Tomorrow we take the ferry back to the mainland but this time only from Nanaimo to Horseshoe Bay (Vancouver). We are a little less than 2 hours to Nanaimo so not a lot of driving today. This was the day we had intended for visiting Victoria but because of the wildfire and not getting to Pacific Rim, we’ve already done it.
An update on Hwy 4 to Port Alberni. It is still closed and likely to be so for another few days. The fire was burning on a bluff above the road causing rock falls and trees to litter the highway so opening the road is a little more complicated. We are thankful that we hadn’t gotten here a day or two earlier and gotten stuck over there with no way to get back.
Slow, lazy start to the day as we have no agenda and pretty much seen most of what we want to between here and Nanaimo.
We stopped in Mill Bay again hoping to eat at the local bistro that gets good ratings. We shopped for food and refilled the wine cellar. The bistro however was elusive. Parking was an issue and then they couldn’t seat us (at lunch on a Thursday) for another 45 minutes. We elected to move on to Cowichan Bay which was supposed to be pretty with shopping and restaurants. There must be something about Thursdays. Cowichan Bay markets itself as a sleepy little town that moves at a relaxed pace. It was packed!!! Cars and people everywhere. We ended up picnicking at the boat ramp. Altogether not a bad choice and scenic location.
Our campsite tonight is right on the ocean with a beautiful view. A great way to end our time at the oceans edge. Saturday we move inland again.
It has been entertaining to watch 2 women putting up a tent .. obviously for the first time. It looks like mother and daughter. They’ve been at it for over an hour! Now they are working out how to put up the fly. There is a first time for everything. Lots of photos being taken and discussion about what is supposed to go where.
Tonight is the official end of the outbound trip across Canada. Tomorrow, once we get off the ferry, we start the return.
We have driven over 5 1/2 thousand miles! We are so pleased with our little vehicle. She is a good home away from home. With all the big rigs we have seen in campgrounds since we bought her, we wouldn’t want anything else. We have a rhythm and a routine that absolutely works for us.
Speaking of routines, it’s time for our sundowners! Dinner is shrimp, rice and Caesar salad. And ice cream for dessert. Life is certainly wonderful and we are so grateful to be able to have this adventure of a lifetime.
Louise and Brian McLeod Travel Blog 
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