San Josef Bay - Well worth the trek...

 San Josef Bay - Well Worth the Trek!

We took the longer route as we were not sure of the condition of the road along the shorter route

Tucked away at the northwest end of Vancouver Island, a treasure awaits those who are willing to make the 65 km trek along the logging road. 

As part of the Cape Scott Provincial Park, San Josef Bay can be found at the end of a 3.5 km, well-maintained trail, which takes you through some huge old-growth trees, including a Sitka Spruce and Western Cedar, both over 3 m in diameter. The park was established in 1973 and includes 115 km of scenic ocean frontage, including nearly 30 km of stunning beaches - of which San Josef is but one. 

We chose to go on this trip on a Saturday, having read that the logging trucks usually operate only Monday through Friday. We're so glad we did, as the dirt roads are very narrow in places and, although several 'pull-outs' are available, the idea of meeting one of those trucks and having to back up to the last pull out was rather daunting! There were several signs indicating possible driving hazards. The journey took us considerably longer as we had to go really slowly to avoid the various ruts and potholes in the dirt road. (We had been warned about the condition of the road by someone we spoke to the day before... but we both agreed, after traveling along it, we had seen worse not far from where we live in Northern Ontario).

We chuckled at the 'Good Luck' comment!

About 40 km from the highway, is the small hamlet of Holberg, with its population of 35 souls! It has a small store and a pub - apparently an icon for the local community. The Scarlet Ibis pub was once a bunkhouse brought in five pieces from Port Hardy and a local logger dreamed of opening an English-style pub, which is what he did. Unfortunately, we didn't have time to stop in for a bevvy - but there is always a next time. 

The Scarlet Ibis Pub

General Store

We are always in awe of the people who settle in these remote areas, far from the modern conveniences that we all take for granted. 

Finally, we reached the parking lot at the end of the road.

Parking the car, we set off along the well-signed trail, which boasts an accessibility that could accommodate a stroller (pushchair). The rainforest was beautiful in its rich verdant clothing, and the dogs thoroughly enjoyed sniffing along on the way. 

After approximately 1 km, the trail divided into two - to the right - a 21 km hike to Cape Scott, with its lighthouse and various camping sites along the way, and the shorter one going in the other direction towards San Josef Bay, which was our selected destination for the day. (However, we made a mental note of doing the longer hike at some time in the future). 

The sight that met us as we left the forest trail was absolutely breath-taking! We had gone crazy about the beaches in Tofino, but this one left us speechless, with only oohs and aahs to break the silence. 

This video clip captures the splendour of this beach...

Rosanne and her mom (for whom we are sitting) said that it was OK for them to be off leash on the beach and so, since there were no others present, we let them off so that they could run to their hearts content. 

After strolling along towards the northern end of the beach, we came to the spot that had attracted Mark for several months beforehand. The famous sea stacks and caves, that are only accessible during low tide, are probably one of the most photographed places on the Island. 

Once again, we recorded a couple of video clips... 

Mark stood by one stack so we could show the height of it, in comparison

                                            You never know what you might find in them there caves!

Mindful of the incoming tide, which was about 2 hours away - and can reach a height of over 3 m, we spent time enjoying the stacks and caves and marveling at the wonders of nature. 

We had checked out the tidal behaviour before we left. The above shows the table for the two days following our visit.

Back on the main beach, we found some rocks to sit on while we enjoyed our picnic - once again, keeping an eye upon the incoming tide. 

Our lunchtime view

These were the rocks upon which we sat while having our picnic.

Charlie and Rain were as good as gold, staying with us while we had our lunch.

Reluctantly, we strolled back towards the trail and made our way back to the parking lot, once again, marveling at the sheer beauty of the surrounding rainforest.

When we got back to the car, it was time for the doggies to have another drink and some treats!

On the way, we had seen various signs about reforestation and other services to balance the logging that seems to be the main industry here, in the north of the Island. 

We were surprised at how early in the last century, this had been started - we even saw a sign showing work as early as 1944! We've noticed, over the last few weeks, that here, in B.C., there seems to be much more awareness of the environment, and the effect that we humans have upon it, together with measures taken to offset those effects - what with more specific recycling and the care of the forests. 

The road surface slowed our return, as it had our way out. 

One wonders if this car met a logging truck and skidded off the road... hope there were no casualties.

Not a pleasant way to end one's days!

A developing logging road

Log pile awaiting pick up

Potholes galore

A 'pull out' or layby

After negotiating the various pot-holes and ruts in the dirt road, we finally made it back to the smoothness of the highway, feeling full of gratitude for another day well-spent.