Port Renfrew has become one of my happy places this year. I think being outdoors for days on end is so beneficial to my mental health. Having time to just breathe and sit and talk and enjoy all of the nature surrounding me is such a welcome distraction from the busyness of every day life.
Port Renfrew, specifically, has become one of my favourite places to go camping for many reasons. It's only about a two hour drive from home, just far enough to feel like I'm getting away, but not too far to not want to make the drive. There's no cell reception, which means you're really forced to disconnect and put your phone away, which I love. The fact that the campsites are quite literally on the beach doesn't hurt either!
At the end of October, after months of having this trip planned, Madi and I set out one Friday after work to spend the weekend around a fire, on the beach, and in the woods. It was truly such an incredible, life-giving weekend for me. I felt such peace (and sadness) upon our return back home. We were expecting and preparing for a wet west coast weekend, but lucked out with the absolute best, most beautiful weather the entire weekend.
We arrived just as the last of the daylight was slipping away, got our camp set up, and started a fire to keep warm in the cold autumn air.
The next morning, I woke with the sun and watched the shadows dance across the mountains while I made coffee in the French press with water boiled over the fire.
After a slow morning making breakfast and cleaning up the site, we hopped in the car and headed towards Juan de Fuca Provincial Park to hike to Botanical Beach. It was a great little hike and reminded me how much I love hiking once I actually get out to do it!
Our little home for the weekend.
We were treated with the most beautiful sunset on our second night there. We even saw a little seal friend! After watching the sunset, we made dinner, then joined a couple of ladies who had invited us to come hang out at their fire. We instantly hit it off with them and stayed up until the early hours of the morning chatting and laughing and getting to know each other. It was so nice and really made our trip.
Who knew a car trunk could double as a kitchen counter?
Upon making breakfast on our last morning there, we noticed footprints all over the car. We still haven't quite figured out what animal it could have been, but I'm betting on a raccoon.
A couple last shots after packing up and getting ready to head out.
As per our new friends suggestion, we hiked to Sandcut Beach on our way back home. It was another stunning day and a quick little hike, and the waterfalls and rope swing at the end were such a great surprise!
All in all, I'm so grateful we had this experience. It really did wonders for my soul. I'm looking forward to many more Port Renfrew adventures in the coming year!
