Something tells me I’m not the all inclusive type….
My idea of a vacation is this… The West Coast of Vancouver Island. I’m telling you, if you’ve never been here… you just should. There are beautiful places in the world. Seriously breathtaking places. But nothing is more humbling than being surrounded by the rough, rugged beauty of the west coast. It’s just something about the mountains, the waves, the tides, the sea otters, the bears, the islands, the streams, the waterfalls, the crisp morning air…. nothing makes me speechless like this place. Its either in your blood or it’s not. It’s in mine… Within moments of stepping onto the tin boat, and motoring out away from the dock… I could actually feel… stillness. Quiet. I was decompressing. I was not thinking. I was existing. I was alive. What a wonderful 3 days.
It doesn’t hurt that my good friends family has a float camp in Nootka Sound, one of the most magical places around. (which I feel incredibly lucky to be able to go to!) It is also equally wonderful that this good friend, has now become my fabulous graphic designer/assistant/savior/second me. We had been working hard, burning discs, tying up loose ends, organizing life… so a mini road trip (in fact annual now) was just what was needed to re-charge our batteries for a busy wedding season.
Here is my hopefully helpful list of…
“Seven things to consider when road tripping…”
#1. Carefully select co-pilot/tequila and old country tapes for cabin
#2. Bring a dog
#3. Ensure you can get to one of the most magical places on Vancouver Island
#4. Purchase $1 red hats at the first store you see, and wear them around joyfully
#5. Make fabulous meals. Eat them in incredible places (like uninhabited islands)
#6. Be prepared to laugh out loud, singing old country favorites like “don’t ask her on a straight tequila night”
#7. Recognize that you are NOT going to want to leave
May 31st, 2008 at 2:17 pm
breathtaking ….. words and photos …. I have actual tears … Wow! (p.s. love your choice of tunes
)
May 31st, 2008 at 2:49 pm
nice pics, food looks yummy, love the pic of the cowgirl and her dog in a tin boat!
June 1st, 2008 at 10:50 am
Just when I thought I knew every amazing detail and magical moment Nootka has to offer, you prove me wrong with these words and images, and have captured even more memorable times, tunes, and tastes. I cannot wait to see what next year brings.
June 1st, 2008 at 2:53 pm
The next west coast experience will have to be guided by Auntie’s camp sidekicks - Rhys and Avery - they certainly enjoy it as much as you did - and definately add a different kind of adventurous spin to the trip - but they also kind or wreck the tranquility factor!
Love that you love our little piece of heaven!
June 4th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
I can bake…or clean…or supervise…or mix the cocktails….Can I come next time
June 11th, 2008 at 7:25 am
I grew up on the east cost of Vancouver Island (Comox), and I must tell you, those photos are amazing and so representative of the natural beauty of the area.
I love Vancouver Island…
June 11th, 2008 at 9:26 am
Thank you all.
Les… would LOVE to witness the small people terrorize the place
Hannah… We are pretty lucky here aren’t we!