. Jalbum 8.1 slides/victoria-tofino-map.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 7-8 Feb 2009: Ian and Rita went on a trip to Tofino on the West Coast of Vancouver Island. It's 320km from Victoria to Tofino and takes about 4.5 hours to drive there. 7-8 Feb 2009: Ian and Rita went on a trip to Tofino on the West Coast of Vancouver Island. It's 320km from Victoria to Tofino and takes about 4.5 hours to drive there. slides/victoria-tofino-map.jpg slides/P2070001.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 Our first stop was in the Goldstream Provincial Park, only 30 minutes drive from our home where you can find moss laden trees. Not all of my moss pictures are completely in focus because of the relatively dark conditions, so accept my apologies right here and ignore the slight fuzziness of some of the pictures. Our first stop was in the Goldstream Provincial Park, only 30 minutes drive from our home where you can find moss laden trees. Not all of my moss pictures are completely in focus because of the relatively dark conditions, so accept my apologies right here and ignore the slight fuzziness of some of the pictures. slides/P2070001.JPG slides/P2070004.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 Lots of ferns and mosses growing on the branches. Lots of ferns and mosses growing on the branches. slides/P2070004.JPG slides/P2070005.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 This is still Goldstream Provincial Park, i.e. still only 30 minutes drive from downtown Victoria and here you find the first bear-proof bin already! This is still Goldstream Provincial Park, i.e. still only 30 minutes drive from downtown Victoria and here you find the first bear-proof bin already! slides/P2070005.JPG slides/P2070007.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 A mossy tree. A mossy tree. slides/P2070007.JPG slides/P2070008.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 This isin Cathedral Grove (McMillan Provincial Park) between Nanaimo and Port Alberni. It is old-growth rainforest with lots of Douglas fir and hemlock trees. This isin Cathedral Grove (McMillan Provincial Park) between Nanaimo and Port Alberni. It is old-growth rainforest with lots of Douglas fir and hemlock trees. slides/P2070008.JPG slides/P2070009.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 As expected, the photos don't pay tribute to the beauty of this ecosystem in reality. As expected, the photos don't pay tribute to the beauty of this ecosystem in reality. slides/P2070009.JPG slides/P2070011.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 I was sooooo pleased to be here. I felt like being in a fairy tale forest. Everything was so soft and fluffy because of the mosses. I was sooooo pleased to be here. I felt like being in a fairy tale forest. Everything was so soft and fluffy because of the mosses. slides/P2070011.JPG slides/P2070012.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 You don't want to be in here when it's windy! You don't want to be in here when it's windy! slides/P2070012.JPG slides/P2070013.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 Here are some trees that broke and fell in 1997. Here are some trees that broke and fell in 1997. slides/P2070013.JPG slides/P2070014.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 Oh dear, this one cracked too. Oh dear, this one cracked too. slides/P2070014.JPG slides/P2070015.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 Fluffy. :) Fluffy. :) slides/P2070015.JPG slides/P2070018.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 Lichen ball on snow. Lichen ball on snow. slides/P2070018.JPG slides/P2070019.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 This is the highest tree in the park, it's 76m tall. I could almost reach the top, but not quite. This is the highest tree in the park, it's 76m tall. I could almost reach the top, but not quite. slides/P2070019.JPG slides/P2070020.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 See, I'm almost tall enough! See, I'm almost tall enough! slides/P2070020.JPG slides/P2070021.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 This was a fallen tree that stretched a long way in both directions. This was a fallen tree that stretched a long way in both directions. slides/P2070021.JPG slides/P2070022.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 Here is another picture of the 76m tall tree. Just in comparison, the tower of Pisa is only 56m tall. Here is another picture of the 76m tall tree. Just in comparison, the tower of Pisa is only 56m tall. slides/P2070022.JPG slides/P2070023.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 Ian admiring the big tree. Ian admiring the big tree. slides/P2070023.JPG slides/P2070024.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 Here is some explanation about the tree. Here is some explanation about the tree. slides/P2070024.JPG slides/P2070025.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 In the background you can see the fluffiness of the forest! In the background you can see the fluffiness of the forest! slides/P2070025.JPG slides/P2070026.