Crazy Horses

Wednesday 24th August. On arriving at the somewhat aptly, if uncreatively named Departure Bay in Nanaimo, in good time to catch the ferry back to the mainland, it was late morning. We'd been trying to find the highlights of the 2 hour drive from Victoria but apart from an amusing interlude when I was prompted to burst into a chorus of Puppy Love as we passed a town en route, only to realise I'd got the wrong 70's pop idol, it was pretty uneventful*. 

The road signs describe the county as 'Super Natural British Columbia'. I like that. And for sure the pine-clad hills and mountains and the shimmering lakes and coastal inlets are stunning, but the main highway between the capital in the south and the ferry terminal is pretty dull, and there was neither desire nor opportunity really to stop so we pressed on. 

So, where was I? Ah yes. In port. By 11.15 the sun was beating down, the sky was blue, the sea sparkly and we couldn't stop ..... yawning!  I like to think it's because we are packing in the sight-seeing (or at least the seeing of many sights) or because we walked 18733 steps yesterday (yes, really - iPhone said so) but it could be the overzealous ceiling fan in the otherwise gorgeous Oswega Hotel Suite that made dropping off tricky or those wretched seagulls who think the day starts at 5.45am! Either way, retreating to the shade of the air-conditioned ferry and we both promptly nodded off! Get a grip, youse twos!! 

As I write he's still snoozing and we will shortly be back in metro Vancouver before picking up interstate 99 and heading north to Whistler. We've been doing our research and, if this fabulous weather holds, are looking forward to some gentle low-level alpine walks, masses of fresh air and a distinct absence of sea birds!

*in case you're wondering the town was called Cassidy and yes, a corrective rendition of 'Daydreamer' DID follow. As did a ridiculous discussion about 'the fat guy on Celebrity Masterchef' (HRH) and full chorus of 'Long Haired Lover from Liverpool' (moi) before being begged to stop. Ha ha ...