Mushrooms, Hippies and Surfer Dudes

Ten days have passed since my visit to Tofino B.C. I still have the lingering flavors of all that perfection in my mouth. To the extent that I love words I decided to write Tofino a letter. I mean she deserves it.

An open letter to Tofino:

Dear gorgeous town by the ocean:

I’m writing this letter to thank you for your chi in that part of our big country and to say thanks for being what you are—coastal, fresh, healthy and easy. And because of that you attract the very people that would be drawn to the pull of the ocean the vibe of the trees and the pulse of the waves. Even after just one weekend I felt washed by the atmosphere. The Pacific air, the filtered oxygen from the trees in the rain forest, Cathedral Grove gave me the mental and internal dusting I needed.

Thank you for your influence on the good folks here. No one was in a hurry—not one single plaid wearing, man-bunned individual. There were line-ups for coffee and supper but all citizens were ‘chill’. Slow. Happy. Content.
And everyone in the service industry, albeit young, were gentle spirited, patient, and friendly. Clearly this is the effect of living here.

Thank you for Long Beach and the solidly bright day and pounding shore with all your little gems of shells and rocks and leaves buried in the soft wet sand. And a special thanks to the friendly hippie surfers who when I commented on the harvest of mushrooms in the back seat of their vehicle that they had foraged that day. They were quick to share them with me. They tasted delicious in butter once I got them home.

*October 15, 2016