9/30/08 - 10/03/08

Post whale watching, we headed toward Strathcona Provincial Park in the interior of the island.  Having read it was a rare park and the oldest in British Columbia, we were interested to see what the terrain would be like.  Along the way we passed many logged areas and were surprised to see so much land being used for timber purposes.  When we arrived at Strathcona, we found that much of the rarity of the place was the difference between the park area and the surrounding land – the presence of old growth forest.  Strathcona does have some mining land within the park and has been subject to many controversies regarding the use of the land for timber harvesting.  Buttle Lake seemed to be quite low on water so we chose to camp at Ralph River campground, a bit further into the park.  The campground was nearly empty with a wide variety of lakefront and wooded spots available, many still grassy from lack of use.  We spent a very peaceful, quiet and dark night in one of the partially wooded lakefront sites – so dark in fact that we were afraid to go to the “facilities” alone!

The next day we drove toward Victoria, taking time to stop in Nanaimo.  While it seemed like Nanaimo was at one time dominated by industry, the arts scene there is thriving and in evidence in many of the downtown areas.  A wide scenic waterfront walking path provided some exercise, sunshine and excellent people watching opportunities.  Judging by the plethora of construction projects, Nanaimo is an up and coming community poised for an explosion of new residents.

Victoria was our final stop on Vancouver Island.  A charming and historical city, Victoria evokes the Queen, celebrates its native people and manages to be wildly beautiful and rugged all at the same time.  We spent two days wandering the streets and ever-blooming gardens, stopping for coffee and treats in delightful little shops.  We even took in a modern ballet, Alonzo King’s LINES ballet: Irregular Pearl, presented by Dance Victoria at the Royal Theater – spectacular!