Monday 25 June 2018

Quickie Cycle Tour of Saltspring Island

On June 21st I drove to the Tsawwassen Ferry terminal and, with my Bike Friday and overnight touring gear, boarded the 1010 hrs sailing for the Gulf Islands.  This particular run makes stops at Galiano, Main and Pender Islands before my embarkation at Long Harbour on Saltspring Island around 1330 hrs.

Did the short ride into Ganges where I had a tasty pub lunch then proceeded onward to Ruckle Provincial Park.  This is a bit of a hilly ride but traffic was light and I was in no rush.  Stopped at one of the roadside 'honor box' stands for a delish granola bar.  Set up camp on the grassy slopes above the rocky beach.  Read and watched the ferries go by until 2100 hrs when I crawled into my tent for sleep.

The Spark One tent continues to impress me.  It and my sleeping bag fit into a rear pannier with room to spare.  Also, cannot believe how much my tenting sleep has improved by using the MEC inflatable pillow.

Up early and on the road to catch the 0950 hrs ferry from Fulford Harbour to Swartz Bay and then the main island ferry back to Tsawassen and the drive home.  45 km of cycling.

On the ferry - chilly winds!

On ferry I opened this birthday package from my brother.  Contained an ancient copy of Hornblower series (vol 1) and a typewriter written letter.  Too cool.

Roadside stand

At Ruckle Farm barn

'Arts' pic at Ruckle Farm

Break

My campsite in the morning



Buntzen Lake Hike

This lake is just minutes from our house and is always a pleasant and popular walk. 

There was a bit of a local heat wave happening so on June 19th we arrived just as the park gates opened at 8:00 am to avoid the heat of the day.   We enjoyed a quick 10 km hike with a rest at the beach on the north shore.







Day Cycle Around the Vancouver West Side

Fun day out on our bikes.

June 16th - drove to Kitsilano where we unloaded our bikes at the Arbutus bike/pedestrian corridor.  Cycled roughly south with a detour to Queen Elizabeth Park and then onto Pacific Spirit Park at UBC.  Dropped down to Jericho Beach to join the cycle way back to Kits.

35 km ride almost all on cycle paths or dedicated cycle lanes on road.