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Pacific Marine Circle Route – Victoria, BC, Canada 8/22/2013

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AUGUST 22, 2013 (Thursday)

 

Today Michael and I took the Pacific Marine Circle Route. It’s about a 160 mile trip that took us to some places we haven’t been before – Sooke, Port Renfrew, Lake Cowichan, then on to Duncan and down to Victoria, BC. It was lovely and very rugged and the best part – I SAW A BEAR! I was so excited I had Michael go back but by that time I only saw the young black bear running off into the forest. So exciting. I wanted to go after it but Michael wouldn’t let me. I was bummed, tho, because I didn’t get any pictures. I had a feeling I would see a bear before we left.

Michael got to see a rock wall he really liked as we were headed out of Victoria.

I was so delighted. When we first got here we drove by this wall looking for Costco. I had no idea where it was and was so glad to see and photograph it.
I was so delighted. When we first got here we drove by this wall looking for Costco. I had no idea where it was and was so glad to see and photograph it.
Really cool.
Really cool.
Really, really cool.
Really, really cool.
Way cool.
Way cool.
So many views.
So many views.

We stopped at French Beach and walked around.  Very nice.

A nice beach.
A nice beach.
Bear sign. If the bears come after people they are killed.
Bear sign. If the bears come after people they are killed.
The park opens up nicely.
The park opens up nicely.
Pretty park.
Pretty park.
Stacked rocks before Edie's contribution.
Stacked rocks before Edie’s contribution.
Stacked rocks after Edie's contribution.
Stacked rocks after Edie’s contribution.
More stacked rocks.
More stacked rocks.
French Beach with Washington State in the background and the Strait of Juan de Fuca in between
French Beach with Washington State in the background and the Strait of Juan de Fuca in between
Typical shoreline, forests growing right down to the water's edge.
Typical shoreline, forests growing right down to the water’s edge.
Saw a few of these.
Saw a few of these.
There are at least 20 one lane bridges on the circle drive.
There are at least 20 one lane bridges on the circle drive.

The trip took about five hours and was beautiful. We stopped and got snacks in Port Renfrew.

They are big on big wooden signs here.
They are big on big wooden signs here.
Scenery that does not quit.
Scenery that does not quit.

 

Port Renfrew general store, Where we bought our snacks.
Port Renfrew general store, Where we bought our snacks.

We also stopped at a couple of the beaches, and at one of the old growth forests. Everything was so beautiful. I’m glad we got to see another part of British Columbia.

Harris Creek Spruce Tree. I think largest or 2nd largest in the world. It is ancient.
Harris Creek Spruce Tree. I think largest or 2nd largest in the world. It is ancient.
Up the trunk.
Up the trunk.
Spruce Grove.
Spruce Grove.
Managed farming of timber reserves.
Managed farming of timber reserves.
Fountains in the township of Lake Cowichan.
Fountains in the township of Lake Cowichan.

 

 

One of many one lane bridges. We decided to give the right of way to this little guy.
One of many one lane bridges. We decided to give the right of way to this little guy.
View from the one lane bridge.
View from the one lane bridge.
Nurse log with sapling. Edie said it reminded her of the Lone Cypress.
Nurse log with sapling. Edie said it reminded her of the Lone Cypress.

There are a lot of blue jays in this part of BC.

Stellar Jay
Stellar Jay

Going to hate to leave but also looking forward to another adventure. Coming back to our cave, we saw a bunny in the driveway. He didn’t appear scared and didn’t seem to want to leave. Michael got some pictures of him. Fun.

Bunny in drive way.
Bunny in drive way.

That was our day. Hope yours was BEARY WONDERFUL!

 

2 Comments on “Pacific Marine Circle Route – Victoria, BC, Canada 8/22/2013”

  1. Hi folks. I’m still following along. You have seen more of this island than just about everyone who lives here….what an inpiration. We are busy this weekend but next weekend I intend to take the circle route down to Port Renfrew….looks amazing.

    Thank you again for all your hard work in keeping this blog up to date and with the pictures it is so interesting. Like I said before, I feel very fortunate to be able to sit at my desk and still go on vacation with you.

    It was fun meeting you and I hope we will cross paths again one day. Take Care and safe travels……

    Jan & Caron.

  2. We will stay in touch and look forward to breaking bread again somewhere! It was our pleasure to meet you both.

    Mike and Edie