we board a ferry to vancouver island and stop at cathedral grove to see the massive trees

a stop at port alberni (that's bosco up on the clock tower)

















then we're in ucluelet.  this is our beach behind our digs
 
 
 

 

the next day we explore pacific rim national park (and it's most famous region: long beach)



 
rob is intrigued by this plant - like a large dandelion without the flower
 
there are signs saying we can't go on this path b/c there was a storm and some trees fell over.  but we go anyhow, and it's something else to see the awesome power of  these large trees combined with gravity: the path is torn up and we scramble up and down to get around.  so much fun :)
 
 


here's the view from radar hill:
panaramic views of clayquot sound

at the wickaninnish interpretive centre, there's a touch table and a ranger on hand to talk about... scat.
yup, bosco was in heaven !

back in uclelet, we eat at a local seafood place that advertises a harbor view - here rob shows the great view

 
there's a small aquarium and it's all locally sourced - they go out every summer, catch these creatures a few kilometers from shore, and at the end of the season, bring them all back to their habitat.  pretty neat
 

 
 
 
 
 
this one was interesting - sucked on to fierce's finger and wouldn't let go.  we had to get help!  and still a few of it's suckers were left on him!  (later fierce was leaning over a different spot of the tank, not even in the water yet, and that same starfish was reaching up to get him again!  it was like a horror film)

the next day, on the wild pacific trail, we see a perfect family tree

and lucky us, someone happens along to take that rare family photo

and yes, i know i look like a nudist.  serves me right for wearing pink