Adventure and exploring is a passion that Tyler and I have shared since we met just over ten years ago. We vowed (literally) to never let this part of us dissolve even as we entered parenthood 4 years ago. Time in the wilderness is sacred for us both. Fundamental to our upbringing was fostering curiosity and respectively engaging with the power of nature. It was important to both of us to expose Remi to these elements so she too could embrace these values. However, we also have learned that tot outdoor adventures require alot of time and energy especially when it came to managing wet tents, sandy sleeping bags and overloaded backpacks (yup those ++diapers, clothes, snacks and tot toys add up!)
Hands down, those multi day mountaineering/backpacking trips will become more prominent in our lives again. Indeed, overlanding has been a big part of our adventures as well. Overlanding is essentially the perfect family friendly set-up, allowing one to to still get off the grid and explore minus ++ prep time and more comfort than back-packing (yes, no more cold nights spooning with a filled hot water Nalgene bottle in your sleeping bag to keep warm!)
Two weeks ago, we packed the last of our things in our rig with the goal of exploring the Northern western side of Vancouver island. Thanks to our safari rack and waterproof duffle bags we were able to pack more supplies (and importantly more toys for us!)
First stop: Strathcona Upper Campbell lake. One of our go-to destinations, we craved the stillness of the lake and vastness of the mountain drop that this gem provides. I cannot help but mention that Remi caught her first fish here when she was 2 years old (proud parent boasting moment!) We spent three days here, splashing in the water, casting lines, creating rock art and simply adjusting to vacation mode.
Feeling settled and relaxed we headed up through Gold River to Port Alice. From Gold River to Woss, the road was via a well used logging road which is in good condition enabling a smooth ride. Thereafter the road was (surprisingly) paved all the way to Port Alice. We both were impressed with the serenity, cleanliness and beauty of this small ocean side village town. Filling up with gas and hitting the grocery store one more time, we continued our journey toward the West Coast. We re-welcomed the bumpity-bump-bump of the roads as implied gateway to remote wilderness!
We drove west for about 1.5hrs and as the skies began to dim, decided to retire at O’Connell lake for the night. This rec spot was nestled in a deep dark forest adjacent to a freakishly quiet lake with no people in sight. In fact, at this point we hadn’t seen anyone since we departed from Port Alice (making our bear/cougar ‘antennas’ extra sensitive). Morn delivered the contrary; with sunlight spilling through our windows as we popped open the curtains. A chorus of birds welcomed us, as did eager trout biting at our lines!
With two trout in the fridge, we headed toward the coast in hopes of finding a spot on the water. Looking for that ‘golden spot’ on these type of trips is a bit ‘like a box of chocolates. You never know what you are going to get!’ Indeed, we did find a little haven on the ocean coast nestled at the neck of an inlet. We both agreed that this would be our home for the next 4-5 days.
Days were filled with exploring. Glassy waters lapped our paddles as we explored the inlet on our SUP’s. Even our anxious dog Pete was as at ease as he had come to recognize the nose of the paddleboard as his happy place. It surely is one of mine!
Apart from exploring nearby beaches, fishing and foraging, we delightfully were spectators of a raft of 10 sea otters (8 adults + 2 young)! To be a spectator of such a thing is quite a rarity as sea otters were hunted to extinction along the B.C. coast in the 1700’s and 1800’s. Since then, 89 Alaskan sea otters were relocated to the west coast of Vancouver Island giving these magical creatures another chance in our waters.
After 5 days, we decided to head out toward Brooke’s Peninsula. A bucket list item for us both to hike one day, we were bummed when a road slide hampered our travels. Needless to say, we caught glimpses of this beautiful unscathed area. As we retrace our tracks, we are reminded that such adventures embody resiliency muscles and that a plan A,B,C and sometimes D is necessary!
Moving along up the coast, we continue our journey further into remoteness (as dictated by our spazzing GPS who couldn’t locate where we were.) We were grateful for the protection of the brush guards as the fairly clean cut logging roads transitioned into an ‘overgrown mullet.
Breaking out of the bush, we were welcomed by open skies, open ocean…and people! After seeing no one for 5 days (except for 2 passing logging trucks), we welcomed the conversations from our new found friends. Never immune to the thrill of discovering such places, we savored the vastness of the beach that ran as long as the eye could see. Rocks staged the beach, beautifully scripted by crashing waves and whittled by plants, specimens and other rocks. My mom and dad have spoken about Tofino and the days you could drive and camp on the beach. I envisioned this place to be similar to what my they had experienced almost 50 years ago.
After sussing out our options, we opted for a flat spot married between the flipping tides, stream and forest edge.
The next few days consisted of long beach walks, tickling innocent sea anemones, climbing over ragged rock edges, exploring sea caves and attempting to find a Japanese glass ball (my seemingly lifelong project!) We enjoyed conversations with other folks seeking similar solitude, peace and engagement with the riches of the wild west coast.
And not only did human friends did join us, but 3 young wolves graced us with their entrancing presence. After mesmerizing over these mystical creatures, the pack departed with a howling chorus as their grand finale.
The last two days, we experienced the signature west coast rains and winds. Hallelujah for the warmth of the overland rig. Fulfilled and relaxed after 10 days, off-the-grid, we started to pack up camp in preparation for our long journey home. With memories of bear jams and full of smiles, we certainly felt recharged and ready to manage the traffic jams and full inboxes that waited ahead.
Until the next adventure,
~Jessalyn.
