In September 2011, Mary, myself, our new friends Rita and Andre from Belgium, and our guide Mike Blake (Island Alpine Guides) took on the incredible Nootka Trail, a six-day, 35-km journey through some of Vancouver Island's most beautiful and rugged landscape. In one word: amazing. Mike did a great job, and we were awestruck at virtually every turn. From rain forest, beaches, waterfalls, coves and caves to wolves, bears and humpback whales, every day brought something incredible. In five days on the trail, the only other humans we encountered was one group of three surfers. A very memorable trip.