One reason to be situated in Port Renfrew was so we could take time to hike and explore along the many coastal trails in the area. Our first stop, once we got moving, was Juan de Fuca Provincial Park and the short Botanical Loop Trail.
This 2.9-km loop trail is located in Juan de Fuca Provincial Park, near Port Renfrew, British Columbia. It is considered an easy route and takes an average of 44 min to complete, but if you do it right, it takes much longer. This is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and trail running, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
Here are scenes from this trail.
Steller’s Jay, the official parking lot greeter
Trail head
The trail ended up being quite varied from a nice gravel path to places where our waterproof hiking boots were a valuable asset.
Which way do we go?
There is also this serious staircase.
Every so often, there would be a break in the trees and you would catch a glimpse of the ocean. We did pop down to Botany Bay at a couple of spots (separate posts) to take in the ocean views. The first slide shows a container ship in front of the Washington state coastline.
Rain forest art
Bits and pieces
A very pleasant hike to get our feet wet, so to speak.
Not much to tell. After working for 3 companies over 43+ years (38 years 7 months with my last company), I finally got that promotion I had waited my entire career for……retirement.
I have been exploring this new career for the past 7+ years and while it is not always exciting, the chance to do what I want for myself and my family instead of what my company wants has been very fulfilling. Early on, there was a long list of projects in my “to-do” hopper and I attacked these projects with a vengeance for the first 9 months of retirement. Eventually, my brain told me that this was not what retirement was about, so it took me another 5 months before my industriousness again took over and I attacked another line of projects, this time somewhat shorter and less complicated, as well as many new projects related to the family weddings in 2016. After going hard for 6 weeks and 3 weddings, my body was telling me to relax, then the flu bug hit and as soon as that was done with me, my sciatic acted up. No rest for the wicked. In 2020 and 2021, the Covid 19 pandemic changed the whole retirement gig. I was lucky to not be still working, for sure.
I enjoy photography, gardening, working with my hands, walking, cycling, skiing, travelling, reading and creating special photo and video productions obtained in my first pastime. I may never become wealthy in any of these pursuits, but I already feel I am rich in life experiences far beyond any expectation.
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“an average of 44 min”, some people take their work very seriously! I envy you for taking the time to visit Port Renfrew, I rushed through, having to return the rental car a few hours later in Victoria. Thanks for the hike.
We like to dawdle these days. There was a lot to see and the puddles slowed us down. We had a quick trip to Port Renfrew a few years back and it was not long enough. We vowed to come back one day. Thanks for reading and commenting. Happy Wednesday. Allan
It was a great place to spend time in nature and I hope you can get there one day too. These trails are worth the muddy boots. Thanks for reading Vanesa. Allan
That looks like quite the puddle (or even river?) crossing. Good thing you came prepared with all your rainproof gear. I love all the twisted trees. Looks beautiful.
And that was on the dry day. It lived up to the nickname, the Wet Coast, for sure. The forest landscape was magical, that is for sure. Thanks for reading Linda. Happy Thursday. Allan
PHOTO DROP 
“an average of 44 min”, some people take their work very seriously! I envy you for taking the time to visit Port Renfrew, I rushed through, having to return the rental car a few hours later in Victoria. Thanks for the hike.
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We like to dawdle these days. There was a lot to see and the puddles slowed us down. We had a quick trip to Port Renfrew a few years back and it was not long enough. We vowed to come back one day. Thanks for reading and commenting. Happy Wednesday. Allan
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Beautiful pictures. I took a really nice walk around the area with you!
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Glad you could join us for the walk Luisa. Hope your feet stayed dry. Thanks for reading. Allan
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My hiking boots protected me👟😉
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😊
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Dawdling is a very good thing! I’m looking forward to starting my dawdling career next year. Cheers.
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I highly recommend dawdling. I have perfected it over the last 7+ years. Congrats on getting closer to your dawdling degree Lynette. Allan
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It very much does look wet!
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We found out why they call it a rain forest while we were there. There were two conditions on the trails….wet….and wetter. Thanks for reading. Allan
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That makes sense. My parents went to the temperate rainforest in Washington and they said the air was green. No kidding at all!
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Looks beautiful. I really hope I can visit one day! (I don’t mind getting my hiking boots wet if the trail is worth it!)
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It was a great place to spend time in nature and I hope you can get there one day too. These trails are worth the muddy boots. Thanks for reading Vanesa. Allan
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That looks like quite the puddle (or even river?) crossing. Good thing you came prepared with all your rainproof gear. I love all the twisted trees. Looks beautiful.
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And that was on the dry day. It lived up to the nickname, the Wet Coast, for sure. The forest landscape was magical, that is for sure. Thanks for reading Linda. Happy Thursday. Allan
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Nice
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Thank you.
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