Our planned trip to Tofino for New Year was a bust when the resort cancelled on us due to electrical issues. Unfortunately no other RV resorts were open. So we had to wait for our next trip…..
Waiting turned into more waiting when a mid-January squall dumped snow and cold temps on us. We longingly looked out upon Portage and planned our next adventure for the first good weather window (oh to be retired and have that freedom!)
Feb. 5th we had a good weather window and we were ready. A recently revamped, small BC Hydro rec. site opened in 2022 and we had been wanting to check it out, so off we went. A mere three hours drive and we arrived, on a Sunday afternoon, to find the place surprisingly full – all the good water sites taken, we chose a double site above the water with great views of the mountains. We got an amazing show with the sun setting behind the snow capped mountains.
It appeared that quite a few of the guests were only there to party for the day, so it was a little disappointing to see they had taken all the good water sites but then were gone in the morning (note to self; arrive on Monday). We decided to move to one of the water access sites because Cedar was adamant that he would be playing at the beach all day. The sites are all a good size, some more private than others. The facilities are sparse, being a rec. site, with pit toilets only. As we played at the beach in the morning a couple arrived and set up shop next to us, started to play loud music, and got a smoky fire lit (with so many sites to choose, WHY?).
A distant bridge across the reservoir beckoned for us to explore. We walked the dirt road from camp to an inactive logging road which took us to the bridge. At the entrance to the bridge, the logging company had dug a large gully and placed cement blocks to prevent vehicle traffic (liability). After climbing over and onto the bridge we discovered it to be in pretty good shape so we walked to the other side. The logging road continues quite far into the hills (as we could see from out campsite) but we turned around and headed back to enjoy the afternoon.
Back at our site, we discovered our neighbours were still playing loud music, bickering, and trying to get a fire going. With the campground now empty we decided to move sites again – oh the beauty of camping in our PW. I quickly turned the driver seat around, packed up our chairs, and five minutes later we had a private, and quiet site. Cedar amused himself, and for the first time, took to fetching sticks out of the water when we got tired of throwing them.
In Tofino, the off season is good to end of Feb. so we decided to try again for a trip to the Pacific coast. We booked a three night stay at Tsawaak RV resort on McKenzie beach and off we went. It was cold and blustery but no matter the weather, it’s always beautiful there. The newish resort is a typical RV resort with side by side sites which is not our cup of tea, but being winter there were very few campers. They have planted cedars between the sites, which once grown, will provide some privacy. The facilities including a laundry room (the only one I have ever seen with a designated dog bedding washing machine) was pristine. Heated bathrooms, with three large, free, shower stalls. Clean and Modern.
It’s a short stroll down a trail to the gorgeous McKenzie beach. While not the longest beach in the area, we know from past visits that trails through old growth forest will take you to a couple other very secluded beaches.
Unfortunately , the forecast turned on us, and with snow and heavy winds expected, we decided to bug out and head home. We had been hoping to have an evening sitting around a fire, but the wind was relentless.
