Poltrack Blog

Long Beach is the largest and longest beach in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve on the west coast of Vancouver Island. I visited it in 1974 and 2017. I'm happy to report it was better in 2017 because cars and campers were not allowed on the beach. Thank you Canada. Letting cars and campers on the beach in 1974 2017 - Miles of beach Surfers love the place   www.poltrack.net

Petroglyph Provincial Park   One of my side excursions in Canada was a quick visit to Petroglyph Provincial Park located at the south end of Naniamo, BC on Vancouver Island. However I'll admit that I was a bit underwhelmed. They had concrete representations of the Petroglyphs because the originals were very hard to discern. Still it is thrilling to see images that have been created 1000 years ago. Illustrations show what drawings were discovered The flat rock surface had no petroglyph and appeared to be defaced a bit These were the only images I could find on the actual rocks. A fence blocked another path which might have held other carvings. Sproat Lake Provincial Park In 2004 I saw a much more impressive collection of petroglyphs at Sproat Lake in Port Alberni, BC. These were much larger and carved on the side of a cliff. If you can only visit one, I would suggest Sproat Lake. Petroglyph Many carvings Sproat Lake is also home to Coulson ...

In the Pacific Northwest under the canopy of tall trees you will find an interesting  plant with nasty spines and large leaves called the Devil's Club. Its botanical name is even more frightening   Oplopanax horridus .  I was tempted to touch the spines to see if they would cause a reaction but chickened out. I heard a bit about this plant from my indigenous in-laws. It has ceremonial and medicinal properties. I admire it for its beauty. Large leaves capture as much sun as possible beneath the tree canopy These berries will turn red and are called "bear candy" Impressive Spines   www.poltrack.net

We visited the pier at Gold River after an absence of 13 years. We were hoping to catch a ride on the Uchuck III  to Nootka Island. Sadly this was a case of poor planning on our part. I was dismayed to see that this beautiful spot is still an industrial site. At least the air quality has improved since my first visit in 1974. One view from the view Now the location of Western Forest Products. Judging by the lighting I'm guessing that this operation runs 24 hours a day. What a view The landslide was evident in 1974. My wife told me bears would migrate down the scar. There are risks of course Noisy but better than the pulp mill of the 1970s Gold River Site of the former reserve, now a parking lot for tourists Former Reserve Flashback to 1974. How would you like this in your backyard? Personal observation, it STINKS! Pulp Mill 1974 which did pollute the water My wife and her folks. We saw Joey on our 2017 trip Meeti...

While we were staying in Naniamo I took the opportunity to visit some of the nearby Provincial Parks. One of these was the Roberts Memorial Provincial Park, which features a walk through the forest to the shore. I was most intrigued by the erosion patterns in the sandstone, reminded me of bones A view from the shore I saw a familiar sight on the forest floor on the path when I spotted a patch of Indian Pipes ( Monotropa uniflora ). These are common in New England and I was happy to see them in the Pacific Northwest. The  forest While I was there I saw some picnickers and a family catching crabs A path among the ferns A magical place   www.poltrack.net

Low tide at the Tofino Botanical Gardens. I didn't attempt to walk out to the nearby island because I understand  that I might get mired up in this mud. It looks solid doesn't it? This is where snowshoes might come in handy I love this view And I love this view   www.poltrack.net

I ran out of reading material while traveling to visit family in Vancouver Island and realized I needed something to read on the plane ride back home. I asked Google to show me a bookstore near me was directed to a funky used bookstore in Nanaimo. The proprietor was helpful when I asked for a book for a plane ride. I settled on Lake Wobegan Days by Garrison Keillor which was just what I needed as we sat on the tarmac at O'Hare for an hour. Mural on wall at the Arbutus Bookstore  Arbutus bookstore in Nanaimo, BC   www.poltrack.net

Before I left Vancouver Island I wanted to see the Pacific Ocean. We made the 3 hour drive along the narrow roads through mountain passes to get to Tofino, a very popular tourist destination. Long Beach has miles of beach and is popular with surfers. It was a beautiful day when we visited. The sand is fine and hard packed. When I visited in the 1970s the beach was a parking lot full of campers. I was pleased  to see that has ended. Floral display Miles of sand and water This couple from Montreal asked me to take a photo with a Polaroid camera. I decided to take a photo of my own with the hope that somehow they will see it   www.poltrack.net

In spite of these warnings, I managed to stay alive.  I do admit to being worried about being hit by a logging truck while in pursuit of a giant fake caterpillar. MacMillan Provincial Park was used as the setting for several movies. I learned that the movie producers left behind several props including a fake caterpillar. Can you spot it? I risked my life and limb and the life of my guide Angie WyseSeward  for this stupid FAKE caterpillar. There were logging trucks racing by us at 80 KM/HR. It was terrifying. "I did not want grampa to walk by himself so away I go. Steps away from semi trucks and cars doing at least 80km by us all for a picture. LMAO of a caterpillar that was left in the trees by some movie film. Tourist or what! He even had gravy on his fries" ~ Angie's comment It is a three hour drive to get away from the coast Zap I didn't even consider it This is why Fire, Fire Bears, wolves, cougars, poisonous plants ...