This morning we drove the Sea to Sky Highway from Whistler to Horseshoe Bay, West Vancouver, and the BC (British Columbia) Ferry Terminal. Our ferry crossing was scheduled for 12:50 p.m. and we were instructed to arrive 90 to 60 minutes ahead. The drive from Whistler to Horseshoe Bay was projected to be 1 hour and 20 minutes, depending on the traffic. We decided to hitch up and leave by 9 a.m. since we were towing (we have to driver slower); the weather was foggy and overcast (cutting our speed even more); and, the roads were sinuous with many changes of elevation (slowing for 10% grades and near-hairpin turns). But, we still arrived 2 hours ahead of departure and we had time to explore Horseshoe Bay.
Driving the Sea to Sky Highway.
Waiting in line for the ferry to Nanaimo.
Before we headed into the little village of Horseshoe Bay, Frederick helped this desperate man liberate his bag of pretzels from the vending machine. It had gotten hung-up and would't drop to the service shelf. After a successful conclusion, the man offered Frederick a pretzel, but we told him to enjoy the fruits of his hard fought battle.
Horseshoe Harbor on a beautiful, sunny Sunday morning.
Our rig ready for a trip to Vancouver Island.
Leaving Horseshoe Bay.
Approaching Vancouver.
Vancouver
(Just a reminder, you can click on the pictures to enlarge them for better detail and clarity.)
Regatta off Vancouver .
The crossing, 1 hour and 40 min., aboard the Coastal Renaissance, was smooth and uneventful.
Approaching Nanaimo Harbor. See the darker clouds to the right? That's where we're heading once we get off the ferry.
After we debarked, we turned right, north up the east coast of Vancouver Island on Highway #19. Nanaimo is one third of the way up the coast and Campbell River, where we are going, is another third, about 100 miles further. As we drove north it got darker and gloomier and the rain began to fall - as we are now getting used to and expect! Our RV park is another 10 miles north of Campbell River and 7 km off Highway 19 on a Forest Service Road. This road would rival Top of World Highway for steep grades and potholes. Once we turned and started our descent to the water, we were committed because there was no place to turn around.
We arrrived in the gloom and the rain, and after negotiating a couple of steep hills (the Mercedes-Benz really is a great towing vehicle!) we found the office. It had been a long day and we were somewhat tired so we told the woman that we would only commit for one night instead of the five that we had booked.
In the morning, things looked 100% better and we have decided to stay out our full time. We'll have to tow out of here on the 7km forest service road, but we can do that!
View from our bedroom the next morning.
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