tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-290783802024-03-14T02:53:07.212-07:00Teresa's Windshield ChroniclesA blog dedicated to photos taken on our West from Ottawa to our new home in British Columbia along with photos taken since we arrived out here on the Sunshine CoastTesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15636189059910920978noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29078380.post-75379358118805083742009-06-04T22:20:00.000-07:002009-06-04T22:54:00.080-07:00Vancouver Island Trip - May 2009<span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">On May 25, Sean and I set off to Vancouver Island again - this time our destination was Tofino. I'd never been there before and it had been a long time since Sean had been there. We'd found a cool looking campground on the internet, so made our booking and headed out on the 6:20 ferry from Langdale. By 10:05 we were leaving the Nanaimo ferry and once we were past suburbia, the farmland of the Central Island greeted us. As we neared Port Alberni, I could see the mountains, still covered in snow. We've had a cool spring, but I'd still forgotten how amazing the mountains are. About 10 km north of Port Alberni is Sproat Lake - we stopped at the picnic area there and took the time to wander down the path to see the petroglyphs:</span><br /><br /><a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFnPrHW1XI/AAAAAAAAACA/agOj5OaB8fA/s288/P5251180.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 216px;" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFnPrHW1XI/AAAAAAAAACA/agOj5OaB8fA/s288/P5251180.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">The lake itself is gorgeous:</span><br /><br /><a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFnTOdjJRI/AAAAAAAAACI/URSjIHLLFdw/s288/P5251185.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 216px;" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFnTOdjJRI/AAAAAAAAACI/URSjIHLLFdw/s288/P5251185.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">After our little break, we continued on. The clouds were moving in, but the rain held off for a while. The Kennedy River runs alongside Highway 4:</span><br /><a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.blogger.com/%20http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFnd04ytgI/AAAAAAAAACg/8ZZwIeZPKzw/s288/P5251215.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 216px;" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFnd04ytgI/AAAAAAAAACg/8ZZwIeZPKzw/s288/P5251215.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">At a couple of points the highway is very narrow and windy, with a sheer rock face on one side and water (Kennedy Lake) on the other. Even in the rain it was an impressive sight.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">We arrived in Tofino in rain and after a brief wander, cocooned in our little camper. It was very cozy and we slept as rain pattered on our roof, but by the next morning the clouds had parted enough for us to take a walk on the beach:</span><br /><br /><a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFnkFFeFTI/AAAAAAAAACw/ndtKBtRDJbw/s288/P5261246.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 216px;" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFnkFFeFTI/AAAAAAAAACw/ndtKBtRDJbw/s288/P5261246.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">The tide was out, so we were able to explore the tidal pools. In one we saw a sculpin, commongly called a "bullhead":</span><br /><br /><a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFnr3QrDnI/AAAAAAAAADA/WDED28Fv6Wo/s288/P5261256.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 216px;" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFnr3QrDnI/AAAAAAAAADA/WDED28Fv6Wo/s288/P5261256.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">On the beach we found a starfish lying on the sand, waiting for the tide to come back in:</span><br /><br /><a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFntuDM78I/AAAAAAAAADE/PVrrS2LO7Gw/s288/P5261258.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 216px;" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFntuDM78I/AAAAAAAAADE/PVrrS2LO7Gw/s288/P5261258.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Here is Sean, posing on the beach stairs to the campground:</span><br /><br /><a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFny3ZHwTI/AAAAAAAAADQ/hP1teNT7SYU/s288/P5261268.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 216px;" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFny3ZHwTI/AAAAAAAAADQ/hP1teNT7SYU/s288/P5261268.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">One of the fantastic things about this campground is the gorgous flower beds. Here is one of the rhodos in bloom:</span><br /><br /><a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFn4D6V_OI/AAAAAAAAADc/0Mvmr0mbM3Q/s288/P5261272.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 216px;" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFn4D6V_OI/AAAAAAAAADc/0Mvmr0mbM3Q/s288/P5261272.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">The sites themselves are really nice and private:</span><br /><br /><a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFoJje04-I/AAAAAAAAAEI/KDzSDZVV_GA/s288/P5261298.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 216px; height: 288px;" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFoJje04-I/AAAAAAAAAEI/KDzSDZVV_GA/s288/P5261298.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Sean built a small campfire to keep us warm as we prepared for the day:</span><br /><br /><a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFoLSDyf0I/AAAAAAAAAEM/hv1FISwIJ00/s288/P5261300.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 216px; height: 288px;" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFoLSDyf0I/AAAAAAAAAEM/hv1FISwIJ00/s288/P5261300.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Alongside the highway for about 8 km south of Tofino is a shared pedestrian/bike path. We first decided to explore the Wickaninnish Inn, where we planned to have dinner that evening - here's what it looks like from Chesterman Beach:</span><br /><br /><a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFoQxS39aI/AAAAAAAAAEg/X1BhJwXtBdU/s288/P5261309.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 216px;" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFoQxS39aI/AAAAAAAAAEg/X1BhJwXtBdU/s288/P5261309.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">We thought this sign was very funny:</span><br /><br /><a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFoZ6QjX7I/AAAAAAAAAFA/n7NJd1U2Upc/s288/P5261327.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 216px; height: 288px;" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFoZ6QjX7I/AAAAAAAAAFA/n7NJd1U2Upc/s288/P5261327.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">After going south as far as the Visitor Centre, we turned around and cycled back into Tofino itself and wandered around the small seaside town before heading to Breakers Cafe for lunch:</span><br /><br /><a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFosnGUQnI/AAAAAAAAAFk/nGuaznWiK6c/s288/P5261345.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 216px;" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFosnGUQnI/AAAAAAAAAFk/nGuaznWiK6c/s288/P5261345.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">We explored a couple of little bookstores (yeah, what a surprise) then rode over to Tonquin Park and walked down to the beach there:</span><br /><br /><a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFpMZ_HHzI/AAAAAAAAAGw/CiEeJHf0HYw/s288/P5261386.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 216px;" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFpMZ_HHzI/AAAAAAAAAGw/CiEeJHf0HYw/s288/P5261386.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">It was hard to tear ourselves away, but at last we did, and followed the path back to Crystal Cove Campground. Just across the highway is a cool little retail complex called Outside Break, with some very funky stores and services, including:</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Wildside Grill</span><br /><br /><a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFpgFmT22I/AAAAAAAAAHs/ZNjCZCb-9Jg/s288/P5261431.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 216px;" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFpgFmT22I/AAAAAAAAAHs/ZNjCZCb-9Jg/s288/P5261431.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Beaches Grocery</span><br /><br /><a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFpo6IGYaI/AAAAAAAAAIA/7krK6AidprY/s288/P5261440.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 216px;" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFpo6IGYaI/AAAAAAAAAIA/7krK6AidprY/s288/P5261440.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">and Chocolate Tofino (my favourite sign)</span><br /><br /><a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFpuoyG79I/AAAAAAAAAIM/WH_s-RGv3EU/s288/P5261444.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 216px;" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFpuoyG79I/AAAAAAAAAIM/WH_s-RGv3EU/s288/P5261444.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Once back at our little site, we cleaned up and went for another wander down to the beach then back through the campground. As well as RV sites, they have cabins for rent:</span><br /><br /><a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFp_-u2cpI/AAAAAAAAAI8/PZYMbUq4kCQ/s288/P5261484.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 216px;" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFp_-u2cpI/AAAAAAAAAI8/PZYMbUq4kCQ/s288/P5261484.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">and a lovely water feature:</span><br /><br /><a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFqBU4M_TI/AAAAAAAAAJA/JAn_0PSW1sY/s288/P5261486.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 216px; height: 288px;" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFqBU4M_TI/AAAAAAAAAJA/JAn_0PSW1sY/s288/P5261486.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">By 5:45 we were ready for our dinner at the Wickaninnish Inn. We left enough time to walk there and see the beach again before settling in to eat. The restaurant decor is very simple, allowing the view to speak for itself:</span><br /><br /><a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFqqyBZbPI/AAAAAAAAAKw/OD1GhbtEf7Q/s288/DSCF0077.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 216px;" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFqqyBZbPI/AAAAAAAAAKw/OD1GhbtEf7Q/s288/DSCF0077.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Our dinner was superb and by 9:30 we were ready to walk "home", via the beach, over which the sun was setting:</span><br /><br /><a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFqvznK0jI/AAAAAAAAALE/NEGHUQyA4Pw/s288/DSCF0087.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 216px;" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFqvznK0jI/AAAAAAAAALE/NEGHUQyA4Pw/s288/DSCF0087.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">The next day we went first to south Chesterman Beach and then to Cox Bay. At both places, Sean scanned for any sight of whales:</span><br /><br /><a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFtFClALzI/AAAAAAAAANU/275dPBKByxA/s288/P5271620.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 216px;" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFtFClALzI/AAAAAAAAANU/275dPBKByxA/s288/P5271620.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFrnEi8PLI/AAAAAAAAAMs/zMFXCp2RDGY/s288/P5271578.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 216px;" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFrnEi8PLI/AAAAAAAAAMs/zMFXCp2RDGY/s288/P5271578.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFtFClALzI/AAAAAAAAANU/275dPBKByxA/s288/P5271620.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 216px;" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFtFClALzI/AAAAAAAAANU/275dPBKByxA/s288/P5271620.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Cox Bay seems to be the surfers' second choice after Long Beach. They were busy that day:</span><br /><br /><a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFtNngr8vI/AAAAAAAAANs/asxSU55NDNI/s288/P5271652.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 216px;" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFtNngr8vI/AAAAAAAAANs/asxSU55NDNI/s288/P5271652.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">We'd hoped to be able to ride all the way into Pacific Rim Park, but the highway is too narrow. We were thrilled to find that the far end of Cox Bay is inside the park, so we made it after all:</span><br /><br /><a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFtZsJPHEI/AAAAAAAAAOI/5Tn6OjBpQkc/s288/P5271686.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 216px;" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFtZsJPHEI/AAAAAAAAAOI/5Tn6OjBpQkc/s288/P5271686.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">I found a cool flower growing on a piece of driftwood:</span><br /><br /><a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFtbaK4cKI/AAAAAAAAAOM/KMUkzeN1ZrA/s288/P5271689.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 216px;" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFtbaK4cKI/AAAAAAAAAOM/KMUkzeN1ZrA/s288/P5271689.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Wednesday evening campfire shot:</span><br /><br /><a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFtkyBawXI/AAAAAAAAAOo/E3ZE4oDITII/s288/DSCF0100.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 147px;" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFtkyBawXI/AAAAAAAAAOo/E3ZE4oDITII/s288/DSCF0100.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">On Thursday morning we left the campground bright and early, wanting to fit as much in on our return trip while also getting to Nanaimo in time for our 5pm ferry. First up was a stop to see the view from Radar hill, where a radar station was set up during the cold war:</span><br /><br /><a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFtyUaqGhI/AAAAAAAAAPE/or2KIGBO3kY/s288/P5281714.