound of the surf increases, you’ll find yourself emerging from the forest above Florencia Bay. A popular spot for surfers, this wide bay is another West coast wonder. We were there on a sunny day, but don’t be fooled. Florencia is named after a ship that went down here in 1861. The bay has also been known locally as Wreck Bay, and looking out at the water, with the waves crashing over partly submerged rocks, it is easy to understand the reputation.
Summer is a relatively calm time weather wise on and off the water, but wouldn’t it be something to be here in stormier weather? For me, that would be on the shore. That people make their precarious living, and have done so for thousands of years, along this tough coast is hard to comprehend for a land borne individual like me. You can only marvel at and respect what it takes to live here.
Anyway, as promised, a brief post about a short and spectacular hike. Very highly recommended if the opportunity arises. Thanks for reading, please feel free to share a story or comment, and I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
OldPlaidCamper 
Wow, the fern makes it look like rain forest, and then the ocean…beautiful!
LikeLike
Thanks, Maria! Glad you enjoyed this one, and have a wonderful weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! Enjoy your weekend!
LikeLike
Well, that WAS a beautiful walk and we did take our time, lingering over the great photos. Looked like a landscaper had preceded you and arranged all the lovely plants.
LikeLike
Nature certainly landscaped this space pretty well!
Thanks, and have a great weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the colour of the water, the ferns are gorgeous. A wonderful walk that I would be able to do and enjoy. Thanks for sharing and yes, the net served you well from that coffee shop that you sent your blog from.
LikeLike
The colours are lovely – and everchanging, along with the weather in this corner of Canada! Misty and murky today, with lots of rain, but that’s how it is a rainforest, so no complaints here.
Glad you enjoyed this, thanks, and have a wonderful weekend!
LikeLike
Fantastic place pc! I am so glad you and Mrs. PC found this amazing place on Vancouver Island, and am happy you shared it here. At first I thought the driftwood was a seal, so I was glad to see your photo heading. That frondy growth looks like horsetail to me, and what a lovely rich patch of ferns and fronds it is. Thanks for taking the time to find an internet cafe and sending this. Wishing you a terrific adventure~~
LikeLike
I think you and Athena would love it out here! It is beautiful, with a huge array of animal, bird and plant life. There is simply so much to discover – we’re having a blast!
Thanks, Jet, and have a wonderful weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was a little doubtful at first when you mentioned no shelter from bugs and the inclusion of the bird surrounded by insects, but the seal driftwood and the last three shots of the water left me believing in your West Cost wonder. As always, thanks for sharing your latest adventure and the great photos. Have a good weekend!
LikeLike
I have to confess that the sea breezes take care of most of the bugs, and it is bearable in the forest. The birds are happy around washed up sea life, with the bugs mostly at that level. An insect bite or two is a small price to pay…
Thanks for your thoughtful comments, always appreciated, and have a great weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful photos and edge of the world narrative, PC. I’m glad you guys have the opportunity to visit such an inspiring and historical seascape. I would love to make that trip myself some day. Here’s to having a wonderful camp-out on the western road!
LikeLike
You’d enjoy it here, Walt! A naturalist could spend a lifetime in this environment, feeling rich beyond measure with the treasures to be found. It’s almost overwhelming – we just amble around slightly slack jawed with wonder.
(Small aside – I have a copy of “Earthstars…” stuffed in my backpack, been saving it for a fireside, and I’m looking forward to delving in the next few days!)
Thanks, Walt, and have a wonderful weekend!
LikeLike
This makes me want to return to the west coast. I still can’t decide if I love the south west desert or the PNW better, but I’m lucky and I don’t have to pick.
LikeLike
The West Coast wonders when you’ll both be back?
LikeLike
We’re not exactly sure, but it’s when not if! Impossible to stay away…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely photos I’m off to the beach for a one night getaway tomorrow. Hope you have a great weekend.
LikeLike
I hope you had a great trip to the beach!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah yes, loved it. Always good for the soul.
LikeLike