Well homies, another day another dollar. Except I don't have a job at the moment, so I guess that isn't exactly true. For those of you that are just tuning in, I am a teacher, not a lawn bowling champion past his prime, or a horse whisperer who simply ran out of horses. I know those were your first assumptions. Ok back to life... another great few days of Island Time, which basically means you aren't allowed to look at your watch or ask what time it is, unless of course, you are meeting other creatures who are also on Island Time. On this beautiful Friday evening, my travelling partners and I decided to tighten the belts, double-knot our laces, and hit the ground running Westward. We managed to eventually stumble upon the incorporated township of Tahsis, which billed itself most modestly as the "Birthplace of BC." I'm interested what the First Nations think about that proclamation. What looked like a once booming town in the heart of the Nootka Sound, now stands an aching combination of 1980's architecture, waning tourism, and a significant population decrease. I mean no disrespect to the town itself - but it is always a little depressing seeing communities with forgotten schools, dilapidated buildings, and deserted houses. Thus is the life of a blue collar town run by multinational resource companies. I hope all these hardworking people found work, but I fear they did not. Moving on, our adventure led us to Gold River, a town that has managed to keep on truckin,' as the mill was still functioning, and ridiculously ginormous boats infested the beautiful estuary inlet. The next day saw us wander out to the Canadian Maui, also known as Tofino. This place has its own beautiful mystique with its scenic ocean beaches, carefree living, and an interesting contrast between tourists dressed in Hawaiian t-shirts and the non-conformist offspring of once dedicated flower children. Anyways, we headed off the beaten path a little bit, in search of the arcane forest creatures that I am still 83% sure reside here. After a little hike, we arrived at a place that I can only describe as... it. "It" had to have no-contact tribes and dragons inhabiting its dense foliage. For a brief second I thought I heard a Joffrey Baratheon battle cry, but it was merely a toddler having a temper tantrum in the distance. Alas, no mythical creatures found, but some amazing landscape was explored. Instead of heading home, we decided to search for some secret caves we heard some undercover tourists whispering about. By undercover tourists, I mean Lannisters dressed as tourists. These caves did not disappoint, and the network of underground tunnels was awe-inspiring. The small pocket light I was so proud to find almost ended up killing me as it did not illuminate the ground enough to reveal a straight drop off of about 50 feet. Seriously folks, another inch and I was a goner. My travelling companions would not have been impressed. This prompted an immediate exit, and I now know why those "tourists" were whispering. They should have whispered a little louder. Or quieter? I don't know. What I do know is that my neurons are overwhelmed from over-stimulation. Stay tuned folks, the journey is just beginning...