August 4 and 5, 2012, Days 13 and 14, Chemainus, British Columbia

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This morning we had a boat to catch that would take us to Vancouver Island. The boat was leaving at 0630 and crowds were expected.  Why, because it was a three day weekend for British Columbians, as Monday was B.C., or British Columbia day.  British Columbia Day is also known as Civic Day, and is celebrated throughout most of Canada.  What is it?  I asked several natives and they could not tell me.  All I found out is that the first Monday in August is celebrated as Civic Day.  The various provinces in Canada call it what they want.  Bottom line, it is a good reason for a three day weekend. 

Because of B.C. day, we had to be at the Ferry Terminal by 5:30 a.m. to ensure that we made the boat.  This translated to a 4 a.m. wake up call.  Once we had the motorcycles on the boat, we were able to relax as we made the trip to Vancouver Island.

Arriving at the Ferry Terminal

Yep Barbara, it is early.

Waiting to board the ferry with the motorcycles.

Waiting

Parking the motorcycles on the ferry.

Ain't enough coffee in the world to wake us up. 

Leaving the Ferry.

Canadian Goose

Canadian Rabbit

Once off of the ferry, we searched for a place to eat breakfast, but evidently, B.C. day being celebrated early, as we could not find a place to get some chow.  We decided to ride on to Chemainus to the hotel.  Once at the hotel, we found breakfast at a nearby golf course.

Once our rooms were ready, many of us decided to rest while others walked into Chemainus. 

During the evening, two of the nicest people you could ever meet joined us.  John's Uncle Stan and Nancy drove and boated up from their home in Washington to join us for dinner and to see a play.  Linda and I last saw Stan and Nancy in during our motorcycle trip in 2009, when they graciously hosted us on their boat, to take a trip to San Juan Island.

After dinner, we saw a production of " Joseph and the Amazing Techno-Color Dream Coat" put on by the Chemainus Theater Group.  They did an outstanding job and we all enjoyed the show. 

On Sunday, August 5, everyone went their separate ways for most of the day.  Most of us took motorcycle tours of Vancouver Island.  Linda and I made our way towards Victoria until BC Day traffic forced us to turn around. 

Mt. Rainier in background.

Outside a Hockey Rink for sure.

 While we were in Chemainus, the temps were in the low 90's during the day, which was unusual for the island.  Many of the natives commented to us about the heat and how unbearable it was, while most took it in stride.

On Monday, we will be riding to Victoria.

Brian