Matthew's web log

For our second day in Tofino, we reserved a “water taxi” (also known as a “boat”) to take us to nearby Meares Island to hike to the peak of Lone Cone (the mountain on the island).  We made our reservation the night before for an 8:30am departure.  After picking up lunches at a store in town, we arrived at the dock right on time.  Unfortunately, no one was there.  The sign on the door gave a phone number to call, which we did only to be sent straight to voicemail.   We went back into town to kill some time only to return and still no one was there.  Finally, someone arrived and we were on our way close to forty five minutes late.  Apparently, “dispatch” and the boat driver didn’t get get their communication kinks out.  

Finally arriving at Lone Cone, we begin the hike.  All starts out well, but once it turns into the forest (which was expected), my fun meter quickly runs to empty.  Unlike trails we are used to doing back home, this one involved a steep trail with lots of scrambling over water, rocks, and tree roots.  After about an hour (as the mosquitos pick up, too), I’ve really had enough and we turn back, call the water taxi, and return to Tofino.   L’ is disappointed we didn’t make it to the top while I’m relieved I can put on dry socks.

After lunch, we visit the Pacific Rim National Preserve.   We hit two short walks both of which are enjoyable.  First up is Radar Hill, so named because it used to have a radar installation atop it.  The radar has long since been dismantled, but there is a nice vista from the top.

From Radar Hill we drive a short ways up the road to visit Schooner Cove.  It’s a nice walk to a pretty cove on the water.  We wander the beech, taking in the views and relaxing in the great outdoors.  It’s a pretty white sand beach, and except for the cool temperature (probably about 70), it could be the Caribbean or Hawaii.  From here, we hike back to the car and return to the hotel for our final evening in Tofino.  Tomorrow we depart for Campbell River.

View all the trip photos here:

http://sanjoseabrams.com/photos/VancouverIslandAug2011/