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 216px;" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFtyUaqGhI/AAAAAAAAAPE/or2KIGBO3kY/s288/P5281714.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Next was Long Beach. We had it all to ourselves - it was so peaceful and just a glorious sight:</span><br /><br /><a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFuAZTko4I/AAAAAAAAAPo/X22qVfVPQRE/s288/P5281728.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 216px;" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFuAZTko4I/AAAAAAAAAPo/X22qVfVPQRE/s288/P5281728.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Wave patterns on Long Beach</span><br /><br /><a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFuKtv4UpI/AAAAAAAAAQA/m2CyrBSnLN4/s288/P5281751.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 216px;" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFuKtv4UpI/AAAAAAAAAQA/m2CyrBSnLN4/s288/P5281751.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">An empty parking lot at Long Beach at this time of year is likely quite rare - our truck/camper was the only vehicle there:</span><br /><br /><a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFuMTVFJmI/AAAAAAAAAQE/Hzmn7S4DEN4/s288/P5281759.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 216px;" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFuMTVFJmI/AAAAAAAAAQE/Hzmn7S4DEN4/s288/P5281759.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Sean looking for whales at Long Beach:</span><br /><br /><a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFuUM089PI/AAAAAAAAAQY/OK_J17IfABI/s288/P5281765.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 216px;" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFuUM089PI/AAAAAAAAAQY/OK_J17IfABI/s288/P5281765.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Yes, this has been a running theme of our trip and at last, Sean's patience with the binoculars paid off - first he saw a couple of whales, then he handed me the binoculars to me and I saw some too :)</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Outside Port Alberni we stopped at Cathedral Grove, a stand of very old trees, including one that is estimated to be 800 years old:</span><br /><br /><a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFvVlE0LkI/AAAAAAAAARg/fNFMJUsyT_I/s288/P5281796.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 216px;" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFvVlE0LkI/AAAAAAAAARg/fNFMJUsyT_I/s288/P5281796.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Sean took a picture of me with the big tree:</span><br /><br /><a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFvcKhqAMI/AAAAAAAAARw/pVwPvx0mLjM/s288/P5281803.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 216px; height: 288px;" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFvcKhqAMI/AAAAAAAAARw/pVwPvx0mLjM/s288/P5281803.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Here is a shot of the cathedral effect:</span><br /><br /><a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFveH4aE5I/AAAAAAAAAR0/v_obtcXpDy8/s288/P5281815.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 216px;" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFveH4aE5I/AAAAAAAAAR0/v_obtcXpDy8/s288/P5281815.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">On our way to Tofino, we'd passed through Coombs where I suddenly noticed goats on a roof! I'm not kidding you. Sean had been saving that as a surprise and promised we'd stop on the way back. So we did - here's a pic of the Mama and kid:</span><br /><br /><a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFvjoUs6AI/AAAAAAAAASA/nT0thQAYF4g/s288/P5281835.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 216px;" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFvjoUs6AI/AAAAAAAAASA/nT0thQAYF4g/s288/P5281835.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">And here is Sean's action shot of leaping kid:</span><br /><br /><a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFvpCjUvLI/AAAAAAAAASQ/sA-jaHBh_tQ/s288/P5281850.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 216px;" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFvpCjUvLI/AAAAAAAAASQ/sA-jaHBh_tQ/s288/P5281850.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">After lunch, ice cream, a stop at a pottery shop and many pics of the goats, we left Coombs and continued on to the provincial park at Englishman River Falls. There we did the short loop to see the falls. We started at the upper falls:</span><br /><br /><a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFv0bTF_RI/AAAAAAAAASo/93HgREcAKI4/s288/P5281870.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 216px; height: 288px;" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFv0bTF_RI/AAAAAAAAASo/93HgREcAKI4/s288/P5281870.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Sean at the Falls</span><br /><br /><a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFv87GCBCI/AAAAAAAAAS8/kFczPkvDz0I/s288/P5281893.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 216px;" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFv87GCBCI/AAAAAAAAAS8/kFczPkvDz0I/s288/P5281893.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">then wound our way through the forest path where Sean had fun with a leaning tree</span><br /><br /><a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFwCc3mQVI/AAAAAAAAATM/SSNuxImux4s/s288/P5281904.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 216px;" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFwCc3mQVI/AAAAAAAAATM/SSNuxImux4s/s288/P5281904.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">At last we reached the lower falls:</span><br /><br /><a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFwJ80LdsI/AAAAAAAAATg/4Q75IddGRys/s288/P5281927.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 216px; height: 288px;" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFwJ80LdsI/AAAAAAAAATg/4Q75IddGRys/s288/P5281927.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Just beyond the bridge over the falls we saw this cool gnarly moss-covered tree:</span><br /><br /><a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFwM8vlEeI/AAAAAAAAATo/G2P-RBwGK7M/s288/P5281937.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 216px; height: 288px;" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_CeztxVwVIxI/SiFwM8vlEeI/AAAAAAAAATo/G2P-RBwGK7M/s288/P5281937.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">From there we went back to the truck and started on our last leg, into Nanaimo. Despite the ferry leaving 10 minutes late, we still made our connection with the 7:25 ferry to Langdale and arrived home just after 8:30 to a joyous reception from the cats :) We had a fantastic time and hope to get back over there again some time.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">There are more pics than this - if you're interested, just </span><a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" href="mailto:tess66@gmail.com">email me</a><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"> and I'll send you the link for the whole album.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Teresa</span>Tesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15636189059910920978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29078380.post-35666340063521717872008-08-06T21:13:00.000-07:002008-08-11T16:13:53.175-07:00Map of where we went<iframe width="425" height="350" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=114803409007584121517.0004541d72cf3140d7671&ll=50.08679,-126.014557&spn=1.273036,4.55658&output=embed&s=AARTsJpBHnI_Zins2lPTjN0zHvTANo4q6g"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=114803409007584121517.0004541d72cf3140d7671&ll=50.08679,-126.014557&spn=1.273036,4.55658&source=embed" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small>Tesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15636189059910920978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29078380.post-19374764063104360472008-08-06T21:00:00.000-07:002008-12-06T12:10:11.796-08:00North Island Adventure - Days 3 & 4<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">It's now Wednesday morning and we're about 2/3 of the way to the ferry terminal in Comox. The mountain scenery was just as gorgeous coming this way, but we're now down in the valley area again.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">The road today seems so smooth and wide. Why, you ask? Because the road to San Josef Bay is neither.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">We set out yesterday morning just past 7:30, stopped for gas in Port Hardy then found the Holberg Road.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5233361403129246338"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/tess66/SKCid_bCMoI/AAAAAAAAFY0/Ye_Y5NMWx1w/s288/DSCF8679.JPG" /></a><br /></div><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Sean was on it years ago and it appears not much has changed! After a few kilometres of pavement, it changed to dirt road. That wasn't too bad as it was wide and pretty well maintained. WE still proceeded slowly as mist had moved in over night and we didn't know if we'd meet any logging trucks.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5233361410328912594"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/tess66/SKCieaPkYtI/AAAAAAAAFY8/RJDtGGayk6U/s288/DSCF8682.JPG" /></a><br /></div><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">From time to time the sun burned through the mist, creating a prime photo op:</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232929242761827746"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8Za8mSlaI/AAAAAAAAFIs/ZDsEoPN06aA/s288/DSCF8683.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"><br /></div><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Soon, though, we found the road considerably narrower and much more bumpy. I think Sean's favourite part was the sign reading "Be Prepared for the Unexpected". Naturally he had to stop and take a photo:</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232929254010069922"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8ZbmgFI6I/AAAAAAAAFI0/hgWb_L0x3js/s288/DSCF8688.JPG" /></a><br /></div><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Though Holberg is only 60 km from Port Hardy, it took us a full hour to get there. We enjoyed a few minutes of pavement, then it was back onto the logging roads. Even more narrow than before. Fortunately there are lots of turnouts, a few of which we employed when we met oncoming traffic. Here are a couple of pics from the road:</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232929277259872594"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8Zc9HQ-VI/AAAAAAAAFI8/PedjbU9N1So/s288/DSCF8702.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5233363420897989618"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/tess66/SKCkTcMl0_I/AAAAAAAAFZc/FKhFil2zZTA/s288/DSCF8696.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5233363425120489650"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/tess66/SKCkTr7UELI/AAAAAAAAFZk/Rz5RkEfZ-i8/s288/DSCF8707.JPG" /></a><br />The spray painted plywood sign says "Cape Scott" in big letters - we figure the logging company was tired of tourists getting lost and stumbling onto the logging areas instead<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">At last we bumped down an even narrower route and into the parking area, only to discover there really is no room for trucks to park. Not only that, we had no room to turn around as the lot was full. So, Sean had to back the truck (with camper) up the 300 or so metres to the intersection and turn around, then back down again so he could park along the side of the lane (it really isn't a road) facing towards Port Hardy. Fortunately he was able to squeeze into the bushes enough so other traffic could get by us. And I climbed out the driver's side. Below is a pic of the "road" in question:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5233364783826644274"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/tess66/SKClixgGrTI/AAAAAAAAFaM/kcoc17BS_XE/s288/DSCF8715.JPG" /></a><br /></div></div><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">After assembling the day pack, we walked to the trail head and began the fun part of the day. Ok, so Sean had fun driving his big red truck on a logging road for an hour and a half, but for me it was merely a means to an end.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">The trail through the old growth forest is almost impossible to describe. Words really don't do its majesty justice. Any tension I'd had in the truck (cough, cough) drained away as we walked along, enjoying the dappled sunlight and silence.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232929323135802690"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8ZfoA8HUI/AAAAAAAAFJI/DAE-4OdNt9M/s288/DSCF8720.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232929342577969442"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8ZgwcUCSI/AAAAAAAAFJQ/9FCU1sT5QCA/s288/DSCF8725.JPG" /></a><br /></div><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">About half way along, we came to the site of a settlement attempted there early in the 20th century. All that remain are a few rusted relics of equipment and some rotting planks. There's a cool plaque that gives the history with photos.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232929400900345218"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8ZkJtc3YI/AAAAAAAAFJo/97CMssrbrhI/s288/DSCF8728.