Last weekend I headed out to Tofino, to stay at Green Point Campground at Pacific Rim National Park. My friend and blogging buddy, Donna, had booked a site and let me know there was at least one other site available, and would I be interested in joining them? WOULD I???? In a hot minute, I had my site booked too. Then, in the most incredible coincidence imaginable, another friend and blogging buddy Erica/Erika let us know that she and her husband were staying there too. And their site turned out to be the one RIGHT BESIDE MINE. If we had tried to scheme and plan and pull this off, it would be next to impossible as this campsite is harder to get into than it was to score tickets to The Tragically Hip’s final show.
After meeting Donna and Richard at Tacofino for lunch, and setting up and settling in at camp, it was time to hit the beach!
The next day was a bit drizzly and Donna and I went into Ucluelet to check out the downtown and the Ucluelet Aquarium. Amazing place!
Speaking of birds stealing your food: Donna, Richard and I had to defend ourselves from some very aggressive sparrows outside of Rhino Coffee, in Tofino. I had my doughnut in my hand ($4 for a doughnut??? But man, it was good!), turned my head for one second and felt something pulling at my treat. It was an asshole sparrow, grabbing a chunk of doughnut in midflight, and then retreating a few feet away to gobble it down enjoy it.
The next day was spent beach walking and exploring.
Ever since I was a little girl reading picture books, I have been captivated by the idea of walking the shore and exploring tidal pools in search of marine life. But in my land-locked former home, there was no opportunity…until this trip! At almost 62 years of age, I finally got to live my childhood dream.
After returning to camp for another delicious communal meal (Chuck’s homecooked BBQ ribs were amazing!), it was back down to the beach for another sunset.
Sadly the next day it was time to go home. It was another gorgeous day, and the drive home was filled with spectacular views, like this one.
Rock on,
The WB
You could make it an annual thing but you’d never be that lucky again to all get sites at the same time! Camping food is always so good and sounds like you guys had some wonderful adventures. Minus the flipping birds – that would have done me in!!
I have a friend in Ontario who is terrified of birds. She should never come to Tofino or Ucluelet. It would do her in, too! Agreed, we will never be this lucky again. Thanks, Bernie 💕
Yeah I am not a bird fan at all. Big birds who fly way up high like hawks, owls, cranes and geese are ok. The little birds who flight around are not my fav but pigeons are the worst. Glad you had a good time.
What a wonderful adventure and reunion! And so nice to see that someone has luck on their side this year. 🙂 I have to be honest that, after living in a camper van for four years and other moving homes before that, I would be reluctant to go tenting again. But, in company, everything is beter. And the entire scene looks very rustic and romantic and fun!
Thank you, Liesbet 💕 I thought I was past tenting at this stage of my life, but since it would be difficult at this time for me to get a camping van or trailer (since I am renting and would have to find a place to store this stuff), a tent it is! I am also aware that I have limited camping years left to me, so I am not going to wait until conditions (and gear) are perfect, but instead just get out there. So long as it is still fun, I will do it!
Your photos are gorgeous!!! I’m totally captivated by that windswept sky!!
Windswept and wind-burnt suits you well 🙂 … and it was lovely to see Erica and Chuck again!
You’ve just proven – yet again – that these spur-of-the-moment plans can be the absolute best. Especially when they include good friends!
Thanks, Joanne 💕 Spur of the moment works out well, usually…because there is no time to set expectations 😄. Our planned adventures also worked out well…this time of year has me recalling our epic Newfoundland trip of 2019!
Looks like you had a great time in a beautiful place. We were recently in Yosemite, and they had a rule that didn’t even allow people to leave food in their cars. Apparently, bears will rip a car apart if they smell food inside.
I believe that, TG…about the bears. Once they get used to eating human food, they will try to access it whenever they can. I think the BARE policy is meant to never give them that experience so they don’t get to the car-ripping stage. Popular places like Yosemite have had tourists feeding the bears for years, so the bears are very used to people and their food. A hard bell to unring. Thanks, TG 💕
You sure look happy. I’m so pleased for you to be living the retirement life you earned and deserve. Your new home base is giving you great opportunities for finding beauty and adventure.
