August 19th, 2006 by admin

Al surprised me for my birthday and rented surf gear and a room at a bed and breakfast on the edge of Sooke. It was the first time either of us had stayed at a B&B. Beautiful country, we hiked up a mountain in behind the cottage and got a great view of the water.

Now for the creepy part.

We were woke by the owner of the place knocking on the door saying “wakey wakey breakfast is ready”. Maybe it was just us but how is it peaceful or romantic to have to go into a strangers home sit with them and eat an awkward few pieces of toast? Guess we’re just not B&B folk. Anyway, lets get to the surfing.

We geared up and got in the water at Sombrio. There were some very small waves the one place where there was actually a decent break there were 20 guys sitting around it, no thanks. We had some fun in the small waves for a bit until a giant bull sea lion swam past us at a distance of about 15-20 feet. This thing probably weighed close to a ton which meant, let’s move to a new spot.

We moved down quite a ways. There was a decent break but the two guys surfing it told me there were lots of rocks around and it was not a great spot for a beginner. I sat outside the break studying and waiting to build up the confidence to try it out, when I hear an absolutely chilling shriek come from behind me call out my name.  I whipped my head back to see what the hell was going on and there was the bull sea lion right at my feet. I turned back put my head down and paddled as hard and as fast as I could. Once I ran out of steam I looked back and the big bull was gone. A second later he popped up a couple feet away from my face, I could have easily extended my arm out and I would have been able to touch his head. He let out a loud confrontational grunt and shot water at me. I turned to shore and bolted I didn’t look back until I was standing on dry land. That was the end of the surf trip.