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232929423524815106"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8Zld_i4QI/AAAAAAAAFJw/G2aGGCItTak/s288/DSCF8729.JPG" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232929363831192002"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8Zh_neecI/AAAAAAAAFJY/wBURY8tWJtM/s288/DSCF8726.JPG" /></a><br /></div><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">While I can see the appeal of the area, the total isolation doomed the settlers to failure.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">We continued on through the old-growth rainforest - as you can see, I LOVED the trees:</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232929442491178994"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8Zmkpen_I/AAAAAAAAFJ4/a3efCy0LCvk/s288/DSCF8740.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232929451102133266"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8ZnEufXBI/AAAAAAAAFKA/vwZ4QndyDkg/s288/DSCF8746.JPG" /></a><br /><br /></div><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Another 15 minutes or so saw us reach the bay area. The San Josef River empties into it - it was low tide as we passed over the river:</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232929470803472274"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8ZoOHp75I/AAAAAAAAFKI/LCSnYLWnyRc/s288/DSCF8752.JPG" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Sean told me to prepare myself as we approached the bay itself, but really, nothing is like emerging from primeval forest onto an unspoiled bay on the western tip of Vancouver Island, complete with at least a mile or two of sandy beach. I tried to capture it as best I could with my trusty little camera:</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232929486897564578"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8ZpKEyS6I/AAAAAAAAFKQ/96leJM9lTX4/s288/DSCF8756.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232929498762074450"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8Zp2RgWVI/AAAAAAAAFKY/l53DlOuCRew/s288/DSCF8757.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232929523911276562"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8ZrT9iuBI/AAAAAAAAFKg/i-D7r_8wmKY/s288/DSCF8759.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5233363430428625586"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/tess66/SKCkT_s3yrI/AAAAAAAAFZs/5nvMUnn9Ckc/s288/DSCF8760.JPG" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">The tide was starting to come in, so after taking a timed picture of us with the bay in the background:</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232929553675978610"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8ZtC2AB3I/AAAAAAAAFK4/cExbPVcLYvU/s288/DSCF8771.JPG" /></a><br /></div><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">we walked over towards the second beach and the rock formations, sea caves and grottos:</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232929616616008242"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8ZwtUEqjI/AAAAAAAAFLY/GMlGe3l4jsg/s288/DSCF8789.JPG" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232929599106329570"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8ZvsFcK-I/AAAAAAAAFLI/TmsyIV5VheA/s288/DSCF8775.JPG" /></a><br /><br /></div><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Trees cling from the side of these magnificent rock formations:</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232929607350397762"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8ZwKy-q0I/AAAAAAAAFLQ/mywBmEMflNY/s288/DSCF8788.JPG" /></a><br /></div><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">It was like something out of Lord of the Rings:</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232929639701773010"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8ZyDUJetI/AAAAAAAAFLg/KeYguDQvPqM/s288/DSCF8791.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232929672050911154"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8Zz70yJ7I/AAAAAAAAFLw/YDc6oGffyUc/s288/DSCF8802.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232929691600714178"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8Z1Ep0ecI/AAAAAAAAFL4/YD0vmJlQJQ0/s288/DSCF8806.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Sean also checked for any "hippie skinny dippers":<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232929707798247682"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8Z2A_nOQI/AAAAAAAAFMA/3ghoDC4wi48/s288/DSCF8808.JPG" /></a><br /></div></div></div><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">We explored for a while, examined some tidal pools and even more grottos:</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232929752399299250"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8Z4nJVQrI/AAAAAAAAFMQ/7vKuxWDeHBo/s288/DSCF8820.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232929779258365458"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8Z6LNCFhI/AAAAAAAAFMY/fPTkr1pFlz8/s288/DSCF8821.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232929801590140786"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8Z7eZV73I/AAAAAAAAFMk/942wRNKwrDg/s288/DSCF8822.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232929813277330962"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8Z8J7yThI/AAAAAAAAFMs/k1LcjpREVrY/s288/DSCF8829.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5233369942912578578"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/tess66/SKCqPEmCtBI/AAAAAAAAFao/Z8NGk--C7SQ/s288/DSCF8826.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">then headed back to the trail area where we enjoyed a picnic perched on a large piece of driftwood. </span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5233369947847560594"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/tess66/SKCqPW-ojZI/AAAAAAAAFaw/JaQC0KTcV6E/s288/DSCF8833.JPG" /></a><br /></div><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Beyond the mouth of the bay we could see the perpetual bank of fog that surrounds the island's northern section:</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232929829971707842"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8Z9IICR8I/AAAAAAAAFM0/KOmud6ToI1U/s288/DSCF8840.JPG" /></a><br /></div><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Difficult as it was to tear ourselves away from the beauty before us, we had little choice. Though Sean did have to stop and pose with this example of toilet seat art, situated right near the privy:</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232929859917748178"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8Z-3rul9I/AAAAAAAAFM8/SEB2AAt5WW0/s288/DSCF8842.JPG" /></a><br /></div><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">The hike back was just as nice and soon we were back at the parking lot prepare for more shake, rattle and roll on the return to Port Hardy.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">There was much more traffic this time and we had to pull far right several times to let others by. At least a few drivers realized they had best slow down as they didn't know what might be waiting for them round one of the many corners. We were particularly UNimpressed by one particular driver in front of us who, when meeting a camper coming in the opposite direction, stopped in the MIDDLE of the road to let the poor driver squeeze by while we pulled over as far as we could. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Still, the scenery on the return trip was a little more spectacular as the cloud had completely lifted:</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232929871936904002"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8Z_kdUW0I/AAAAAAAAFNE/GX8_bOhE5js/s288/DSCF8848.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232929884478233074"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8aATLZ2fI/AAAAAAAAFNM/B4SoXBWmti8/s288/DSCF8853.JPG" /></a><br /><br /></div><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">To take my mind off the rather dodgy driving conditions (I trusted Sean, just not the oncoming traffic) I decided to lose myself in the Zen of knitting. </span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232929899985736754"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8aBM8rlDI/AAAAAAAAFNU/dU04zd0eS4U/s288/DSCF8856.JPG" /></a><br /></div><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">That helped for a while and after Sean unsuccessfully tried to find a campground he'd gone to on his previous trip (we figured it hadn't proven profitable and abandoned), we stopped at the famous "shoe tree".</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">At some point, hikers who'd done the much longer north island trail would stop on the way back to civilization and hang their boots on the tree. There are now several hundred pairs of assorted footware decorating the trunk, some arranged quite artistically - the hobnailed boots high up on the trunk being one obvious example:</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232929919127738130"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8aCUQfVxI/AAAAAAAAFNc/a_GDoh2SCEk/s288/DSCF8861.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232929954006364530"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8aEWMM8XI/AAAAAAAAFNk/j7NAN2E4wDQ/s288/DSCF8866.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232929978045679122"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8aFvvnxhI/AAAAAAAAFNs/-_XGkw4IjMU/s288/DSCF8868.JPG" /></a><br />Note the pumps in the shot above<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232929995727412034"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8aGxnRm0I/AAAAAAAAFN0/h7RUbhhjKsI/s288/DSCF8869.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232930028930961154"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8aItTnjwI/AAAAAAAAFN8/f-GFExPuCMU/s288/DSCF8870.JPG" /></a><br /></div><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">After snapping some pics of this very cool roadside attraction, we got back in the truck and prepared for another quarter of an hour of boneshaking travel. At last we reached the pavement, marvelling at its smoothness *g*. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">From there it was clear sailing back to Port Hardy, where we filled the gas tank again, then made our way to the campground. There I repaired to the showers to wash away the layer of dust and grime from the hours on the logging road while Sean built a roaring fire. We relaxed with drinks and a bag of Miss Vickie's chips, enjoying the relative peace and quiet of the campground:</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232930046459066466"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8aJumpOGI/AAAAAAAAFOE/x_Cm4wBM8O4/s288/DSCF8877.JPG" /></a><br /></div><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Dinner was consumed by the fire as well and I insisted on smores for dessert :) By 9:30 we had burned through all our wood, so after a stroll round the campground to stretch out, we retired for the night. And an episode of Danger Man/Secret Agent on the portable DVD player. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">This morning we were up by 7:00 and out of the campground by just past 8:30, though Sean insisted on taking a pic of me with the Sitka Spruce first:</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232930046459066466"></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232930060237216498"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8aKh7nGvI/AAAAAAAAFOM/TApAaeKBagg/s288/DSCF8883.JPG" /></a><br /></div><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">after which I took one last pic of Shady the dog:</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232930073491469890"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8aLTTq9kI/AAAAAAAAFOU/YBeZ9ou7myA/s288/DSCF8886.JPG" /></a><br /><br /></div><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">It's now 11:43 and we've pulled out of the Shell gas station, where we stocked up on gas, chips, chocolate and coffee. It's not too much further to Comox and the ferry terminal. The next crossing to Powell River is at 3:15 pm, so we hope we're in good time to make it, otherwise we won't be home till quite late tonight. As it is, we're looking at the 6:40 out of Saltery Bay which will put us home around 8:30 or so.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">LATER WEDNESDAY</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">It's now 6:41 and we're on the Queen of Tsawassen, bound for Earl's Cove. Yay! Our ferry connections all went smoothly.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">We reached the Little River terminal outside Comox around 12:30. Generally speaking, there's not a whole lot to recommend a ferry terminal in BC other than the view. Little River, however, has a beach! Sean and I wandered down there for a few minutes to check it out:</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232930092578396162"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8aMaaWWAI/AAAAAAAAFOc/5CBSnA--M1U/s288/DSCF8906.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232930105800314402"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8aNLqsziI/AAAAAAAAFOk/8-VDRUfLL2Q/s288/DSCF8908.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232930118228910578"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8aN596IfI/AAAAAAAAFOs/-_WL92uq5pg/s288/DSCF8910.JPG" /></a><br /></div><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">then went back to the camper for lunch and a little nap. I also managed to do some reading on one of my mss. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Finally, just past 3:00, they loaded the ship and we left pretty much on time. Waiting for the ferry with a camper is far more pleasant than being in a car in a hot parking lot for 2.5 hours.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">The crossing was smooth and we spent time reading. The only annnoyance was the super duper air conditioning. I've experienced it on other ferries, but this was the coldest ever. I had a fleece on and Sean's fleece over my legs.