Nature and friends are beautiful things

Last Saturday we experienced a wonderful day with the Macyk's from Alberta and also met some new friends. Miracle Beach Provincial Park where they were camped is near the water with brilliant views across to mainland Canada. Apparently if you are there at the right time of the day, you can watch the cruise ships on their way up to Alaska. We had a great time with their dogs down on the beach just wandering and watching the goings on of others (including a wedding). The campground was fairly quiet for a long weekend - the usual influx of Americans just isn't happening at the moment into this part of Canada. That evening we were treated to the most gourmet "campground" meal ever - planked salmon and also bbq salmon stuffed with crab. Sides of marinated vegetables and rice and appetizers of fig and blue cheese on baguette. Not bad tucker. Thanks everyone for your hospitality.

En route to Miracle Beach (between Comox & Campbell River on east coast of Vancouver Island)

Heading for the beach

Some nice driftwood

Wedding, beach style

Marilyn & Don's camping site

The planked salmon - yum!

The next day we had a slow start and then headed out south after lunch to the Cowichan Valley to meet up with Ken & Sylvia Gray (ex-Albertans) who were hosting us for an overnight visit and sightseeing in their part of the island. Again we were treated to a beautiful dinner after which we drove the 45mins or so into Victoria and settled ourselves in front of the famous Fairmont Empress of Victoria hotel to enjoy Symphony Splash, an annual fundraiser of the Victoria Symphony Orchestra. The orchestra is set up on a barge in the water and people watch either from their boats or from a spot on shore. The weather was beautiful and the music wonderful - the evening ended with fireworks. I'm sure we will be back to see it next year.

The Fairmont Empress of Victoria hotel

Victoria Harbour 

More of the harbour 

Brian & Ken waiting for the show to start

Can you see the orchestra on the barge?

Next morning after a deluxe breakfast of blueberry pancakes and maple syrup with eggs and bacon (you are a good cook Ken), we drove a short distance to see an historic trestle bridge which had just been reopened the past week after years of rebuilding. It was quite a sight with lots of people also having the same idea. A quick stop at their favourite water hole (no, not the pub variety) and then we were off for an afternoon on the water - touring the Gulf Islands. The first boat launch was out as the tide was too low so we had to head to another one further north. That wasn't quite high enough so we were forced to sit and enjoy lunch in the sun at a nearby pub. Finally the tide was in enough to launch the boat. We had a few hours touring past many of the islands in that area, stopping for a beer at Thetis Island. Brian and I were so amazed at just how beautiful this area is - I don't think either of us realized just how many smaller islands (most of them inhabited) there are between the mainland and Vancouver Island. We are looking forward to further exploration that's for sure. Thanks Gray's for your hospitality and a fabulous visit.

The Kinsol Trestle

The swimming hole

This boat launch was too shallow!

But this one was just right! 

Brian's feet enjoying the view

Which island is this I wonder? Saltspring?

Discussing whether or not they are legally parked 

Thetis Island Marina

Today is Tuesday and the focus will be on more mundane things. We are off for an appointment to finalize insurance on our new house. Have a few loose ends to tie up including repacking suitcases etc. for our departure on Thursday morning. We have less than a month now to wait until we take possession! Can't wait.