It has been a week we will never forget. Our trip to Vancouver Island was a full surprises and adventures.
We were greeted by a community Salmon BBQ by the sea. There were live bands playing, people dancing and corn being roasted . It was “Ukee Days’’, a three day annual festival celebrating this community and all its wonderful qualities.
The shows went really well - filled with dancers and singers of all ages. The community there was just incredible and filled with tons of town spirit; the festival grounds were always full, the stage was filled with many talented local bands and children as well as those from other parts of Canada.
During our 4 day visit we were presented with wonderful adventures that we will never forget.
It started with drive down what used to an old logging road but now is the only route to the west coast of Vancouver Island. In our little blue rental car fully loaded with Splash'N Boots stuff we travelled down a very curvy, winding road through mountains and beautiful lakes, and finally to a fork in the road. Tofino is one way, and Ucluelet the other. We took a left to Ucluelet, where we were transported into the most perfect little ocean town.
We were greeted by a community Salmon BBQ by the sea. There were live bands playing, people dancing and corn being roasted . It was “Ukee Days’’, a three day annual festival celebrating this community and all its wonderful qualities.
The shows went really well - filled with dancers and singers of all ages. The community there was just incredible and filled with tons of town spirit; the festival grounds were always full, the stage was filled with many talented local bands and children as well as those from other parts of Canada.
During our 4 day visit we were presented with wonderful adventures that we will never forget.
Our first adventure: Surfing
With a brief lesson and surf boards in hand we headed to open ocean. Now I can’t say that either of us were naturals at it, but we did both stand up once before doing a face plant flat into the water. Who knew waves could be so strong. It was so fun. Harry the Parrot would have joined us but we could not find a wetsuit that would fit.
This was a hike we did along the coast of the Pacific Ocean. It was absolutely gorgeous- Canada has some of the greatest coasts in the world..
Next adventure: Hot Springs Cove
This adventure involved a very wavy hour and a half boat ride to a very remote area of the Island where natural Hot Springs exist in their natural setting ( that's a lot of natural). After the boat landed we did a long hike through beautiful rain forest to the place where the springs were situated. Let me tell you they were not joking about hot- these were hotter then a hot tub…and much more fun. We spent the afternoon soaking in the water, and sitting under the waterfalls. It was perfect.
But to make the day even that much more perfect we had many surprises on our boat ride home. Our captain decided to forgo the calm way home and take us out to the open ocean where the huge waves are in the hopes of seeing whales. After a half an hour of waves that sent our small boat flying up and down and side to side (sometimes I might have felt slightly nervous…!!) We both happened to be looking at the same place at the same time and saw a 30 ton Humpback Whale jump straight up in the air and land with a huge splash right beside the boat! It was the most incredible experience. We have never seen anything like it. It was like the whale was putting on a show for us because minutes later he did it again, along with a few other tail splashes. It was unbelievable!
Then we pulled up along a small island and saw Steller Sea Lions basking in the sun….they are the biggest sea lions in the world and definitely the cutest. Taes felt like snuggling up with them on the rock.
But to make the day even that much more perfect we had many surprises on our boat ride home. Our captain decided to forgo the calm way home and take us out to the open ocean where the huge waves are in the hopes of seeing whales. After a half an hour of waves that sent our small boat flying up and down and side to side (sometimes I might have felt slightly nervous…!!) We both happened to be looking at the same place at the same time and saw a 30 ton Humpback Whale jump straight up in the air and land with a huge splash right beside the boat! It was the most incredible experience. We have never seen anything like it. It was like the whale was putting on a show for us because minutes later he did it again, along with a few other tail splashes. It was unbelievable!
Then we pulled up along a small island and saw Steller Sea Lions basking in the sun….they are the biggest sea lions in the world and definitely the cutest. Taes felt like snuggling up with them on the rock.
What a day. The sun made its way down on the west coast and the next day we headed back to the airport.
Next Adventure: Cathedral Cove
We managed to fit in one last hike on the way to the airport. We stopped on the side of the road outside of Port Alberni and walked among the tallest trees in the world. It was awesome. It is really hard to describe just how big these trees were but it felt like we had been shrunk down to the size of ants.
Well we are now back in Calgary preparing for some shows then heading off to Strathmore Heritage Days where we will be preforming 9 shows over 3 days. Hope everyone is having a great summer.... its August!
Talk to you soon,
Love Taes and Nick
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