Getting on the ferry from Horseshoe Bay took a lot longer than we planned. Not because of getting Tor on the boat, but because we were the first people in the ferry line not to make the 12:30 sailing! Had to wait another 2 1/2 hours for the next boat. Think it was so crowded because BC
Ferries has instituted a mid-week fare on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, the significantly discounted price is especially worthwhile if your paying for a vehicle the length of Tor. Fortunately there's a little village right next to the terminal that had a good restaurant on the water, called the BoatHouse and pretty views around the wharf that filled the time nicely.
Got Tor loaded in a good position, since we were the first on.
We layered up on the clothing because we thought it would be cold on the water. But the sun came out and it turned out to be a wonderful just under two hour trip.
Disembark at Nanaimo/Departure Bay and drive about 25 minutes to Parksville which is supposed to have beautiful beaches and the warmest water on the island. Arrive Surfside RV Resort (surfside.bc.ca) and at first were kind of taken aback because it is almost entirely park model permanent summer residences. Turned out we loved it....magnificent view, lovely clubhouse facilities with a good exchange library, very nice neighbors and beachwalks and shell hunting galore.
There are very few ocean sites that are rentable to travelers. We felt very fortunate to secure this location with the ocean on one side and a mountain view from the other.
The first evening brings a gorgeous sunset.
The weather during the next few days is still not cooperating, however we walk the rocky beach everyday at low tide when it's possible to go out at least a half mile. We accumulate so many shells that I know will make the coolest salt cellars, appetizer plates and jewelry. Of course, we also did this in the Bay of Fundy and have never done anything with them, but it's fun. And the water is really pretty warm.
We come across a starfish just barely in the water. Never have seen a purple one, but later learn they are by far the most common.The best news came on the beach when Kelly called to give us the good news Chip's next post will be at the War College in Newport, Rhode Island, a wonderful opportunity for him and a pretty great location for the whole family. We talked forever..not a good thing at these international rates, but who cares!
Then we discover the bald eagles....how very grand! Have never seen one in the wild...apparently they hang out on this beach all the time. Rick shoots some amazing photos. This one is particularly spectacular. Seems crows have some issues with the eagles and they keep dive bombing them. Can't believe the eagle just doesn't take him out!
Take a drive to Nanaimo, the second largest city on the island after Victoria. They seemed to have spent an enormous amount of money attempting to create a vibrant waterfront. Don't know if it's economically viable, there's hardly anyone around. We do have a nice walk and discover a very unusual sight, at least to us. The tide is out and the starfish, mostly purple ones, are hanging from the pier and piled up everywhere. This is one of the prettier sights with the sea anomenes...the piles of purple blobs were actually pretty gross.
And we find Dr. Seuss flowers live in Canada too!
Found a great seafood market in Parksville at the wharf called French Creek Seafood (frenchcreekseafood.com). Looks pretty groddy as the best ones always do with the requisite wreck of an old boat at the entrance.
They have the spot prawns we discovered on Granville Island and at a far better price. Today is the last day of the prawn season so we are so glad we came today. We've made them two ways; shelled and sauteed in butter, oil, wine and garlic which was amazing and Rick found a recipe for an oil, basil, garlic marinade that when coated for awhile then tossed on the grill was simply fantastic. These prawns are reminscent of the Ridgebacks we found in Santa Barbara (though far more expensive)...both have that rich, lobster taste. Would even buy these frozen if we can find them.....they are that good!
The weather is not only not cooperating, it is truly odd. The days are cloudy and windy....about 4 or 5 o'clock, the sun comes out and it's glorious. And, by the way, it's not really dark until about 10:30 and dawn is before 5. A whole lot of daylight...wish there was some sunlight to go with it.
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