A sunny day in mid May turned into a drive to Tofino & Ucluelet. Great drive, of course. Surprised to see an amazing display of wild Native Dogwood Trees in full bloom along the highway near Sproat Lake. For about 40 kilometres. I have driven a lot of roads in BC but have never seen such a wonderful show of the White Dogwood blossoms. 

We expected to see road construction alongside Kennedy Lake but it has not begun. Several Emil Anderson Construction pickups around but no machines so far. There is a lot of tree clearing between the turnoff and Tofino. Apparently another Lane is being added to ease the traffic pressure going into Tofino.  

By the time we hit the coast it was a cool 13C and foggy. No worries. We headed right for THE SHELTER Restaurant in Tofino for lunch. Sat outside under a propane heater. Great service, great chowder and excellent fish & Chips. Split the order?…no problem. Split with full tartar sauce and slaw on both plates. I recommend Shelter. 

We had not been in Tofino for a couple of years and noticed a lot of building. The town is growing. New shops, new homes. Went down to the waterfront to see the old Lady Rose. She was a lovely ship built in Scotland in the late 1930’s. I once sailed on her from Vancouver to Port Mellon back in 1952. Her last job was on the Port Alberni to Bamfield run. Alas she was old and was replaced on that run and has been sitting rotting away in Tofino for several years. 

Sad to see her now. She needs a restoration which would be very expensive. 

Continued on to Ucluelet where I gave a copy of my Grandfather’s Diary to the historian at the district hall. A quick stop to see his grave at the Ucluelet Cemetery.

Then we headed for home. 

Lovely drive, lovely day! 

Just saying…