Date: Tue, 17 Aug 2010 15:57:37 -0700
Reply-To: Jim <jrasite@EONI.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Jim <jrasite@EONI.COM>
Subject: Re: September Roadtrip to Vancouver Island
In-Reply-To: <910568.17481.qm@web83601.mail.sp1.yahoo.com>
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Rich,
You might want to check out the ReUnion at Catherine Creek on Sept 10-12. On
the east side of Oregon so you'll see a rarely seen part of Oregon.
http:wetwesties.org Follow the Calendar link.
Jim.
--------------------------------------------------
From: "Richard Koerner" <rjkinpb@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Sent: Tuesday, August 17, 2010 3:35 PM
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Subject: Re: [VANAGON] September Roadtrip to Vancouver Island
> Shawn, many thanks to you and all the others for great input and ideas!!
> Next stop for me is AAA to get some maps, and start pinpointing some of
> the locations, and doing a little internet research, and figuring out the
> general route. From what everybody is saying, I've picked a plum of a
> destination for a Vanagon roadtrip adventure!!! Especially this time of
> year.
>
> Thanks again!
> Rich.....starting to get excited....maybe will meet some of you along the
> way
> San Diego
>
> --- On Tue, 8/17/10, Shawn Wright <vwdiesels@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> From: Shawn Wright <vwdiesels@gmail.com>
> Subject: Re: September Roadtrip to Vancouver Island
> To: "Richard Koerner" <rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net>
> Cc: vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com
> Date: Tuesday, August 17, 2010, 10:36 AM
>
>
>
> On Tue, Aug 17, 2010 at 9:28 AM, Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net>
> wrote:
>
> Starting to plan a 3-4 week Vanagon roadtrip from San Diego to Vancouver
> Island starting the last week of August. Have been to Victoria once by
> ferry 25 years ago; always thought the western end of Vancouver Island
> would make a great destination. Just because it's there...
>
>
>
>
> I have a USA passport. Haven't been to Canada in 5 years (last time I
> entered in just north of Glacier National Park....the border guys gave the
> van a thorough taking apart and inspection that early Sunday morning).
> Any special things to know about entering Canada now? Getting back into
> the USA was a wave of the hand.
>
>
>
>
> That's odd, we sailed right through that little crossing last week, with
> new wheels & tires... :-) Just bad luck I guess.
>
>
>
> Also, would appreciate any tips and travel ideas for Vancouver Island or
> the general vicinity. I'm pretty familiar with the US part of the trip
> (Olympic peninsula, Puget Sound area and islands) and also the California
> and Oregon coastline.
>
>
>
>
> Will be spending the next couple weeks getting the vehicle (85 with
> 185,000 miles original engine and manual transmission) all
> road-ready....it's in good shape....but will take my laptop, Bentley,
> cellphone, and RoadHaus list of repair shops just in case....something
> always happens.
>
>
> There are lots of Westies in Victoria, and on the Island in general, and
> help is never far away. You are correct that the West coast of the Island
> is worth the trip. Some of our favourite spots, ranging from easy day
> trips to longer back road outings:
>
>
> Hwy 14 from Victoria to Port Renfrew: Along the way, see East Sooke Park,
> and any/all of the beaches along the Juan de Fuca trail between roughly
> Jordan River and Pt. Renfrew. Easy access to China Beach (5 min walk),
> other beaches range from 20min to 1hr from the road. Mystic and Chin
> beaches are my favourites. If you're a hiker, try the trail, all or part
> of it - it's like getting the West Coast Trail experience without booking
> in advance! Botanical Beach and Sombrio are also popular.
>
>
> The newly improved road from Pt Renfrew to Mesachie Lake (Circle route) is
> worth taking, and there are several lakes and rivers worth stopping at
> along the way. From Mesachie Lake/Lake Cowichan area, there are about 1/2
> dozen sites around the lake to camp at, Maple Grove is our favourite, with
> an awesome sunset view on the beach. If you're not averse to gravel roads,
> then continue from the West end of Lake Cowichan (taking either shore to
> get there) toward Nitinat Lake, at which point you face a T junction. Left
> takes you to the Nitinat village and Nitinat Lake campsite, which is
> considered a windsurfer's paradise, although the site can be very rowdy
> and crowded. A few weeks ago, a friend was windsurfing there alongside one
> of two whales that had entered the lake and seem to be hanging out there.
> Continue past the lake along Rosander Main toward Carmanah Park, which is
> worth the trip for the view of the lake from the summit along the way, and
> the amazing
> hiking in the valley amidst old growth giants.
>
>
> Back to the T junction, turning right will take you across the Nitinat
> River toward Bamfield. Lots to see on this road, including a good lunch
> spot just past the T on the right, which takes you to the river. Access
> has been limited for a few years due to a huge hemlock tree blocking the
> beach, but still a good place to stop for a snack or more. Further along,
> the Nitinat hatchery has tours worth checking out. Staying on the main
> road, you'll encounter a paved section which takes you past Francis Lake
> (nice swimming and camping, but access to the beach is syncro or brave 2wd
> access only, across and along a creekbed. Some pullouts on the road side
> though) and on toward Franklin camp, an old logging camp that is mostly
> deserted now. At the camp, the road forks: left to Sarita/Bamfield, and
> right to Port Alberni.
>
>
> Along the Bamfield Rd, you'll pass several lakes and rivers, most worth
> checking out. Sarita Lake is nice for canoeing, fishing and swimming,
> although campsite access was blocked off last time we were there. Just
> before Bamfield, you'll see Pachena Bay on the left, which is one end of
> the WCT. The campsite there is very nice, with sites on the edge of one of
> the nicest sandy beaches on the coast, and easy day hikes along both sides
> of the bay. When we stay here, it is very difficult to leave - one of the
> nicest places to camp on the island. More adventurous hikes to Cape Beale
> if you like muddy trails!
>
>
> Bamfield. Our favourite spot on the Island, like Tofino without all the
> tourists. Tons to see here, from canoeing/kayaking around Port Desire and
> the inlet, to Brady's Beach (20 min walk, don't miss this!) and the
> boardwalk on the west side. The town is divided by the inlet, with the
> west side accessible by boat only - water taxi or bring your own. The
> Bamfield Marine centre has great tours and is worth a stop.
>
>
> Plan to get fuel in Lake Cowichan (best) or at Nitinat reserve, or Pachena
> Bay, as Bamfield may not have fuel - it was closed down last time we were
> there.
>
> Returning from Bamfield, take the road to Port Alberni, which takes you to
> Ucluelet, Tofino and more.... I'll leave that for someone else to describe
> though.
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Rich
>
> San Diego
>
>
>
>
> --
> Shawn Wright
>
>
>
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