Another Rite of Summer - drive from Duncan to Lake Cowichan, then across the mountainous ridge of Vancouver Island to Port Renfrew on the Pacific Rim. On the way, the road crosses numerous gorges, where rivers are swollen with spring run off. From Port Renfrew, where the chilly mist from breaking rollers creeps into one's bones, one drives along Juan de Fuca Strait to Sooke, a rather quaint little fishing town. From there one winds over Humpback Road, back to the outskirts of Victoria, to return home via the scenic Malahat Drive. Backyard tourism at its very best.
Fairy Lake still silent and deserted. Not a kayak, picnicker or tent in sight.
Even the information sign at Fairy Lake is still somewhat 'askew', no one bothered yet to straighten the posts mired in mud.
Buttercups paint the swampy lake shores yellow.
Port Renfrew Beach littered with washed up tree trunks.
More wild flowers starting to burst from buds into full bloom.
Whatever this is - it looks pretty
Botany Beach - nary a beachcomber exploring the tidal pools, teeming with marine life.
Ravens visit Renfrew Hotel, which is located beside a scenic small marina, to check out whether any of the guests may have dropped something edible under their table.
And of course - the obligatory Renfrew area black bear grazing on a hill side
This guy seems to have weathered hibernation in fine form
At Jordan River, a refreshment stand - Closed of course.
No RV's parked at Jordan River yet...
The sun had emerged, and a few intrepid bathers (mind you, all under 12 years old) waded in and out of the surf.
A drive from shore to shore - a reminder of the beauty of Vancouver Island.
