By Friday morning, we had at least a day of rain ahead. They were forecasting a mini atmospheric river with 1-2” of rain. While disappointing, it was also our first significant rain for the trip and we knew how badly needed it was, due to the forest fires in the west. It was a day to get caught up on some paperwork plus a good day for meatloaf and scalloped potatoes baking in the oven!
On Saturday morning, we were pleasantly surprised to hear that most of the rain was done. After a leisurely morning, we headed to the laundry on site. Finally the prices were decent so we did a few extra things. While at the laundromat, I had a conversation with a gentleman who came yearly to fish. He told me we could go see the natives fishing under the bridge beside the park and buy fresh coho salmon. So when the laundry finished, we headed down and for $20, got a 24” salmon. I took it back to the campsite and proceeded to filet it. I was pretty pleased with the results. It gave us a nice supper and the second filet went to the freezer for another night.
Later that afternoon , Paul set out on his bike, across Lions Gate bridge to explore Stanley Park and ride along the seawall. Unfortunately it was very busy, being a Saturday in the summer.
On Sunday afternoon, we had arranged to meet Joyce’s cousin and partner, Dan and Dave. We biked through Stanley Park to West Vancouver to meet them at the Cactus Club Cafe, English Bay for a drink. After, they biked back to our campsite with us where we visited some more and enjoyed supper together.
Vancouver is such a bike friendly city. Separate bike lanes from pedestrians and cars. Many cyclists use e-bikes and use a car share when longer distances require it. With it being Sunday, Stanley Park was very busy as were the trails through it. Many cyclists do not call out notification of their intent to pass and the lanes were narrow at places. I did’t find it a particularly relaxing ride but the area was beautiful!
Before we knew it, it was time for Dan and Dave to head home on their bikes and we did some prep for our next day’s trip to Vancouver Island.
We were heading to the island to meet a couple who were previous back yard neighbours of ours. They had moved to the island a year ago.
Wray and Diane picked us up at the ferry terminal in Nanaimo and we headed north up the coast to Qualicom Bay for lunch. We had periods of sun while on the island. They told us it is a nice climate in the summer – not hot and humid. There hasn’t been much rain and they have watering restrictions in place – no lawn watering at all.
We drove through a provincial park, Rathtrevor Beach, which is only a couple kilometres from their home. Diane regularly walks there. Then we headed to their home where we spent a pleasant afternoon visiting on their patio.
With an early dinner, it was time to get in the car and head back to Nanaimo to get the ferry back to Horseshoe Bay. We had great crossings both ways; cool and cloudy but very calm.
Tomorrow we leave the big city and head back towards the Okanagan Valley (and hopefully more fresh fruit!).
Following Joyce & Paul's Travels in Retirement 