Every year when we make the trek to Tofino we always rent kayaks and go paddling with a guide. We book our tours through Paddle West Kayaking Tours, their guides are excellent and very knowledgeable about the area. We decided to do a paddle we had previously done, the trip to Meares Island. It is simply stunning! It is a small island with old growth forest and a rugged cedar hiking trail.
The kids all loaded up in their single boats waiting to get going. The Hub and I decided to rent a double kayak, I seem to have done more paddling though, because he was trying to get the GoPro to work or so I'm told. (Next time it's a single)
The trip to Meares took about an hour and a bit, and then we hiked for about an hour. Beautiful! All total we were gone for a good 4 hours. I think a few kayaks are going to be on the wish list in the future. We've talked about it before. But I think this is something we need to make happen, as there are so many places on the island to paddle.
Jr is a water baby and paddled effortlessly.
All of the trees for the walkway are harvested on the island.
There were beautiful stairways with bent cedar rails.
The stairs were a little sketchy, so if you aren't sure footed, it's not a great walking trail.
The trees are spectacular, it's old growth forest that has never been harvested. There was quite a controversy a few years ago because one of the local logging company's wanted to log the island. Protests ensued and thankfully it was stopped and is still pristine. It is one of the most beautiful spots in Clayoquot Sound. It is ancient rain forest, and if you listen close enough you can hear the trees tell the stories of the ages.
This is the largest tree on the island.
My niece showing how big the tree is.
The lovely Scooterpie Jr.
Mini moto was out for adventure.
More shots of the beautiful pathway, it was a wee bit treacherous, a tad slippery. I was surprised by an elderly couple navigating the trail, but it was with great difficulty. I was pretty concerned how they were going to get back as neither of them where having an easy time of it when we crossed paths. The gentleman was complaining about how rugged the trail was and "not good for old folks".
Our afternoon was drawing to a close because we were following the tide and had to get back to the kayaks and return to Tofino or we would have been going against the current.
This lovely boat was moored at the island when we paddled in.
Kayak parking.
The cellphone battery was starting to die and I was busy working the rudder on the return trip and paddling.
Floating village in Clayoquot Sound.
Almost back to Jamie's Whaling station and kayak dock.
Our lovely guide Tasha from Paddle West Kayaking tours. Thanks for the great day!
