Vancouver Island 2012 (8)

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A quiet start to the week, pottering around the house, in and out to PA, drinkies down the Fish & Duck. Shock, horror! IT RAINED!! Not much, a bit of occasional drizzle Sunday night, Monday and Tuesday. It didn't get cold though and it dawned a nice day Wednesday when we went on a one night road trip to Campbell River on the Inside Passage coast. This was recommended by my old mate Rik who was there last year with Angie; they went kayaking in the rain! - Well I think they did. He mentioned kayaking and rain in the same sentance. In fact he mentioned rain in most sentances about that holiday :( I'm sure he thinks I've gone to a different Vancouver Island as until this week we've had great sunny weather.

It's about 120 miles from PA to Campbell River along the almost deserted inner island highway. The RV sailed along like some great cruise liner, without incident. Having called into port for victuals we berthed at the Thunderbird RV and Campsite. This was only a 10 minute walk into town past a First Nation burial ground. You could tell it was theirs by the totem poles in place of headstones!

Campbell River was a very busy fishing town for many years. It has quietened down somewhat now but still has a fishing fleet. Continuos ferries run to the outlying islands from the marina. It appears to be an adventure pursuits town now. After a wander around we had our tea at Dicks Fish and Chips, a small well recommended (Rik and Lonely Planet) establishment on pontoons in the marina. Very nice Halibut, home made fries and a side of Calamari. Yum. We were all happy with that. Watched the harbour seals diving for crabs and mink catching fish.

On the way back to the ship.. er RV :) we heard a shrill screeching in the top of a Fir Tree. A female Sea Eagle and her large fledgling, right by busy commercial premises, quite a sight even though they are common here.

After an almost comfortable night and a good fry up for brekkie we set sail down the coastal road which used to be the main road. At times a bit like the A38 north of Thornbury for traffic, ie: not much. We passed some very nice houses with tennis court sized decks with ocean views. Tough living here!

At Courteney we unfortunately ran aground (using another nautical analogy there). We stopped to have a look round. Larry went to adjust his parking position but the Titanic wouldn't restart. After some investigation which necessitated a 3 day camel trek to buy a battery charger/conditioner he decided the starter motor had died. Luckily a repair shop had a replacement and Larry whipped off the old one and fitted the new one. I, of course, acted in my capacity as technical consultant and handed him spanners and the lump hammer. I tried not to cramp his style too much. Still cost us 4 hours though. Could have been worse, could have happened in the Boondocks surrounded by nothing but bears and locals like extras from Deliverance! We all agreed we'd got away lightly.

With engine at full ahead we cruised home without further problem. Beer, wine and Fettuccini soothed our furrowed brows.

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