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">By the time we reached Saltery Bay at 5:20, we were quite hungry and not a little concerned about what we'd do for dinner. BC Ferries food isn't exactly stellar. Just before the ferry terminal, Sean noticed a little roadside building advertising salmon burgers. That definitely sounded good, so we paid our fare, parked the camper and walked back up to investigate. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">The burgers were definitely worth the little jaunt up the hill - we enjoyed them back in the camper, then moved outside to wait as it's quite warm here right now. Knowing we had at least a half hour before the ferry would arrive, I hauled out one of our camping chairs and set it up in the shady spot behind the camper. Sean thought this was very funny and decided he had to take a photo of me relaxing on the tarmac: </span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232930132527499794"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8aOvO9ShI/AAAAAAAAFO0/50M_iqB7DTs/s288/DSCF8913.JPG" /></a><br /></div><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">So now we're on our way home, though it's almost another hour of driving once we're off the ferry. Still, we're in familiar territory.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">The view this evening from the bow is pretty spectacular, but as I've taken over 500 photos already, I figure I should be a little circumspect. (Which meant, I only took a couple of shots - below is the best one):</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232930137133098706"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8aPAZBJtI/AAAAAAAAFO8/_bwo9FIp_rw/s288/DSCF8918.JPG" /></a><br /></div><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">I didn't bring our laptop, so they're all still on the camera - just downloading may take quite a while! It's likely quite a number will be discarded as many are two or three shots of the same thing - I usually choose the best and ditch the rest. Digital does make that easy.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">EVEN LATER WEDNESDAY</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">The final leg of our journey along the Sunshine Coast Highway took place while the sun was setting. At Davis Bay I turned back and managed this shot:</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232930160331463874"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8aQWz8HMI/AAAAAAAAFPM/y4HheXcCbLk/s288/DSCF8925.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">We're now at home and, after having moved the essentials in from the camper, have repaired to the deck with a wee drink to view the photos. It was a fantastic vacation - certainly unforgettable, especially the highlight - San Josef Bay.<br /><br />Hope you enjoyed this latest edition of the Windshield Chroncles :)<br /><br />If you are a real glutton for punishment *g*, you can <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008" target="blank"><span style="font-weight: bold;">see even more photos in my Picasaweb album.</span></a><br /></div></div>Tesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15636189059910920978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29078380.post-69799596781223209182008-08-04T20:52:00.000-07:002008-12-06T11:52:52.406-08:00North Island Adventure - Day 2It's now just past three o'clock and we are back at the camp site after a morning in Port Hardy. We woke up at 6:30, but snoozed again for a while before getting up. Coffee and porridge were the first order of the day, then we dressed and headed out on a hike into town.<br /><br />The nature trail leaves right from the campground and for much of the time, follows along the Quatse River and the estuary. We saw eagles out on the estary (it was low tide):<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232928904830056562"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8ZHRtE-HI/AAAAAAAAFF8/VAhjYuLhPEc/s288/DSCF8604.JPG" /></a></div><br />as well as a fish processing plant, a sea plane dock:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232928923417096578"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8ZIW8ksYI/AAAAAAAAFGE/96ZCuccqwlk/s288/DSCF8605.JPG" /></a><br /></div><br />and a marina. The walk took about a half hour or so. We trundled along Market Street to the Visitor Information Centre where we picked up a map of town, then followed the Harbour walk towards the western edge where they have a nice park and some cool old trees.<br /><br />From the information centre we'd spied a couple of tall ships in dock<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232928937327217250"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8ZJKxASmI/AAAAAAAAFGM/O5zEd35jkAI/s288/DSCF8607.JPG" /></a><br /></div><br />so they were our next destination. Up close they were very cool - I'm a sucker for all that shiny brass and wood :) Sean found out they belong to the <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.salts.ca/030_SALTS_tall.htm" target="blank">S.A.L.T.S. programme</a>.<br /><br />I took lots of photos of them - here are just a few:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232928972464025106"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8ZLNqRbhI/AAAAAAAAFGk/c7oaeqJIWtQ/s288/DSCF8615.JPG" /></a><br />Sean in front of the <span style="font-style: italic;">Pacific Swift</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232928981370143314"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8ZLu1qAlI/AAAAAAAAFGs/8PNVMATaZ0o/s288/DSCF8617.JPG" /></a><br />Porthole detail<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232928993325068418"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8ZMbX7sII/AAAAAAAAFG0/g9SsF3UMzRA/s288/DSCF8621.JPG" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Pacific Grace</span><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232929006412097362"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8ZNMIH51I/AAAAAAAAFG8/WOGgG8eqlzE/s288/DSCF8624.JPG" /></a><br />Detail shot of the rigging<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232929015704831506"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8ZNuvrxhI/AAAAAAAAFHE/NAKpBR9WsUM/s288/DSCF8626.JPG" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Pacific Grace</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">We also saw a Haida canoe:<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232929036687893218"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8ZO86b4uI/AAAAAAAAFHM/onmQ5WYgXIE/s288/DSCF8629.JPG" /></a><br /></div><br /></div>Following a quick trip to the mall (where we ended up not finding the groceries we needed), we stopped in at the Market Street Cafe for a yummy lunch. It's a funky little place with a mixture of seating - everything from regular tables and chairs, to booths, to comfy couches (our choice). The food was great.<br /><br />By the time we emerged, the sun had started to poke its face through the low cloud. We visited another grocery store, bought what we needed then headed back to the campground by the same path, after a brief stop at a lookout.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5233353996989579698"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/tess66/SKCbu5ZvQbI/AAAAAAAAFYg/yk8Y66xNVCk/s288/DSCF8634.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232929046231768546"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8ZPgd33eI/AAAAAAAAFHU/rctxMUhwxZI/s288/DSCF8639.JPG" /></a><br />Sean particularly liked the industrial art alongside the harbour walk, that took us through a little industrial park<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232929079583604930"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8ZRctkgMI/AAAAAAAAFHk/XZlLdt1fvNo/s288/DSCF8642.JPG" /></a><br />Sean posing with a tree along the more scenic part of the harbour walk<br /></div><br />Halfway back the sun came out fully, so we took the longer route, which took us down the other side of the Quatse River.<br /><br />In town we saw <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.quarterdeckresort.net/pub.htm" target="blank">a little pub</a> that we heard is good, so we'll head back there for dinner in a little while. At least this way we'll burn off any calories we consume!<br /><br />Tomorrow's plans include a trip to San Josef Bay. We'll drive about 90 minutes west of here, then hike the final 2.5 k into the bay. Sean went there as a teenager and says it's well worth seeing. There are some other cool spots to stop at on the way back, including a cedar snag where hikers hang their boots after completing the <a href="http://www.canadatrails.ca/hiking/bc/capescott.html" target="blank"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cape Scott Trail</span></a>.<br /><br />For now, though, I'm sitting outside, enjoying the sun filtering through the trees and onto our site. It's pleasant enough, but certainly not hot, which is actually kinda nice because that way the camper stays comfortable. It's supposed to be hot when we get home on Wednesday, so I won't miss out on the really summery weather.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">It's now after dinner</span>. We enjoyed our meal and the walk to and from the pub. The tide was in when we were on our way there:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232929167725874146"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8ZWlEUy-I/AAAAAAAAFIE/vgD7UIFwSro/s288/DSCF8663.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">And already going out again as we walked back:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232929186369991890"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8ZXqhbdNI/AAAAAAAAFIM/tAMiF8lHJyE/s288/DSCF8673.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232929206550126754"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8ZY1sv4KI/AAAAAAAAFIc/HFE8UQPflCM/s288/DSCF8675.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232929206550126754"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_TmxYopcVxXU/SJ8ZaLzzv9I/AAAAAAAAFIk/tr2h5oabLTU/s288/DSCF8678.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I love playing with my camera - trying things out. Above is a shot of a tree reflected in the water just as the sun is starting to set:<br /></div><br /><br />From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008">Best of North Island Trip - August 2008</a><br /></div></div></div></div></div>Tesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15636189059910920978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29078380.post-19771566120649819852008-08-03T17:16:00.000-07:002008-08-11T12:54:52.977-07:00North Island Adventure - Day 1<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">So, here we are sitting beside our campfire at the Quatse River Campground just outside Port Hardy.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">It's been a long day, but worth the 5am wake up call to get here in the light and in time to relax with a beer and corn chips after our trek from home.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">We left at 6am to make sure we reached the Earl's Cove ferry terminal in plenty of time to make the 8:15 ferry to Saltery Bay. It was a gorgeous sunny morning for a drive, so I took the opportunity to take some pics along the way:</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232928206032632466"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8YemeyepI/AAAAAAAAFA0/7eC5ab5zVG8/s288/DSCF8459.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Trout Lake<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232928212897525842"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8YfADgcFI/AAAAAAAAFA8/H-vofV1OUR4/s288/DSCF8472.JPG" /></a><br />Ruby Lake<br /></div><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">The view at Earl's Cove was even more spectacular:</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232928232890125106"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8YgKiHSzI/AAAAAAAAFBQ/TPbKAi_Gfiw/s288/DSCF8479.JPG" /></a><br />Looking out over Jervis Inlet<br /></div><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">When the BC Ferries employee arrived to start his day, a black and white cat appeared at the office building, obviously thrilled to see his friend. Naturally, I had to go to meet this feline and take his photo:</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232928284144996066"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8YjJeOjuI/AAAAAAAAFBo/d0EAqtgTDYY/s288/DSCF8490.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232928306719661522"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8YkdkcndI/AAAAAAAAFBw/EahYaFR7Uak/s288/DSCF8494.JPG" /></a><br /></div><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">He was very friendly, letting me pet him and rubbing up against my legs, alerted no doubt by the Chloe and Cleo fur already clinging to me that I am a cat person.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">The ferry arrived in good time, the crossing was smooth:</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232928334303986754"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8YmEVEBEI/AAAAAAAAFCA/ALA3fh__gfE/s288/DSCF8497.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232928392870290418"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8YpegW4_I/AAAAAAAAFCY/mCr4FhYmOtM/s288/DSCF8507.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232928412332795602"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8YqnAlJtI/AAAAAAAAFCg/sWHj8OJSuvc/s288/DSCF8511.JPG" /></a><br /><br /></div><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">and we headed to the Westview terminal for our next connection to Comox. After some momentary confusion surrounding the actual entrance to the terminal (it's nowhere near as clearly signed as in Gibsons), we pulled in in plenty of time to assure ourselves a spot on the noon ferry to the Island. That was a relief, given that the next crossing from Westview leaves at 5pm, which would have meant a very late arrival up here at the end of the highway.