Two Wild Tofino

An Enchanting Escape to the Vancouver Island’s West Coast: Celebrating Zosia’s Second Birthday

There’s a unique kind of magic in the Pacific Northwest, where the dense, towering forests meet the rugged coastline, and whispers of the ocean breeze carry tales of adventure and serenity. Tucked within this idyllic landscape, our small family of three embarked on a journey to celebrate another special milestone… Zosia’s Second Birthday. This trip was more than just another adventure; it was a celebration and a foundation for how we’ll enjoy birthdays in the future. It embodied our core values: valuing experiences over possessions and treasuring moments over material things.

The Prelude to an Adventure

Once the decision was made, the preparation began. Despite how much we loathe the inevitable packing prep work, it was essential to make the experience feel as special as it was.

Goals for the Journey

1. Celebrating Zosia’s Favorite Activities:
   • Beaches: Zosia’s love for the beach is unmatched. Her eyes sparkle with the delight of playing in the sand and splashing in the water.
   • Bubbles: Whether she’s running after them or enjoying a bubble bath, bubbles bring her immense joy. Thankfully we scored an amazing deal for staying slightly off season at Water’s Edge Resort and had a private hot tub for her bubbly revelry.
   • Birthday Cake: A local cake designer crafted a special cake, which I included in our “travel suitcase” photoshoot tradition
2. Capturing Memories:
   • Birthday Balloon on Ucluelet Beach: Against the dynamic scenery, we captured Zosia with a birthday balloon, and of course, our her little green suitcase made a camero.
   • Playing with Bubbles: Zosia’s sheer joy, running and laughing through floating bubbles, was a sight to see and capturing the those moments are what help us never forget.
   • A Proper “Suitcase Tradition” Photoshoot: On the semi-secluded Mackenzie Beach in Tofino, we set up a little photoshoot with Zosia, her birthday cake, and the little green suitcase as the centerpiece, creating memories to cherish forever.

April 29: A Day of Discovery and Delight

Our little journey began April 29th as we finished packing the Jeep and hitting the road.

We timed our departure with Zosia’s nap, which aligned perfectly with the travel time from Namaimo. Setting off on a road trip to the charming coastal town of Ucluelet, we had our first mission upon arrival: finding the nearest playground. It was the perfect spot for Zo to stretch her legs while I flew the drone to not only get a sense of our surroundings but capture some stunning shots of Ucluelet’s coast.

Having visited Ucluelet before, there was a comforting familiarity, yet it felt inherently different this time. Returning with our daughter added a layer of warmth and nostalgia, making the trip all the more special. As always, I aimed to balance the desire to create and capture memories without detracting from the authenticity of the moments we shared.

After settling into our room we ventured out for a walk along the Pacific Coast Trail. We continued capturing our ongoing “Flying Photos” of Zosia, a series we’ve maintained on almost every trip, portraying the adventurous and joyous spirit flying in the air within the safety of our arms. Throughout the rest of day we continued to create Intimate moments on the trails and exotic beaches on Vancouver Island’s west coast.

In the evening, we indulged in the hot tub bubble bath, a family affair that filled Zosia with glee. Seeing her laugh and play, surrounded by bubbles, was memory Joanna and I will forever cherish.

April 30: The Birthday Celebration

Zosia’s actual birthday arrived with a blend of exploration and delight. We ventured down to Florencia Bay in Ucluelet, a huge sandy beach with massive driftwood, misty waves, and beautiful views. together we explored the low tide wonders discovering Starfish and other sea creatures. It was a perfect natural playground for Zo dressed in her little red Hunter boots, jumping through the endless puddles that stretched across the mile-long beach.

 

While Zosia napped, we grabbed some food from Wildside grill and beer from Tofino Brewing, a moment of quiet before the next bout of fun. She later enjoyed playing on a playground in Tofino and watching skateboarders at the skatepark, her eyes wide with fascination.

While the whole trip was a prolonged birthday celebration, the core moment that stood out among all was the unveiling of Zosia’s rainbow mountain cake. This wasn’t just any cake; it was a vibrant masterpiece that encapsulated the joy and wonder of her special day. After chasing bubbles and capturing a few more precious suitcase shots, I scouted the perfect spot on the beach for us to set up and immortalize this beautiful moment.

These are the once-in-a-lifetime moments, meticulously crafted not just to appear beautiful but to truly embody beauty. These are the memories I hold closest to my heart. The excitement and anticipation were palpable as I positioned the cake. The magical moment arrived when Zosia’s eyes lit up, and she exclaimed, “Jest Piekne!” (It’s Beautiful!). Her delight made every effort worthwhile.

There we were, sitting together on the beach, eating her cake straight from the suitcase. As I looked around, I thought to myself, this is the most beautiful thing to share—a celebration of life filled with joy and happiness. Our little family of three, bonded by these shared experiences, made this birthday one that none of us would ever forget.

The day concluded with a drone-captured sunset in Ucluelet, a breathtaking visual end to a perfect birthday.

May 1: Farewell to the Coast

The final day of our trip began with coffee in Tofino and a leisurely stroll through local shops. Zosia met one of the girls from the skatepark at a skateshop, even getting a chance to “ride” her skateboard, much to her delight.

Before heading home, we played on another playground, grabbed tacos from Tacofino for the road, and Zosia napped peacefully, exhausted from her adventures.

The Journey Home

Our last stop was the Hole in the Wall hike in Port Alberni. With Zosia secured in our Osprey Poco Plus child carrier, we traversed the path. She played with rocks and water at the falls, and I carried her across the river for a closer view of the waterfalls. Despite the low water flow, the experience was magical.

We also visited the Old Country Market, where Zosia delighted in seeing goats, even though they were not on the roof as expected but in a fenced pasture behind the market.

 

Final Thoughts

This trip was more than a celebration; it was a testament to the life we’ve built and the values we hold dear. Joanna and I firmly believe in investing in experiences over material possessions, and this journey reaffirmed that belief. The struggles and challenges we’ve faced to create this lifestyle fade in comparison to the joy and memories we’ve crafted together.

Though Zosia may not remember the intricate details of this trip, her heart will forever carry the warmth and joy we created “razem.” (together – in polish)

In the end, it’s these moments, shared as a family, that define our essence and leave an indelible mark on our hearts.