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 Hanging fluffiness. Hanging fluffiness. slides/P2070026.JPG slides/P2070027.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 Knobbly fluffiness. Knobbly fluffiness. slides/P2070027.JPG slides/P2070028.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 Allover fluffiness. Allover fluffiness. slides/P2070028.JPG slides/P2070029.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 Ian trying to frighten me with some lichens. Ian trying to frighten me with some lichens. slides/P2070029.JPG slides/P2070030.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 Sun shining on lovely mosses. Sun shining on lovely mosses. slides/P2070030.JPG slides/P2070031.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 Closer up. Closer up. slides/P2070031.JPG slides/P2070032.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 Lovely Ian. Lovely Ian. slides/P2070032.JPG slides/P2070033.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 Rita & Ian having FUN! Rita & Ian having FUN! slides/P2070033.JPG slides/P2070034.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 Ian having a look at a tree. Ian having a look at a tree. slides/P2070034.JPG slides/P2070037.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 These are HUGE leafy lichens! I've never seen them this big! These are HUGE leafy lichens! I've never seen them this big! slides/P2070037.JPG slides/P2070038.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 Is this green, or what?! Amazing stuff. Is this green, or what?! Amazing stuff. slides/P2070038.JPG slides/P2070040.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 A branch covered with the lichens fell to the floor. A branch covered with the lichens fell to the floor. slides/P2070040.JPG slides/P2070045.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 Even shrubs in the undergrowth are covered in a thick layer of mosses. Even shrubs in the undergrowth are covered in a thick layer of mosses. slides/P2070045.JPG slides/P2070046.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 This is INSIDE a tree. This is INSIDE a tree. slides/P2070046.JPG slides/P2070050.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 The previous photo was taken inside this tree. The previous photo was taken inside this tree. slides/P2070050.JPG slides/P2070047.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 And for scale, I put Ian inside the tree. And for scale, I put Ian inside the tree. slides/P2070047.JPG slides/P2070052.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 Okay, I think you are getting the picture, it was REALLY mossy in Cathedral Grove. Okay, I think you are getting the picture, it was REALLY mossy in Cathedral Grove. slides/P2070052.JPG slides/P2070053.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 Now we are in the other part of Cathedral Grove, called the Old Growth part. I found this on the ground and I think it's a fungus. Now we are in the other part of Cathedral Grove, called the Old Growth part. I found this on the ground and I think it's a fungus. slides/P2070053.JPG slides/P2070054.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 Cool, isn't it? Cool, isn't it? slides/P2070054.JPG slides/P2070055.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 A lake and lots of trees. Trees are also a common feature of Vancouver Island. A lake and lots of trees. Trees are also a common feature of Vancouver Island. slides/P2070055.JPG slides/P2070056.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 Ian exploring the shore. Ian exploring the shore. slides/P2070056.JPG slides/P2070057.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 Lake and mountain. Lake and mountain. slides/P2070057.JPG slides/P2070058.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 Epiphytastic tree trunk. Epiphytastic tree trunk. slides/P2070058.JPG slides/P2070059.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 Close-up of the tree trunks' mossy habitat. Close-up of the tree trunks' mossy habitat. slides/P2070059.JPG slides/P2070062.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 I love close-ups, can you tell? I love close-ups, can you tell? slides/P2070062.JPG slides/P2070063.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 This is a nice root system of a fallen tree. This is a nice root system of a fallen tree. slides/P2070063.JPG slides/P2070064.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 Here without my moving scale. Here without my moving scale. slides/P2070064.JPG slides/P2070069.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 Now, this is the coolest fungus of this weekend. I think it's a Yellow Jelly Fungus, it looks pretty much like yellow jelly anyway. Now, this is the coolest fungus of this weekend. I think it's a Yellow Jelly Fungus, it looks pretty much like yellow jelly anyway. slides/P2070069.JPG slides/P2070070.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 Here is another shot from a slightly different angle. Here is another shot from a slightly different angle. slides/P2070070.JPG slides/P2070071.