I thought I’d have more to report on the local Tofino food scene. There are many amazing restaurants in Tofino, but our little kitchen at Gold Coast was so welcoming, so we ate in every night. We did have a pretty good lunch at Tacofino, a Mexican food cart in a funny little complex of shops on the way into town (also now in Vancouver, BC). We also stopped at that complex a couple time to buy fresh produce at the tiniest little grocery store called Beaches. The last time we were there we had intended to check of the coffee shop and the chocolate shop at the same complex, but a seven-hour power outage had closed everything down. We were very thankful for our gas stove that night. GJ and I intent to make a return trip to Tofino soon when we will attempt to eat at as many of the local establishments as possible! Sobo is one place I’m particularly curious about.
We weren’t lucky enough to see any large wild creatures during our week in Tofino, but lots of smaller ones were plentiful. Especially birds! My favorites were the little sandpiper shorebirds which moved almost comically along the tideline. Our little yard at the cottage attracted a bunch of Steller’s Jays who liked to hang around in the mornings. They are highly inquisitive and very pretty. We also saw eagles, ravens and many varieties of gulls. Most of the sea life we saw had washed up on the beach, shells and such, but we did see one brilliant orange star waiting for the tide to come back.
All kinds of weather and unexpected moments of delight: this is what to expect of this beautiful part of our province. We had fog and lots of it, which is fine with me! It made it’s way peacefully across the beaches and through the trees around our cottage. And we had some sun, which was an unexpected treasure. Perhaps my favourite moment of delight was stumbling into The Carving Shed, just on Chesterman Beach below the Wickaninnish Inn. The former studio and home of the late Henry Nolla, the shed is now occupied by local carvers. The day we were there, we met George Yearsley with whom we visited for some time. His delicate carvings of Eagle feathers as well as his gentle welcoming nature are delightful. Another beautiful place to visit in Tofino is the Eagle Aerie Gallery on Campbell Street. The building is a work of art, and the beautiful work of Roy Henry Vickers grace the walls.
http://www.tofinotourism.ca/modules/smartsection/item.php?itemid=11
http://www.youtube.com/user/WickaninnishInn#p/u/0/yCeqiKL0hpQ
What a lovely week on the west coast! We headed for Tofino last monday with dear friends K & R and enjoyed a perfect week together. We had every kind of weather and a seven-hour power outage, but even that couldn’t dampen our spirits.
K & R were kind enough to drive us all, and we took our time and enjoyed the scenery. A stop Coombs for a few groceries; sadly we saw no goats! We stopped at Cathedral Grove for a walk through the ancient forest and then onto Sproat Lake for a picnic lunch. We pulled into our delightful cottage at the Gold Coast Retreat late afternoon and headed straight for Chesterman Beach, accessed just across the road. The clouds had rolled in, but it was still very beautiful.
No blogs for the next few days as we are off to Long Beach and Tofino. Will have lots of food, art and adventure to write about when we get back! Have a great week everyone!















