End of May 2025 – Hard to believe, I have been in my new home province for 5 years already! What better way to celebrate than with a long-dreamed-of trip to explore the north of the island. When Donna (Retirement Reflections) emailed me their itinerary for doing just that and asked me if I wanted to join her and Richard, there could only be one answer: Hell, yes!
No matter that the weather was projected to be cold and rainy. No matter that there was a huge power outage planned by BC Hydro for the entire north island on Sunday, from 8am to 7pm. No matter that I hadn’t perfected my car camping set up yet, nor had I ever taken my electric vehicle that far before. No matter that we would be without wifi or even cell coverage for a major portion of our stay. No matter!
Donna and Richard had arrived at Link River Municipal Campground near Port Alice the day before. When I arrived there was a delicious chili dinner waiting for me, at their camp kitchen. After a very comfortable and cozy night sleeping in the back of my car I helped Donna and Richard pack up their camp and we went to the Port Hardy RV Resort, to drop off my car for the next leg of the journey. On to Holberg in their vehicle, to stay the night in bunkies (the Scarlet Ibis’s Adventure Huts) at this island-famous pub. Very comfortable cabins, with a fridge, heat, and access to power. Until there was none, on Sunday morning! But first, off to Cape Scott Provincial Park and San Josef Bay!En route to Cape Scott and stopping at this famous landmark. Prepare for the unexpected? Hmmm…foreshadowing much?At first, the path to the ocean seemed flat and easy.There were some obstacles along the way, but nothing like what we unexpectedly had to deal with. Unfortunately no one thought to take pictures of the huge log that completely blocked part of the path – we were solely focused on how to get around/over it – but here is a similar sized log in Port Hardy, for comparison. Also unfortunately, where the log landed on the trail was where it dropped off completely on the one side and where there there was a steep incline on the other side. Also unfortunately, this log and the surrounding forest was covered in boot-sucking slippery mud, bark, slimy moss, roots, and branches – not clean and dry like the one I am posing with. However, we managed to get around the log – taking the low route on the way out and the high route on the way back. We had mud everywhere on our bodies as a result. I had packed 2 raincoats for this trip, thinking at the time that that was most certainly overkill. Be Prepared for the Unexpected, indeed! Ultimately I was very happy that I had the extra raincoat with me, so I could stuff the dirty one away in a garbage bag until I could wash it at home!!!But getting to San Josef Bay and seeing the famous sea stacks was absolutely worth it. Note: if you go, be mindful of the tides. It is best to go at low tide, or the sea stacks will be unreachable unless you want to swim!Here is Donna, next to a sea stack, for size reference.There were also some sea caves, that we took refuge from the rain and wind in, while stopping for a snack. Leaving our very temporary mark on San Josef Bay. Then back onto to the trail, back to navigating the log obstruction, and finally back to the adventure huts to spend the night. The power was cut right at 8am as promised, and we headed into Port Hardy where our final North Island night was booked at the Port Hardy RV Resort. During the outage, we went into town where the local Pride Society was putting on a “Power Outage Pancake Breakfast – 10am until we run out” outside, at the Thunderbird Mall. This bird decided my Hullavator made a nice perch while we were eating our delicious pancake breakfast in the parking lot. Thankfully, it didn’t poop. Also thankfully, the local Co-Op was operating on generator power so there was hot coffee/tea available!The next morning: cleaned up and back at Port Hardy RV Resort in front of one of our luxurious cabins. Happy to have the power back on too! (It came back on at 7:20pm.)Monday morning: Charging up for the drive home, in Port Hardy. Naturally, the rain finally stopped and the sun came out just in time for leaving this beautiful place!Beautiful shoreline walking in Port Hardy, while waiting for my car to fuel up. I also visited Cafe Guido while waiting – a great spot to grab a coffee/snack/sandwich, and peruse the attached book shop and craft/art gallery.
I learned quite a few things on this trip! I learned that I can sleep warmly and comfortably in my car. I also learned how to find and use fast-charging stations along the route. I liked that these stops allowed me to take breaks from driving to stretch my legs and enjoy the local scenery, a meal, and shopping at local businesses. On this trip I didn’t have to wait to access a fast charger either. I am sure that won’t always be the case, but this time was quite successful in that regard.
Despite the weather, the power outage, and all the other little imperfections on this trip, I had a wonderful time and I think Donna and Richard did too. I already knew that Donna, Richard and I had been very compatible travellers in the past, and it’s gratifying to know that we still are. We already have another trip planned, for the summer.
I am calling this trip a glowing success and a lovely celebration of this anniversary of mine. I’m pretty sure Donna will be writing about this trip too, on her blog. Be sure to check it out!
Hi Deb – That was such an incredible trip. You remain an amazing travel companion (a solid 5+ star review). I just finished writing up our adventure and will post it tomorrow afternoon at 3 PM. Congratulations on your five-year anniversary on the island—I’m forever grateful that you moved here. Cheers to more adventures ahead!
Hey Deb! Wow! Has it been 5 years already! I can remember back when you were just contemplating the move and now here we are. What a wonderful way to celebrate with such wonderful people. Glad you had a glorious time and all is great in your world. ~Kathy
Congratulations on your 5-year anniversary. I remember when you lived in the apartment and decorated your balcony. You have accomplished a lot with the new place since then. The rock stacks remind me of our time at the Bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia, last year. We didn’t collect as much mud on our bodies as you guys did, but our shoes were ruined. At least you were rewarded for your efforts.
Thank you very much, Suzanne 💕 Our footwear was designed for mud and muck. We saw people on the trail in running shoes and I wonder if their shoes survived! As you said though, the reward is worth the effort (and the potential footwear loss).
Beautiful scenery. I really liked the willow-green-colored trees on the trail you hiked through.
The scenery/greenery on this trail was amazing! Thanks, TG 💕
I love reading and seeing your photos of your adventures in Vancouver island. Congratulations on five years
Thank you very much, Janine 💕
You are adventurous! I remember your move! Can’t believe it’s been 5 years. I remember those posts!
Thank you, Kate 💕 It has flown by!!!
Hi Deb – That was such an incredible trip. You remain an amazing travel companion (a solid 5+ star review). I just finished writing up our adventure and will post it tomorrow afternoon at 3 PM. Congratulations on your five-year anniversary on the island—I’m forever grateful that you moved here. Cheers to more adventures ahead!
Thank you very much, my friend 💕 Cheers to the next 5 years of adventuring together!!!
Hey Deb! Wow! Has it been 5 years already! I can remember back when you were just contemplating the move and now here we are. What a wonderful way to celebrate with such wonderful people. Glad you had a glorious time and all is great in your world. ~Kathy
Thank you very much, Kathy 💕 Hope all is well in your world!
5 years and zero regrets. One can tell from the things you post. What an amazing trip the 3 of you had! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you very much, Bernie 💕
Congratulations on your 5-year anniversary. I remember when you lived in the apartment and decorated your balcony. You have accomplished a lot with the new place since then. The rock stacks remind me of our time at the Bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia, last year. We didn’t collect as much mud on our bodies as you guys did, but our shoes were ruined. At least you were rewarded for your efforts.
Thank you very much, Suzanne 💕 Our footwear was designed for mud and muck. We saw people on the trail in running shoes and I wonder if their shoes survived! As you said though, the reward is worth the effort (and the potential footwear loss).
What an awesome adventure, and fabulous photos! Love the sea caves. Good for you for going with the flow. Thanks for sharing, Deb! ❤️
Thank you very much, Natalie 💕