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 And here are its babies. And here are its babies. slides/P2070071.JPG slides/P2070074.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 Large curly-whirly root system. Large curly-whirly root system. slides/P2070074.JPG slides/P2070075.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 Lots of young trees grow on top of tree trunks or fallen trees. Here you can see 2 smaller trees on top of the old one. Lots of young trees grow on top of tree trunks or fallen trees. Here you can see 2 smaller trees on top of the old one. slides/P2070075.JPG slides/P2070076.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 This is on the way to the Pacific Rim National Park. This is on the way to the Pacific Rim National Park. slides/P2070076.JPG slides/P2070077.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 Even though the roads were described to us as being narrow and windy, they were pretty wide compared to European conditions. UK country roads are much narrower. Even though the roads were described to us as being narrow and windy, they were pretty wide compared to European conditions. UK country roads are much narrower. slides/P2070077.JPG slides/P2070078.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 Beach!! Here are some remains of sea urchins and Ian's hand functioning as my mobile scale. Beach!! Here are some remains of sea urchins and Ian's hand functioning as my mobile scale. slides/P2070078.JPG slides/P2070079.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 Empty MacKenzie beach. On the way down to the beach, we saw a note, saying that a Black bear had been spotted recently in the neighbourhood. This confirmed my hypothesis that not all bears on the island hibernate because of the mild winters. While walking along the beach we therefore kept an eye out for any bearlike creatures. Empty MacKenzie beach. On the way down to the beach, we saw a note, saying that a Black bear had been spotted recently in the neighbourhood. This confirmed my hypothesis that not all bears on the island hibernate because of the mild winters. While walking along the beach we therefore kept an eye out for any bearlike creatures. slides/P2070079.JPG slides/P2070080.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 Vegetation along the beach. Vegetation along the beach. slides/P2070080.JPG slides/P2070081.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 A sand dollar, a marine animal related to sea urchins and star fish. A sand dollar, a marine animal related to sea urchins and star fish. slides/P2070081.JPG slides/P2070084.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 The first purple starfish we saw. The first purple starfish we saw. slides/P2070084.JPG slides/P2070085.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 A beautiful anemone. A beautiful anemone. slides/P2070085.JPG slides/P2070086.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 The rocks were full with mussles. The muscles themselves functioned as host to limpets (Napfschnecken). The rocks were full with mussles. The muscles themselves functioned as host to limpets (Napfschnecken). slides/P2070086.JPG slides/P2070089.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 A pale-purple anenome. A pale-purple anenome. slides/P2070089.JPG slides/P2070091.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 An accumulation of sea snails and a pink starfish. An accumulation of sea snails and a pink starfish. slides/P2070091.JPG slides/P2070092.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 A big orange starfish next to two anemones that have their tentacles pulled in. A big orange starfish next to two anemones that have their tentacles pulled in. slides/P2070092.JPG slides/P2070093.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 The same with a scale. The same with a scale. slides/P2070093.JPG slides/P2070094.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 MacKenzie beach. We saw a Bald Eagle landing on a tree on the far side of the beach. MacKenzie beach. We saw a Bald Eagle landing on a tree on the far side of the beach. slides/P2070094.JPG slides/P2070096.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 Fuzzy pink anemones. Fuzzy pink anemones. slides/P2070096.JPG slides/P2070099.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 At least three starfish and four anemones plust lots of smaller things. At least three starfish and four anemones plust lots of smaller things. slides/P2070099.JPG slides/P2070100.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 Now, we discovered the big groups of starfish. How many can you count in this picture? I can see at least 23. Now, we discovered the big groups of starfish. How many can you count in this picture? I can see at least 23. slides/P2070100.JPG slides/P2070101.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 Starfish. Starfish. slides/P2070101.JPG slides/P2070103.