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">I had never been to this ferry terminal before - the little marina next to it is very pretty:</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232928412332795602"></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232928433137170754"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8Yr0guuUI/AAAAAAAAFCw/YaLysmWCCrs/s288/DSCF8517.JPG" /></a><br /><br /></div><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">The beautiful weather held, so our drive from Comox to Port Hardy was marked by gorgeous scenery. We made it in 3.5 hours, which, considering the windy roads and a couple of steep grades, was pretty good. Here's what we saw along the way:</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232928463200225682"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8YtkgUiZI/AAAAAAAAFDA/rZArlcyAvRg/s288/DSCF8522.JPG" /></a><br />The Comox valley<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232928487404935810"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8Yu-rLGoI/AAAAAAAAFDI/WrDGy5W9CIo/s288/DSCF8532.JPG" /></a><br />A lovely rest stop at Bigtree Creek<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232928487404935810"></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232928505977419298"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8YwD3MtiI/AAAAAAAAFDQ/khMsDRZQFZI/s288/DSCF8534.JPG" /></a><br />Rockcuts akin to those along the TransCanada in Northern Ontario<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232928487404935810"></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232928520096627730"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8Yw4devBI/AAAAAAAAFDY/VAfUogRcOzY/s288/DSCF8537.JPG" /></a><br />A row of campers<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232928550149980674"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8YyoawggI/AAAAAAAAFDg/iW0Uy-tG5Tw/s288/DSCF8539.JPG" /></a><br />Deep blue lakes and<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232928609928120082"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8Y2HG-hxI/AAAAAAAAFEA/XQTTpMXzUYU/s288/DSCF8555.JPG" /></a><br />Snowcapped mountains<br /></div><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">We easily found the turnoff for the campground</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5233345945483373186"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/tess66/SKCUaPNEaoI/AAAAAAAAFYI/ODKEkRITx2A/s288/DSCF8873.JPG" /></a><br /></div><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">and pulled in fewer than ten minutes later. Sean was greeted by Shady the dog, who wanted him to throw a stick!</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232928638823137922"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8Y3ywFgoI/AAAAAAAAFEQ/mcd0QfYmb90/s288/DSCF8560.JPG" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Being smart, we'd reserved a site</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232928666438358770"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8Y5ZoEVvI/AAAAAAAAFEY/t2tsbGJji6o/s288/DSCF8563.JPG" /></a><br /></div><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">definitely worth the effort considering how crowded it is here. Few sites remain open. Our little area is getting late afternoon sun, Sean has started a roaring fire:</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232928666438358770"></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232928847742553250"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8ZD9CWzKI/AAAAAAAAFFc/zaXRS317SNE/s288/DSCF8577.JPG" /></a><br /></div><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"> and we're relaxing (as I already mentioned) with a well-deserved beer.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">We're still not sure if we'll go to San Josef Bay tomorrow or Tuesday. From our campground we can walk into Port Hardy (45 mins) - after a day of travelling that might be just the ticket, leaving the San Josef Bay visit till Tuesday. That decision we'll make in the morning.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">For now, however, I'm going to finish up and enjoy the fire before contemplating cooking dinner (pasta with tomato sauce and veggies, if you're at all interested). And maybe some wine*g*. Possibly followed by smores, or the chocolate cake I baked to bring with us :)<br /><br />It's now later in the evening, and we're just about to turn in - here's a view of the river beside the campground - isn't it gorgeous?<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/BestOfNorthIslandTripAugust2008/photo#5232928888106904546"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/tess66/SJ8ZGTZ96-I/AAAAAAAAFF0/qskGtwqXI8k/s288/DSCF8600.JPG" /></a><br /></div>Tesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15636189059910920978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29078380.post-62005356686376657622008-07-27T14:31:00.000-07:002008-07-27T14:43:07.667-07:00Stay tuned...<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">we're heading over the Vancouver Island in the next little while and I'll be busy snapping pics and blogging (via my AlphaSmart) about my first visit to </span><a style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" href="http://www.quatsecampground.com/" target="blank">Port Hardy</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"> and </span><a style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" href="http://www.vancouverisland.com/parks/?id=333" target="blank">San Josef Bay</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">, which means an update here by mid-August :)</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">We're very excited as we haven't had a chance in quite a while to take the camper anywhere. Sean is checking it over in preparation for the trip, while I'm arranging for cat/house sitting and planning meals etc.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Hope you're all having a lovely, relaxing summer (or winter, if you're reading this from the Southern hemisphere *g*).</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Teresa</span>Tesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15636189059910920978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29078380.post-67533298485064280792007-04-16T11:35:00.000-07:002007-04-16T12:11:37.265-07:00Our weekend camping trip...<span style="color: rgb(0, 64, 128);font-family:Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" >Granted, we didn't go far. Just over to the other side of the lake to stay on our building site.<br /><br />On Saturday we loaded the camper, caged the cats and set off. After a bumpy trip we arrived and set things up. The weather cooperated, so we were able to get the fire lit and roaring and by late afternoon we were well ensconced. The cats hung out in the camper - Chloe assuming her accustomed place in the bottom of our sleeping bag and Cleo wandering from window to window, mewing at us.<br /><br />We had a nice dinner then went outside for smores by the fire. Sunday dawned clear and sunny, so we hung out and did some more work before returning to our cabin in the afternoon (in time to watch the Sens/Penguins followed by the Canucks/Stars games).<br /><br />Below are some clickable thumbnails of pics from our adventure, including some classic windshield shots at the bottom:<br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 64, 128);font-family:Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/SunshineCoast/photo?authkey=h615UWKZ66c#5054072802949353218"><img src="http://lh5.google.com/image/tess66/RiOsb8jCTwI/AAAAAAAAARY/8AjjrAzfvCc/s144/DSCF3341.JPG" /></a></span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 64, 128);font-family:Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/SunshineCoast/photo?authkey=h615UWKZ66c#5054072815834255122"><img src="http://lh4.google.com/image/tess66/RiOscsjCTxI/AAAAAAAAARg/YEP2qyUsc54/s144/DSCF3345.JPG" /></a></span><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/Cats/photo#5054103782548459618"><span style="color: rgb(0, 64, 128);font-family:Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/SunshineCoast/photo?authkey=h615UWKZ66c#5054072837309091618"><img src="http://lh5.google.com/image/tess66/RiOsd8jCTyI/AAAAAAAAARo/8dgEtRg5F8k/s144/DSCF3346.JPG" /></a></span></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/Cats/photo#5054103782548459618"><img src="http://lh6.google.com/image/tess66/RiPInMjCUGI/AAAAAAAAAWE/iQbtF-JOa64/s144/DSCF3336.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/Cats/photo#5054103791138394226"><img src="http://lh4.google.com/image/tess66/RiPInsjCUHI/AAAAAAAAAWM/9r54X28X6r4/s144/DSCF3348.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 64, 128);font-family:Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/SunshineCoast/photo?authkey=h615UWKZ66c#5054072845899026226"><img src="http://lh3.google.com/image/tess66/RiOsecjCTzI/AAAAAAAAARw/tCU-mIyfy80/s144/DSCF3347.JPG" /></a></span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 64, 128);font-family:Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/SunshineCoast/photo?authkey=h615UWKZ66c#5054072858783928130"><img src="http://lh6.google.com/image/tess66/RiOsfMjCT0I/AAAAAAAAAR4/Q050WmzjsDo/s144/DSCF3350.JPG" /></a></span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 64, 128);font-family:Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/SunshineCoast/photo?authkey=h615UWKZ66c#5054072871668830034"><img src="http://lh5.google.com/image/tess66/RiOsf8jCT1I/AAAAAAAAASA/iTTUWxac0tk/s144/DSCF3353.JPG" /></a></span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 64, 128);font-family:Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/SunshineCoast/photo?authkey=h615UWKZ66c#5054072893143666530"><img src="http://lh6.google.com/image/tess66/RiOshMjCT2I/AAAAAAAAASI/djAL1V_dPqs/s144/DSCF3358.JPG" /></a></span><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/Cats/photo#5054103769663557714"><img src="http://lh3.google.com/image/tess66/RiPImcjCUFI/AAAAAAAAAV8/6MdK-xVwqmo/s144/DSCF3333.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 64, 128);font-family:Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/SunshineCoast/photo?authkey=h615UWKZ66c#5054072910323535730"><img src="http://lh6.google.com/image/tess66/RiOsiMjCT3I/AAAAAAAAASQ/qxXgBg_6T5M/s144/DSCF3359.JPG" /></a></span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 64, 128);font-family:Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/SunshineCoast/photo?authkey=h615UWKZ66c#5054072927503404930"><img src="http://lh6.google.com/image/tess66/RiOsjMjCT4I/AAAAAAAAASY/s2fpvaojZFk/s144/DSCF3363.JPG" /></a></span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 64, 128);font-family:Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/SunshineCoast/photo?authkey=h615UWKZ66c#5054072948978241426"><img src="http://lh3.google.com/image/tess66/RiOskcjCT5I/AAAAAAAAASg/HYYa5A_t5Hs/s144/DSCF3365.JPG" /></a></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 64, 128);font-family:Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/SunshineCoast/photo?authkey=h615UWKZ66c#5054072961863143330"><img src="http://lh6.google.com/image/tess66/RiOslMjCT6I/AAAAAAAAASo/hwK5uZXkrBg/s144/DSCF3376.JPG" /></a></span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 64, 128);font-family:Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/SunshineCoast/photo?authkey=h615UWKZ66c#5054072979043012530"><img src="http://lh6.google.com/image/tess66/RiOsmMjCT7I/AAAAAAAAASw/LtNzsUFC2q4/s144/DSCF3378.JPG" /></a></span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 64, 128);font-family:Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/SunshineCoast/photo?authkey=h615UWKZ66c#5054073000517849026"><img src="http://lh3.google.com/image/tess66/RiOsncjCT8I/AAAAAAAAAS4/HfF7PTe61Jw/s144/DSCF3390.JPG" /></a></span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 64, 128);font-family:Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/SunshineCoast/photo?authkey=h615UWKZ66c#5054073017697718226"><img src="http://lh3.google.com/image/tess66/RiOsocjCT9I/AAAAAAAAATA/4Fo2ckygcSQ/s144/DSCF3394.JPG" /></a></span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 64, 128);font-family:Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/SunshineCoast/photo?authkey=h615UWKZ66c#5054073039172554722"><img src="http://lh4.google.com/image/tess66/RiOspsjCT-I/AAAAAAAAATI/ZiwQlDOTgs8/s144/DSCF3397.JPG" /></a></span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 64, 128);font-family:Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/SunshineCoast/photo?authkey=h615UWKZ66c#5054073056352423922"><img src="http://lh4.google.com/image/tess66/RiOsqsjCT_I/AAAAAAAAATQ/uV07sgxJfuw/s144/DSCF3403.JPG" /></a></span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 64, 128);font-family:Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/SunshineCoast/photo?authkey=h615UWKZ66c#5054073069237325826"><img src="http://lh3.google.com/image/tess66/RiOsrcjCUAI/AAAAAAAAATY/DtkK2aUZGko/s144/DSCF3411.JPG" /></a></span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 64, 128);font-family:Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tess66/SunshineCoast/photo?authkey=h615UWKZ66c#5054073082122227730"><img src="http://lh6.google.com/image/tess66/RiOssMjCUBI/AAAAAAAAATg/eIKx5clheJY/s144/DSCF3416.JPG" /></a></span><br /></div><span style="color: rgb(0, 64, 128);font-family:Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><br />Teresa</span>Tesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15636189059910920978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29078380.post-1164819014836979532006-11-29T08:50:00.000-08:002006-11-29T09:03:31.986-08:00Photos from the Snowpocalypse!!<font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif" color="#004080" size="2">Here are photos Sean and I took on November 28, 2006 - the day AFTER the big storm.