Tall, Tall Trees - Cathedral Grove

On the way to Ucluelet-Tofino is MacMillan Provincial Park, also knows as 'Cathedral Grove' which is home to some of the most magnificent old growth forest in Canada and perhaps the world. Some of these trees (mostly Douglas Fir) are up to 800 years old, the youngest 300 years. They are some of tallest and largest trees I have ever seen. Signs cautioned visitors to exit the park in case of high winds and it is easy to see why, one would not want these giants to fall down. Spectacular and breathtaking, pictures really do not do them justice.

Ucluelet - Tofino Trip

Canada is a vast country, its provinces are no exception. They are huge expanses of land which holds many beautiful and wonderful adventures. I have lived in British Columbia for almost 18 years and have only seen a small portion of it, mostly driving through the interior to the Rockies over a decade ago.

One of the places that I have always wanted to visit is Ucluelet-Tofino, located on the westcoast of Vancouver Island. Two very small villages tucked away on some of the most beautiful beaches in BC and Canada. I read that Tofino is considered a 'must see' on many bucket lists. A gateway to Pacific Rim National Park and Clayoquot Sound, two of the most spectacular natural treasures in Canada and the world.

Last week, I spent a few days in Ucluelet-Tofino and it was everything that I had hoped for. Gorgeously rugged scenery, endless ocean and the soothing sound of the waves. It was well worth the wait. We stayed at the Best Western Tin Wis, which has a beautiful view of the ocean and is set right on Mackenzie Beach. Their staff is very helpful and the rooms are perfect. I would definitely stay there again. Hopefully, it won't take me another 18 years to make a return visit. Below are some of my favourite pictures.

Ucluelet - Amphitrite Point Lighthouse

Ucluelet - Wild Pacific Trail



At Incinerator Rock, Long Beach, Tofino

Surfer at Mackenzie Beach, Tofino



View from the hotel room at Mackenzie Beach, Tofino

"Twilight Breaking Dawn - Part 2" New Trailer

Today, is Edward Cullen's 111th birthday and to celebrate this fictional birthday, Summit Entertainment (Lionsgate) has released the new trailer for "Twilight Breaking Dawn - Part 2". It looks great, looking forward to Michael Sheen's return as Aro. Just 149 days til November 16!

"Touch" Goes for the Heart and Soul

Martin and Jake Bohm (Kiefer Sutherland and David Mazouz)

One of the more pleasant mid-season replacements this past television season was the show 'Touch' (Thursday's at 8pm). It airs on GlobalTV in Canada. 'Touch' is an amazing blend of great writing, acting and stories that are sometimes borrowed from real headlines and at times seem based on our own lives. It tells the story of Martin Bohm, played by Kiefer Sutherland, former reporter and widower. His wife died in the World Trade Centre on 9/11. His son, Jake, played by the very talented David Mazouz, is 11 and has chosen not to speak. He communicates via numbers and patterns, which lead them to various intrigues and adventures each week.

The premise is that everyone in the world is connected somehow, sometimes directly, through other people, situations, etc. All the world is a village and we are all participants in a beautiful play. Most episodes have two or three storylines that start independent of one another and by the end of the show, the threads come together to create a cohesive and wonderful story.

What impressed me most is that this quality show has found a home and audience on network television. I may be showing my bias here, usually this type of programming finds itself on cable networks. Actors are often shown speaking in their native language with subtitles, it lends a sense of authenticity. Even though we may know little of other cultures, we somehow do find common ground in the respective storylines. As the saying goes "the world really is small" and with the increase in use of handheld communication devices, etc. that is even more true now then before.

If you have not had an opportunity to check out "Touch", please do so, you will not be disappointed. You can follow "Touch" on Twitter and 'like' it on Facebook.