On our way to China Beach last weekend we passed another Provincial campground called French Beach (61km from Victoria). I thought we'd give this one a try - the biggest draw being a playground for Lucy to play in and a shorter trail to the beach. Once again I booked us a site reservation and was glad I did as the place was almost entirely full when we arrived at around 11am. As we began setting things up (site #31) we realized it wasn't as warm as we'd expected it to be. Even though there wasn't a cloud in the sky, there was a cold wind blowing off the ocean. But, we were in denial and dressed in our super-summery beach clothes, nonetheless, and headed off to the beach, after a yummy lunch of smokies and chips.
Once again, the hike to the beach was absolutely gorgeous - and a much shorter distance than the last one. Every time I walk through a lush, west coast forest like this I think about how fortunate I am to live in such a beautiful part of the world.
When we arrived at the beach, I have to admit I was a bit disappointed. It was just too windy and cold to truly enjoy it. There were quite a few other people there as well - mostly families, more sensibly dressed than us. Lucy, of course, didn't seem to notice the cold and had a blast running around on the rocks and sand with her Daddy - who was brave enough to take a quick dip in the water! Lily and I just hung out and watched, enjoying the crisp ocean air in between chilly shivers and warm cuddles.
After the beach, all 4 of us went down for a 3 HOUR LONG NAP in our tent. On Friday, I'd taken the girls to Canadian Tire again for another big shop and we bought 2 warm sleeping bags and 2 awesome air mattresses. It sure beat our previous sleeping arrangements!
When we woke up (at 5:30!) we took a walk down to the playground. The sun was setting by this time and the wind was incredibly strong, though, so we didn't spend as much time there as we'd have liked. After a nice supper of chicken kebabs, corn on the cob, marshmallows and Jiffy Pop, Paul and I put the girls down and spent a few minutes sitting by the fire trying to warm our cold, old bones.
The night was cold, but our morning coffee was hot :D Overall, the trip was a good one, and I look forward to camping here again in the future - hopefully on a much warmer day.
More pictures here.
i love that your beaches are all names after countries! it's like a mini world tour. that forest looks so beautiful, and so does the chillly beach!
Posted by: claire | June 01, 2008 at 06:57 PM