The End of the Road

We’ve hit it. Vancouver Island. Our final destination.

We loved walking through Cathedral Grove this morning. Even the kids were impressed with the enormity of the Douglas Firs.

Largest Douglas Fir on the Island - 9m around

Where's Parker?

Later we stopped in Port Alberni this morning to get an oil change. Here’s a big shout out to the guy from Jiffy Lube who I will refer to as Port Alberni’s ambassador. He clearly loves his town and did his best to sell it to us. I was shockingly asleep at the time, but I heard him tell Keith that so many people come through Port Alberni to get to Icluelet and Tofino and they don’t stop but there’s so much to do! We thought we should take him up on his advice and drove down to the water. We went into the maritime museum and walked around looking at the boats and lighthouse. It was getting close to lunchtime and the girls and boys separated.  Keith wanted fish and chips and I found a taco place. Abby is my Mexican twin so she came with me. I think in my next life I’m going to be a travel/food guide. We chose the nachos and fish tacos. Both were amazing. The tacos were huge with fresh breaded fish, tomatoes, onions and cilantro and a good, spicy aioli. All Mex’d Up, Port Alberni, BC – you’ve gotta try it!

Fish Tacos

Nachos!

We were a day early for our reservation in Tofino, so we are in Icluelet for the night. This is what a $45 campsite looks like here on the Island:

Do You Like Your Neighbours?

See that log? That’s what’s separating us from our neighbours. The guy to the right of the log and Abby is our new friend. Good thing they are nice and have kids as well. Right now Abby and Parker are trying to impress the pretty daughter. Abby wants a friend and Parker is well, he’s 11… Good times.

I adore the ocean. Coming over on the ferry yesterday I was excited at the first sounds and smells of the ocean. Today, Abby and I found the perfect sign. Words on wood are everywhere these days, but this one I couldn’t pass up. This will be the Desormeaux’s for the next 4 days: 

Beach days make the best days. The sand may brush off. The salt may wash clean. The tans may fade. But the memories will last forever. Happiness is sand between the toes, If you are lucky enough to live by the sea you are lucky enough. Time spent at the beach is never wasted. Wake up smiling. Flip flops are mandatory. Relax. Feel the breeze. Wear sunscreen. Soak up the sunshine. Nap often. Build sandcastles. Collect seashells. Catch a wave. Write your name in the sand. A day at the beach restores the soul. The beach is my happy place. Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air. At the beach, life is different. Time doesn’t move hour to hour, but mood to moment. We live by the currents, plan by the tides, and follow the sun. Salt in the air. Sand in my hair. Let the waves hit your feet and the sand be your seat. The ocean is calling.

Thanks for all the concern about my hair, but I doubt that I’ll be brushing it for the next few days. Sorry Mom.