Seals, bears, and bald eagles…

…on a cool morning in the PNW. Another brief post, hopefully uploaded successfully from a motel room somewhere in BC. Have to say, we were pleasantly unplugged for a few days, and haven’t enjoyed tuning back in. The world we share…oh boy. Anyway, here’s a soothing balm from a quiet corner if needed:

We signed up for a morning boat tour, leaving Tofino early on a wet and misty day. Sometimes the rain fell in sheets, sometimes it was a light mist, and sometimes it had stopped raining just before beginning again. No worries – wet it was, cold it wasn’t! DSCF2830We were promised sightings of bears, bald eagles and harbour seals, but to be honest, simply heading up an inlet or two and gazing at the grey-green scenery was more than enough. OK, seeing some wildlife is never a bad thing. Each bear, bald eagle, harbour seal, sea otter, or new angle along the shoreline is cause for excitement. It is a beautiful place to find and then lose yourself, dreamlike if you are so inclined.DSCF2872

I always seem to end up in something of a trance state, head emptying as I fall under the spell of the surroundings. Slowly look left, slowly look right, up, down, and repeat.DSCF2814 Fortunately, my eyes are touch more focused than my mind, and we were able to spot all sorts of wildlife. Regrettably, I’m almost unable to speedily focus a camera, being all overexcited at spotting a bear, and sometimes I forget I have a camera and could take a picture. Between that, the bobbing boat, and having little clue, I’m pretty happy with the pictures.DSCF2895

Anyway, a brief post once more – I’ll let the photographs convey something of the atmosphere. Thanks for taking the time to read this, and please feel free to share a story or leave a comment. Have a wonderful weekend!DSCF2824

(We did enjoy a magical ride in a Zodiac with a friend later during our time in Tofino, and drifted wonderfully close to a few bears – when we get home and I’ve sorted the photos, I’ll share some of that story in a later post…)DSCF2904

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Published by

plaidcamper

I am a would be outdoorsman - that is if I had more time, skills and knowledge. When I can, I love being outdoors, just camping, hiking, snowboarding, xc skiing, snowshoeing, paddling a canoe or trying something new. What I lack in ability, I make up for in enthusiasm and having a go. I'd never really survive for long out there in the wild, but I enjoy pretending I could if I had to...

26 thoughts on “Seals, bears, and bald eagles…”

    1. My husband and I have been vacationing in and around Tofino for many years and have found many beautiful spots to get away from everything. So incredible to be surrounded by amazing scenery wherever your eyes wander. Never forget the sighting of our first bear. Really love your picture of the ferns and salal!

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      1. Thank you for visiting and commenting – I appreciate you taking the time!
        Tofino and area is a beautiful place, and as you say, you can find peaceful spots in amazing scenery.
        Thanks again!

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  2. Your wildlife photos stir the imagination and wanderlust for the the misty wilds of the Pacific Northwest. After a visit like this, I can see why getting back to the human hive can be a challenge, but I’m certainly looking forward to hearing and seeing more of your adventures west!

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    1. Thank you, Walt! I hope you get to wander out that way again sometime, it is beautiful, and felt like a haven. Further reports to follow…
      Hope you’ve had an enjoyable weekend!

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  3. Oh, anything that allows me to see wildlife (especially bears) is definitely a must. Amazing photos and definitely a brief moment to escape the world at hand. Have a beautiful weekend.

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  4. Oh how I enjoyed your vacation and photos, pc. I so understand the excitement you speak of, the pure joy of seeing wild bears. Thanks for sharing your adventures and photos with us.

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  5. Such a wonderful atmosphere the misty day gave you. Lovely photos! We also tried our luck on a boat tour but didn’t see any bears. But still enjoyed our time on the water. Tofino was such a lovely, relaxed spot to visit. Would happily go again!

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  6. It is impossible with this great collection of shots to choose a favorite photo this week. Thanks for sharing the wonderful photographs and the solitude and beauty they conveyed was much needed.

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    1. I’m not a photographer, so sometimes it really is best to set aside the camera and soak up all that is around you – and when you do take pictures out there, it’s all so beautiful, that some come out ok!
      Thanks, and I hope you’ve had a wonderful weekend!

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    1. Thanks, Maria! And yes, I’m happy with the photos! If you ever get the chance to visit Tofino, as a photographer you’d love it – there is so much to enjoy.
      I hope your weekend is going well!

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  10. Cute, and kind enough not to fly away too soon! They are beautiful birds. For some spectacular photographs of bald eagles (and other wildlife) check out Welcome to Tofino Photography listed on my blog roll – Wayne captures life in and around Tofino with amazing pictures.

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