24 April, 2006 (Monday)

Off to Tofino. Detour at Skutz Falls.

Everybody got a little too comfortable, making for a late start. Nevertheless we had a full day of traveling, driving the Trans-Canada highway through Nanaimo and Port Alberni to Tofino. Along the way we detoured through a camping area called Skutz Falls - 4-wheel-driving down some old logging tracks, taking pictures of the waterway and clambering over water traps.

The last leg of the drive from Nanaimo to Tofino was tight and winding, with steep bends and huge trees. Driving along I didn't realise how fast we were traveling until I looked down at the speedometer and noticed that we were taking the corners at 80km/hr (when the signage was recommending 40km/hr). Oops! I slowed down after that, much to the relief of Sean and the girls.

We arrived in Tofino late, close to 9pm, what had been suggested to be a 4 hour drive blowing out to something approaching 7 hours. We drove through Tofino slowly. A seaside town, the village is a sleepy 4 blocks. In the evening twilight it was very quiet. We cruised around, looking for the local hostel. Emily popped her head out of the car to ask directions from 3 youths, who promptly invited her to the pub.

The Ocean Inn Hostel in Tofino is one of the prettiest hostels I've seen, sitting practically on the water. Unfortunately it was booked full. The front desk guy offered us rooms if one of the gals didn't mind sleeping on the Games Room sofa, but we thought we'd try somewhere else first. After being denied by crazy Germans and another hotel, it was fourth time lucky with the Tofino Motel. The room was clean and while the two doubles weren't perfect the private bathroom was a welcome relief. Finding somewhere to eat at 10pm on a Monday was just as challenging.

Midway through the night I woke to hear Lauren talking. She was chattering about something but nobody else seemed to be awake. In my waking muziness I thought It would be fun to simulate conversation. A few minutes in Lauren abruptly changed conversation, "Ben, can you come and give me a massage?".
"I don't know Lauz, it would mean having to get out of bed. What's in it for me?"
No answer. I went back to sleep. In the morning Lauren could hardly remember our conversation.