#30 Mar 2014 B.C. Tourists

We have continued to sort through “stuff” in the RV that we thought we would need while travelling. We are slowly learning that life can be very simple when we let go of our "work" lifestyle. While we were travelling we donated to a few thrift stores and now we have more to donate here. We have not put anything into our storage locker but neither have we gotten rid of anything – yet.

We needed several electrical and water repairs on the RV which we expected would take a few days at the dealership. We knew we wouldn’t have a bed for a few days so we might as well get out and be tourists again. We have not explored Vancouver Island north of Victoria.

March 25th we dropped the RV at the dealership in Chilliwack and said we would be back March 31st.

We caught the ferry at Horseshoe Bay and headed for Nanaimo. We booked Kennedy House B and B, a beautiful 100 year old heritage home. The owners spent 5 years lovingly restoring the home to its Victorian grandeur.

Wednesday we explored Parksville and area. Herring were spawning and attracting incredible numbers of wildlife. At Rathtrevor Park we saw dozens of bald eagles and thousands of gulls.

The sea lions were sleeping/resting by floating on their sides with only their fins above water.

Cathedral Grove is a small remnant of old growth forest. The oldest Douglas fir is 800 years old and 76 metres tall.

Look way up!

Thursday we stopped at Oyster Bay and saw/heard sea lions resting after their herring feast.

On the pier we watched huge nets of oysters being unloaded from a truck into a boat. We were mystified and had to ask. They had caught more oysters than could be used and were taking them back into “storage” in the ocean to keep them as fresh as possible.

In Campbell River, Michelle, a friend of ours, gave us a very informative tour of the city and local museum. We always enjoy getting a better understanding of the area we are visiting.

We stopped at a park looking towards Quadra Island and enjoyed the sunshine and ocean. As we were leaving Ralph spotted whales spouting. We watched for a long time and saw several spouts and splashes and watched as the orcas moved along searching for supper. What a spectacular experience!

We finished a great day with dinner at Salmon Point and a peaceful sunset.