Campbell River, British Columbia
Friday - Thursday, July 13-19, 2018
Clear, 80°
**Note – No cell or internet the last week so no posts, trying to catch up now.
“A journey is best measured in friends rather than miles.”
It was an early morning departure from Seattle with expected morning traffic. The Waze application on my phone was saying the 157 mile trip was going to take five and a half hours which did not seem right even with going through customs at the border. The ferry was to depart at 12:30 and they require being there and checked in at least an hour prior to the scheduled sailing.
We were on the road by seven thirty and immediately hit the traffic going into Seattle. Thanks to the HOV lanes and the hospitality of the Seattle drivers (NOT) for allowing smooth lane changes and a quick transition through the area. A stop for gas before the border and things were going ahead of the Waze schedule.
The expected delay at the border crossing was minimal with a couple of quick questions, a stamp on the passport and a welcome to Canada. It took about 45 minutes to drive to the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal and check in. We were there about 15 minutes prior to the 10 am sailing so there would be a two hour wait for the next one.
The trip to Victoria Island and the town of Nanaimo was smooth sailing and before long we off-loaded the ferry and were making our way through the Friday afternoon traffic with stops at every traffic light heading north. It took a while but once past all of the Nanaimo exits the highway opened up for the two hour ride to Campbell River. 120km, counting down the miles to see my friend Russ; it had been two years since I last stopped in on my way south from Alaska.
It was great seeing each other once again, since Russ did not make the last two meetings with our gamer friends due to his wife, Rose’s health issues. All is fine now but it has been a rough couple of years for them. Rose would return on Saturday from a family reunion up in Whitehorse and fish camp in Dease Lake, Yukon.
Saturday we went for a nice walk along the spit in Campbell River and saw several eagles, herons, and other waterfowl. In the park area of the spit were older chainsaw cravings. One was cut into two bears catching fish from the rocks.
Two Bears Catching Fish
Another was an old native carrying a baby in a papoose.
Carrying the baby
The last was another old native figure who looked like he was saying to someone, “Not that Way!”
Not that Way
There were signs telling of the early days in the settlement of the town and changes that had happened over the years. There was another trip to Home Depot for several drawer slides. The drawer repairs took most of the afternoon.
On Monday, we made another trip to Mt. Washington, a local ski area that was in summer mode with many kids mountain biking there. There were many trails with varying difficulty for them to ride. We stopped, once again, at the lodge where we had met a couple two years ago that told me about the desert sculptures in Anza-Borrego State Park in California (that we visited about a month ago). We headed down the mountain to a small community called Cumberland for an ice cream, since the brew pub was closed.
Sunday, there was an event at the airport called “Wheels and Wings” which was a gathering of classic cars and airplanes.
Vintage Cars
There were several Albatross seaplanes and other float planes,
Grumman HU-16 Albatross – Wilderness Seaplanes
Grumman HU-16 Albatross
along with a vintage B-29, which had been restored, on display and was making flights throughout the day.
Cars ranged from vintage Corvettes
Corvette
and Chevys to several hot rods and Mustangs.
Hot Rod
There were about 30 to 40 cars on display; hoods opened, chrome parts everywhere,
Crank ‘em Up
and proud owners standing around answering any questions people had. There was a nice turnout for the event with people leaving around lunch time and many more coming in for the late afternoon events. Several of the kiosks were selling rides on the planes to raise money for a local charity.
Leaving there, we rode up the shore to a park where a chain saw carving competition was held the previous weekend.
Medusa
Bear & Cubs
Many of the pieces were left in the park while some had been sold to local stores and businesses.
Charming the Cobra
Monty Python Character - Tim the Enchanter
They were still tagged with what place the piece won and whether it was carved by an amateur or professional.
Tuesday afternoon, we took a water taxi from Painter's Lodge on the mainland to their April Point Resort and Spa on the island across the bay.
Painter's Lodge
April Point Resort
We walked around for a bit and had a drink at the island bar. A harbor seal met us as we got off the boat and swam around the edge of the dock, diving and popping his head out of the water to watch us as we left the marina area.
Harbor Seal
It was a nice place with cabins, a row of cottages with hiking trails and a nice spa area. The restaurant was large inside and also had a large deck with outside seating overlooking the marina. There were two seals swimming around and popping their heads out of the water, watching everything that was going on. Once the tide changed and was rising again, we headed back to the resort’s dock. Rose made a great seafood dinner that night ending a fun day.
Wednesday was spent preparing to leave the next morning with a fuel fill up, washing the RV, and doing a few maintenance items. Rose and Russ, thanks once again for the hospitality and friendship!
Rose and Russ
I wish the miles between us weren’t so great so we could spend more time together, as it is always fun.
The week seemed to fly by and ended too soon. It was time to hit the road once again making the drive back to the ferry for the trip to Vancouver: so, the adventure continues Traveling Life’s Highways.