Onward to Ahousat and Matilda Inlet

September 6, 2022

On September 6th we were up early to listen to the VHF forecast.  They had changed the forecast to NW 5-15, but we headed out anyways.  It was getting to the time when we wanted to be down around the Tofino area, so it was time to move on.  We motored out over smooth water, under clear skies and beautiful morning sunshine.  None of the lighthouses had reported any fog in the morning, and we had sunshine all day.   

With our hopes high that the forecasted winds would materialize, we cruised along and rounded Estevan Point.  Interestingly, the Estevan Point lighthouse became the only part of Canada to have ever been fired upon during World War II when it was targeted by a Japanese submarine. 

It apparently stands 125’ high and was completed in 1909.   

Sadly, our forecasted NW wind never materialized, and we motored over calm seas all the way into Clayoquot Sound and up around Flores Island. 

 We came down into Matilda Inlet and pulled up to the fuel dock at Ahousat, where we filled up our diesel tanks. 

When we went up to the general store to pay for the fuel we got to meet the owner, who was a lovely lady named Iris.  Apparently, her father started the place, which she now runs, which includes a marine-ways boatlift, docking space, a fuel dock, general store, and a chandlery.  It was a very neat place to see, which had a lot of history, and it was neat to meet the owner and hear her stories.   

We pulled away from the fuel dock and went down into the head of Matilda Inlet and anchored.  It was still bright and sunny, and we were eager to see the beach that is part of the Gibson Marine Park.  We had purchased some sausages and buns at the general store, and so we packed up for an evening picnic on the beach.   

We rowed Kiki over to the area that we thought would be the start of the trail, and found the trailhead as well as a tepid, natural spring pool. 

The water smelled just like that of Eucott Bay Hot Springs, but it was much cooler.  It was a beautiful pool and crystal clear water.   

We headed along the trail, unsure as to how long it would be.  It turned out to be about a half hour walk, 

through a neat mix of dense, older forest and open, semi-wooded marshland.   

We came out to the beach at around 18:00, and since we did not want to do the trail back to the boat after dark, as there were many muddy areas and lots of high roots and tripping hazards, we got a fire going quickly and soon we were enjoying our fire-roasted sausages.  It was a beautiful spot for an evening picnic, and we were sorry that we could not explore further.  Next time, hopefully.  

We headed back before sunset, but of course we were already losing light in the forest.  Back at the tepid spring pool we stripped down and went for a dip.  It was a tad chilly, but so worth it, and so refreshing.   

We rowed back to the Red Witch just as the almost full moon was rising.  What a beautiful place.