Day 3 Tsuqandra Point to Carmanah Creek km 46

We got up the next morning to heavy mist coming off the ocean. However, the rain gear we put on was soon removed from the strenuous hiking. Mice had been active in the night. I woke to find them chewing on water bottles on a table by my head.


Today's hike would take us 16 km across the Nitinat Narrows, where there is a crab shack and past Chez Monique's, where you can get a burger. Because of our New and Improved Hiking Schedule, we had to cross both the same day. Bring on the crazy beautiful hiking.

This was where we ran into the worst root system of the trail. There were helpful ropes to you climb it. It was steep, slippery and long. I'm afraid our pictures do not capture the beast adequately. Nevertheless, we persevered. 'Cause what else are you going to do?

 

 

 

 

While waiting for our food at the narrows, we met Sandalman. Sandalman was wearing sandals (obviously)  and proudly (!) sporting a 60 pound pack that extended 4 feet out from his back. I wasn't sure he was entirely sane. First off, he was wearing sandals. Second off, he lectured us on how to navigate the bogs without getting muddy, (you step on the pieces of wood, duh) and third off, when he hoisted his 60 pound pack up on the scale, it very nearly killed one of our own. The motion exerted to hoist a 60 pound pack 7 feet off the ground and hook it onto a scale jiggled the jerry-rigged shelter under which we were sitting. A large tarp was being held up by a heavy metal pole. Sandalman jiggled the pole loose and it fell onto the table where we were sitting. Luckily, Darren had only 2 seconds earlier stood to rub Susan's sore shoulders, because it would have struck him squarely on the head. (That's a lesson to all you husbands out there. If your wife asks for a back rub, hop to it. Quickly now. It could save your life.) Unluckily, it glanced off Julie's arm and left a nasty bruise. Thanks for nothing, Sandalman. 

I ordered the halibut, which came with a rather generous baked potato and a coke. It was very good.



  

  

 

Another of my favourite pictures from the trail.  

 

 After the Narrows there was some lovely new boardwalk for a ways. Wish it could have lasted a little longer...

 

Things that make you go hmmm. 

 

Miles and miles of doing the beach boogie.

Nice new ladders. Thankfully we only came to one ladder that was missing a rung. I think Darren hyperextended his knee on that one.

We were plagued with the thought that Chez Moniques would be closed by the time we passed through. Luck was on our side as we stumbled wearily into Chez Moniques with Christopher entertaining us and promising us burgers and beer. We enjoyed his antics, visiting with Monique and her family, and devouring a ginormous burger. I also bought an orange and some pecan tarts. They were heavenly. Why can't we get oranges like that in Alberta?  Of course I ate my orange and tarts while waiting for my burger, and then I couldn't finish the burger.

 

We had only a kilometer to go to our campsite. There was a dead sealion (unpicturesque) on the beach and the Carmanah Lighthouse (picturesque) to enjoy along the way.

 

 

Foot update. I would rather not talk about it.