Trip to Meares Island to wander through the rainforest

Three days ago we went kayaking in Clayoquot Sound and paddled to Meares Island.   This island belongs to the Tla-o-qui-aht Hawiih First Nation and the island's traditional name is Hilthuu?is.  We humbly thank you for allowing us the privilege of hiking on this beautiful island.

Motorcycle man, myself, daughter and our niece went on this little adventure. Motorcycle man & the daughter went in single kayaks and I went in a double with my adorable niece.  I was kidding my niece on the amount of paddling she did.  But once we hit our rhythm we were in synchronicity.  I splashed her accidentally (kinda) with the paddle while she was 'resting'. She can be my kayak partner any day.  We chose Paddle West Kayaking (www.paddlewestkayaking.com) through Jamie's Whaling Station and we were guided by Kelda, she was awesome and very knowledgeable.  She taught us everything we needed to know and is a great teacher and guide. (www.jamies.com)

The paddle over to Meares was spectacular scenery wise.  When we started out paddling we saw some river otters frolicking in the water at the edge of the dock.  We saw some eagles, a seal and quite a few starfish.  The water was dead calm and it was a misty day, which was actually fabulous for paddling  because you weren't getting fried by the sun. It is a very humbling experience sitting in a kayak in the middle of Clayoquot Sound.  I was nervous about taking pictures with my little camera while kayaking because it isn't waterproof, unfortunately there aren't a lot of us out on the water - I was too busy paddling.  I did however take quite a few pictures of the beautiful trees on Meares.  When the forest is still and quiet you can almost hear the trees whispering their secrets of the ages.  The trees are massive and absolutely beautiful, I was awestruck.  It is a lovely hike on the raised walking trail and this added to the charm of the walk as well as protecting the environment.  I can easily understand why folks were upset at the possibility Meares Island being logged, it truly is a National treasure, in fact it is a world treasure.  I thoroughly enjoyed this paddling adventure and I think I am going to be kayak shopping soon.  I have a sneaking suspicion though that the magic will not be quite the same as it was on our beautiful day.  Thanks Kelda!!!!!

The walking path is a raised platform made from the trees in the area and is very beautiful.
One of the principles of the Tla-o-qui-aht People is Hishukish Tsawaak ~ everything is one, interconnected
and Iisaak ~ Respect
(as written from the information card provided from the Hereditary Chiefs)

This is the inside of a massive tree, you can actually stand-up in.

Just a pic snapped through the trees.  Magnificent!

The trees are so enormous that you can not get them in entirety in the picture.

For those of you who can't hear these trees telling their stories of the ages,
you just need to listen a little harder and you will hear their songs. ( Is it just me or
can you see two faces in the trunk of this tree?)

When we arrived at Meares there was only 1 other kayak, when we got back from our hike they had multiplied!