The road to Tofino was once more, an intriguing journey. There must be a good reason why these doors of possibilities haven’t opened up to me sooner, but the time has finally come, that I packed a van full of surf gear and camera accessories and my Spanish friend and embarked on a road trip. This is the first in the series: try van life — in Tofino
Each visit to Tofino has presented a different era or a mindset of my life. And every time I think I know a lot, this coastal paradise humbles me, in the water and on the land.
Each time, the process seems smoother, but nothing is easy when it comes to traveling to the other side of Vancouver Island.
We embarked on a week-long trip, after picking up the van in Whistler. Friends from Try Van Life were kind enough to lend me one of their rental vans for the surf trip.
I have never lived or traveled in a properly camperized and decked out van before, so this was an amazing experience. It is a mini house on wheels! In between the fully stocked kitchen, fridge and the heater, many things were easier this time!
We grabbed an afternoon ferry to Victoria, last Monday and made a few quick stops on the way, made it to a sleeping spot, just before Tofino around midnight. Dreaming about surfing the next day, we crashed instantly.
The ocean air woke me up in the early morning, and at 6 am, sun was already pretty high up. Without waking up my friend I slowly turned on the car and drove to Long Beach.
Waves.
Fresh salty air.
Sunshine on my face.
Freedom. Tranquility.
I am here.
I love it here. While I walk barefoot over the endless Long Beach, sun rays are gently touching my cheeks, and the sound of waves is inviting me to get into the water. Home. Beautiful British Columbia, taking my breath away, one more time.
Read more: APPRECIATING THE FEMININE SIDE
Scouting around, and checking waves, we slowly make our way into town of Tofino
I bought my new board a single fin and I was good to good. Firstly, we hit Cox Bay, a classic and probably the most popular beach in Tofino. The first feeling of diving into the cold Pacific was more than just refreshing. I felt rejuvenated, after that surf session, I felt alive. Everything that has been building up inside of me, in the last few months was released.
Read more: WORLD OCEANS DAY 2020
The van we took to Tofino trip is called the Black Tusk van. It is one of the coolest camperized vans I’ve ever seen. Everything in the inside (and the outside), makes sense! It is so well equipped that we didn’t have to worry about anything.
Black Tusk Van
The Black Tusk Van is ideal for anybody who wants to experience new adventures without sacrificing maximum comfort. Two solar panels, solar fridge, powered water with a sink bowl and 50L freshwater, two-burner propane stove, queen size bed, LED lights, power inverter, USB ports, roof vent and plenty of storage will make your trip unforgettable. The Black Tusk Van is a fully equipped camper van with a wooden interior so you’ll feel at home even though you are miles away.
Total maximum of 2 passengers.
What else is inside?
– sheets, duvet, pillows
– towels
– saucepans, frying pan
– plates, cups, mugs, cutlery, knives, cutting boards
– coffee press
– dishcloth, towel, sponge, dish soap
– broom, dustpan
– camping chairs & table
– ax, lighter
– a bookshelf full of books
The best part was coming out of the water and turning on the heater. We were warm in an instant! Our wetsuits were dry, and the food was safely stored in the fridge and securely mounted cupboards…
Van life is underrated.
I know that. I grew up traveling in a van with my mom to cool places like Sardinia and Croatia, climbing and enjoying our days under the sun. For whoever out there, that is thinking of starting this kind of lifestyle… I really recommend trying it out first.
Yes, it is compellingly inviting in the photos, but I think it’s a bit harder than it looks at first. Reach out to my friends at Try Van Life to try it out for your self. Take a surf trip to Tofino, or go bike to Sunshine Coast.
After a few days, it will be clear to you, whether this kind of lifestyle is for you or not.
Check availability for summer and fall 2020
☽ Follow me on Instagram – @alenkaamali – to see more of my adventures ☽
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More about Alenka
“My name is Alenka and I’m a Squamish based photographer. I love using my medium to capture sports, adventures, underwater shots, adventures in the mountains, and days on snow! Very simply put, I’m one stoked girl, ready to get up at 2 in the morning and hike for sunrise, go to the airport and take a random flight…you name it!
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1 Comment
Albert Torres
Your photos gave me a few minutes of relaxation … They are incredible. I envy you)))