<br /><br />These are the ones Sean snapped on his way home from work:<br /><center><br />The road home, after a very early morning at the radio station.<br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Snow%20Nov%2006/DSCF0023.jpg" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Snow%20Nov%2006/th_DSCF0023.jpg"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Snow%20Nov%2006/DSCF0025.jpg" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Snow%20Nov%2006/th_DSCF0025.jpg"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Snow%20Nov%2006/DSCF0027.jpg" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Snow%20Nov%2006/th_DSCF0027.jpg"></a><br /><br />The driveway.<br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Snow%20Nov%2006/DSCF0029.jpg" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Snow%20Nov%2006/th_DSCF0029.jpg"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Snow%20Nov%2006/DSCF0030.jpg" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Snow%20Nov%2006/th_DSCF0030.jpg"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Snow%20Nov%2006/DSCF0031.jpg" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Snow%20Nov%2006/th_DSCF0031.jpg"></a><br /><br />Trapped on the wrong side of the tree! It didn't fall as he was driving up to it, so he was in no danger. It just delayed his arrival with groceries *g*.<br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Snow%20Nov%2006/DSCF0034.jpg" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Snow%20Nov%2006/th_DSCF0034.jpg"></a><br /><br />Home at last, after cutting the tree enough to move it so he could squeeze by:<br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Snow%20Nov%2006/DSCF0035.jpg" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Snow%20Nov%2006/th_DSCF0035.jpg"></a><br /><br /><br><br><br /><br />A few minutes later we set out to help Sean's dad finish clearing the tree and to get the mail from our PO box. I took my camera along.<br /><br />Clearing the tree.<br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Snow%20Nov%2006/DSCF2519.jpg" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Snow%20Nov%2006/th_DSCF2519.jpg"></a><br /><br />The road to the highway.<br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Snow%20Nov%2006/DSCF2529.jpg" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Snow%20Nov%2006/th_DSCF2529.jpg"></a><br /><br />Snowy village.<br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Snow%20Nov%2006/DSCF2530.jpg" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Snow%20Nov%2006/th_DSCF2530.jpg"></a><br /><br />The road home.<br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Snow%20Nov%2006/DSCF2535.jpg" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Snow%20Nov%2006/th_DSCF2535.jpg"></a><br /><br />View out the back of the truck.<br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Snow%20Nov%2006/DSCF2540.jpg" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Snow%20Nov%2006/th_DSCF2540.jpg"></a><br /><br />After clearing the car and doing other assorted chores, Sean and I went for a walk with the dog. Here she is, romping along through the snow on one of the logging roads - can you believe she'll be 13 in less than a week?<br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Snow%20Nov%2006/DSCF2545.jpg" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Snow%20Nov%2006/th_DSCF2545.jpg"></a><br /><br />And finally, a shot of the clouds just before sunset.<br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Snow%20Nov%2006/DSCF2549.jpg" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Snow%20Nov%2006/th_DSCF2549.jpg"></a><br /></center><br /><br />Hope you enjoyed this little photo essay :-)<br /><br />Teresa</font>Tesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15636189059910920978noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29078380.post-1158080374778191732006-09-12T09:54:00.000-07:002008-07-27T14:56:05.311-07:00Our camping trip to Lund, Sep 8-11, 2006<center><span style="color: rgb(21, 27, 141);"><br /><b>FRIDAY</b><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: rgb(21, 27, 141);">We left after Sean finished his final newscast for the day. Not without incident, may I add. Something went wonky with the fridge and it drained the truck’s battery. Fortunately I had our car at the station, so we boosted the truck and were on the road by 6:50 – in plenty of time to make the 8:20 ferry out of Earl’s Cove.</span><br /></div><span style="color: rgb(21, 27, 141);"><br />The sun was starting to set over Davis Bay as we drove north – from this pier, people jump into the water on January 1st for the annual Polar Bear Swim.<br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/sunsetatdavisbay.jpg" target="blank" title="Sunset at Davis Bay"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/th_sunsetatdavisbay.jpg" /></a><br /><br />By 8:00 pm we were parked in the lot at Earl’s Cove, waiting for the ferry to arrive – not that it was a difficult wait with such beautiful scenery:<br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/earlscovefridayevening.jpg" target="blank" title="Earl's Cove on Friday evening"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/th_earlscovefridayevening.jpg" /></a><br /><br />We did stretch our legs and wander over to see the sign telling us what we could expect to see at the other end of the crossing:<br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/sunshinecoastsign.jpg" target="blank" title="Sunshine Coast sign at Earl's Cove"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/th_sunshinecoastsign.jpg" /></a><br /><br />By 8:40 we were on our way (the ferry was a little late) and unloaded at Saltery Bay at 9:30, heading north towards Lund, about an hour away. Despite driving rain past Powell River, we arrived safely at Sunlund by 10:30 pm and went to bed after dessert and a wee drink.<br /><br /><br /><b>SATURDAY</b><br /><br />I was busy with my camera on Saturday morning. Place your mouse pointer over each pic to see the pop-up title or click on it for a larger version:<br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/viewfromcamper.jpg" target="blank" title="The view from the camper"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/th_viewfromcamper.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/sunlundboardwalk.jpg" target="blank" title="Boardwalk at Sunlund Campground"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/th_sunlundboardwalk.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/rockypath.jpg" target="blank" title="Path leading from Sunlund to Harbour "><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/th_rockypath.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/pathfromharbour.jpg" target="blank" title="Path from Sunlund to harbour continued"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/th_pathfromharbour.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/lundharboursaturdaymorning.jpg" target="blank" title="Lund harbour on Saturday morning"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/th_lundharboursaturdaymorning.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br />We headed to the famous Nancy’s Bakery for breakfast, then posed for some pics in the harbour:<br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/SeanatLundharbour.jpg" target="blank" title="Sean in the harbour, in front of the sign declaring Lund as the start of Hwy 101, which ends in Chile"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/th_SeanatLundharbour.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/TeresawithLundSign.jpg" target="blank" title="Teresa in front of the Welcome to Lund sign"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/th_TeresawithLundSign.jpg" /></a><br /><br />By 10:30 we were ready for our trip over the Savary Island. Here I am waiting for the water taxi to take us there:<br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/TeresareadyforrideonSavary.jpg" target="blank" title="Teresa all decked out for a bicycle ride, waiting for the water taxi"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/th_TeresareadyforrideonSavary.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Savary is a small island, only 7.5 km long by about 2 kms wide. Again, place your mouse pointer on each pic for info:<br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/ChurchonSavaryIsland.jpg" target="blank" title="The little church on Savary Island"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/th_ChurchonSavaryIsland.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/SeanatDuckbay.jpg" target="blank" title="Sean on the beach at Duck Bay, on the western side of the Island"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/th_SeanatDuckbay.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/mybikewithlunchpack.jpg" target="blank" title="The lunch bag on back of my bike"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/th_mybikewithlunchpack.jpg" /></a><br /><br />This old air strip was used for just over 20 years, from the late 70s to the late 90s. Sean remembers flying a kite there with a friend of his when they were staying on the island as kids:<br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/savaryislandairstripplaque.jpg" target="blank" title="Plaque with details of the SI airstrip"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/th_savaryislandairstripplaque.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/savaryislandairstrip.jpg" target="blank" title=" The abandoned airstrip on Savary Island"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/th_savaryislandairstrip.jpg" /></a><br /><br />We cycled the island tip to tip, lunching at the northern end, known as Indian Point, from where can see the entry to Desolation Sound:<br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/viewtowardsdesolationsoundfrindpt.jpg" target="blank" title="Looking out towards Desolation Sound from Indian Point on the north end of the island"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/th_viewtowardsdesolationsoundfrindpt.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/seanretrievinglunch.jpg" target="blank" title="Sean finding the lunch from Nancy’s bakery"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/th_seanretrievinglunch.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/beachatindianpoint.jpg" target="blank" title="The beach at Indian Point"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/th_beachatindianpoint.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Sean thought this row of jellyfish was cool:<br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/jellyfishonindianptbeach.jpg" target="blank" title="A row of jellyfish at low tide"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/th_jellyfishonindianptbeach.jpg" /></a><br /><br />By 2:45 or so we were back at the government wharf, so we parked our bikes and walked along to the southern tip of the island, Mace Point:<br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/viewfromgovtwharfbeach.jpg" target="blank" title="The beach beside the government wharf"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/th_viewfromgovtwharfbeach.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/heronandgull.jpg" target="blank" title="A heron and gulf communing on the beach"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/th_heronandgull.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/coolstepsfrombeach.jpg" target="blank" title="Steps leading to the beach"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/th_coolstepsfrombeach.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/teresaonsavarybeach.jpg" target="blank" title="Teresa on Savary beach"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/th_teresaonsavarybeach.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/macepoint.jpg" target="blank" title="Mace point at the south end of the island"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/th_macepoint.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Here you can see just how far we went – in the distance is Indian Point:<br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/savarytiptotip.jpg" target="blank" title="Pic take from Mace Point with Indian point in the distance"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/th_savarytiptotip.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/seanwithdriftwood.jpg" target="blank" title="Sean with driftwood"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/th_seanwithdriftwood.jpg" /></a><br /><br />The taxi came back over just past 4:00pm – here it is arriving:<br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/watertaxiapproachingsavary.jpg" target="blank" title="The water taxi arriving from Lund"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/th_watertaxiapproachingsavary.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Though it had clouded over for a while, it was sunny when we arrived back in Lund:<br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/harbourinlateafternoonsun.jpg" target="blank" title="Lund harbour in the sun"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/th_harbourinlateafternoonsun.jpg" /></a><br /><br />This old waterwheel now houses an information booth – cool, huh?<br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/waterwheelinfobooth.jpg" target="blank" title="The old water wheel, now an information booth"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/th_waterwheelinfobooth.jpg" /></a><br /><br />As you can see, we had our section of the campground pretty much to ourselves:<br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/camperinlaterafternoonsun.jpg" target="blank" title="Our camper waiting in the sun"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/th_camperinlaterafternoonsun.jpg" /></a><br /><br />And yes, I did find a cat. The Sunlund owners have two – this one is very friendly, so of course, I had to pat it:<br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/teresawithsunlundcat.jpg" target="blank" title="Teresa found a cat!"