Salty Towers May Update

Last week, we headed west from Sooke, travelling the South portion of the Pacific Marine Circle Route, towards Port Renfrew -- our destination was Avatar Grove, just north-west of Port Renfrew.

At the wheel was well-known Giant Tree hunter, Maywell Wickheim. I was riding shotgun with Jacques, Paddy & Beverly in the back. A few kilometres down the road, we picked up a hiker heading for Port Renfrew and the Juan de Fuca trail. An hour later, we dropped the hiker at the Coastal Kitchen and took the road towards Lake Cowichan.

After we crossed the second bridge, over the north arm of the San Juan River, we turned left, leaving the road to Cowichan. Seven kilometres farther, along the Gordon River Main, we arrived at Avatar Grove. Just across the small bridge was our parking spot for the day.

To our immediate left was Upper Avatar and downhill we would find Gordon River Avatar Grove. As soon as we left the road and climbed up the steep bank leading into the forest, we found Ancient Trees. The uphill wall became easier as we entered the tall forest.

After spending an hour, roaming amongst the giants, some as much as 34 feet around the trunk, we crossed a small steam and faced what is now known as Canada’s Gnarliest Tree. The area was scattered with huge, old trees, some of them older than Maywell, some would be about 900 years old. Moss and ferns were everywhere, making a blanket of spring green that even cover a few of the trees. No wonder photographer TJ Watts loves this place.

Back to the road for lunch on the bridge, a bit of a break looking down at the creek far below the bridge deck and then downhill to check out the lower portion of the grove. Lots more to see, but a bit tougher going. The trees were not quite as large, but they were certainly a sight to behold.

The scramble back up hill to the vehicle was a workout. Back at the vehicle, the R.C.M.P. were waiting for us. They were looking for someone starting a backwoods botanical operation, but when they saw Maywell, we all had a good laugh and headed back home. Truly a day to remember.

Neil