Day Six - Boardwalks, Bears and Blessings

We left at 8 o'clock as per usual and started the day with ladders immediately and into the forest. It was a relatively easy day,  we hiked about 13 kilometers. We hiked in the forest, walked on lots of boardwalks, a lot of stunning views, and definitely foggy this morning which made for some beautiful forest pictures. 

We've arrived at camp and it is another oceanfront spot with a beautiful view. Still quite foggy. It's been overcast all day which I have thoroughly enjoyed. I've gone for a bit of a walk on our beach. I am very restless, always. I can't seem to settle. Can't sit still. Must keep moving. Maybe it's from lacking a comfortable place to sit. My tailbone just can't rest on a hard log and my back really only stops hurting when I'm upright.

This is bear beach and I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to see any because I do maybe not up close and personal, maybe not in my face with claws but I would like to see some more wildlife. I have seen many Eagles. I have seen many whales playing and rolling offshore today and I have seen herons. We have seen bear poop and wolf prints. Apparently the group today heard two baby wolves barking but I did not. I was busy at the back of the line just having fun with Jess and talking shit. I would be lying if I said I wasn't ready for this to be over because I am. I am very, very sore. My knees hurt, my back hurts and my quads hurt mostly from the beach walking today. There was a lot of sand, deep, deep sand and some walking on the shelf.

Very challenging when you're already sore and tired. I guess the best part is that it was foggy and not too hot. It's actually quite cold right now and I'm wearing a long sleeve shirt with a fleece sweater and a fleece vest and a winter hat. My knees are wrapped in compression sleeves and I'm wearing socks and sandals so you can imagine how sexy that looks. The tide is definitely coming in and its trying to reach my feet.

Tonight's dinner was the best yet. Jumbalaya with salami and it was fantastic... and what did we see during our meal?? Not one but two bears!!! A medium sized black bear checking out the beach (where I had been strolling earlier) and a massive black bear on the other side of the creek we crossed earlier to get to camp. We also saw many whales playing and a sea otter family playing on a rock just offshore.
To close out the night we were also blessed with the gift of chocolate.
I have become so efficient in the daily rituals of organizing my belongings, and packing up as a result every morning, has been a breeze.

It's cold in my little tent world but I feel safe and cozy and eager to hit the trail in the morning. It was a great day for wild life and that makes me smile a super, giant smile. My Dad is very much on my mind and I know he would be proud to see the joy this wild and natural place brings me. He would love this place... and he is with me in spirit.