juan de fuca provincial park

12-15 July

Once in the High and Far-off Times, as Rudyard Kipling began his wonderful Just-so-Stories, in MY High and Far-off Times, I made visits to the west coast of Vancouver Island, once as far as Port Renfrew, and once in a rather daring circuit of the Island, to Cowichan Lake and then Youbou.  This last was --I'm not entirely certain--around 1977, with my deeply cherished friend (now alas departed) Bob Winquist, whose parents lived in Youbou.  At the time, as I recall, much of the road was yet to be paved.  In Bob's 1955 Pontiac, it was what I would consider Adventure Travel, but I trusted his judgement and enjoyed the drive.  I've not been back that way since.

Recently, I decided that I'd like another look at the West Coast, without the crowding and exorbitant prices of Tofino and Long Beach, regardless of how beautiful that area is.  So I booked some nights at Juan de Fuca.  




The highway is now paved. Today was gloriously clear. It’s now a bit chilly. The campground is full but the sites seem very pleasant. I’ve got a good fire going and cooked a good dinner of bratwurst and baked beans. 


it looks as though there are very low tides the coming few mornings and this is an area known for its intertidal life. Should be interesting. 





…Two evenings later.  Intertidal life not very evident, but fine walks.  The way from the campground to the beach is steep, with many stairs.  The shore is very beautiful and there are fine views of the Olympic Peninsula.  





It’s been rather chilly for July.


This morning, as I ate breakfast, I looked out my window and saw what I thought at first was a dog someone had let stray.  A second glance —nope—small bear, quite scruffy looking—if Boris Johnson were a bear he’d look like this youngster, fur all askew, some kind of food on his muzzle, mouth open.


I keep my camera in the cab of my truck to protect it against moisture.  So no photos.  I yelled at him, and he left in some haste.  


There’s been considerable anxiety about the bear in the campground.  I don’t think he’s all that threatening as long as people keep their dogs close by and don’t leave other attractants.  He seems pretty timid.


It was a minus tide at 8 am this morning.  I made my way to the shore at 9:30 and the tide was still well out.  


It wasn't all that birdy, but there were two least sandpipers probing the shore for whatever there was to find.






I had decided to walk back down to the beach today in an effort to keep myself from seizing  up after yesterday’s walk.  I haven’t done such steep walks in some time.  Tonight I feel a bit stiff, and will hit into the Tylenol before turning in.  


Back to Parksville tomorrow, via Cowichan Lake, which has really grown.  Plus ca change. 

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