Sister Act Day Five

Day five was more like day four and three quarters.  It occurred very early and it required a significant jolt for me to get moving.  This was our holiday within Manda and Cherie's holiday and a trip to visit Mike and Sue Kirkland on Vancouver Island.  The significance of the visit manifested on a number of fronts.  First, Cherie has long standing connections with both; second Manda is actually the god-daughter of Mike Kirkland and is seeking backpay of pocket money and compensation for the lack of any divine interventions.  Finally, Mike Kirkland and Mike Franklin senior (Our father who art in Ipswich) were best buddies back in the 1950's.  This trip would join many circles.

5.45 and we were on the road.  Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver our first port of call and where the Ferry disembarks for Departure Bay Nanaimo on Vancouver Island.  Our drive to the ferry would take an hour and a half and the weather was overcast but dry.  Breakfast was a mobile affair with home made Banana, Walnut Muffins to follow the coffee quaffed before leaving.  The weather changed as we arrived at the ferry terminal and the clouds opened.  Not to be undone I post a view on a clearer day....In other words I cheat!

The rain was to share our company for the duration of the 1hour 40 minute crossing but that did not detract from our enjoying being a captive audience.  We saw no Orca and no Dolphins and yet that also really didn't matter.

The trip across the the Island is fantastic as we leave the mainland and the sunshine coast (rainfall coast) and weave through the smaller islands and towards the San Andreas earthquake fault line.  Word has it when the San Andreas plates really collide the Island could disappear.  No sense worrying about things you cannot change I say.

Nanaimo and the weather brightened.  We started our two hour drive north to Campbell River and our planned stop off at the small town of Coombs.  Coombs is a curious place with shops with grass and the roof and better still goats eating the grass on the roof.  The stores are a mix of clothing, souvenirs, fudge factory, fruit store and a massive farm shop and bakery.  The farm shop is fantastic and both Manda and Cherie found numerous items for their 'recyclable goat on the roof bags'.

Next stop was lunch and we followed the coast road to Qualicum Beach the home of the sand dollar, or at least one of the homes of these extraordinary shellfish.  Every self respecting bathroom should be in part a sand dollar graveyard.  We found a beachfront restaurant and the food was very good and patently home cooked.  Manda opted for the burger, I ordered a steak and mushroom pie and Cherie and Kim had whatever and I am senile and can't remember.  In any event the food was very good and we would certainly call in here again, if I can ever remember the name of the place.  I can see it in my minds eye but a name....? No chance.

 On the road having had an ample sufficiency as my mother used to say.  Stuffed and content I say.  Another hour and we were chez Kirklands in Campbell River.  This is a place that quickly captivates you and I hanker for the sea and reasanably priced real estate.  This is it.  During our two day stay I'm sure Cherie had been similarly captivated.  If the Island is going to sink into the sea then so be it.  Grab a glass of your favourite tipple; grab your dearly beloved; two deck chairs; face the Tsunami and then do whatever takes your fancy, but quickly....if you don't mind.

Mike and Sue were perfect hosts.....We unpacked the car and made ourselves instantly at home as is the house rule here.   We were tired but determined.  A six hour journey will do that to you.  We walked over the 'Oh No not you Again' welcome mat and in.  Mike and Sue have a sea view; granted you need a telescope to see it but it is there as sure as eggs are eggs.  We spent the rest of the day reconnecting and in a state of constant chatter.  We congregated round the kitchen table and once placed returned to these seats for the duration of our stay.  Rafa the house dog and American Spaniel was exceptionally well behaved and he maintained that standard for the two days. My guess is he was briefed to demonstrate good behaviour ready for his stay chez Mike and Kim next February and March while Mike and Sue enjoy Barbados. 

Bed presents were given to Manda and Cherie and UK gifts given back.  Mike's face lit up when he received a book on Isembard Kingdom Brunel.  His nose was in at an instant and extrication was a demanding task.  We talked and talked; laughed and cried and just had a good time.  An afternoon snack was followed by a dam good chicken and vegetable curry; more Merlot came into play as did a selection of Granville Island Brewery beers.  Could have brought them direct from the brewery as we were there a couple of days before.  Chewing the fat in good company and with many decades of catching up to do we had a riot.  Then we slept like the dead.....

One thing that all four of us noticed having crossed the Strait of Georgia was how much colder vancouver Island was.  Many degrees and bloody chilly let me tell you.  Our next day we emerged in stages to good coffee and set for a good walk at Salmon Point but I am now getting ahead of myself; that is tomorrows story.........