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“Fpayel By ray van Jonathan is dwarfed by one of the magnificent giant Douglas Fir trees found in Cathe- dral Grove, MacMillan Provincial Park. The trees range in age from 300 to 800 years old. 88 FOCUS - OCTOBER 2012 There is no other place like it in Canada; in fact, I doubt there is a place like it anywhere in the world. lam referring to the enchanted for- est known as Cathedral Grove. Lo- cated two and a half hours north- west of Victoria, this magnificent forest stands oblivious to man. Leisurely wandering around, enjoying comfortable temperatures while Port Perry was bathed in heat and humidity was a treat by itself, but having an opportunity to walk among these massive Doug- las firs towering high above is spectacular. The road from Victoria is well maintained and driving is easy. There are several towns along the way, including Nanaimo, a city of over 100,000, which features many fine restaurants to enjoy lunch en route. Cathedral Grove, in the heart of MacMillan Provincial Park, is located right on the main highway. I was surprised when I arrived, as all I had to do was drive my rental car off the road onto a small, paved, parking area and enter one of the dozens of trails that took me into the enchanted woodland. The second I stepped from the pavement onto the soft, moist path it was like I’d been transported into what appeared to be a land of faeries, gnomes and elves. I cannot recall when I have experienced agreener surrounding. Even in Ireland, where everything is green, I didn’t see such a variety of lush shades of emerald. The walks along the paths are easy and straight. There are no hills to climb, bridges to navigate or rocks to stumble over. These trails