Yes – to both 🫤
May 19, 2023
Early in the morning of Monday May 15, we drove from the SKP park in Chimacum to the Black Ball Ferry Landing in Port Angeles, Washington. We were giddy with excitement and anticipation of the adventure ahead!
Ready to be a Canada cat!
From the aft deck of the ferry we waved goodbye to the lower 48 – see you in September……
It’s official!
The 90 minute voyage to Canada was uneventful, and we mentally crosschecked ourselves that we had everything we needed for the border crossing after we disembarked. The agent was quite chatty at first, really admiring our truck and camper but was then a little confused by our souvenir Alaska license plate on the front. He switched gears and asked different questions when he realized we were from Florida. “Are there any firearms in this vehicle?” No. “Have there ever been any firearms in this vehicle?” No. For a few seconds we were thinking we’d be sent to the “other” line where a much more thorough inspection occurs, but were given our passports and told to enjoy our travels. Whew! Later we admitted to each other we had both been thinking that in its former life in West by God Virginia we could envision a gun rack and long guns in the back window of Marvin, but we personally didn’t have anything except bear spray.
We drove to Butchart Gardens in Victoria where the legendary gardens were in full spring bloom and I had made us reservations (waaay back on February 15th!) for High Tea in the Dining Room. What a way to celebrate!
We feel right at home here 😀
After a stop at Walmart to re-provision those supplies we couldn’t bring across the border, we went to our campsite at Goldstream Provincial Park nearby. I had looked at photos and chosen all the campsites for their view and amenities back in January so it is fun to drive up to each park and see how well I did!
The next day, Tuesday, we drove up the eastern coast of Vancouver Island to Nanaimo, where we stopped at Bocca cafe for some Nanaimo bars. These no bake bars are a signature delicacy of the area, so much so that there is a driving “trail” of bakeries so you can sample all the varieties. We ate ours at the Harborfront near the Nanaimo sign (pronounced nah NEYE moe)
We hiked to lovely nearby Ammonite falls, which became a theme as the Island has so many beautiful waterfall hikes
We stayed at Rathtrevor Provincial Park on the beach for several days while in Nanaimo.
Wednesday we hiked to Englishman River Falls which is the deepest gorge waterfall in Canada.
We drove to Cathedral Grove for a peaceful stroll on boardwalks through lush old growth forest.
Impressive Little Qualicum River Falls rounded out our exploring for the day
The Old Country Market is a well known stop because of the goats who live on the roof! (Well, that and nearby Coombs ice cream as a treat)
Thursday we had plans for more hiking in the area that started with a trail to the Abyss, which is a deep crack in the rocky hillside.
Then, on the way down the “bust” part happened.
A tree root caught in the toe tip of my shoe and held my foot so I fell forward onto an unforgiving granite outcropping. (I’ll never hike without my hiking poles again!)
The very professional and very pleasant Canadian ER doctor was delighted that I didn’t have a concussion or broken teeth (same). I did end up with a cut over my right eyebrow where my sunglass rim dug in, and in breaking my fall with my arms I broke them – both. One of the bones in my right arm was broken near the elbow and one of the bones my left arm was broken near the wrist. The orthopedic surgeon felt both could be managed successfully without surgery which was a relief. So I ended the day sporting stitches over my right eyebrow, a cool blue fiberglass wrist cast on my left arm and a shoulder brace on my right arm —it’s a great look to start a trip with!
Of course we’re continuing on our Alaska adventure, with modifications, but the fun in Nanaimo is finished and we’ll be moving on tomorrow. I’m really disappointed in myself for getting injured, but the real casualty casualty here is Larry. After months of preparation he deserved fun and relaxation. Instead his work load doubled as now he does everything! He has been my real hero, very supportive and caring without a single complaint or word of frustration about the current circumstances. I’m a very very lucky lady!!
Adventure and adversity go hand in hand. – Boss of the Swamp
The Alaska Milepost had this recipe for the very popular Nanaimo Bars in case that picture of them made you want to try one 😋