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/th_teresawithsunlundcat.jpg" /></a><br /><br />We dined at the Lund Hotel, looking out over the water:<br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/viewfromlundhotelrestaurant.jpg" target="blank" title="Our view at dinner"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/th_viewfromlundhotelrestaurant.jpg" /></a><br /><br />The water taxi company has its own cat – here he is snuggling down for the night:<br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/lundwatertaxicat.jpg" target="blank" title="Teresa found another cat – belonging to the Lund Water Taxi"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/th_lundwatertaxicat.jpg" /></a><br /><br />This is one of my fave pics – please DO click on this one to see the larger version:<br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/lundharbouratsunset.jpg" target="blank" title="Lund harbour at sunset"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/th_lundharbouratsunset.jpg" /></a><br /><br />We had a campfire, of course – mandatory for s’mores:<br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/seanmakingfire.jpg" target="blank" title="Sean tending his fire"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/th_seanmakingfire.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/teresawatchingfire.jpg" target="blank" title="Teresa enjoying the fruits of Sean’s labour"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/th_teresawatchingfire.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><b>SUNDAY</b><br /><br />Sunday was a quieter day for us, spent wandering around Lund. We saw this statue, but couldn’t find out anything about it:<br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/lundharbourstatuesundaymorning.jpg" target="blank" title="Statue in the harbour – Sunday morning"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/th_lundharbourstatuesundaymorning.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Breakfast was back at Nancy’s Bakery – very yummy food!<br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/nancysbakery.jpg" target="blank" title="Nancy’s bakery from the wharf"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/th_nancysbakery.jpg" /></a><br /><br />This old restaurant is up for sale – anyone interested? *g*:<br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/oldrestaurant.jpg" target="blank" title="The abandoned restaurant"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/th_oldrestaurant.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/teresaondocksundayam.jpg" target="blank" title="Teresa enjoying a walk on Sunday morning"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/th_teresaondocksundayam.jpg" /></a><br /><br />We hiked in the afternoon after the drizzle stopped, going to see the Lund Community Gazebo:<br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/lundgazebo.jpg" target="blank" title="The Lund community gazebo, just outside town"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/th_lundgazebo.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/gazebostage.jpg" target="blank" title="The stage at the gazebo"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/th_gazebostage.jpg" /></a><br /><br />where Sean couldn’t resist playing on the rope swing *g*:<br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/seanropeswing.jpg" target="blank" title="Sean having fun with the rope swing"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/th_seanropeswing.jpg" /></a><br /><br />And, of course, another campfire before heading to bed:<br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/campfirecouple.jpg" target="blank" title="Enjoying our second campfire"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/th_campfirecouple.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><b>MONDAY</b><br /><br />We were at the ferry terminal super early on Monday morning, having left the campground at 5:40am. At least we knew we were guaranteed to make the boat!<br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/ithinkwellmakethisferry.jpg" target="blank" title="First in line for the ferry"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/th_ithinkwellmakethisferry.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Being so early meant we caught the colours of the morning sunrise:<br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/sunriseatsalterybay.jpg" target="blank" title="The sun rising over Saltery Bay"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/th_sunriseatsalterybay.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/sunriseoverTexadaIslandfrSalteryBay.jpg" target="blank" title="The sun rising over Texada Island"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/th_sunriseoverTexadaIslandfrSalteryBay.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/seanatsalterybay.jpg" target="blank" title="Sean waiting for the ferry – coffee in hand"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/th_seanatsalterybay.jpg" /></a><br /><br />and even saw a rainbow overhead:<br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/rainbowoversalterybay.jpg" target="blank" title="A rainbow above Saltery Bay"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/th_rainbowoversalterybay.jpg" /></a><br /><br />By 7:40am, we were underway:<br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/settingsailfromsalterybay.jpg" target="blank" title="The Queen of Tsawassen setting sail"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/th_settingsailfromsalterybay.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/JervisInletMondaymorning.jpg" target="blank" title="Jervis Inlet by morning light"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/th_JervisInletMondaymorning.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Earl’s Cove in the morning light:<br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/EarlscoveMondaymorning.jpg" target="blank" title="Arrival at Earl’s Cove"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/th_EarlscoveMondaymorning.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Wood Bay is between Pender Harbour and Sechelt – isn’t it beautiful? I had to take this photo:<br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/WoodBayMondaymorning.jpg" target="blank" title="Wood Bay, along Hwy 101 – gorgeous in the morning sun"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Lund%20Sep%2006/th_WoodBayMondaymorning.jpg" /></a><br /><br />And, that’s all, folks. I took more photos than this, but figured your eyes would start crossing if I posted anymore *g*. Hope you enjoyed them!!<br /><br />Teresa</span></center>Tesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15636189059910920978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29078380.post-1149122656329907262006-05-31T17:44:00.000-07:002007-04-09T10:22:22.237-07:00Our cross-country odyssey...<font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif" color="#000040" size="4"><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif" color="#000040">Below are photos from our trip - Sean dubbed them "Teresa's windshield chronicles". You can click on them to see them at full size.</font><br /></font><br /><div align="center"><br /><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif" color="#004080"><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/StilllakeinOntario.jpg" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/th_StilllakeinOntario.jpg"></a><br><br />This photo was taken early on Sunday morning the first day. It's one of the many lakes in eastern Ontario, still waters surrounded by trees.<br /><hr><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/SunrisenorthofSaultSaintMarie.jpg" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/th_SunrisenorthofSaultSaintMarie.jpg"></a><br><br />On day two we left <a href="http://www.city.sault-ste-marie.on.ca/" title="The Soo" target="_blank">Sault Sainte Marie</a> first thing in the morning, I took this photo of sunrise about half an hour into our journey.<br /><hr><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/Hwy17fromWawagoose.jpg" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/th_Hwy17fromWawagoose.jpg"></a><br><br />For years I heard about the <a href="http://www.boldts.net/Wawa2.shtml" title="Wawa Goose" target="_blank">Wawa goose</a> so we stopped there. You've already seen a photo of me with the goose, but here is what the highway looks like from the goose's look out.<br /><hr><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/SeanandTeresawithWtP.jpg" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/th_SeanandTeresawithWtP.jpg"></a> <br />And, of course, we had to stop in <a href="http://www.nwconx.net/~wrlib/winnie.html" title="White River" target="_blank">White River</a> to visit <a href="http://www.roadsideattractions.ca/winnie.htm" title="Winnie the Pooh" target="_blank">Winnie the Pooh</a> - yep, this is where the famous bear was born!<br /><hr><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/HighwaythroughCanadianshield.jpg" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/th_HighwaythroughCanadianshield.jpg"></a><br><br />The <a href="http://csern.laurentian.ca/Canadian_Shield.htm" title="Canadian Shield" target="_blank">Canadian Shield</a> is one of Canada's unique features. This photo gives you a good idea of how spectacular it is. I can't imagine how difficult it must have been to carve the highway through this rock.<br /><hr><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/TerryFox.jpg" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/th_TerryFox.jpg"></a> <br> <br />As some of you know, <a href="http://www.terryfoxrun.org/" title="Terry Fox" target="_blank">Terry Fox</a> is one of my heroes. I was thrilled to finally see the memorial to him outside <a href="http://www.thunderbay.ca/index.cfm?fuse=html&pg=293" title="Thunder Bay" target="_blank">Thunder Bay</a>, where he was forced to end his <a href="http://archives.cbc.ca/IDD-1-69-71/life_society/terry_fox/" title="Marathon of Hope" target="_blank">Marathon of Hope</a>.<br /><hr><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/WelcometoManitoba.jpg" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/th_WelcometoManitoba.jpg"></a> <br><br />After two days driving, we finally left Ontario. Naturally, I had to take a photo of the "Welcome to Manitoba" sign.<br /><hr><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/SunnymorninginManitoba.jpg" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/th_SunnymorninginManitoba.jpg"></a><br><br />Though it was raining in <a href="http://www.kenora.ca/portal/tourism/index.aspx" title="Kenora" target="_blank">Kenora</a> when we left, the sun finally came out about half an hour after we crossed the border.<br /><hr><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/ManitobaSaskborder.jpg" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/th_ManitobaSaskborder.jpg"></a><br><br />By early afternoon we crossed into Saskatchewan, though I didn't see an official sign welcoming us. I did however find a sign indicating we were now in Saskatchewan, so I snapped a photo of it instead.<br /><hr><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/Reginaatlast.jpg" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/th_Reginaatlast.jpg"></a> <br><br />People who told me it seemed the prairies went on forever, weren't kidding. I thought we'd never reach Regina, where we would turn north to go to <a href="http://www.city.saskatoon.sk.ca/" title="Saskatoon" target="_blank">Saskatoon</a>. However, at last it appeared on the horizon so I took a picture of it just to make sure it wasn't a mirage.<br /><hr><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/SaskAlbertaborder.jpg" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/th_SaskAlbertaborder.jpg"></a><br><br />I learned something else on this trip. Turns out <a href="http://www.city.lloydminster.ab.ca/" title="Lloydminster - Border City" target="_blank">Lloydminster</a> sits directly on the Saskatchewan/Alberta border, and they make a big deal about it. As I mentioned earlier in my recounting of the trip, they have two large red markers in the middle of town. So once again out came my camera.<br /><hr><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/WorldsLargestEasterEgg.jpg" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/th_WorldsLargestEasterEgg.jpg"></a> <br />in <a href="http://www.vegreville.com/" target="_blank">Vegreville, Alberta</a><br><br />Sean insisted we stop to take a photo of the Pysanka, so here it is.<br /><hr><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/SheepinJasper.jpg" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/th_SheepinJasper.jpg"></a> <br><br />Despite many warnings of wildlife on the highway, we didn't see all that much. But we did see these sheeep just outside the town of <a href="http://www.visit-jasper.com/home1.html" title="Jasper" target="_blank">Jasper</a>.<br /><hr><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/Patientcatsinacage.jpg" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/th_Patientcatsinacage.jpg"></a><br><br />We needed to do a little shopping in Jasper before going to <a href="http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/ab/jasper/visit/visit2a_e.asp" title="The Whistlers" target="_blank">the campground</a>, Sean left me in the truck with the cats. Even though we had been traveling a long time, they continued to be patient. Such good girls.<br /><hr><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/EveningatJasper.jpg" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/th_EveningatJasper.jpg"></a> <br><br />Our campsite in Jasper, within a quiet area. The scenery, however, was gorgeous. Here is what we saw from the window of the camper.