Travels with haRVy

After our boat ride on Barkley Sound we headed back to the east coast of Vancouver Island to beautiful Qualicum Beach. While we were parked beach-side for dinner we got to witness an unusual full moon rise between the clouds over the bay. That is mainland British Columbia across the water.

The next morning we moved down the beach a bit for breakfast and a walk along the shore. The shot above was taken there. The photo I didn’t get was of the Bald Eagle we watched snatch a piece of fish from a flock of gulls…darn it.

We really felt comfortable in the Qualicum Beach community where we spent some time walking around the charming downtown area, accessing free Wi-Fi at the seemingly brand new library, and having a unique lunch at Rawthentic.

A bit further north along the coastal route we boarded a ferry at Buckley Bay, which took us to Denman Island. A quick drive across that island to another ferry and we were off to our destination at the end of the road on Hornby Island – Ford’s Cove Campground.

There is something special about what are referred to locally as “two-ferry islands.” (In our case it actually took three ferry rides to reach Hornby Island, when you count our trip across from Washington State to Vancouver Island.) The additional effort required seems to attract a more interesting sort of visitor and resident. The serenity and scenery are worth it.

This view is back towards the big island from the porch of the general store (below) at Ford’s Cove. We were pleasantly surprised to find many healthy and ethnic food options here plus fresh pizza slices and cappuccinos! I was disappointed that the art gallery, which features work by several local residents, was closed during our stay. They only open on weekends in October, the price we often have to pay for traveling off-season. Oh well, at least I got to window shop.

These campground girls supplied us with farm fresh eggs. Might they be Rhode Island Reds?

The store and campground overlook a funky marina in which the boats are packed in chock-a-block so most can’t get away even if they want to. I do have to say, however, that I wouldn’t go to sea in many of them anyway. You will see why I say that in the photos below.

Inside the wheel house

Looking across three decks

Just the necessities onboard…

Doubt these sails have seen the light of day recently.

The distant view looks quite nice though.

Signs that there is much more going on here in-season.

As the tide went out some very interesting rock formations were exposed.

We hiked a coastal trail from the campground…

Took a couple of rides around the island to visit a few beaches…

And some interesting neighborhoods…

Tanks of water are strategically placed around the island for fire-fighting purposes. Most have been painted by local artists. This one was obviously done as an homage to Andy Warhol.

A rather unique roadside egg stand

On our way back we spent a little more time on Denman Island.

Downtown… food, liquor, gas and mail… what else do you need, right?

Our lunch time view

Home Sweet Home ?!?

A look back at Ford’s Cove.

Once back on Vancouver Island, we drove to Courtenay where we stayed with my brother’s wife’s sister’s son, Jason, who we met briefly seven years ago at my niece’s wedding. He was a bit surprised to get my phone call, but welcomed us warmly. He, his wife Sunday, and son Ishan graciously shared their driveway and washroom facilities with us for two nights. Even better than that – they invited us to share the Canadian Thanksgiving Holiday with them and a group of friends at Al’s chalet at Mt. Washington Alpine Resort.

We wish the weather had been better (rain and fog) during our visit so we could have enjoyed the natural beauty of both areas, but the company and meals were a deeply appreciated treat. Thank you all for sharing your homes and holiday!