While on a recent vacation to Vancouver Island, my husband and I enjoyed exploring the town of Ucluelet. After starting our day with breakfast at the lovely Zoe’s Bakery and Cafe, we headed out to walk the Wild Pacific Trail.

Coastal forest, photo by Darin Reid
Coastal forest, photo by Darin Reid

We emerged out of the woods to find the Amphitrite lighthouse. The original structure was built out of wood in 1906 to warn ships away from Vancouver Island’s rocky coast. After a storm destroyed it in 1914, the current bunker of a lighthouse was built to endure the buffeting wind and waves. It’s a beautiful, lonely spot, with the pounding waves and mournful whistle of a signal buoy off the coast.

Amphitrite Lighthouse, Ucluelet
Amphitrite Lighthouse, Ucluelet, 5.5″ x 7.5″ watercolor and gouache on Arches Cream paper

 

After lunch, we headed to the Ucluelet Aquarium, a charming and tiny display of northwest fish and invertebrates, staffed by an enthusiastic team of naturalists. It’s an inspiring space, and I was happy to learn that all their specimens are returned to the wild after a period of display.

Sketching at the Ucluelet Aquarium, photo by Darin Reid
Sketching at the Ucluelet Aquarium, photo by Darin Reid

I enjoyed sketching a number of critters. My portable stool came in handy for sitting in front of the tanks.

Ucluelet Aquarium, 3.5" x 11" Moleskine sketchbook ink and watercolor
Ucluelet Aquarium, 3.5″ x 11″ Moleskine sketchbook ink and watercolor

My favorite tank to observe was also the centerpiece of the aquarium, featuring a number of rockfish, kelp, and a giant Pacific octopus!

Ucluelet Aquarium, 3.5" x 11" Moleskine sketchbook ink and watercolor
Ucluelet Aquarium, 3.5″ x 11″ Moleskine sketchbook ink and watercolor

While I didn’t have time to sketch her, I loved watching the octopus swim and explore the tank. The aquarium was habituating her to the local seawater with plans to release her the following week.

Octopus at the Ucluelet Aquarium, photo by Darin Reid
Octopus at the Ucluelet Aquarium, photo by Darin Reid

The time to return home came too soon, but I remind myself that the wild coast will be there for future adventures. In the meantime, my sketches bring me back to the fresh salty air, and the rhythmic pounding of the surf.

Saying goodbye to the coast, photo by Darin Reid
Saying goodbye to the coast, photo by Darin Reid