4th Week in Canada

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Adam's Blog:

A rainy, misty drive to the ferry at Comox on Vancouver Is (yes made it in plenty of time) had us head back to the mainland at Powell River, pop'n 12,000. It was a big sawmilling and paper mill town once but they have closed down, it is now more of a sleepy fishing town or end point of the road on the west coast of Canada to visit the Gulf Islands.

We drove about 5kms south of the main town to our next homex for the week....the entrance was almost mystical as the small laneway wound its way through huge fir trees, moss covered ground and ferns. The home was set on the waterfront looking across to Texada Is. the view was equally spectacular as Nanaimo. A lovely warm home, recently updated was for us to enjoy, relax in and look after for a week, while Mary & David headed away to Victoria and Calgary. That evening we watched the Canucks win 7-2 in game 5 to lead the series 3-2.

Our weather forecast was for cool, wet windy weather.....(it is known for it at this time of year)...we were in need of winding back a bit, so inside was the go....books, music, wine and games and toys for G&K. We went for a walk along the shore strewn with pebbles, drift logs and large rocks - beachcombing our way picking up shells, driftwood and spotting hundreds of crabs. We found an injured hummingbird that had flown into our window, so took it in and Gracie gave it much attention to see if it would survive, unfortunately it lasted only a further day.

The week became rather typical, sleep in, get up - go for a walk, sit on the deck, read a book, watch the tug and barges go by and listen to music. There was a huge bald headed eagle's nest in the tree outside our front door....apparently they had over 13 babies....we would see it fly out over the water (and us sometimes) scout the water and return. We met the neighbours - all very friendly, had crab races, threw rocks into the water, skipped over rocks etc. I found a clam shell that had washed up on the shore, but not opened, it was all chalky white....I said to Kit "Hey that's a beauty Kit.".......he took it and showed mum and said "Hey mum that's a beauty."......precious.

As the week drifted on, the weather improved and on one particular day we grabbed the kayak and paddled out into the calm water....I headed over to a rocky outcrop and suddenly heard a 'grunt', then up bobbed a sea lion, then another, then four more......6 very curious creatures wondering what I was doing in their world....as I paddled over they would swim away.....I did manage a few photo opps. though. We all took turns on the kayak and had some fun.....come the afternoon the tide was high, the sun glistening on the water as it started to set behind the hills and you could only hear a far off chirping noise......getting very close to nature. This part of the trip was an unexpected highlight.

We left sleepy Powell River well asleep, as we headed out very early to catch the ferry back to Vancouver.....passing through the villages of Sechelt and Gibsons.....the views were to die for, so have added a few extra photos (they'll make the highlight reel).
We made it back into Vancouver with 20 mins to spare to get car back and managed to get thru the whole damage thing, minus $1000 (until they investigate the claim) and found our way to a hotel.

The Canucks had come from behind in game 6 to beat LA and win the series 4-2, sending them into the final 8, to play Chicago Blackhawks.....as this is written Canucks won the first game 5-1 away and play game two tonight. We have ticked over the first month and first chapter of our trip - The Coast, the next chapter is 7 weeks inland - The Country as we head to Okanagan.....stay tuned.

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