Our third night on the Island was anything but peaceful. We had a gale blowing all night and rain pounding down on our tent. At one point Shane had to get up and cut the remaining ropes to one of the tarps as it was whipping and thrashing around.
The West Coast is a spectacular place but it is also a place where you can feel quite vulnerable.

That morning we all crawled out of bed with bloodshot eyes and a new respect for mother nature. The winds had calmed somewhat and damage to our camp was minimal.

Now what?

The big lessons we have learned so far is .... 1) don't forget the weather radio
2) don't buy cheap rain gear (half of our duct tape was used up in repairs)
3) always keep your sense of humor
4) always hide a spare set of water resistant clothing for emergencies

Coffee helps!! On this, our fourth day, we discovered that one of our group had a cell phone that actually worked. We phoned to get a weather report and it wasn't good. Continued gale force winds with gusts and sustained winds picking up today and tomorrow.

Now what?

So Shane and I made the decision. Lets pack up everything but the tents.... if a window of opportunity presents itself we are going to take it.

Everyone agreed though there were some fearful looks and not a little angst. The waves were indeed higher than we had seen them. Remember, this is a surf beach so big swells are not such a great thing!

Breakfast helped calm us!! A good breakfast and we set about packing up. About noon it looked like the seas were calming so we all jumped in to action.

There is nothing like a little old fashioned fear to get people motivated and cooperating. Like a team we all pitched in and packed the kayaks... ferried them down to the water and got in to our gear.

The perfect time to leave the island (according to tide tables) would be between 12:30 and 1:00. We were right on time to get out there and let the tide help carry us in to Tofino.

First boat gets loaded and paddlers ready. Count the waves.... five big breakers and three small rollers.....
One, two, three, four, five.... OK go... and success!! Carissa didn't even get wet.

Next boat same routine but Joe's hat flew off as he got a salty face wash. His Dad caught the hat in his lap without missing a stroke.
Safe out to sea with his new hat intact and the boat upright!

Third boat... a single.... same scenario and success

Fourth boat... another single.... same scenario and again success

Then it came to our turn. We were in a wounded double. The rental that had a rudder problem. Fully loaded we tried a knuckle launch (fists on the sand and push up and out). Would have been alright but my knuckles couldn't reach the bottom. Braced by my paddle while the waves crashed over the boat. Still facing out to sea we counted one, two, three, four, five then...... full on push and out to sea.
I was so glad we didn't get wet when God decided to play a number on us. A rogue wave crashed us head on giving me (I'm in the front) what I refer to as a full on face sand 'floss'.

So.... the good news is that none of us got swamped in the high waves.... we did, however, all get wet with the exception of Carissa. I think 15 year olds have some magic in them!?

Once in the swell we were all much calmer. We pulled up the empty crab trap and headed off to town. The swells were big enough that you could 'lose' the next paddler in the trough. As long as they aren't breaking you are safe. After about 20 minutes of paddling the sun started to break through the fog and the seas calmed.

It turned in to a magical paddle back. Hot and placid we were able to point out the currents, choppy waters, reasons for the chop and even get a good 'sail' back on the tide. High tide was 3PM and that is when we landed in Tofino. One of the nicest paddles we have ever had was on that trip back. We relaxed, explored a little and just enjoyed our last day on the ocean.

We made the right call to come back a day early. As we were unpacking the weather started to turn again. By the time everything was done it had started to rain again and the wind had picked up. Our guardian angels were working overtime!

The eight of us spent the night with friend in Tofino. While we cooked our last dinner in their kitchen they kept the kids mesmerized with tales of float plane trips up the coast and messages they had found in bottles over the years. Stories about Nike runners and hockey pads that washed up with the tides a few years ago after containers got washed off ships. Of the bear that wanders around their property and how the deer don't like it there because of the marsh. Fascinating stories told by a wonderful, warm and welcoming couple .... and their shower was pretty good too!

The next morning we parted ways. Six of us headed back to Kelowna while two continued their adventure on the island for another week.

Though Shane and I were disappointed that we didn't get a chance to take the group to Blunden Island or even to explore more of the rocks farther west off Vargas, no one else was disappointed. Everyone agreed that they would like to do it again.

Family holidays become more precious as you get older. Though I like a comfy bed you find ways to adapt. We discovered a queen sized air mattress will fit in our tent and folds up small enough to fit in a kayak. Though too heavy to carry on your back a kayak trip is no problem. Then there's the matter of the french press for morning coffee!! And those comfy camp seats that make even a log comfortable. Ahh.. if we could only find a way to tame the weather!

Next trip... South Africa. I've got to get busy on that one...