On the west coast trail there are many wonderful places to stop and enjoy. Chez Monique connects east with west, right on the beach along the path. This is a unique stop, offering some of the most missed things in this multi-day hiking adventure.
The 77-kilometer long route on the west coast slightly eases the exhausting days of the hike. A backpack along dirty trails, around and around constant obstacles, very quickly evaluates subtle things. The simplest things become pleasures in this camping adventure. But most people don't really plan on the little pleasures that make it a great trip. Fortunately for us, travelers, there is a small rest stop on this way.
Between the Bay of Pockets and the light station of Pockets, Peter and Monique Nit, run a restaurant called Chez Monique right on the beach at home. Over the past few years, the couple has built their garden to cater for some dishes in the restaurant. Monique was enrolled in a university gardening and horticultural program a couple of years ago to learn more about the development of the west coast garden. Since 2008, they have enjoyed the support of Wwoofers for the further development and development of the garden.
Chaz Monique - an oasis in the middle of a solid path. Offering burgers, pop, beer, candy and conversation, Monique and Peter provide hospitable relief to weary tourists at 45 km. Camping on the beach next to the restaurant is available, which gives a second chance in the conversation in the morning. Breakfast at Chez Monique, along with coffee or hot chocolate, ends with a stop, but it is very difficult to leave. Peter is a member of the Ditidaht group, and Chez Monique is in one of his more distant reservations. Few of the people of Ditidaht live in these remote reserves for more than a few months in a row, but Monique and Peter have been here all year round for many years. It begins to change with age and be closer to support. Monique is MetÃs, originally from the east, from French Canada, but made her home on Vancouver Island, which largely contributed to significant changes in the life of Ditidaht and all peoples of the first nation over her adult life. Every year we are now talking about whether this amazing restaurant will continue to exist as the couple gets older. They hope that their children and grandchildren will continue their home and heritage.
Peter regularly dumps wheat from portrese and fish on the boat, and Monique sets the tone in the restaurant and garden. While Peter is leaning toward silence, Monique is frank and ready to talk about the region and politics when the sock falls, but mostly remembers taking care of guests in a restaurant at any time. The Wwoofers have added a new dimension to the place, giving it an international character and creating more room for conversation when stopping at Chez Monique.
The food is excellent and very welcome if you just bought dried food or ramen noodles. A burger and a beer or pop is a reward for navigating about half the way. Do not expect to pay for city prices here. The prices for the fair are slightly higher than in the city, but, of course, they have to get there by boat. If you want to have dinner, a few drinks, coffee and breakfast in the morning, expect to throw about $ 50 or more, so make sure you take enough money. Don't forget about crab or salmon on the Nitinat ferry. Expect another 30 to 40 dollars.
Heading north from Chez Monique, you can take a side trip to La Pockets Station. If the tides are correct, head along the cliff at the end of the station to the beach and head towards Deira Beach on the lower route. Heading south, you get into Pockets Creek, and then at Bonilla Point in the direction of Walbrane Creek and more and more difficult along the trail.
Trekking on the West Coast Trail - a challenge at any time. Once you figure out the organization, equipment, food, clothing and fitness, there is a real trail. Full of incredible scenery and impressions, the trail is a wonderful personal journey. A breakthrough from the inner, reflective nature of the pedestrian pass takes place at Chez Monique, with a brief interruption in conversation, food and drink. Do not miss it.
