Vancouver Island

Lyn's case was in the room the previous evenning so at least we now had all the luggage. But would it fit in the car?

The first job of the morning was a walk to the bike shop to return the emergency repair bag Robert had left in his ruck sac the previous evening. This was combined with a trip to Safeway's for a couple of breakfast bagels for L and R. By just after 9:30 we were on our way to get the ferry from Tsawwassen to Swartz bay. We did remember to return the automatic garage opener so avoided a $300 unwanted souvenir. The traffic seemed lighter than Saturday afternoon Kate took us on a different route crossing False Creek over Granville bridge. Robert had paid a deposit to reserve a place on the 12:10 ferry. You need to arrive between 30 and 60 minutes before the sailing. We arrived around 90 minutes before the sailing and were able to get on the 11:10 sailing instead. The $115 cost for a car and 3 passengers for the 90 minute trip was good value but one of the locals thought it was expensive as he could remember when it was $5 for the car and $1 per person. We sat outside for the journey. No  whales but pleasant scenery as the the ferry navigated a path between the islands. First stop in Victoria was MEC a Canadian outdoor cooperative store Martin had recommended. After a couple of attempts we finally found a car park and were in the store. A good choice of outdoor equipment. Louise brought some canoe shoes but no extra long trousers for Robert and he decided not to get a maple leaf print cycling top . We also got a Victoria cycling map. We arrived at the B+B just after 3:00 and were shown to our large suite by Douglas. The B+B is close to the centre but to save Lyn's legs we drove and parked near the Cycletreks Tours bike hire shop The staff we friendly but the bikes not as good as the ones we had in Vancouver. Mine has a long seat post but the frame is to short for a comfortable ride. It will have to do for a couple of days. We were also given a bike cycle map so could have saved ourselves $6.95. Louse booked herself a whale  watching trip and we then cycled round to Fisherman's Whalf with its eclectic mix of floating homes,food stalls and shops. We eat in a small Italian Il Cova Trattoria a short walk from the B+B. An excellent meal. We sat outside but were warmed by a patio heater and blankets for the ladies.