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D. Inscho Not bored yet...
Joined: 28 Feb 2010 Posts: 973 | TRs | Pics Location: Bellingham,WA |
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D. Inscho
Not bored yet...
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Wed Feb 07, 2018 9:13 pm
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Liberated from our family obligations, Jamie and I sought a cozy getaway for the x-mas holiday. Additionally we wanted to expand our coastal explorations northward.
Dune Winter beach Surf meditation
A cabin out on Vancouver Island in Ucluelet seemed perfect; it featured a bedroom, living area, and small kitchen all centered around the most important element, a woodstove! The craftsmanship of the Fortune Cove cabin was abundantly evident in the gorgeous timber framing.
One of two rental cabins on quiet Fortune Cove Woodstove
It was one of only two on the property providing plenty of privacy, and views across the cove to the snowy heights of Vancouver Island’s substantial mountains.
Cove view from cabin walkway All sunshine
We travelled through that wintery range on the journey over. Chains were a good idea to bring along. The ferry crossing took two hours but the boats are large, comfortable, and appointed with cruise ship-like amenities: video game room, cocktail lounge, two cafeterias with freshly prepared meals, lounge seating. Boxing Day ensured that the reservations were competitive. We adjusted our departure day to secure a reasonable sailing time on the way home.
Early ferry to Vancouver Island to our ultimate Ucluelet cabin destination.
Provisions were stockpiled in Port Alberni for the long Canadian holiday.
Sandpipers Elemental art Jamie takes the camera
Before checking into our cabin we drove to a TH for a short hike to say hello to the Pacific, and a resident driftwood art piece complete with dwelling.
Rogue art Naturallly inspired Built with native material
Morning dawned clear and cold for a big day of exploration, but started small with a ramble down to our little cove.
Exploring Fortune Cove
There are private inholdings along this coast but public access is plentiful. We started at Combers Beach and sauntered under blue skies to Wickaninish, where surfers were carving into the cold Pacific with their boards.
Beach time! Solitude Dropping-in The slouch Ninja rider Flourish The crane Got it! Long-board
We paused for a barley pop break in the afternoon when strong spouts were visible about 400 yards beyond the surf. They remained in the same general area feeding. There were 4 adults and a juvenal. Based upon the timed intervals, group size, diving behavior, and migration patterns we surmised they were a group of Humpbacks. It was a treasured encounter on an empty beach. We eventually had to pack up and go, making it back to the truck at dark.
Beach break Dune brew Watching Humpback whales
More days were spent on other trails and empty beaches. The Tofino beaches were quite busy and cluttered with trophy homes, but it did have a brewpub worth visiting.
Contemplative Tofino beach Cove crossing Enchanted Hittin' the sauce on xmas morning Dog tired
Border crossings turned out to be a considerable factor on this trip. We were waylaid 20 minutes for “special treatment” northbound, and the southbound lineup cost us 90 minutes. This will probably be a factor in any consideration of this destination as compared to La Push.
Winter sun Natural expression
http://david-inscho.smugmug.com/
The key to a successful trip is to do the planning during work hours. -- John Muir
“My most memorable hikes can be classified as 'Shortcuts that Backfired'.” --Ed Abbey
http://david-inscho.smugmug.com/
The key to a successful trip is to do the planning during work hours. -- John Muir
“My most memorable hikes can be classified as 'Shortcuts that Backfired'.” --Ed Abbey
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fourteen410 Member
Joined: 23 May 2008 Posts: 2630 | TRs | Pics
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Very cool - thanks for sharing!
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HermitThrush Member
Joined: 14 Jan 2016 Posts: 384 | TRs | Pics Location: Brainerd Lakes Area, MN |
What a great way to spend the holiday season. Great report!
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puzzlr Mid Fork Rocks
Joined: 13 Feb 2007 Posts: 7220 | TRs | Pics Location: Stuck in the middle |
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puzzlr
Mid Fork Rocks
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Mon Feb 12, 2018 11:22 am
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Nice looking cabin. Does your reference to La Push mean you sometimes surf there? We go every November and see people surfing, but the churn looks dangerous if you were to get caught. I'm curious if First Beach is considered difficult or dangerous for surfers.
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D. Inscho Not bored yet...
Joined: 28 Feb 2010 Posts: 973 | TRs | Pics Location: Bellingham,WA |
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D. Inscho
Not bored yet...
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Tue Feb 13, 2018 7:29 am
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Thanks everyone. I wanted to share another coastal getaway option in our area.
Quote: | Does your reference to La Push mean you sometimes surf there? |
No surfing for us! We're just fans of lonesome winter beaches and wood-warmed cabins
http://david-inscho.smugmug.com/
The key to a successful trip is to do the planning during work hours. -- John Muir
“My most memorable hikes can be classified as 'Shortcuts that Backfired'.” --Ed Abbey
http://david-inscho.smugmug.com/
The key to a successful trip is to do the planning during work hours. -- John Muir
“My most memorable hikes can be classified as 'Shortcuts that Backfired'.” --Ed Abbey
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Rigafari Member
Joined: 22 Sep 2005 Posts: 98 | TRs | Pics
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Rigafari
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Tue Feb 13, 2018 9:13 am
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Cool pics. Love that area. I surfed that mushy wave in the tofino area years ago. Took a trip to hot springs cove and camped on the island as well. La push is not considered a hard break to surf. Its a beach break. Normal rules would apply. Any break can get dangerous when the swell gets above 8-10 ft
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