I got a little bit of the good stuff last week.

The S.V. Aja

About a month back I was fortunate to be able to get onboard a 35 foot sailboat (Aja) bound for the waters NW of Tofino. We spent 10 days sailing, surfing, fishing, exploring and enjoying the amazing coastline of the area. Thanks to Rich Elstrom for making it happen. It was definitely the highlight of my summer.

The Aja

We met up with friends on the Ola Suerte

Surf caddy

Captain Rich is a viking

Tahsis

Coho for dinner

Happy Happy Joy Joy!

Queens Cove reflection 

Bright nights

Spinnaker sailing

Shore leave at Nootka Island 

Skuna Bay surf check

Nootka locals were around but never showed themselves 

Nothing like paddling right from the boat

Estevan Point

Beauty eh?

Dawn

Good Morning!

South swell!

First Mate

Happy crew

Recently

I just did a quick little mission to the West Coast of Vancouver Island. That entire coastline has always drawn me in. With so many places to explore it would literally take a lifetime to check all of them out. I hadn't been anywhere new (to me) over there for a little while so I picked a spot, hiked in and spent a few nights camped on the beach. Another beautiful spot for sure.

All I need for three days.

Three km in. It only got worse. 

First glimpse of the coast.

Home for a minute.

This zone is infamous for these.

Steamed mussels anyone?

Magic light in the evening.

Low tide.

I managed to miss stepping on most of these guys.

The locals were around but never showed themselves.

Windswept.

I rode a few waves but I don't think I'd haul a board down there again.

Three more km back to the van.