I like Victoria more than Vancouver. Then again, my experience here has been more of a sightseer and punter of outdoor equipment. I guess what’s most appealing of this intimate city is its laidback and creative atmosphere. Like most urban centers though, there are great looking buildings and downright hideous ones – I’m talking about the 70’s cement block style kind. Oh well, this is British Columbia after all. Be that as it may, the Nazis can’t be blamed for these eyesores.
I finally had a chance to test some of my gear. Heather and Jocelyn drove me up to Clayoquot Sound for a two-day jaunt. We camped at Bella Marina campsite the first night and at Toquart Forestry Rec Site the next night. The first site was luxurious as it had bathrooms with hot showers (1$ for 2 minutes – fascists), access to a wonderful beach, proximity to Tofino etc. Nice, but not a true camping experience. The second (more Spartaaaan) site was located closer to Ucluelet and slightly off the beaten track. When the supervisor approached us to collect the camping fee, he announced that the Red tide warning had been officially lifted over a month ago, and that if one were to walk along the beach, one would find a variety of shellfish, oysters in particular.
By definition, they were the freshest oysters we had ever eaten and I doubt I can ever surpass that gastronomic experience; if I ever do, I’ll probably be somewhere in Valhalla.
The Olympic Mountain range, appearing as a rather intimidating wall, is visible from Victoria. I’m assuming the plumes of white smoke indicate Port Angeles, my entry point into the US. From there I head West approx. 80km to Bogachiel State Park. To get there I will pass through the towns of Sappho and Beaver. Can’t wait to take pictures...
I finally had a chance to test some of my gear. Heather and Jocelyn drove me up to Clayoquot Sound for a two-day jaunt. We camped at Bella Marina campsite the first night and at Toquart Forestry Rec Site the next night. The first site was luxurious as it had bathrooms with hot showers (1$ for 2 minutes – fascists), access to a wonderful beach, proximity to Tofino etc. Nice, but not a true camping experience. The second (more Spartaaaan) site was located closer to Ucluelet and slightly off the beaten track. When the supervisor approached us to collect the camping fee, he announced that the Red tide warning had been officially lifted over a month ago, and that if one were to walk along the beach, one would find a variety of shellfish, oysters in particular.
By definition, they were the freshest oysters we had ever eaten and I doubt I can ever surpass that gastronomic experience; if I ever do, I’ll probably be somewhere in Valhalla.
The Olympic Mountain range, appearing as a rather intimidating wall, is visible from Victoria. I’m assuming the plumes of white smoke indicate Port Angeles, my entry point into the US. From there I head West approx. 80km to Bogachiel State Park. To get there I will pass through the towns of Sappho and Beaver. Can’t wait to take pictures...
guido you bastard. how could you not tell you had a blog. you write like such a i used to be old man guy pseudo weekend write journalist
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