As we know by now, one's day is determined by the ferry schedules. We awoke at 5:30am, before Boots even contemplated crowing, and were in the ferry line by 6:20 am. We had coffee and even changed the sheets on the bead before repacking Stormy. The morning sun was creeping over the mountains, and Gina was smiling. How things have changed in 2 short weeks.
We stopped at Lopez Island to drop off and pick up passengers, then headed to Friday Harbor on San Juan Island. An adorable little town surrounded the harbor, but we followed Carole's instructions and headed to South Beach. There, on the hill overlooking the Straight of Juan de Fuca we ate our breakfast of yogurt, granola and bananas. It was a little chilly and we were in shorts, so we covered with the Neat Sheet. We were in the middle of some much needed facial grooming, in the early morning light, when we were intruded upon by 3 kayak carrying interlopers. We watched them brave the waves and paddle off into the Straight, then we walked on the beach and played on the huge piles of driftwood.
We followed the coast line and stopped at several overlooks and walking trails along the Straight of Juan de Fuca, hoping to see whales. Unfortunately, no whales were spotted, but the scenery was beautiful. We continued to the northern tip of San Juan Island and ate lunch at Roche Harbor where we watched numerous sailboats and motorboats arrive and depart.
It was fairly quick and easy going through Canadian customs "where are you headed?, where do you call home?, do you have any gifts for anyone here in Canada?,and do you have any firearms or pepper spray?". Answering NO to all, we were soon headed south, on Hwy. 17 into Victoria. In keeping with the Sherwood Forest theme of Garberville, we finally found Robin Hood Inn and stopped for the night as we were exhausted, having gotten up at 5:30 am. Art greeted us in the lobby, gave us directions and showed us maps for virtually every thing and place we could conceivably want to see on Vancouver Island. He was quite the friendly character and Gina restrained Phyllis as her eyes began to roll back into her head, a definite sign of impending sarcasm. Gina thanked Art and moved them out of the lobby as quickly as possible. Bedtime could not come quickly enough!!
