Maiden Voyage

 

 

 

So this is our first adventure since Ted's retirement, it's not very far from home but it's been lots of fun so far.  It started with  us meeting up with Deb and George at their place and then driving to catch the 2 1/2 hr ferry ride to get to Pender Island.  Once unpacked we made a list of as many nautical items we could think of to look for out on our 'island' travels, and then we set off to find a hiking trail.

"Wee Willie Walkers"

We weren't even out of the cottage lane when we saw a deer, they're all over the place here.  But the best part is that there are no bear or cougars on the island, so I can actually go on the hiking trails and not feel anxious about the wildlife.

 

 

We decided to do a 'short' 25 min hike to the highest point on Pender Island where there is a lookout where you can see Vancouver Island, plus the Gulf Islands around us.  Unfortunately we took the wrong trail and after an hour of walking and not seeming to get to the top - we realized we'd missed the right trail.  We ended up heading back down the mountain and back to the roadway, although quite some distance away from where we had parked the car.  Ted's ankle was acting up so Deb and George very kindly offered to walk back along the roadway and get the car and come pick us up - thanks guys!

 

 

It was back to the cottage for some food and beverages  The power went out around 10pm, not unusual in these parts but there was a Tsunami in the Queen Charlotte's so we were a bit apprehensive if it would affect us.  I'm happy to say there was no need for us to worry here.

So far we've continued to spot and photograph many items on our 'nautical list', including a mermaid - but we've yet to find a Captain with a parrot on his shoulder!  (We may need to make a trip to the liquor store and peruse the shelves near Captain Morgan)  Deb dutifully photographed each item as we came across them, and it's a long list...

Eagle Eye Lookout

 

 

 

Another day - another opportunity to go on a hike to find the Eagle Eye Lookout.  This time we were successful, and it was well worth the second effort and the 'moderate scramble' as they classify it.  Ted's ankle was not cooperating and by the time we were on our way down he was looking around for a Pender Island sherpa to help him down - no luck!  Once again back to the cottage for food and beverages. 

 

 



Well it's Monday afternoon and we've just taken Deb and George to the ferry terminal, they have to head back to civilization. It was a great weekend, and we're very fortunate to have such easy-going and fun relatives to have shared this time with. 

View from our deck

 

 

We're staying for the rest of the week, I'll probably have a more pics to add over the next few days, and maybe even one of a parrot to complete our list!

 

 

 

\