Sooke, BC, is known for its beautiful scenery, but if you’re a foodie, it’s also home to some hidden gems on wheels. On my latest lunch excursion, I decided to pull up to the South Island Lunchbox, and let’s just say—I was not disappointed.

Hunting for morels is less of a hobby and more of a treasure hunt. There is something incredibly grounding about stepping into a forest that has been touched by fire—seeing the stark black of the charred wood against the vibrant, returning green of the forest floor.

We’ve all been there. You’re juggling multiple orders, the GPS is chirping, and you’re trying to provide the best service possible. But yesterday, a "Double Dash" turned into a masterclass in how not to treat your delivery partners.

They call it "unskilled labor," but I’d like to see the people who say that handle one hour on the other side of this counter.

If you’re cruising along the West Coast Road toward Jordan River, it’s easy to blink and miss the small gravel pull-off for Sandcut Beach. But trust me—you’ll want to pull over. Part of the Jordan River Regional Park, Sandcut is a rugged, cobblestone escape that offers a little bit of everything: ancient forests, hidden waterfalls, and views of the Olympic Peninsula that will make you forget your to-do list in a heartbeat. The Trail: Short, Sweet, and Very Green The walk down to the beach is a quick 400-meter trek (about 10–15 minutes). You’ll wind through a lush, temperate rainforest filled with massive cedars and Sitka spruce. Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for the giant stumps with "springboard" notches—they’re cool relics from the old logging days.   Accessibility Note: While the trail is short and well-maintained with boardwalks, there are a fair amount of stairs and exposed roots. It’s a bit of a workout on the way back up!

There is a specific kind of magic that happens around 6:00 AM when you’re solo camping. It’s that tiny window of time where the world belongs entirely to you—before the "to-do" lists start shouting and before the rest of the world wakes up.