| Author |
Message |
Westfabulous
Samba Member
Joined: January 07, 2007
Posts: 4207
Location: The tropic of Canada, dodging the giant flying moose of Surrey!
|
 Posted: Wed Sep 14, 2011 11:01 pm Post subject: More Westy Magic - Volume 2 - Tofino, B.C. Sept, 2011 (Pics) |
 |
|
For reasons noted below, I originally decided not to document this trip, but I have since changed my mind and want to share our most recent camping adventure with the Samba family, despite the somber mood that permeated our week (Sept 6 to Sept 12) in Tofino, B.C. (Pacific Rim National Park). We planned this trip with my parents a year ago, and a week before departure, my mom was diagnosed with a very serious cancer, and it took a toll on all of us over the week that we were away.
Anyway, on with the show, I hope you enjoy it for the good times that we had. There is some great scenery here, and I would recommend this destination to anyone.
Packed and ready to go:
We were 30 minutes off the Ferry and onto Vancouver Island when my dad's right rear brake seized (on); flames and all. Fortunately, he limped to the side of the highway right across from a heavy duty diesel shop. They took him in; fixed the brakes; had him on the road in an hour and a half; and only charged $69. I would give them a plug if I could remember the shop name.
Our camp site:
My parent's RV. 29 feet of pure comfort. When we arrived at the diesel shop, the mechanics all rushed to check out my bus, and one of them said to my dad, "Not surprised to see that the VW is running and you're at the shop". We got a laugh out of that.
My parents (Mom and Dad):
Some obligatory Westy shots. The bedroom:
The living room, and the bathroom; note the Dometic euro-crapper. Undoubtedly, the best accessory I have ever purchased for the bus; a real must for the serious camper:
We supplemented the fridge with some ice packs, and nothing spoiled during the time that we were away:
Mrs Westfabulous:
After a swim and a roll in the sand (the dog, not Mrs Westfabulous):
Dinner and a fire:
We came home from the beach to find this beside us (look in the background). What a surprise. It belongs to Taura, who lives not too far from us in the Vancouver area:
Prior to leaving, Taura dropped by for a photo opportunity. She is on the left, and I am on the right (with the car bra):
We also had the pleasure of meeting John on this trip, and had a look at his Westy. I counted 7 Westy's in the week that we were at the camp site:
We went on one day trip with my folks to Tofino village / city and this was the view from the restaurant that we had dinner at. This place was 30 minutes from our campsite:
All packed and ready to head back home. A memorable trip overall. We even had a 6.7 (Richter Scale) earthquake when we were in Tofino, and it was amazing to watch my parent's RV rock from side to side like there were 6 guys on either side rocking it back and forth. Quite something.
I could have cried when this happened on the way home. My original windshield survived 33 years, and was destroyed on this trip. I have a line on a replacement PPG windshield without the tint strip at the top, but if anyone has an original they want to sell (in very good shape), feel free to PM me:
Tofino is a beautiful place, and I would recommend it to anyone. The journey was about 400 miles round trip from home to the camp site, and a good half day of travel for us. Tofino is located on Vancouver Island, off the British Columbia coast in Canada. If you plan on staying there during the high season, you need to book at least 6 months in advance. Once again, this site was in Pacific Rim National Park (Green Point Camp Site) I hope you enjoyed our trip. Here is the link to Westy Magic Volume 1 if you are interested:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=472557&highlight=camping
_________________
*****************
"I will gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today."
Last edited by Westfabulous on Sat Sep 17, 2011 10:30 am; edited 10 times in total |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
Desertbusman
Samba Member
Joined: June 03, 2005
Posts: 14655
Location: Arizona
|
| Posted: Wed Sep 14, 2011 11:18 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Yes, I very much enjoyed jour pictorial trip. Beautiful locations and good looking buses. Love the pic of the dog. Hadn't mentioned in your other posts but that interior is outstanding. Except the non color coordidated crapper.
Sorry to hear about Mom. She was on the trip, right? Did she enjoy it inspite of the illness?
_________________
71 Superbug
71 Westy |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
brookmp
Samba Member
Joined: February 05, 2010
Posts: 349
Location: San Diego, CA
|
| Posted: Wed Sep 14, 2011 11:22 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Loved the pics. And ALWAYS love seeing photos of the Buses in their element. Thanks for sharing. All my best for your Mom.
