Yay, we survived our 'vacation'. That's what a trip out to my parent's spot kind of feels like; a really tame version of "Survivor" where the contestants stay in a beautiful toasty cabin and get to eat and drink as much as they want, and don't get voted out unless you count almost 8 year olds who get sent outside for time outs when they get too rowdy and harsh the old-folk's mellow, which has been brought on by copious amounts of deep-fried oysters, red wine and brandy. But still, there is the three hour drive on the "highway" (the two-lane curvy road frequented mainly by large semi-trailer trucks and loggers in pick-ups who drive WAY too fast to be sharing the road with moms and kids in Volkswagen Golfs stretches the definition of highway, if you ask me), then the 45 minute drive on one of the world's worst gravel roads to the little town of Zeballos, where you start the boat ride out to Nuchatlitz Island in the wind and rain (the cabin can only be accessed by an hour long boat ride). By the time you do this whole process in reverse to get home, it feels like you have really survived something, by George!
So why do it, you may wonder. Well, let me tell you, although I am not the most widely traveled person on earth, I really believe that there can't be too many places more wild or more beautiful than the West Coast of Vancouver Island. My parent's spot is particularly special because there are very few people hardy (or is it foolhardy) enough to make the trip out there, especially at this time of year, so it is very peacful. You really feel like you are getting back to nature. You can even live off the land (and sea) if you want, for example:
Here are some of our group collecting oysters from the beach right across from the cabin:
And here are those same oysters, 45 minutes later:
Okay, so it wasn't EXACTLY living off the land, since we brought a few ingredients from home, but it gives you the feeling!
The best thing about going out there is how much fun the kids have. There are endless things to do out there, from fishing off the dock to hiking through the bushes, going for boat rides to some of the smaller islands in the area ~ some of which actually have caves which were burial places for the First Nations people of the area, the with bones still in them, to watching the resident sea otter float by the dock on his or her back. It is truly an amazing place, and we are blessed that my parents lucked in to buying the place twelve years or so ago and then built a cabin on it (I call it a cabin, but in reality it is a four-bedroom house) and that they have they have the patience to haul the grandkids and myself, and usually several friends and relations and their various offspring, out there!
I came away from the trip REALLY wanting a better camera with a zoom lens. I could have taken the most amazing scenery and wildlife pictures. Oh well, some day. I did take lots of pictures, and here are some of them.
The wonderful fireplace that makes it so cozy in the house, no matter what the weather outside ~ and we had some serious rain and wind when we were there.
Chloe in her big brother's hat.
The view
out one of the windows.
The other side of the house ~ there are plans for a deck here soon.
Our bedroom window looks right out on the rainforest.
This is the view from one of the front bedrooms.
The beginning of the trail across the island ~ it was a bit of a waterfall due to all the recent rain.
My dad has handmade much of the furniture ~ this was his latest project. He made four of these side-tables with shells for handles for the bedrooms.
Brodie and Sam in the bedroom.
All of your gear gets transported out in totes to keep it dry, which can later come in handy for child discipline.
Chloe and Sam.
It really is an amazing experience to get out there!
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