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 A nice spread out one. A nice spread out one. slides/P2070103.JPG slides/P2070104.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 More starfish. More starfish. slides/P2070104.JPG slides/P2070105.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 And more. And more. slides/P2070105.JPG slides/P2070106.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 Bl#&dy hell, they are EVERYWHERE! Bl#&dy hell, they are EVERYWHERE! slides/P2070106.JPG slides/P2070107.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 Ian taking a closer look. Ian taking a closer look. slides/P2070107.JPG slides/P2070108.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 This was a cool day on a beach on Vancouver Island. This was a cool day on a beach on Vancouver Island. slides/P2070108.JPG slides/P2070110.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 This is the harbour in Tofino. This is the harbour in Tofino. slides/P2070110.JPG slides/P2070113.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 Still the harbour. Still the harbour. slides/P2070113.JPG slides/P2080114.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 The next day we went to Cox beach which is surfer's paradise, just today the waves weren't that great nor were the two surfers. The next day we went to Cox beach which is surfer's paradise, just today the waves weren't that great nor were the two surfers. slides/P2080114.JPG slides/P2080115.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 Logs and sea spray. Logs and sea spray. slides/P2080115.JPG slides/P2080117.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 Two trees hugging each other. Two trees hugging each other. slides/P2080117.JPG slides/P2080118.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 View from Radar Hill in the Pacific Rim National Park. View from Radar Hill in the Pacific Rim National Park. slides/P2080118.JPG slides/P2080119.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 Schooner Trail leading down to Long Beach through dense rainforest vegetation. Schooner Trail leading down to Long Beach through dense rainforest vegetation. slides/P2080119.JPG slides/P2080121.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 "Hmpf, yes, I do want to be in the picture!!!" "Hmpf, yes, I do want to be in the picture!!!" slides/P2080121.JPG slides/P2080123.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 Also here you can find lots of fuzzy mosses. Also here you can find lots of fuzzy mosses. slides/P2080123.JPG slides/P2080124.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 And fallen trees. This picture doesn't reflect the enormous size of this root system. My guess is that it's 4-5m in diameter. And fallen trees. This picture doesn't reflect the enormous size of this root system. My guess is that it's 4-5m in diameter. slides/P2080124.JPG slides/P2080125.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 A tree growing on another one. A tree growing on another one. slides/P2080125.JPG slides/P2080126.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 Long beach with lots of drift wood and mountains in the background. Long beach with lots of drift wood and mountains in the background. slides/P2080126.JPG slides/P2080127.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 Nice, isn't it?! Nice, isn't it?! slides/P2080127.JPG slides/P2080130.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 A little islet. A little islet. slides/P2080130.JPG slides/P2080131.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 Rita fighting a sea beastie. Rita fighting a sea beastie. slides/P2080131.JPG slides/P2080133.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 Water droplet on mosses. Water droplet on mosses. slides/P2080133.JPG slides/P2080135.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 This is on the rainforest walk in the Pacific Rim National Park. There are boardwalks everywhere because it's rather soggy and you don't want people to loose their way by accident. This is on the rainforest walk in the Pacific Rim National Park. There are boardwalks everywhere because it's rather soggy and you don't want people to loose their way by accident. slides/P2080135.JPG slides/P2080136.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 Jungle. Jungle. slides/P2080136.JPG slides/P2080138.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 More jungle. More jungle. slides/P2080138.JPG slides/P2080140.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 Fallen tree. Fallen tree. slides/P2080140.JPG slides/P2080141.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 BIG tree with cable-like roots coming out from the trunk. BIG tree with cable-like roots coming out from the trunk. slides/P2080141.JPG slides/P2080142.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:46:21 -0800 So, have you seen enough trees and mosses by now? If not, you'll have to wait until we'll go out to play again. So, have you seen enough trees and mosses by now? If not, you'll have to wait until we'll go out to play again. slides/P2080142.JPG