<br /><hr><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/Teresawithbewareofbearsign.jpg" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/th_Teresawithbewareofbearsign.jpg"></a> <br><br />To stretch our legs after the drive, we went for a little walk. Sean insisted we stopped in front of the bear warning sign so he could take a picture of me with it. The story behind this is that there are lots of bears here on the property on the Sunshine Coast, yet I didn't see one until 2004 and even then it wasn't here. Sean has joked that I am bear repellent, hence the need for the photo of me with the sign. (It was windy, which is why I have hair across my face!)<br /><hr><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/Isthereabearoutthere.jpg" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/th_Isthereabearoutthere.jpg"></a><br><br />Cleo was fascinated by the view from the window. I figured she was looking for a bear.<br /><hr><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/Catsinthecamperoohah.jpg" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/th_Catsinthecamperoohah.jpg"></a> <br><br />Before we left, I was worried the cats might not like the camper, but it turns out I was wrong. Don't they look like they're right at home?<br /><hr><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/MorningatJasper.jpg" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/th_MorningatJasper.jpg"></a> <br><br />If anything, our view in the morning was even more spectacular. Here's what we saw just after sunrise.<br /><hr><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/elkorcaribooatjasper.jpg" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/th_elkorcaribooatjasper.jpg"></a> <br><br />While driving out of the campground, we saw either an elk or a caribou. I'm still not sure which one it was.<br /><hr><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/Beartrapatcampground.jpg" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/th_Beartrapatcampground.jpg"></a><br><br />Here is the bear trap set up just inside the entrance to the campground.<br /><hr><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/IcefieldsParkway1.jpg" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/th_IcefieldsParkway1.jpg"></a><br><br />The scenery on the <a href="http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/ab/jasper/visit/visit14_e.asp" target="blank">Ice Fields Parkway</a> between Jasper and Banff was easily some of the most interesting of the trip.<br /><hr><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/Seanaticefield.jpg" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/th_Seanaticefield.jpg"></a> <br> <br />We stopped at the Columbia icefield, and took some photos there. Here is Sean with the icefield in the background.<br /><hr><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/Columbiaicefield.jpg" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/th_Columbiaicefield.jpg"></a> <br><br />And here is the icefield itself. I took this photo as we out of the parking lot directly opposite it.<br /><hr><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/Mountainonicefieldparkway.jpg" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/th_Mountainonicefieldparkway.jpg"></a><br><br />One of the many incredible mountains along the parkway. <br /><hr><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/AthabascaRiver.jpg" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/th_AthabascaRiver.jpg"></a><br><br />I'd never seen a green river before, so had to take a photo of the Athabasca. Sean says that water is that color because it is so cold, runoff from much much farther north.<br /><hr><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/Mountainrockonicefieldparkway.jpg" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/th_Mountainrockonicefieldparkway.jpg"></a><br><br />Here is one of my arty shots, taken of a rockface from the side window.<br /><hr><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/WelcometoBC.jpg" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/th_WelcometoBC.jpg"></a><br><br />Late in the morning, we finally arrived in B.C. it seems, a provincial motto has changed from "Beautiful British Columbia" to "The Most Beautiful Place on Earth".<br /><hr><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/BeautifulBC.jpg" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/th_BeautifulBC.jpg"></a><br><br />Here is an example of some of that beauty.<br /><hr><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/Snowtunnel.jpg" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/th_Snowtunnel.jpg"></a> <br><br />Another one of my arty shots, taken as we went through a snow tunnel - designed to keep motorists safe during avalanche season.<br /><hr><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/Starbuckscomingsoon.jpg" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/th_Starbuckscomingsoon.jpg"></a><br><br />We thought this sign in <a href="http://www.revelstokecc.bc.ca/" title="Revelstoke" target="_blank">Revelstoke</a> was pretty funny. They don't have a Canadian Tire here but they will have a Starbucks very soon!<br /><hr><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/Williamsonlakecampground.jpg" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/th_Williamsonlakecampground.jpg"></a> <br><br />After a little adventure we found our campground for the night. It turned out to be even nicer than it looked on <a href="http://www.williamsonlakecampground.com/" title="Williamson Lake Campground" target="_blank">the web site</a> and we want to go back there one day to spend a couple of more nights.<br /><hr><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/SeanatWillimasonLakeCampground.jpg" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/th_SeanatWillimasonLakeCampground.jpg"></a> <br><br />Here's a photo of Sean I took at Williamson Lake - you can see how beautiful it is there.<br /><hr><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/Revelstokeinthemorning.jpg" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/th_Revelstokeinthemorning.jpg"></a><br><br />One of the best things about moving to BC is the mountains. I took this photo as we were leaving the campground on Monday morning.<br /><hr><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/ChangeofweatheroutsideRevelstoke.jpg" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/th_ChangeofweatheroutsideRevelstoke.jpg"></a><br><br />A few minutes later the weather had changed completely. But that didn't last long either and soon we were back in the sun.<br /><hr><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/EnchantedForest.jpg" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/th_EnchantedForest.jpg"></a><br><br />Back in April, or maybe even March I mentioned the <a href="http://www.enchantedforestbc.com/" title="Enchanted Forest" target="_blank">Enchanted Forest</a>. Because of the cats we didn't have time to stop, but I did take some photos as we passed by and here is the best of the lot. Sean did pull over so I could take several, then took some himself.<br /><hr><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/TrainwesawinSaskatoon.jpg" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/th_TrainwesawinSaskatoon.jpg"></a> <br><br />While we were in Saskatoon we went to our older nephew's soccer game, but it was told to stand and watch. So we went for a walk instead with the younger children. While at a nearby playground we saw a train going by and our younger nephew was fascinated by it. Imagine our surprise when we saw the same train while traveling between Revelstoke and <a href="http://www.salmonarm.ca/siteengine/activepage.asp" title="Salmon Arm" target="_blank">Salmon Arm</a>. Now you might think "how do they know it was the same train?" - personally I'm not sure because I don't know that much about trains, but Sean says it's the same train. And I believe him. We're going to send a photo of the train to our nephew.<br /><hr><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/Maralake.jpg" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/th_Maralake.jpg"></a> <br><br />Between Salmon Arm and Kelowna we went along Highway 97A - this pretty lake is called Mara Lake. Isn't it beautiful?<br /><hr><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/ShuswapLakeBC.jpg" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/th_ShuswapLakeBC.jpg"></a><br><br />At one point we crossed <a href="http://www.shuswap.bc.ca/" title="Shuswap Lake" target="_blank">Shuswap Lake</a> and I managed to snap this gorgeous picture.<br /><hr><br /><br /> <a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/TheGloriousOkanaganinspringglory.jpg" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/th_TheGloriousOkanaganinspringglory.jpg"></a><br><br /><a href="http://www.okanagan.com/" target="_blank">The Okanagan Valley</a> is one of the loveliest places in B.C., and especially so in the spring when everything is so green.<br /><hr><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/SnowontheCoquihallaConnector.jpg" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/th_SnowontheCoquihallaConnector.jpg"></a><br><br />Between <a href="http://www.city.kelowna.bc.ca/" title="Kelowna" target="_blank">Kelowna</a> and <a href="http://www.merritt.ca/" title="Merritt" target="_blank">Merritt</a> runs the <a href="http://www.vtours.com/kelowna/lcquconn.htm" title="Coquihalla Connector" target="_blank">Coquihalla connector</a>. The <a href="http://www.britishcolumbia.com/regions/towns/?townID=3947" title="Coquihalla" target="_blank">Coquihalla</a> is the main highway between the Okanagan and Fraser valleys. Getting there from Kelowna means driving for an hour across the mountains - the scenery is wonderful, though I confess to closing my eyes when we got too near the edge. It's also very isolated up their so I wouldn't want to make that drive in the winter unless we were traveling with another car. Because of the altitude it often snows up their later in the season as we discovered.<br /><hr><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/CoquihallaConnectorincloudandsun.jpg" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/th_CoquihallaConnectorincloudandsun.jpg"></a><br><br />Fortunately it didn't snow the whole way and the sun even peeked out from time to time.<br /><hr><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/SeancheckinginatHope.jpg" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/th_SeancheckinginatHope.jpg"></a> <br><br />Our drive down the Coquihalla went smoothly and by just past four o'clock Sean was able to call his parents and let them know we'd be on the coast that evening. This is the rest stop at Hope - regular readers of my blog will remember the photo Sean took here on his big trip in early April.<br /><hr><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/Hwy1outsideHope.jpg" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/th_Hwy1outsideHope.jpg"></a> <br><br />Even the highways here are beautiful in spots.<br /><hr><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/Hwy1inNorthVan.jpg" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/th_Hwy1inNorthVan.jpg"></a> <br><br />One of the things I like about <a href="http://www.discovervancouver.com/" title="Vancouver" target="_blank">Vancouver</a> if there is so much green space in the city. Here is the highway going through <a href="http://www.cnv.org//server.aspx?c=4&i=1" title="North Van" target="_blank">North Van</a>.<br /><hr><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/Horsehoebayatlast.jpg" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/th_Horsehoebayatlast.jpg"></a> <br><br />At last we reached <a href="http://www.horseshoebaybc.ca/" title="Horseshoe Bay" target="_blank">Horseshoe Bay</a>. I have to say I was pretty happy to see it.<br /><hr><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/HeadingfortheboothatHB.jpg" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/th_HeadingfortheboothatHB.jpg"></a><br><br />So happy that I even took a photo of the approach to the ticket booth.<br /><hr><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/TulipsatHorseshoeBay.jpg" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/th_TulipsatHorseshoeBay.jpg"></a> <br><br />In the early evening sun, the planters of tulips looked especially nice, don't you think?<br /><hr><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/ViewfromHorseshoeBay.jpg" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/th_ViewfromHorseshoeBay.jpg"></a> <br><br />Even waiting in line for the ferry isn't so bad with this kind of scenery.<br /><hr><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/CamperinlineatHorseshoeBay.jpg" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/th_CamperinlineatHorseshoeBay.jpg"></a> <br><br />Here's Sean with the camper - I figured we needed at least one pic of us in line at the ferry.<br /><hr><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/DisembarkingatLangdale.jpg" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/th_DisembarkingatLangdale.jpg"></a><br><br />It was almost dark by the time we reached <a href="http://www.britishcolumbia.com/regions/towns/?townID=8" title="Langdale" target="_blank">Langdale</a>, but I wanted to document our disembarkment at our new home nonetheless.<br /><hr><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/Onthehighwayhomewardbound.jpg" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/th_Onthehighwayhomewardbound.jpg"></a><br><br />Here we are along the windy tree-lined highway on the final leg of our trip.<br /><hr><br /><br /><a href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/Homeatlast.jpg" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/ladytess/Trip%20West/th_Homeatlast.jpg"></a><br><br />Home at last :-)<br /></div><br />Teresa<br /></font>Tesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15636189059910920978noreply@blogger.com2