B.C. - Powell River to Ucluelet.

 

We were up by 6am (way too early in my book) and down in line for the ferry at 7am for an 8am sailing.

There was a group of kids, under 15 boys, even younger girls, heading to Victoria for a regular season game. Wow, hockey parents are amazing.

And these are vehicles headed for some serious fun!

The young woman we met on Valentine Mountain, who worked for B.C. Ferries, told us you could see whales on the crossing.

So, after getting a hot chocolate, I was up on deck for the duration.

I saw something, but was concerned it was just a Cormorant drying its wings, when Rick saw another we realized they were whale tails. Shortly after we saw 2 plumes. Now, having done a whale watching trip today, we realize it was 2 Humpback Whales. No pictures, too far away.

We landed in Comox and started the drive across the island, not stopping until we reached Cathedral Grove.

Huge, old growth trees.

It was a busy spot,

being a Saturday.

But still

surprisingly peaceful

and

spiritual.

It had been cloudy on the ferry passage and the first part of the drive. Often the tops of the mountains were cloud covered so we couldn't see how high they were. But gradually, as we drove the twisty, mountain road, it started to clear.

We stopped by the river that the road had been following

to eat our sandwiches and apple, for lunch.

Another pull off at a huge mountain lake.

Too early to check in, we grocery shopped in Ucluelet

and wandered around.

Checked out a couple of the nearby beaches,

the lighthouse

and, of course, the docks.

Then we checked in at our cabin. No sea view this time but surrounded by forest and a hot tub on the deck!