RAIN! What happens when there is no rain?
Definition: Rainforest- noun- a luxuriant, dense forest rich in biodiversity, found typically in areas with consistently heavy rainfall.
Rainforests are forests characterized by a closed and continuous tree canopy, moisture-dependent vegetation, the presence of epiphytes and lianas and the absence of wildfire. Rainforests can be generally classified as tropical rainforests or temperate rainforests but other types have been described. Tropical rainforests are warmer and close to the equator. Temperate rainforests are at latitudes between the two Tropics and Polar Circles. What they have in common is a lot of rain, which causes the lush rainforest canopies to flourish.
Epiphytes- 'air plants' are plants that grow on top of other plants (typically trees) co-existing in the most harmonious, harmless way. They derive their nutrients and other vitals from the air, water, dust, and debris around them.
On our last few trips to Vancouver Island we have taken the opportunity to explore Juan de Fuca Provincial Park, a linear park that extends over 47 kilometres from the town of Sooke to the small village of Port Renfrew. The park is also home to the challenging Juan de Fuca Trial starting in Sooke and terminating just outside of Port Renfrew.
The trail meanders along
the coast passing through the park’s lush rainforests and beautiful beaches.
While we have not hiked the entire trail we have sampled a number of sections and most of its beaches.
We are off to Port Renfrew, our base for the next two days. Port Renfrew will bring us into another not so hidden gem of Vancouver Island, the Pacific Rim National Park. Port Renfrew sits on the southern end of this park which extends north to include the communities of Ucleulet and Tofino. We are planning another visit in 2024.
See April 2023 blog: Vancouver Islands Wild Side
Day One dawned a beautiful sunny warm day as we headed for East Sooke Regional Park. The large park is maintained by the regional district and we found the trail standards excellent. We hiked the Creyke Point and Beechey Head Loop just one of 63 hikes located in the park. This trail was well defined though the coastal trail has lots of roots and rocks making it tricky in places.
The trail had lots of great ocean views with shaded walks through the rainforest but as we explored the trail we slowly became aware something was very wrong. The rainforest was looking a little thirsty and very crispy.
According to the Victoria Colonist, rainfall in the first six months of 2023 was the third driest on record in the last 124 years. The summer rainfall was negligible with many of the Island watersheds placed on Level 4 restrictions. Then in late September just before our arrival, the western areas of the Island were placed on Level 5 which bans any outdoor use of water. This level means adverse impacts to socio-economic or ecosystem values are almost certain.
Next stop was Sandcut Beach, one of the many popular beaches that can be found in Juan de Fuca Provincial Park. The beach is back dropped by interesting sandstone formations that have been eroded by wave action. Looking close you may be might see fossilized shells that have been exposed by the erosion.
We were hiking to a cute waterfall located on the
south end of the Beach that we had seen in pictures and best seen at low tide. Sadly the falls were feeling the effects of
the Level 5 drought.
If you have been reading any of my previous blogs, you will find the word “drought” has come up a number of times. Drought conditions have become almost a permanent summer condition for the Okanagan. Summer forest fires are no longer referred to as IF but WHEN they will happen.
Global warming is a fact folks. Deniers get your heads of your asses.
From Sawcut we made our way to Port Renfrew and spent an hour exploring the village, doing a little shopping for dinner before settling down at our cabin for the night.
We have a busy day planned for tomorrow and things were about to change.
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