How indeed? Literally and figuratively. After all, I have never gone away on a experiential vacation like this alone before – I’ve always had a friend (or two) to join me. See here and here for my last one, with my friends Joanne and Judith.
It started with this book….no wait…it actually started waaaaay back in my ocean-deprived childhood in southern Ontario. When I would read picture books about exploring the tidal pools of the sea shore, and the gorgeous, strange (to me) sea life to be found in and around those waters. That led to me trying to replicate the experience in the many lakes and rivers in my home province. It wasn’t summer unless I was in the water somewhere, exploring the shoreline with my kiddie-version mask, snorkel and fins. Mom had presciently signed me (and later my sisters) into swim lessons as early as humanly possible, so she could rest easy while I disappeared into the water for hours on end, only to come back ashore when my stomach begged for food.
Now that I’ve gotten settled on Vancouver Island I’ve been thinking about how to explore the rich (and cold) ocean waters of my new home, safely and year-round. Snorkelling in Barbados is great fun, but what about the other 50-ish weeks of the year, hmmm?
As I was saying, earlier this year I came across this book one day at my local grocery store:
If you are at all interested in exploring the rich waters surrounding Vancouver Island without having to invest in uber-spendy scuba lessons and gear, this is THE BOOK you need. Sara covers gear, safety and destinations around the island in a way that is easy for even a relative beginner to this type of snorkelling like me to understand.
In the summer (I think), I came across a Facebook page in my online travels, called Snorkellers of BC and immediately signed up. I’d been living vicariously through enjoying seeing what people were posting about locations and their underwater finds. I’d done a few snorkels with the grandkids at local beaches and a river by this point, but none of the locations from the book as my garden chores (amongst other things) were keeping me ashore. Note to self: design Garden 2025 to be better able to withstand my absences!
Then I saw a fabulous post – loaded with stunning underwater pictures of marine life – from someone who was staying at a place called Outer Shores Lodge, in Bamfield. I googled Outer Shores Lodge so fast I didn’t even register that the poster was THE Sara Ellison until much, much later. And that is when I came across the description of the upcoming Stars and Sea Stars featured lodge stay, and I was hooked! Snorkelling AND learning about the night sky?!? Yes, please!
After a few email conversations with the lodge’s very personable owner and host, Scott Wallace, I was booked. And counting the days until my departure in early October. I had decided that this trip was going to be my 65th birthday gift to myself – after all, it is kind of a momentous birthday, isn’t it? 😉
The drive from Port Alberni to Bamfield was pretty spectacular, and I only came across a couple of other vehicles on my journey along this newly-paved logging access road. I felt like I had it almost entirely to myself. No cell service, and my GPS had no idea this road existed… but it was well-marked and the day was fine so I wasn’t worried. Only a short couple of weeks later during an atmospheric river event, 2 people lost their lives on this road when they were swept (in their vehicles) into the then-raging Sarita River – a sombre reminder to respect the weather because Mother Nature ultimately rules, especially on the remote areas of this land.
After a relaxing 90 minute drive (3 hrs in total from my house), I arrived in East Bamfield and brought my luggage and gear to the dock, as instructed. Here I met most of the other guests (aka my new best friends!) for this stay, as we awaited Scott’s arrival with the Zodiac, to take us to the lodge. You might notice in these posts that I tried to take pictures that didn’t include my fellow guests whenever possible as I didn’t want to encroach on anyone’s right to privacy or make people feel otherwise uncomfortable and I wanted to use the photos for my blog later, natch!
I was paired with a very lovely lady from Chemainus as my roomie for our stay. Our room was large and consisted of 2 parts. Upon entering the room, there were twin beds in a little nook directly across from our bathroom.
A step up from the sleeping nook led to this amazing area of our room!
I’ll end this post here. Stay tuned for the next one(s)! I promise they will be much less wordy and much more visual as I show you some of the wonders of the lodge and area.
Rock on,
The WB
Oh this adventure looks amazing! Can’t want to read the next instalment
Thank you, Janine 💕
Wow, wow, wow! I was hooked at snorkeling in a river, and then it got even better! I can’t wait to read more!
Thank you, Dawn 💕
Wow! This is going to be a great experience….
Oh, it was! Thanks, Rivergirl 💕
Wonderful trip. Looking forward to hearing more. Kudos to you for going by yourself!
Thanks, Kate 💕 It was a leap of faith (in myself).
Oooh, looks nice and look forward to hearing more!
Thank you, Tracey 💕
Hi, Deb – I am privileged to know more about this trip. So amazing! And your wonderful attitude of complete openness to adventure made it even more incredible. Beautiful photos!
Thank you very much, my friend 💕
I want to wow! Wow! Wow! all over this even though I know the story! What a wonderful adventure.
Next year!!!
Yes please to next year! Thank you very much much, my friend 💕
Well, aren’t you just the little tease? You had me at water.
😂 Thank you, Suzanne 💕 Not trying to tease but I have a lot of photos and video and I don’t like overly long blog posts so I try not to inflict them on others!
Okay, I’m hooked! I love that you found this adventure and booked it for yourself. I’m looking forward to reading (and seeing) more about your trip!
Thank you very much, Janis 💕 I may have created a monster, by doing this. (Me. I’m the monster 😁).
A fabulous way to turn 65! The lodge looks amazing and the surroundings spectacular. Will stay tuned for more. I also love the water so I get how it’s your happy place.
Thank you, Bernie 💕
I love your independent and adventurous spirit. Glad you found a book to inspire even more mini trips in your own back yard.
Thank you very much, Jean 💕