We have travelled about 70km by bike at this point, most of it divided among the Gulf Islands on the British Columbian coast. We missed our intended ferry but discovered instead unintended paths, which end up being some of the most memorable ones.
We spent the early afternoon on Vancouver island where we got off the ferry near Sidney, BC. We met up with Mariana, another inspired soul who thought the bike trip was a great idea. In fact she's one of the veterans since she and Misty cycled across Newfoundland together.
After joining her for lunch in a city park full of flowers, Leah, Misty and I went off to explore Salt Spring Island, another gulf island east of Victoria island. We were greatly impressed with the beauty and the laid-back atmosphere, but not so happy with the imposing hill and hills that were between us and the campsite. A side visit to a goat cheese maker's made us happier, and arriving at the gorgeous campsite was definitely the highlight of the day. I'm getting the sense that it's the balance between air, water, wood, sun and rock that makes the west coast so appealing. I imagine that living here one feels like you're being taken care of, that you have everything you need around you. It's really beautiful and I can see why the island attracts so many artists to live there.
We returned in the early morning to catch the ferry back to Vancouver island and them onwards to Washington state. More hills awaited us. In fact I think that the entire trip will be gorgeous but endless uphill and downhill. Fun fun fun!!!
Ok off to the beach then to bed.
Janius Tsang