You said it, Jean. Thanks 💕
You are so lucky to live in such an amazing place. Adding good friends to the mix (nice to see Erica) is just icing on the cake. Your photos are stunning, but the one I love best is of you and Donna taking the simultaneous selfie – that’s exactly what living in the moment looks like.
Thank you, Suzanne 💕 I love that picture too!
It looks like loads of fun… if you like to camp. I especially like your colorful tent decor– and the food of course. It’s amazing to me that all you bloggers get to see each other, let alone do adventures together. Around here blogging is a solitary pursuit. Not complaining, just musing.
I consider myself very lucky to have met and befriended so many bloggers in real life. Who are just as nice as they appear to be on their blogs. I am sure this is not always the case. Thanks, Ally 💕
Well you know, now that you mention it, I have met one blogger by accident and she was not the most pleasant person. She had no idea who I was and I didn’t let her know who I was. Best to just walk away anonymously. 🙁
Yes, agreed! Say nothing and walk away. That is too bad, Ally 😟
Somehow I’ve managed to live a good life despite what happened! 😉
Oh how I love spur of the moment decisions, they often end up being the absolute best! We rented a beautiful property in Ucluelet a few years ago & explored the area. So many gorgeous hikes & beaches to explore. Looks like you had an absolutely fabulous few days!
Thank you, Lynn 💕 Although I’ve been in the area several times already and visited several trails and shores, I feel there are still many explorations ahead!
Absolutely! So much to explore in this beautiful part of our country. We did a little boat tour out of Tofino which was fascinating. We opted for a small, family run business. The gentleman (& generations of his family) who took us was indigenous and shared so many stories of the land & his experience there. Such a memorable experience.💕
That tour you did sounds amazing. Was it recent? I would love to know more details on this business. Thanks Lynn 💕
It was in 2018. Let me do some digging & ask the girls I travel with if any of them can remember the name of the company. We purposely wanted to seek out a more local experience & we were not disappointed. I will get back to you!
Thank you! I appreciate the effort even if it comes to naught 💕
Hey Deb,
Here is the link to the local company we used for the boat tour out of Tofino. Moses is the gentleman who took us out & I believe the owner. I would definitely ask if he was available to take you if you decide to go. He was so interesting, sharing his knowledge & experience in the area, so gentle & kind. We honestly could have listened to him all day.💕
http://www.clayoquotwild.com/about.html
Thank you very much, Lynn 💕 My sister is coming for a visit, in the fall. I think this could be a wonderful option for us.
You are so welcome!
I love all of this. Your blog makes me so happy. I am living vicariously through it. 🙂
Thank you, Kari 💕 It sure is a change for me, to be having this much fun. I’ve had decades of not-so-much-fun in my life and now….well, I’m going to be making hay for as long as the sun keeps shining! 😁
Good for you, Deb! Enjoy every amazing moment, my friend.
🙏🥰
Well, that was fortuitous! It looks so beautiful there, and the images are wonderful. I agree with Joanne wind blown, and sunkissed suits you. 😀
Thank you, Deborah 💕 I’m getting better with remembering to apply sunscreen, but that day was overcast and I completely forgot! You’d think someone who has already had a skin cancer removed from her face would be better at this…🙄
The sunblock I applied yesterday came off I think when I fell in the lake on my knees and a spot on my forehead…both knees and that spot on my forehead are red and burned. I didn’t think to reapply any. 😭
Oh no 😟
If we lived close enough to hang out together I’d remind you and you could remind me! 😍
That would work and be great, besides! 😁
It would! 😀
It’s like life is back to normal Deb. Thanks for sharing because it isn’t normal here in Ontario yet.
Leslie xoxo
It did feel almost normal, Leslie. Outdoor gatherings are OK again, but we still had to mask up to enter any buildings. We’re getting there! Thanks 💕
Cheers to a wonderful time with friends.
Thank you, Frank 💕 Yes, cheers! 🥂
A few more posts like this and Paul and I may not leave after we visit in August! That looks like so much fun. I wasn’t aware that there was an aquarium in Ucluelet but I do remember seeing some amazing tidepools. I’m so happy that you had a great time with everyone.
Thank you, Janis 💕 I do so hope the borders will open up again soon, and that we will spend time together here in August.
