Both Near and Far

SEARCHING FOR SERO Is a mental wellness project created by photographer, John Rathwell and writer, Tracy Guénard.

By KAVU

February 21^st, 2017

We all dream about jumping on a plane, taking off to a far off land and discovering paradise. I can't say I don't dream about that. In fact, I likely spend too much time dreaming about what is the next piece of paradise I want to discover. I live for those less-traveled places on Earth.

But sometimes, you don't need to jump on a plane. Sometimes, that pot of gold is right beside you, but just tucked out of sight. That is exactly the case with our latest destination. The village (maybe more a hamlet) isn't far from KAVU's home base in Seattle, but it is impossible to see from the city and requires multiple forms of transportation to get there. The Olympic Mountains block its sight, but even if you made it to the top of the mountains, you still have the Juan de Fuca Strait, and a national boarder blocking the way.

Tracy and I actually approached it from the other side. We were already in Canada and on Vancouver Island, in the city of Comox. That's when we ran into professional mountain biker, Mark Matthews At the time, it felt like it was just by chance that we ran into Mark, but looking back it was meant to be. After all, Searching For Sero is all about sharing stories of happiness through outdoor adventure and Mark always has a smile on his face and shares his experiences online with the hashtag, #FunIsTheBest. That is something we can get behind!

sometimes the magic is in the "plan b"

We wanted to feature Mark in our project, but we just had one little problem. Comox was covered with a blanket of snow. Riding just wasn't going to happen. That's when Mark suggested we head to Port Renfrew. Tracy and I had never heard of the place. Mark went on to tell us that this was his favorite place on Earth and that he had built a build a big jump line in a beautiful old growth forest up there. I said "Amazing, let's do it!".

That is when the warnings started to happen. Mark was stoked to take us, but had some important details to share. "There is no gas, no groceries and no cell service in town." Now, we are pretty used to being in those types of areas. The best adventures should take you outside of cell service, but Port Renfrew is a solid 2 hour drive away from cell service.

We all met up in the town of Sooke, just outside Victoria BC. We started off with a quick bike ride in town before the drive. It would also be the last spot for services. We loaded up on groceries and filled the van (and the jerrycan) to the brim with gas. We checked our emails one last time before heading north and shutting off our phones for the week.

One thing we learned very quickly about Mark, is that he can't drive for more than an hour straight without getting out to explore. We pulled over on the side of the road and started heading into the rain forest, towards the ocean. We were lead to an amazing remote beach with a massive rope swing. We had too much fun checking out the beach, taking in the beauty and of course swinging over big ocean waves with those Olympic Mountains in the background.

Back on the road, we continued our way to Port Renfrew. The sun had set by the time we arrived in town. Tracy and I didn't know what the area was like or where we were.

work hard, play hard

That morning we woke up and started to see the town. There wasn't much. A few small pockets of communities squeezed between the ocean and steep mountains. We decided to head up to the jump line in the forest. There was some work to be done before Mark could hit the line. Racking, digging and fixing.

finding gold

As we drove towards the trails, the true beauty of the place opened up. It was more than ocean and mountains. Multiple pristine rivers and creeks ran through old growth forest. Trees so tall that you get dizzy looking up at them. I don't know what was more impressive, the jump line or the decor.

After a morning spend in this majestic forest, we headed out to Sombrio Beach in the Juan de Fuca Provincial Park. A wonderful scenery of coast line, surf breaks, majestic trails, waterfalls and caves played in front of us. A little piece of Heaven! We explored an amazing slot canyon the ended in a waterfall! As the light from the sunset came into the slot you forget you were still on Earth.

going big

The next day, we made it back to the jump line and Mark sent it! 3 jumps including a 50 foot speed gap through tight trees. Totally amazing. I can't even begin to image what it felt like to fly through the air that far and that fast on the bike, through one of the most beautiful forest I have even been in.

local inspiration

Afternoon was spent at the beach. We went down to check the surf after riding and shooting Mark. One local was out. A sea lion that was showing off his airs, and launching off the top of the waves. I decided to suit up and go surf the cold water with him until sunset.

here and now

The following days led to more surf and more exploring. Tracy and I just couldn't get enough of this place. It felt like home in a way. On the surface, Port Renfrew has so little. It is a discounted community. But once there, you feel more connected than ever, but in a different way. Instead of being connected to your phone, you are connected to the ocean, the trees, the streams and the small community that calls it home.

It all comes down to you need to go explore. Both near and far. Every corner. You just don't know what you will find when you get off the beaten path.