Hornby Island Camping
Tues. Aug 2: Ferry to Denman Island, ferry to Hornby Island. Stop at the local market then head to Big Tribune Beach. The tide is going out: white sand, driftwood, shell heaven for me. We go to the north side to Little Tribune Beach where the wind is calm and walk the beach checking out all the cottages that have creatively used driftwood in their gardens, fences and dwellings, We make our way to Ford Cove to our reserved campsite: a small private south location with a pier and marina on the lakeshore. Sites are small and close together but we back onto trees. Once set up we cook dinner then walk down steps to the shoreline to gather driftwood for our campfire. Down the road there is a dance in the field of an 85 acre farmstead. The place is awesome with a rustic farmhouse, barns, guest cottages and more and it is for sale. We walk the grounds, taking in the ocean views eating huge blackberries from the orchard, dreaming!
Wed. Aug 3: After bacon and eggs breakfast, we head to the farmers market: lots of artisans. We savor a fresh baked cinnamon bun. Stop at the winery to pick blueberries; they are huge and just fall into your hands. Tribune Bay for sun and swim. Beautiful day, the tide’s going out, water is shallow and warm. Anchored sailboats dot the horizon. Doesn’t get any better than this! After dinner we take in the free jazz concert on the lawn then watch the sunset from the pier. As the sun sets, the mountains become veiled in grey shadows and mist.
Thurs. Aug 4: Another gorgeous sunny day, breakfast, break camp. Stop at Cardboard House Bakery: tempting array of hand made breads and sweets. Check out Bradsdads campground: definitely would book here next time.Lots of amneties with deck chairs lined up to the sunsets. Head to Hornby ferry: delayed so Bob takes a swim. Denman ferry to mainland.We pick up oysters for dinner. Once home Bob cuts grass, I pick garden, trim hedges and get attacked by hornets. 3 bites on my arm (Bob puts antiperspirant on to stop the burn). Nasty! Grocery shopping, re-packing, a good nites sleep before we head out again with friends.
Gulf Islands Boat Trip
Fri. Aug 5: Drive to Maple Bay; board friends’ 28’command bridge motor boat Hono Kai and cruise to Wallace Island. Tie up at the dock in Connover Cove. It is a quiet sheltered bay and by nightfall there are about 20 boats moored for the nite - half sailboats. Bob and I set up our tent on the grassy area. There is an old cabin on the site which is a monument to all the visiting boaters. Everyone leaves their mark with a driftwood sign: there must be over 500 hand made signs hanging inside and out. Definitely a creative picture moment. Steve and Sandy putter around in the kayaks. And Bob and I row in the dinghy. Barbecue dinner. As the sun goes down, boaters gather on the dock to listen to Ted sing and play his guitar: songs from the 60, 70, 80s. We danced to a diddy on the dock. There’s a half moon shining over the calm waters and everyone’s having a great time.
Sat. Aug. 6: We wake to another glorious day. Bacon, eggs, coffee made on board. Hike 6km to Chivers Point and Boat Cove. There are tent spots for kayakers to spend the nite. Back to boat for lunch; then we brave the refreshing waters and jump in. Lay in the sun, take the raft out around the cove. Barbecue, a little bubbly, great chatting with other boaters. We hike to the point, walking on logs and thru brush to watch the sunset. Whose idea was this? Lots of laughs as we trudge back at dusk. Singing Ted joins a group of us on the dock and serenades us as the stars come out.
Sun. Aug 7: Breakfast on board. Pack up, set sail. Cruise thru the Gulf Islands, taking in the scenic views, passing other boats, checking out the summer homes along the shores. We stop at Fulford Harbor on Salt Spring Island, anchor.
Walk about the quaint shops, buy a fresh olive bread at Morning Side Bakery. After lunch, we continue south around the big island and return to Maple Bay: a beautiful afternoon on the water. Moore and tuck the boat away at the marina. Head home after another beautiful day on the water.Mon. Aug 8: Re-group, re-pack. At dusk, Bob and his friend tackle the hornets’ nest by setting it on fire.My heroes!
West Coast - Pacific Rim Camping
Tues. Aug 9: En route to Ucluelet/Tofino. Stop at Cathedral Grove and marvel at the size and beauty of the cedars. Arrive at campground in town and set up at our reserved site on the lagoon. It is cool but perfect for walking the Wild Pacific Trail: the Lighthouse Loop. A canopy of cedars covers the walkway. Every tree seems a work of art, a tangled web of branches: mysterious and magical. 
After dinner we take a drive and spot a black bear climbing over the fence into the campground. On our quest for wood we saw a sign for Mussel Beach: thought we’d check it out. The logging road goes on and on: we keep saying just a little farther. We pass a few hitchhikers, but there is nothing else in this old growth forested area for at least 20km. We wonder what is at the end of this road if there is an end? But we reach Mussel Beach I am blown away. This private wilderness campground is on the shores of open sea: beautiful sand and driftwood beach. There are log canopies and small cabins to rent: you must bring your own drinking water ($25 to camp) This a little gem I would stay at in the future. Back at camp we build a campfire for this cool nite.
Thurs. Aug 11: We wake to discover there is a power outage so cannot use the washrooms for 2 hrs. We have breakfast then head to the local coffee shop and chat with resident surfers. We visit the Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre and hike to Florencia Bay, formerly wreck beach. This 1.5hr hike loops thru forest and diverse ecosystems. Picnic lunch and a snooze on the beach. We gather wood, head back to camp, make dinner. Another short walk on the beach: campers huddle around campfires, some playing ball, some singing: just enjoying the calm peaceful nite as the mist sets over the ocean.
Fri. Aug 11: Breakfast, break camp. Walk about Wickaninnish Inn and say goodbye to the sea. We also check out the Ecolodge at the Botanical Gardens. This former hostel is a great option if you don’t want to camp: 10 rooms: includes breakfast (use of kitchen if you want to make your own), clean comfortable, convivial environment. Recommend. About an hour out of Tofino we stop for lunch at Sprout Lake: the sun is shinning, a welcome site. Head back to Nanaimo.
Aug 12: Catch Crofton Ferry to Salt Spring Island. 10 min. drive to Ganges for market day. Fresh baked goods, organic grown produce, pastas, jams, crafts, music, lots of people. Visit Art Craft Gallery featuring the work of island artisans. Back on the mainland we head to Crow & Gate in Yellowpoint for a scrumptious roast beef dinner. This quaint restaurant is English pub style with seating at shared long wood tables. They have gorgeous gardens and the house is located in a farm field. Definitely recommend.
Summary: 1700km driving
8 ferry rides
1 flat tire
3 days fog
1 mosquito infested campground
3 hornet bites
All in all it was a great adventure.
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