Tofino and West Coast beaches

This morning we drove the 20km north to Tofino which is located on the opposite peninsula to Ucluelet. We felt very unwelcome! First of all parking signs saying No RVs all the way into town, then there were directions to RV parking where the fee was $8 , about £5. This was for day parking. "Passenger vehicle"  charges started at $1 for two hours, which we would have been happy to pay. So come on Tofino, why the discrepancy.? RVs carry passengers!! We have travelled all the way from the UK to visit your town and felt like turning straight round and driving out again!  We have driven over 2,000km all the way from Calgary and this is the first place where have encountered such an attitude. However after driving around for a while we found a spot up the hill and walked back down into town.  We had a quick look at the wharf, passed the Village Gallery which looked to have some nice stuff but didn't open until 10.30, we were there at 10.0am!! Eventually we found a coffee shop and got some internet, so I was able to send the last two blogs and get emails.

We didn't waste a lot more time in Tofino, driving back down the road to Schooner Cove. We had a lovely walk there, through the the rain forest down to the beach on a board walk with lots of stairs for one kilometre ( just over half a mile).

A great way to see the forest! 

It came out onto Schooner Beach, a continuation of the Long Beach where we are staying. More rocky islands, and rocky outcrops with lots of barnacles.

Barnacles and a jelly fish!

The tree canopy reflected in the brackish water of one of the streams we crossed

We drove down the road a bit further stopping for some lunch near another of the beaches, then it was time to visit the Kwisitis visitor centre which had excellent information about the First Nation people who populated this coast long before the rest of us arrived! It was located on the Wickaninnish beach which is popular with surfers. A few surfers out today, but the surf wasn't very good and they looked as though they were learners! 

Driftwood at the back of the beach

We popped along to the road junction to get a phone signal and book some more campsites, then came back here. We have moved sites from last night in the hope that it would not be quite so dark, and found several different species of fungi very closely.

Never seen any like these little 'buns' before

No doubt someone ( Bill H?) will tell me what they all are!!

By the way we are not having mushrooms for tea!!!

Km today: 80, it's surprising how they clock up just pottering around.

Off back across to the east coast, south of Nanaimo tomorrow, for two nights, I am promised a day off!!