During the first two weeks of October, my Mini Happy Adventures brought my husband and me to the Pacific Rim Coast on the west side of Vancouver Island. The drive there was gorgeous. The splendour of fall's colourful mantel still present along the narrow mountain route. Bruno (Mini Cooper) handled the curving roads across the island like a champ!

When I've visited the west coast before I've always stayed close to Tofino but this time I booked into an AirBnB in Ucluelet. It was perfect.

On arrival, one of the hosts showed me an entrance to the Wild Pacific Trail, literally three houses away. On a bright sunny day we began our hike along the trail. It was amazing! The trail is well kept and there are solid benches at regular intervals so people can sit and enjoy the magnificent vistas. The trees along the trail have withstood extreme conditions. I spent time thinking how people could learn from these twisted, windblown botanical survivors. Storms may mold them but determination and the ability to adapt allow them to grow and even provide homes and shelter to other species.

These photographs are some of my favourites from our walk to the Amphitrite Lighthouse.

The Well Maintained Wild Pacific TrailThis is where we came in, just a short walk from our accommodations in Ucluelet

Our First Glimpse of the Ocean from the TrailThis was the entrance to the tiny cove by our AirBnB

Down But Not OutDespite being blown over, this tree is providing nutrients to small trees, lichen and insects.

Another View of this Gnarled Old TreeSmaller plants have found a home on top and below the tree.

Many Ships met their End Along this CoastThe small islands dot the coast and we could hear the warning bells coming from the bouys.

Amphitrite LighthouseWe sat on a conveniently located bench overlooking the lighthouse which was built in 1915.

Waves and rocks surround Amphitrite LighthouseWe watched the waves break over the rocks on this calm sunny day.

Blue and Turquoise Shimmer in the Light.There is something soothing about watching the waves on a calm day.

On the Rocks Below the Amphitrite LighthouseI always feel like I'm "home" when I'm at the ocean.

Two Young Lovers Take a Selfie on the RocksThe rocky terrain was a little too challenging for me but these two made it to the ocean.

Another Valiant Tree Determined to SurviveSeveral trees along the trail had twisted branches.

Nature's SculptureI think this is a work of art.

A Small Fishing Vessel among the IslandsWe watched as this small fishing vessel made it's way through the channel. It looks so insignificant against this backdrop.