Sunshine Coast-Texada Island

Early morning ride in the waking city of Vancouver was not as bad as one would think. Stopped for gas  in West Van and were once again pleased to be sent to the front of the line for boarding this time onto the Langdale Ferry. We were there so early that we had plenty of time to walk over to Starbucks for a coffee and stand around to talk to other bikers while waiting to load for the 8:30am departure.

                           It's great when when you are sent to the front of the line.  :)

                Check out the biker chick on bike # 1. I'm lucky to be riding with her!

The guy on this XR650R Honda was from San Diego, CA. He has learned to "travel light"

We met two Lindas  from Chilliwack, one rode a Harley 1200 Custom cruiser and one rode a Yamaha 44 scooter. (The 4th bike in this picture is a Harley Road King) They were riding the Sunsuhine Coast to Powell River and we took the time to share breakfast with them on the ferry.

Tourist stop in Gibson. :) I didn't see "Relic"

Hey another quilt store.

My cousin Phyllis gave us a heads up about Carola's Quilt Shop.

We continued to ride the Sunshine Coast highway 101 to just catch the Earl's Cove to Saltry Bay ferry.  See the bike squeezed into the rear right corner!

Then it was on to Powell River where we had another ferry wait. So what to do...... Why have something to eat of course!

Finally it was off to Texada Island and the remaining 20km ride across and down island to Gillies Bay.

Our hosts here were my cousin Phyllis and her husband Jim Mason. It seems that each stop we have made has allowed us the opportunity to enjoy good food and great conversation in abundance.

The next morning while Phyllis and Gayle visited an island quilter named Susan, Jim and I loaded their tandem seat kayak and did an hour or so tour off Gillies Bay. Great fun in the sun and saw some seals and plenty of sea birds and eagles.

Not so easy to be a photographer and kayak paddler at the same time it would appear! 

Lunch was served in the yard to enjoy even more of this part of retirement heaven. Then it was off to Kirk Lake where Pyllis and Jim own a cabin and property. Check out the after swim hair.

As luck would have it we were in town for Phyllis and Jim's 39th wedding anniversary,so we celebrated with a very tasty supper at Ravenous Ravens restaurant.

                             Gayle's choice.

                                                                  Roy's choice

Phyllis is a good patron at ths local establishment and gets to leave her own glass here to receive her drink of choice when ever she frequents the place.

                   The waiter stepped into service as the photographer for the occasion.

An after supper tour then home to watch the the sunset and lingered to watch the stars come out. Talk about relaxing!

           All of a sudden it was time to head off the next morning to the ferry to Powell River.