To start my cross-Canada adventure I have to travel to the provincial Capital, Victoria BC, and Mile ‘O’ on Vancouver Island. It’s a good place for a beginning but first I have to get there. So… it all starts with one step, and then  we keep going. So let’s step.

When I was young I remember watching tugboats moor here, but I haven't seen that in years.

Davis Bay Pier

Heading down the Sunshine Coast takes me past my childhood. Which seems fitting as I prepare to head forward into the unknown once more.  The lessons learned here keep teaching me still. Bruised knees and beach fires. Tree forts and tussles.

Food Artistry makes me drool

I love the creativity of culinary artists and visionaries

My Mom wanted to say goodbye and took me for a tea and a snack en route to the ferry. We had a few minutes so she took me by some of the houses down coast from her past as well.

We drove through Grantham’s Landing near where my god-father lived. He emigrated from the UK years ago and worked on the ferries with my father. He also was a highly regarded crossbow making artisan.

Going down this hill used to freak me out as a kid, but it was also kind of cool

Driving down a hill in Grantham's Landing. A place of coastal housing and history.

We continued down the coastline to Hopkins Landing. This was the area my Mom lived during high school. We sat and ate our snacks from the bakery as she told me some stories of growing up there. We watched the rain fall on the windshield as the ferry came into sight.

Hopkins Landing

Hopkins Landing

 

Queen of Coquitlam crossing Howe Sound

Queen of Coquitlam crossing Howe Sound

It was then time to head towards the terminal and say our goodbyes. My Mom is awesome.

Oh the things you find down dead-end side roads

Scottish Parking Only

 

The Queen of Coquitlam

The Queen of Coquitlam

It’s time to go. The world awaits across the water.

Grace Islands as seen from Langdale Ferry Terminal

Grace Islands as seen from Langdale Ferry Terminal