Hey Deb! Thank you for these GREAT photos. They are the next best thing to being with you all. And how very cool that you all got sites together. Isn’t it awesome to meet and do things with friends (like laugh and hug) that was absent for so long? We loved Ucluelet when we were there two years ago. Who knows? Maybe we will have to go back to see the Aquarium this time. (I particularly liked your photos of the green Anemones!) ~Kathy
You are most welcome, Kathy! I recommend the Aquarium to anyone who visits the area. It is a catch-and-release facility, meaning the sea life you see on any given visit is there for only a short time and the “tenants” of the tanks are always changing. It IS wonderful to spend time with friends again. Everyone was commenting on it. Thank you 💕
What a fabulous weekend. I’m jealous!
Thank you, RG💕 After reading about your weekend, I totally get the jealousy 😕
And your water was where it’s supposed to be.
🤣
Well, I didn’t mention on the blog but I did wake up to some small puddles in my tent after it rained overnight. ☔️
Ha! Don’t call my husband.
🤣
😂
Oh wow, that is beautiful! Your pictures reminded me of our bundled-up, camping trips in Michigan, with the toasty warm fire every night. Next weekend, we will be doing some Texas camping, complete with sunblock and fans! 🙂 BTW, I love your subtly-elegant tent.
Thank you, Bethany 💕 Have fun in Texas!
Texas has been home for some time now–and it is ALWAYS fun here! 😉
Great pics, great stories. love a good rockpool & the communal campfire dinners look great.
Thank you, Jo 💕
You captured this past weekend, perfectly.
Reblogged on my site (with permission of course)!
Cheers to further similar adventures!
🥂💕Thanks, Donna!
Love the photos! (and the simultaneous selfie comment made me snort) 🙂
Hehehe! Thank you, Jonathan 💕
These outings are so much fun with a few good people and it looks like that’s what you had!
That’s exactly what we had! Thanks, Kate 💕
Popped over from Donna’s blog to read about the rest of the weekend – it sounds absolutely perfect (except for the donut thief!) My last encounter with a feathered thief was on our holiday to Rottnest Island where a crow snatched a hot chip from right between my fingers – and then tried for a second one! I nearly throat-punched the little sucker – nobody comes between me and a hot chip!
Birds! I tell you – they are cheeky little so and so’s! Funny story. Thanks, Leanne 💕
Serendipitity is wonderful when it brings friends together. You look like you all had such fun together. That bird must have developed an appetite for doughnuts! Hilarious! A sparrow hyperactive on sugar doughnut! Lol.
Yes! That sparrow was on a sugar rush and needed more, clearly 😁 Thank you 💕
We have plenty of obnoxious Steller’s Jays where we live in northern California. I was curious about them and read this funny description: Steller’s jays are the bird version of that person aggressively shouting nonsense on the street corner. They’re the roommate who eats the lunch you packed the night before, and then denies it. They’re every loud-talking, pompous, kleptomaniacal person you know, rolled into one admittedly stylish bird.
You hang with some good blogger friends. Erica and Donna are great!
You know, somehow I just sussed that out about those jays. Thanks for confirming my suspicions 😁. Erica and Donna ARE great people. Thank you, Pete 💕
Hello, Deb,
After reading Donna’s teaser about your camping trip, I had to jump over and finish the story. So glad I did. Beautiful pictures and big smiles all around make for a great post. The food looked awesome. My wife and I are “glampers” and spend about six months traveling in our fifth-wheel. We would love to visit your part of the world. Thanks for sharing. Joe
Hi Joe, thank you for kind words! I hope you and your wife can come glamping on the island in the near future 💕
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Looks like you all had great fun. I’ve been following Donna’s and Erica/Erika’s blogs and now I’m happy to have found yours! 🙂
Thank you very much 💕 Yes, it was great fun. Extra special after a year of social distancing and isolation.
Such fabulous photos Deb and I’m so happy you all met up with Erica and Chuck as well. How amazing! I also love the Schitts Creek reference 🙂
Thank you very much, Debbie 💕 I’m so happy I met up with them as well!
I have to admit to being no camper (much to Himself’s disgust), but also to say that you do get the best views & the most amazing beaches that way. Those dougnut nabbing birds sound positively Hitchcockian :O
Hehehe! It did cross our minds that these incidents were very similar to the movie, The Birds. They were certainly watching our every move whenever food was involved. Thanks, Deb 💕
You’ve got me waning for a camping trip near the ocean! How sweet that it all worked out with your cohorts; serendipity.