Brook
_________________
1968 Westfalia Campmobile
1971 Double Cab Pick-up
1974 Standard Beetle |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Westfabulous
Samba Member
Joined: January 07, 2007
Posts: 4207
Location: The tropic of Canada, dodging the giant flying moose of Surrey!
|
| Posted: Wed Sep 14, 2011 11:28 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| brookmp wrote: |
Loved the pics. And ALWAYS love seeing photos of the Buses in their element. Thanks for sharing. All my best for your Mom.
Brook |
Thank-you.
| Desertbusman wrote: |
Yes, I very much enjoyed jour pictorial trip. Beautiful locations and good looking buses. Love the pic of the dog. Hadn't mentioned in your other posts but that interior is outstanding. Except the non color coordidated crapper.
Sorry to hear about Mom. She was on the trip, right? Did she enjoy it inspite of the illness? |
Thanks DBM. Mom was on the trip, and she is in one of the photos above with my dad. She did enjoy the trip, but she was very, very ill, and we were all shocked at the state of her health.
_________________
*****************
"I will gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today." |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Batan
Samba Member
Joined: March 10, 2003
Posts: 1637
Location: Vancouver, BC
|
| Posted: Wed Sep 14, 2011 11:49 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Dan(I did get that right, right?), I'm sorry to hear about your mom's diagnosis. Best wishes to your family from my wife and I and stay positive! 
As for Tofino, it is indeed a beautiful. I came to love it in the off-season and it's turning out to be our anniversary destination - we got married in late January. I don't want to steal your thread, but we absolutely love the place so I hope you don't mind me adding pics of Tofino to it. For those who don't know, this is what it looks like in the winter which is the storm season. These are from 2010 and 2011.
I have yet to visit it in my Bus. I'm contemplating driving it there this winter but since we woudn't camp, maybe not.
_________________
'69 Riviera Bay
'03 20th Anniversary GTI
'74 Super Beetle
Badzak Creative – Still and Motion Pictures |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Westfabulous
Samba Member
Joined: January 07, 2007
Posts: 4207
Location: The tropic of Canada, dodging the giant flying moose of Surrey!
|
| Posted: Thu Sep 15, 2011 12:04 am Post subject: |
|
|
Very nice Batan. Yes, you are right, it is Dan (Westfabulous). This has been an annual stop for my parents for the last 5 years, and we can only pray that mom gets back again. I have heard that storm season is amazing. Love the pics that you added. Thanks for your thoughts.
_________________
*****************
"I will gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today." |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Kirk
Samba Member
Joined: December 05, 2003
Posts: 5492
Location: North Texas
|
| Posted: Thu Sep 15, 2011 6:13 am Post subject: Re: Westy Magic Volume 2 - Tofino, B.C. Sept, 2011 (Pic Heav |
|
|
And a new place I want to be, and must see before I die. Thank you for sharing with us, and as always, your bus is amazing. The best to you and your mom, I'll add you to my prayers.
_________________
MAKE FORUMS GREAT AGAIN
Bear
Fasty
Super |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
secretsubmariner
Champagne Wrangler
Joined: January 08, 2011
Posts: 3108
Location: Tulsa, OK
|
| Posted: Thu Sep 15, 2011 6:30 am Post subject: |
|
|
What a beautiful place! Great photos. Your westfalia is looking great too! I wish your family the best Dan, sorry to hear about your mom.
_________________
-Tony
ᏣᎳᎩᎯ ᎠᏰᎵ
1978 Champagne Edition Bus FI
1970 Auto Fastback FI |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
busdaddy
Samba Member
Joined: February 12, 2004
Posts: 52666
Location: Surrey B.C. Canada, but thinking of Ukraine
|
| Posted: Thu Sep 15, 2011 7:21 am Post subject: |
|
|
That must have been one hell of a whack and it looks like it's right infront of you, did you need to stop and use the Eurocrapper after experiencing that? 
Great pics as always, best wishes for your mom.
_________________
Rust NEVER sleeps and stock never goes out of style.
Please don't PM technical questions, ask your problem in public so everyone can play along. If you think it's too stupid post it here
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery!
Слава Україні! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Westfabulous
Samba Member
Joined: January 07, 2007
Posts: 4207
Location: The tropic of Canada, dodging the giant flying moose of Surrey!
|
| Posted: Thu Sep 15, 2011 7:37 am Post subject: |
|
|
Thanks Tony and Kirk for your thoughts and comments.
Busdaddy, you always make me laugh. It was one heck of a whack on the windshield. Glass actually shot into the car, as it broke right through. Thank goodness for the euro-crapper.
