Surfing

Justine took us to Wickaninnish beach for surfing. A good day to get used to the Sterling Reflection sea kayak that I get to use for the next days. A very maneouverable and playful kayak in the waves; I will need that.

In the afternoon foraging for Chantarels and almost getting lost 100 meters away from the car. Ready for the road and ferry trip ahead.

Photos : https://photos.app.goo.gl/Gh7vsgvrqZfSfJZ29

Fishing

Justine and JF gave me options what to do today. Low water in the morning for viewing black bears and/or fishing for Salmon at high water in the afternoon.

Fishing would be new for me, so that was an easy choice. All set with a fishing day permit for me we set out. We did not catch any Salmon in the inlet but we did see about eight black bears.

Justine and I then went out to the ocean to get a guaranteed catch of the day for our evening meal. While fishing and catching some rock fish two fishermen called out to us if we wanted the Salmon that they still had on their line. This turned out to be a massive Spring Salmon that did not quite fit in the bag.

I actually did catch one rock fish but it was kinda small and I released it. My fishing needs some getting used to because most of the time I spent untangling the hook from deck lines, bungees, net mesh, kelp, the lure itself or my finger and at one time even from Justines' kayak.

PS. My computer or it's adapter died so I am now experimenting doing all from my mobile phone.

Photos : https://photos.app.goo.gl/ZefSZd6Pht9ohprz5

Another Time, Another Place

I arrived in Ucluelet. I am visiting Justine and JF at SKILS.

I was surprised how logistically easy it was to reach this kinda remote town on the west coast of Vancouver Island; affectionally called Ukee by the locals; probably to prevent variations on the pronunciation of Ucluelet.

My first time traveling to Canada by air. Flying via Toronto and Vancouver it was just a straightforward bus/ferry ride to get there. The young female bus driver (from Nanaimo to Tofino) handling the long bus as if it was a mini car; reversing and tight-turns and all; with explanations in English and French. First time also any airline put me on the exit row seats; lots of legroom on an economy ticket where I could not even select seats in advance. Totally surprised.

Not much after arrival Justine already took me on a short hike around Amphritrite Point. It was kinda foggy, but between the sheets of fog some spectacular scenery showed through. A wonderful paddling area with lots of rock-hopping to do; gullies (and wave action) everywhere.

Now trying to get the jet-lag (my foggy mind) out of the way to be fit to do some paddling later this week. And kayak fishing!