Something about camping, the food always tastes better, doesn’t it? I love your camping spot and seeing how you attached your tent to your car last time is just brilliant.
The birds. What the hell man? They’re ravenous.
The views. AMAZING.
Thank you, Suz 💕 Yes, there is something about being at camp that makes food extra delicious! Those sneaky birds though…😬
What beautiful photos! It sounds like a lovely trip…birds and all.
Thank you, Christie 💕 It truly was. And I’m only joking about the asshole birds. They were a joy to watch, even when stealing my doughnut. 😄
I saw your post on Donna’s blog, and decided to come over. Really enjoyed reading your Tofino camping adventure. It sounded like such a fun getaway. It’s always so nice to catch up with fellow bloggers in real life – always a fun time. That looked like such a peaceful time at the beach with a beautiful sunset. That $4 doughnut must really have been delicious since the sparrow managed to grab it 😀
Terrific shot of the Steller Jay.
That doughnut was a simple old-fashioned one; no glazing, no sprinkles, no cream filling. But the flavour was divine (to me, anyways). I would get another…and shield it better from the birds this time 😁. It was a lovely catchup and had its peace-filled moments. Thank you, Mabel 💕
So glad to see my comment come up, Deb. I thought it got lost in Spam. Now if a simple, plain doughnut tastes amazing, you know it is good. Hope you have many more 😁 Have a good day 💕
Your comment had gotten into what I call “Comment Purgatory” 😁, where I had to approve it first before it could be seen. Not quite Spam…but next door to it. That usually happens with first-time commenters, I have found. I don’t understand WordPress (not alone there, I am sure 🤣). Sometimes even long-time commenters are shunted to Spam Jail. I try to check my Spam often, just in case.
Love your humour, Deb. ‘Comment Purgatory’ sounds like a dark place 🤣 There was a time where every comment I left on any WordPress blog went to Spam. Had to get all the bloggers to un-Spam me and one day the problem went away 😁 Good on you for having a keen eye on comments.
I’m the opposite to you, Deb. I grew up on the coast and spent my childhood years exploring rock pools. Now I am landlocked and unable to do so. It’s so much fun being able to do that – I really miss it. Glad you finally got the chance 🙂
Thank you, AJ 💕
Hi Deb, I could not have asked for a more perfect get together. ❤️Chuck and I were talking about one day planning a camping trip with you, Donna and Richard. We have to watch what we wish for. As some of the comments said, if we had tried to plan this, it would not have turned out as well as it did. Yay, powers of the Universe. Fun!
Your photos are amazing! You could turn Kennedy Lake into a wall hanging. The day we returned, Kennedy Lake was very choppy.
I took to heart your word “Gezelligheit” and my German, “Gemutlichkeit”. I have been mulling these words all week. It was a ‘feel good’ time on many levels. My spirit and body greatly appreciate these special times.❤️
Mine too. Thank you, Erica 💕
Your comment on simultaneous orgasms cracked me up. I appreciate the time we spent together and look forward to handing you your chosen driftwood (the best one of the trip). Glad to hear youtr childhood dream was fulfilled. Dream on and we will sea you again (no pun intended).
Thank you, Chuck 💕 Well, it’s true isn’t it? Speed up, slow down…are we close?!? NOW!!! Hope to sea you again soon, too!
How fabulous & serendipitous that you camped out with both Donna & Erica – what big fun! You all looked like you had such a wonderful time!
Thank you, Ju-Lyn 💕 It was a wonderful experience, especially since we have been so isolated from people during this pandemic.
I love discovering the connections between you three BlogFriends – it was like unfolding of a mystery!
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What gorgeous photos — it looks like a perfect camping trip.
Jude
It was pretty damn close to perfect! Thanks, Jude 💕
FANTASTIC adventure spiced with special serendipity. What a cozy campsite mingled with spectacular views and downright wonderful friends!! Just perfect. xo
Thank you 💕 It was pretty perfect!
This post is making me want to visit Tofino again sooo badly! I thoroughly enjoyed reading about your trip and I’m surprised at how emotionally invested I am in that $4 donut. Rotten birds! Haha
That $4 donut is SO WORTH the emotional investment 😁. Thank you, Gritty Socks 💕