East Sooke Trail - April 2, 2016

What a beautiful trail!

Twelve of us met at Aylard Farm where we had two taxi-vans meet us and transport us to the trailhead at Pike Road. We started hiking under clear skies, but only 3 of us deemed it warm enough for shorts.

The short hike along Pike Road

After 20 minutes we came to Iron Mine Bay, and some of us donned more clothing to contend with the cool ocean breeze.

Meandering along the coastline trail

The brisk breeze kept the temperatures perfect for hiking, and we marvelled at the views of the Juan de Fuca Strait. I had only done this hike once previously, and had forgotten how rolling it is; you really have to be careful of your step going up and down the rocks! And the ocean is a long ways down from some of the precipitous cliffs!

Steep cliffs along the shore

Ah! It doesn't get much better than this!

And the vistas never quit.

What beautiful scenery! (And I'm not talking about the hiker!)



We admired the view of the Olympic Peninsula Mountains across the strait.

And, after we passed cabin point, more flowers were blooming.

Shooting stars emerging early on the sun-soaked slopes.


Camus awaking early

As we neared Aylard Farm, we encountered more and more walkers, most without any packs, out for a short stroll. At the other end of the trail most of the people we saw were runners, but now they were walkers, many with dogs. Good to see many people out enjoying nature, and getting their kids out at an early age.  

The only thing I'm wondering is why did it take me 15 years to return to this gem of a trail!?