Saturday
Woke up at Chez Pierce - enjoyed hanging with Mike and Julie in their new pad
Jumped in the truck and hit the road - quick breakfast on the road and provisions acquired
Headed to Nanaimo to meet up with the gang - met them at noon when they rolled off the ferry
Took a back way past parksville to some caves… passed through what turned out to be a wildlife conservation area on the way. Stopped when we saw many bald eagles on every tree for a couple miles… pulled over to look at them (probably saw 60+ eagles in a few miles… one of the most incredible things I’ve seen…. Reilly has photos). When we stopped we were by a large tree which we quickly found out had 3 raccoons hanging about half way up peeking out at us! Were enjoying those when a deer walked out into the pasture about 20 yards away. We explained to the kiwis that this is *not* a normal Canadian wildlife experience… but were glad they got to experience it!
Hit the road… the back way forestry road we’d planned to take was gated so turned around there. Found a trail to meander along 4×4 style and almost couldn’t pass… Josh had to back down the hill after encountering our ruts. Good times all around. Gillian a little freaked out about the 4×4′ing.
Headed into Alberni for liquor store and groceries…. and hit Tofino around 8:15
Sitting now in our cabin right on the water… waves crashing right outside… Reilly playing guitar, Naked Dave & Amelia came to visit and the kiwis from their hostel so enjoying the waves and rythym with our party of 9
Life is good