Alberni Valley - Victoria Quay

The West Coast of Vancouver Island (as in Ucluelet, Tofino, and Long Beach) had been closed to us (2020-06-13) due to Covid19. Nonetheless, we decided to take a drive out to Alberni (very much open to visitors). Victoria Quay was a pleasant stroll.

Alberni Valley - Victoria Quay (2020-06-13)

Cowichan Valley - Kinsol Trestle

June (2020-06-28) found us in the middle of the Covid19 pandemic. Thankfully parks had been opened. We hadn't been to the Kinsol Trestle in some years. This day was as good as any.

Kinsol Trestle (2020-06-28)

Cowichan Valley - Genoa Bay

July 5, 2020 found us travelling south to check out a lake near Chemainus. Later we decided to travel on to Genoa Bay. We hadn't been there in quite some time. This postcard is iconic.

Cowichan Valley - Genoa Bay (2020-07-05)

Nanoose - Brickyard Beach

During the last few weeks - June 2020 - we've been exploring numerous Salish Sea beaches along Vancouver Island's eastern shore. My motivation was the many streets and roads that dead-end at the water's edge (Google Maps was a great resource!).

Brickyard Beach (2020-06-09)

Tofino - Frank Island at Chesterman Beach

On this day (2017-06-28), after beachcombing around Big Beach, in Ucluelet, we next opted for a completely different beach. We traded in the sharp, black rocks, and boulders of Big Beach for the vast stretches of Chesterman Beach sand. For today's postcard, however, I've chosen something a little less than sandy. Frank Island is a rocky feature at the end of a long peninsula of sand that defines north versus south Chesterman Beach. I present two postcards of the same view to illustrate the different moods colour versus black and white can portray.

Frank Island at Chesterman Beach (colour)...

Frank Island at Chesterman Beach (black and white)...

Swartz Bay - Ferry passing Piers Island

On this day (2016-09-25), we're on our way to Mayne Island with Darryl and Gail. The first step in our mini-vacation (not counting the drive from home to Swartz Bay) was taking the ferry for Village Bay on Mayne Island. Here, leaving Swartz Bay, Piers Island was particularly photogenic.

Piers Island; ferry leaving Swartz Bay...

Victoria - Beacon Hill Park

We booked into a hotel in Victoria for Valentine's Day this year. As is usual in February, Victoria was damp and chilly. Nonetheless, we decided to explore a part of Beacon Hill Park that we'd not seen before. These peacocks at the petting zoo (closed for the winter) were kind enough to pose for the camera.

Beacon Hill Park peacocks (2017-02-15)

Telegraph Cove - Iconic Image

On our way home from a brief stay at Sointula (Malcolm Island), we took a short 16 kilometre detour to visit Telegraph Cove. Put quite simply, the visit was well worth the time. In fact, I think we'll be back in the summer when everything is open. It must be said, however, the rain on this February day was just what was needed to put everything into a typical West Coast mood.

Victoria - Bridge over the Esquimalt Lagoon

Ocean Boulevard bridge at the Esquimalt Lagoon. A place to stroll that affords a good view of the Fisgard Lighthouse.

Victoria - Bridge over the Esquimalt Lagoon

Google Maps:

Cowichan Valley - Wooden ships at Maple Bay

A late September paddle (kayak) took me in and around Maple Bay. After exploring Bird's Eye Cove and heading back to my Maple Bay launch, I spied these beauties (Songhee and Vigorous). Wouldn't they make nice mother-ships? Ah well, when I win the lottery.

Cowichan Valley - Wooden ships at Maple Bay

Ucluelet - MV Frances Barkley leaving Barkley Sound, entering Ucluelet

In 2009 we treated ourselves to a "cruise". In this case, at $72 per person, the cruise was from Port Alberni to Ucluelet and return, aboard the MV Frances Barkley. Well worth the money.

Our postcard features the MV Frances Barkley leaving Barkley Sound, entering Ucluelet harbour.   (2009-06-07)

MV Frances Barkley leaving Barkley Sound into Ucluelet

Nanoose - Moorecroft Park

Nanoose - Moorecroft Park (2012-11-08)

Nanoose - Moorecroft Park

Nanaimo - Forest path just uphill from the Nanaimo River

Forest path just uphill from the Nanaimo River (2013-12-19)...

Forest path just uphill from the Nanaimo River (2013-12-19)...

Nanaimo - Bridge over the Nanaimo River at Cedar

Bridge over the Nanaimo River at Cedar (2013-12-31)

Bridge over the Nanaimo River at Cedar (2013-12-31) 

Parksville - Englishman River Falls

Englishman River Falls (2013-09-05). A short walk with Marco and Angela, visiting from Bremen.

Englishman River Falls (2013-09-05). A short walk with Marco and Angela, visiting from Bremen.

Alberni Valley - Old Railroad Shack at the McLeans Sawmill

With Gabi and Steffan visiting, we decided to show them about the Alberni Valley. It's always interesting for European visitors to see the large trees of Cathedral Grove and then, later, to see how this timber was processed into lumber. No better way than a visit to the historic McLean steam sawmill in the Alberni Valley.

Alberni - Old Railroad Shack at the McLeans Sawmill (2012-09-12)

Genoa Bay - Bouthouse Reflections

Genoa Bay is one of our favourite destinations. We love the drive. We love the restaurant and its idyllic views. I couldn't have asked for better conditions for this postcard.

Genoa Bay - Bouthouse Reflections (2013-11-16)

Cowichan Valley - Providence Farm

A visit to Providence Farm, a working organic farm dedicated to restoring the spirit and skills of those with physical, mental and emotional challenges, after an early May rain.

Providence Farm in the Cowichan Valley 2009-05-05

Cowichan Bay - What constitutes a Backyard in Cow Bay

Cowichan Bay (Cow Bay to the locals) is nothing if not "funky". It's fun to contemplate what it would be like to have a backyard as depicted here. 

What constitutes a Backyard in Cowichan Bay (2011-05-21)

Nanoose Bay - Trail leading to Clam Beds

Hanne had heard that moonsnail shells were to be found in abundance at the Nanoose Bay beach. On a low tide in early July, we drove out to have a look and for Hanne to go "collecting". She was in luck. By a small parking lot, this little trail leads to the beach.

When walking about at lower tides, be careful to respect the various commercial clam/oyster beds in the area.

Nanoose Bay - Trail leading to Clam Beds (2012-07-06)