SATURDAY 6TH – FATHER’S DAY SUNDAY IN AUSTRALIA

This photo is ironically idyillic. It is a photo taken at Port Albernie in a very pleasant setting showing the extensive water side industry.

Today was one of those really pleasant days where we did so much that I am struggling to remember what we did. Our first chore was to check the gas tank. The gauge showed it to be completely empty but it turned out to be half full. We wouldn’t want to run out of hot water and lose the capacity to keep the fridge cool if we camp somewhere without power.

We then headed for the west side of the island. On the way, we stopped off at a series of waterfalls the name of which we can’t remember because they weren’t on the map we were using but they were among the best we have seen.

Our next stop was at Cathedral Grove to see the largest Douglas Fir tree in Canada, estimated to be 800 years old. As you would expect, it was quite large and those around it were not much smaller.

From there we went to Port Albernie which, although located about 100 klms from the west coast is on a salt water estuary linked to the west coast and one of those towns which has a very modern aspect to counter balance the very historical aspect. The steam train is obviously part of the historical aspect.

We tried to find the famous water bomber base on Lake Sproat but failed. We expect to be more successful on our way back east tomorrow.

We are now camped at Mackenzie’s Beach at Torofino on the west coast. This is another of those camp sites in a spectacular location but with really poor facilities. That doesn’t matter much because we are self contained but, at $58 for the site for the night, it is by far the most expensive we have stayed in. We are at the Byron Bay of Vancouver Island with a very impressive beach (by their standards) at our door step.

Shorts and tee shirt weather today and Trish even went for a paddle but commented that the water is much colder than any we would contemplate swimming in.