The Wild Side Trail - Flores Island - June 10-12, 2016 - An Island Mountain Ramblers' Outing

After a 1/2 hour water taxi ride from Tofino, we arrived at Flores Island. We then walked through the Ahousaht Indian Reserve to the first beach, where we had lunch.

Lunch at the first beach. Low clouds, with rain threatening. 

Cool weather, but calm, and we only had a few showers on Friday. After lunch, we set out for Cow Bay, a 10 k meander along the shore. The tide was low (0.7 m.) at noon, but rising. We were still able to avoid many of the headland trails and stick to the beautiful shore. And were we ever glad that we could, as the shoreline around the headlands was the most interesting.

Nearing the first headlands. 

Going around the first headlands at lowish tide. 

A little drizzle as we hiked along.

Some magical forest when we did have to go inland!

We set up camp at about 3:30. 

We were treated to some sunshine in the evening. 

and a nice sunset.

We did have countless grey whale sightings, or maybe it was the same four whales countless times? In one little cove, they were close enough that we could smell their rancid breath!

On Saturday we hiked up the shore a couple of hours to Cow River and a little past. This is my favourite part of the whole outing -- magical forest, and in and out of picturesque beaches. 

Coming back to the beach near Cow River. 

And fascinating tide pools!

Sea anemone

Colourful snail!

And after a leisurely lunch we returned to camp. 

Sunam fording Cow River

Nimble Beth

Mystical driftwood at Cow Bay.

An Indian Paintbrush planter.

Bird art

Art forms along the shore.

An osprey family entertained us with their fishing prowess

Another nice sunset to finish a lovely day.

Heading out on Sunday, rain threatening, again, but never developing. 

We made good time coming back. Perfect weather for hiking.

Plentiful sea life along the shore.

A low tide upon our return, and receding, enabled us to skirt most of the headlands.

And a quick boat ride back to Tofino ended another fabulous trip to the Wild Side Trail on Flores Island.