Travelled over from Horseshoe Bay, Vancouver to Vancouver Island for the final time. Started here on August 13th so full circle complete. BC Ferries run a slick operation to and from the island and throughout the west coast. We were walk ons with back packs having returned the hire car a couple of days ago.
You not supposed to take animals on the ferry passengers deck but this wee guy got special treatment
Horseshoe Bay is quite picturesque for a ferry terminal. Ferries run every 2 1/2 hours with an hour three quarter crossing.
Churning my way through a Jeffrey Archer book that I realised near the end I had read!
The ferry berths at Departure Bay in Nanaimo on the island. This is where the organiser if the 1979 Contiki reunion lives. Couples from Australia, USA and Canada in attendance.
The USA couple had driven up from California with another attendee from Tauranga no less - epic. They were all staying with the host as they had all committed earlier than us but we were very happy to have our own space and quiet.
Great restaurant nearby
Undercover boat moorings to combat the winter.
Float planes come and go constantly as do fishing or just access craft. Salmon fishing extremely popular as it is throughout the west coast
We are staying at the Buccaneer Inn a short walk from the ferry terminal. Fabulous walk along the waterfront with as always plenty to see.
Nanaimo waterfront
Across the bay to Newcastle Island. This was Saturdays activity, a walk around taking a packed lunch. First take small boat across.
L to R Tony and Diane from California, Tony the host, Robyn from Tauranga, Brian and Lucille from Australia. Missing from the photo Brenda from Calgary and Elly the hostess. Jeff and I were at the front of the boat.
These deer live on the island and just mooch about.
The labrador has done this before.
This is Elly the hostess, originally Dutch now a happy resident of Nanaimo with Tony. A really generous hostess and bit of a dag. Jeff hadn't seen her since the tour in 1979.
This was the Sunday activity an afternoon stroll through Linely Park in the pm. The Sewells had already been out for a walk through Downtown Nanaimo in the morning then walked 3/4 hr to the host house. Diana at far right has been the communicator/organiser of the Contiki group over the 40 odd years. She has a big personality and an equally big heart.
Todays activity. We walked up to the hosts house for 11am start. Drove to Little Qualicum Falls and rain forest area.Was very pleasant and a good camping site for RV's. Flattened areas spaced between trees with a firepit and table on each site. CAD $20 per night.
Lunch stop. USA couple had gone to Torfino for the next couple of days. They have a business taking surfing photos. Brenda back to Calgary. All the USA and Canadian couples have met up may times over the years going camping and such like . Robyn from Tauranga has also been a frequent visitor. Think there was about 3 couples who did not come for a range of reasons.
This is at a small town called Coombs. Still known as a "draft dodgers" area ( Vietnam War in the 1970's no less!!). Same for a couple of the Island's . We were incredulous they still do not forgive after 50 years! Anyway Coombs has the goats on the roof of the grocery produce stores. Also has a Dutch shop with the biggest range of goods we have seen other than in Amsterdam. Salted licorice, stroop waffles etc.
Tomorrow we ferry, bus and train our way to Vancouver airport to fly home. Be back in Nelson Thursday am with the time difference. Has been another wonderful adventure.
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