Not the best of winter experiences - it's hard to travel without your own home once you get used to an RV.
We ended up spending more time trying to get away from there than we did being there.
We learned a lot about ourselves - we are not joiners nor are we resort-type people!
We like being on our own.
Our forays to the beaches in California were terrific - even though we previously avoided spending time in California – we overcame our reluctance and may end up there again next season - if we get away!
Why . . . if we get away . . . you say?
Well, Fred had some severe waterworks issues. He did have other problems besides an infection. He tried meds but to no avail – flow did not improve enough.
Long-story short – a TURP* was scheduled for July.
*a process of "roto-rooting" (doctor’s terminology) the urethra. Google it for more detail
Travel Time
With no reason to stay in Lethbridge, we just couldn’t sit around. We headed out to British Columbia and Vancouver Island.
We spent time visiting friends - Langley, Courtney and Sooke and family (my brother in Victoria - my sister in Vancouver). Then we hit Tofino and Ucleulet and did the beach thing over there. (Good alternative to California if necessary).
First Stop – Langley, BC
As well as being dear friends, our relationship with Judy and Terry is very food-focused.
OMG – did they take us to some incredible foody places – certainly not fancy – just good ethnic foods.
We really do believe the old adage that . . . company and fish both start to smell after three days . . . so off we went to catch the ferry over to Vancouver Island.
It was cold and breezy!
Second Stop – Vancouver Island
Up the Island to Courtney so we could check out our forever friend Sharon’s new digs.
The house, the setting, and even the area are just spectacular. She got herself a great place and it was nice to see her so happy.
(the house next door has a cat ladder going up the side of the house)
For us, Courtney is indistinguishable from Comox. This whole area has apparently grown existentially being an area attractive to those anxious to escape harsh Canadian winters.
Off to See the Sights
Comox Wharf. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many boats!
Crow vs Eagle
I know I’ve never seen this before. A bald eagle was sitting on top of the light post and this crow swooped down and attacked it. The Eagle just sat there with a “what do you think you’re doing” attitude while the crow kept diving at him.
Filberg Park
As we walked the paths that wander through the nine acres of lush, randomly manicured gardens, I realized that for most of the last dozen or so years we had been surrounded by desert.
Not that the desert isn’t striking, fascinating and mysterious, but this profusion of growth and colour gave me a sense of warmth and security that I never felt in the desert.
They say there are 130 varieties of trees, gardens and hundreds of rhododendrons.
The property was opened to the public after the death of the original owner (R.J. Filberg, manager and superintendent of the Comox Logging and Railway Company) in 1977.
Oysters, Yum!
To me, the West Coast and oysters just go together so we went out oyster hunting. Fanny Bay . . . great stories and photo opportunities!!
It was a Sunday and the fellow who owns the Seafood Market (Bob, I think) was there. It was not busy and he was into talking.
It was one of those places that hasn’t changed for generations!!
As Bob plied Fred with stories about his life and the sculptures he brought back from Viet Nam,
Sharon and I explored behind the building where they dump and shuck the oyster.
Tofino-Ucleulet: A couple Days of Beach Bumming
It was surprisingly quiet over on the West Side of the Island which suited us fine. The Bayshore Waterfront upgraded us to the honeymoon suite . . . very nice.
At the Entrance to our suite
Our view
Exploring the beaches
The blustery cold was not going to stop us.
Wild Pacific Trail
Our last venture on the west side of the Island was the Wild Pacific Trail. Easy-going trails (the kind we like) that wander through old growth as they hug the coastline of the Ucluth Peninsula.
Amphitrite Lighthouse.
As their Web site says . . . http://tofinohiatus.com/tofinohikes/wild-pacific-lighthouse-trail.html
“The Wild Pacific Trail is wide and leisurely with numerous viewpoints to the ocean and guides you in and out of the forest on a constantly interesting route.”
Couldn’t have said it better myself.