_________________
*****************
"I will gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today." |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Krautski
Samba Member
Joined: March 28, 2009
Posts: 874
Location: WA
|
| Posted: Thu Sep 15, 2011 7:43 am Post subject: |
|
|
When the weather plays along, it's hard to compare anything to the west coasts.
_________________
BUS FOR SALE
| Quote: |
| I stopped reading after volksaru and busaru |
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
71whitewesty
Samba Member
Joined: February 25, 2010
Posts: 1571
Location: oregon
|
| Posted: Thu Sep 15, 2011 9:35 am Post subject: |
|
|
Very sorry to hear about your Mom. Thanks for posting up your trip anyway. I'm sure it'll be a memorable one.
My family of four also just came back from Tofino. We missed you by a week!
Only one other bay window westy in our campground but sure saw a lot of vanagon style westys.
Awesome place when the weather is good. Our first day rained and we almost left. Glad we stayed though cause the sun came out the next day and weather was beautiful the whole week we were there.
We didn't have any reservations but were able to stay in a beach front campground but had to change sites once. Weather might have scared some off, we felt lucky.
We used the original circus tent as intended and "drove away" from it many times to go to town or surf missions.
Great place, we'll be back again sometime. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Westfabulous
Samba Member
Joined: January 07, 2007
Posts: 4207
Location: The tropic of Canada, dodging the giant flying moose of Surrey!
|
| Posted: Thu Sep 15, 2011 9:49 am Post subject: |
|
|
Glad your weather worked out 71whitewesty. Did you stay at the MacKenzie Beach camp site by any chance? We went down there one evening so my mom could see the sunset from a slightly different perspective. She loves MacKenzie Beach.
_________________
*****************
"I will gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today." |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
skid
Samba Member
Joined: January 16, 2009
Posts: 1329
Location: Vancouver, BC
|
| Posted: Thu Sep 15, 2011 1:54 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Sorry to hear about your Mom, that's such bummer news...
When I first got my bus our maiden voyage was down to Tofino. It was a great trip, took some awesome photos but unfortunately for me I loaded the film into my Canon wrong and none of the pics I took turned out. Boo.
Ucuelet is a great place to go as well. So I gotta ask....did you try surfing while you were out there?
_________________
'71 Westfalia |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Westfabulous
Samba Member
Joined: January 07, 2007
Posts: 4207
Location: The tropic of Canada, dodging the giant flying moose of Surrey!
|
| Posted: Thu Sep 15, 2011 2:04 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| skid wrote: |
Unfortunately for me I loaded the film into my Canon wrong and none of the pics I took turned out. Boo.
Ucuelet is a great place to go as well. So I gotta ask....did you try surfing while you were out there? |
That's too bad about your pics Skid. No, we didn't even go in the water. We pretty much had to look after my mom the whole time, and surfing just did not fit into the agenda. I did make time for rye, cigars, and camp fire every evening though. 
_________________
*****************
"I will gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today." |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Alex6373
Samba Member
Joined: August 05, 2007
Posts: 924
Location: Vancouver Island,B.C.
|
| Posted: Thu Sep 15, 2011 4:35 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| nice pictures great info .......... dam dryrot ! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Westfabulous
Samba Member
Joined: January 07, 2007
Posts: 4207
Location: The tropic of Canada, dodging the giant flying moose of Surrey!
|
| Posted: Fri Sep 16, 2011 8:04 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I don't want to side track this thread, but I wanted to acknowledge the positive words and thoughts (in the posts and in the PM's that were sent) regarding my mom's cancer. She started very aggressive chemotherapy today, and we are praying for a positive outcome. The memories of this trip are close to the heart. Anyway, 'nuff said. Thanks for the thoughts everyone.
_________________
*****************
"I will gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today." |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
71whitewesty
Samba Member
Joined: February 25, 2010
Posts: 1571
Location: oregon
|
| Posted: Fri Sep 16, 2011 9:52 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Westfabulous wrote: |
| Glad your weather worked out 71whitewesty. Did you stay at the MacKenzie Beach camp site by any chance? We went down there one evening so my mom could see the sunset from a slightly different perspective. She loves MacKenzie Beach. |
That was the spot! I've been lazy about posting pics but there's a spot called "Sunset Bench", fantastic place to watch it from. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
stever1000
Samba Member
Joined: October 14, 2011
Posts: 274
Location: Victoria, BC Canada
|
| Posted: Tue Nov 29, 2011 12:14 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Sorry to bring up an old thread...
how was the bus on the roads to Tofino? |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
justcruzin
Samba Member
Joined: July 31, 2005
Posts: 1493
Location: United States
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
