Second Lookee at Ukee

October 28

A new day, a new plan……..same old weather……..still raining.  This morning I have to address the problem with our awning and try to make Plan B roadworthy and safe.  Having removed the tarp portion of the awning, I now have to deal with all the hardware……..I figure if I can detach the angle bar supports, I should be able to strap the main supports and bent roller bar to the trailer somehow.  CanAm RV in London has told me that there are a few thing on the roof that would be ok to use as anchor spots for strapping the support bars in place, so away we go.  I borrowed a ladder from the RV park and have enough straps and rope on board to make this work.  With Jutta’s help, we are able to detach the angle bars, and I strapped the remaining supports in place.  The worst that can happen is that something will come loose and we will have to re-attach in another way, but I think we are good to go.  I have an appointment in Langley at an Airstream dealer the day we get back to the mainland, and whatever else needs to be done will happen there.

Our original plan was to leave Tofino on the 30th, but we will leave tomorrow 29th instead.  We have done all we came to do, except get a taco at “Tacofino”…….was always way lined up every time we went, but there is a limit to how long we will wait in line for food…….no matter how good it is.  Everything else we have done.  Seen it, tasted it, experienced it, so it is time to go.  If all goes well, and the awning doesn’t come loose on the highway, we should be in Victoria early afternoon.  The RV park is just across the harbour from downtown, so we should have great views and easy access to the city.  Because of our early arrival I will have to park and then re-park Plan B, but that shouldn’t be a problem……..of course if I hit anything in the process it will be my spotters fault.

  
So, after rigging the awning, we decided our return trip to Ucluelet was in order……..I know some people struggle with this……..it is “You – Clue – Let”, or just say Ukee, much easier, and you sound like a local.  Our targets are the Wild Pacific Trail…..two sections……one on the way into Ukee with old growth cedars and rocky shorelines with views, and the other, a loop around the lighthouse peninsula, also with spectacular views.  So it’s pissing rain, low ceiling, visibility maybe 1km if you are lucky, and the foghorn goes off about every 20 seconds……..you’ll have to take our word for it on the pictures, because it is really beautiful out there.

So the first trail section went well.  The one thing about impervious rain gear though, and I don’t care if it is GoreTex or not…….does it ever make you sweat!……..no moisture gets in, but you might as well be walking in the rain in your shirtsleeves because you sweat buckets underneath.  On the way to the lighthouse section we had to run through town, and that of course meant we had to pass by UKEE DOGS TAQUERIA………cannot pass this place now without stopping……..Jutta, the mac+cheese dog w/a local dark beer……Huge, the beef brisket burrito w/the pilsner x 2.  Now I don’t care how wet I am.  We knock out the Lighthouse Loop in record time, and are back in the truck headed for home.

 
Only a few hours until we will be tying on the feedbag again…….Jutta re-jigged our dinner plans for another night at 1909 where they cooked our fish the other day……..gave up a lounge seat at The Wick, but still no dining room so no big loss.  We were warmly welcomed at 1909, chatted with the chef, and talked about the mushrooms they had foraged in the last couple of days……we love this shit.  Both appies were topped with fresh pine mushrooms foraged just yesterday, and they were absolutely amazing…….you cannot believe the aroma as they fresh sliced them over our apps.  Chef tells me they sell for $50/lb at the market when you can get them.  Jutta and I both ordered a pizza as our main, and of course Jutta topped hers with the pine mushrooms……..heaven.  So, yet another great meal……they made a mistake and served us the Painted Rock Cab instead of Syrah, but still great.  

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Back at the ranch now, and in real time, signing off and going to hit the sack.  Early start tomorrow to miss the road closures on Hwy 4.  Will add pic’s to this when I have wifi in Victoria.  Goodnight all.