Hiking Flores Island - June 24-26, 2015

On June 24, I led 12 students and 2 adults to Flores Island, a 35 minute water-taxi ride from Tofino. The forecast was for light rain on Wed. and Thur., but I was hoping it would be wrong. We did start hiking in light rain, and it continued for most of the 4 1/2 hour, 11 k., hike from Ahousaht to Cow Bay, where we camped for 2 nights. Luckily, though, it rained little while we were in camp, and the kids managed to get a fire going, although it was a whole group effort! A wonderful trip, maybe my favourite spot on the west coast.

Hiking through the Ahousaht Indian Reserve after our water taxi ride. 

Crossing one of the many beaches en route to Cow Bay. 

But because it was a rising tide, we had to trek across the aptly named "Trail
of Tears," rather than taking the low tide short-cut.

Despite the rain, though, the kids managed to get a fire going. 

On Thursday, we went for a stroll for a couple for hours along the coast. 

Lovely shells!

Fancy footwork across the Cow River. 

Lovely rocks, too!

A selfie on the rocks at Cow Bay.

Harlequin Ducks. 

And the sun came out!

Fording the river at low tide on the return hike on Friday, in sunshine@

The boat ride back to Tofino. 

Dover Bay Flores Island Backpacking Trip - June 24-26, 2015

KeehaBay - June 3-5, 2015

I took a school group out to Keeha Bay last weekend, near Bamfield on the west coast of Vancouver Island. I didn't really know what to expect from the trail. In years past, it had taken up to 3 hours to slog the 4 k. through the mud, over and under the trees to the beach.   The beach didn't disappoint, whales, although not too close, were feeding offshore, 4 bears were spotted, a weasel, eagles, and osprey.

Yes, even with the dry weather (5 mm of rain in May!) the trail was still wet and muddy!

 Some marine fog, but it burnt off Saturday afternoon, and then there was sun, too much!

 We arose early Saturday, 6 a.m.!, to go for a walk at low tide. 

 Some great caves!

 The whole group - 15 of us. Me, two parents, an adult older brother, 3 female recent graduates, and 8 students, one grade 12, four grade 9's, and three grade 8's, all boys. 

 A beautiful view from this rocky promontory. 

 Liam, one of the grade 8 boys, excitedly called to me to bring my camera over. 

At first glance I thought it was just a pile of seaweed.

 But upon closer inspection I realized Luke was buried underneath all that!

And was he ever shivering!

 David and Peter and Liam had fun playing Huck Finn.

 Beautiful Indian paintbrush!

 The older kids sensibly covered up from the sun.

 Ah! What a trip!