SKYSCRAPERS ON A TRAMPOLINE

As we hiked the Wild Pacific Trail just south of Ucluelet on Vancouver Island we were introduced to a wonderful metaphor by our guide - Skyscrapers on a trampoline.  

It described the ecosystem brilliantly.  

Towering trees - cedar, hemlock, spruce, fir and red alder flourishing in a sort of chaotic harmony while anchored to a spongy forest floor by intertwining roots.

Thick mossy branches

The undergrowth of ferns and salal bushes appeared to draw the lush green layers of moss downward, testament to the twelve feet of annual rainfall experienced on the Pacific Rim of Vancouver Island.

Sitka Spruce on a rocky outcrop

The Sitka spruce seems to have been born to tolerate the harsh assault from the ocean - beautiful specimens stood bolt upright against wind, salt and spray. 

Cedar leans lazily into the wind

In stark contrast, cedar varieties bore the badge of the ocean's rough treatment, their limbs forced into twisted, gnarled positions as they endured nature's assault.  

Amphitrite Point Lighthouse

Continuing our hike we reached Amphitrite Point lighthouse which overlooks “the graveyard of the Pacific” where barges, war ships, freighters and ferries have met their fate over the years. 

Markers in the water bellowed out their warnings to shipping, one a poignant bell, another with a bovine call akin to a cow mooing.  

There are no words for this!

Nature in full force

The haunting sounds of the beacons added an eerie quality as surf exploded on the rocks below us on the incoming tide.

Beyond the rugged shoreline, the Broken Islands Group and Barkley Sound were visible to the east and the open Pacific Ocean to the south and west.  

It was quite the sight.