We had the car packed up and were ready to head off around 9:30 Sunday morning. After big hugs, we said goodbye to Rob, Angie and the boys...so wonderful seeing them and being able to spend time with them!
Our first visit today was in Cowichan Bay to see good friends, Jim and Nan. But on the way Steve wanted to take the car through a carwash...well that turned out to be a challenge! After waiting in line and seeing what we thought were operational issues at the closest carwash, Steve backed out and went in to get his money back...good thing there was no one behind us! We thought we'd continue on our drive up-island and stop in Mill Bay at the carwash there. This car wash was no different from the previous one and also took forever and to make a long story short, we ended up arriving at Jim and Nan's later than anticipated.
We had a wonderful visit with them...and a great lunch! Thanks guys! Again, we forgot about taking a picture, so this is one we took last March when we visited them. Left to right, Gracie (Jim and Nan's granddaughter), Nan, Jim and me...
As we unloaded the car, I handed over the 'Limeade' to Ray and he got right to making us Margaritas! The view from the deck as we head down to sit on the dock...
Enjoying our cocktails on the dock as we chit-chat...
After a bit, it was time to go back up to the house and sit on the deck so that Deb could keep an eye on the Traeger...she is smoking a turkey for dinner!
The beast is ready to be carved...
Sitting down to a delicious dinner...as usual, Deb outdid herself! Yum!!
After dinner and clean-up, we finished our wine out on the deck and then watched TV for a little while before heading up to bed.
Stocking Creek Community Park features a network of nature trails meandering through the forests surrounding Stocking Creek. Following a ravine created by the creek, the Kon Trail connects between trail heads at Thicke Road and Finch Place, while the Huckleberry Trail follows the creek edge, featuring a viewpoint of the picturesque Stocking Creek Falls.
Not much flow from Stocking Creek Falls...
He got some great shots of the pot holes...
Monday (August 30) we woke to clouds...a change from yesterday! We relaxed with coffee and then Deb got to work on breakfast...Eggs Benedict. She loves cooking and definitely feeds us well!
Today Ray and Deb are taking us to a spot they found recently...Stocking Creek Community Park, just outside of Ladysmith (further north...or "up-island").
With the drought most of BC is experiencing the creeks and rivers are extremely low...
Ray's photo...
This fir tree is growing out of a cedar tree...
The next 9 photo's are from Ray...a grumpy looking tree...
A nice walk on a nature trail in a beautiful area...thanks for showing us, Ray and Deb! On the way home we took the road through Chemainus, (famous for it's murals and dinner theatre) stopping at Sawmill Tap House and Grill for a beer. Although the food coming out of the kitchen looked delicious, we had leftover turkey waiting at home...nothing better than turkey sandwiches with "the works"! So we used their restrooms, drank our brew and were on our way!
Ray's photo of the interior...
After our turkey sandwiches, we sat outside on the deck with the heaters going...such a change in temperature from yesterday!
Before we knew it, Deb was back in the kitchen preparing her feast for tonight...pork rib roast on the rotisserie, using her new barbecue. Another delicious meal!
After a great day, we said goodnight fairly early...as usual LOL. We have really enjoyed spending time with Deb and Ray in their piece of paradise! But tomorrow it's time to say goodbye and continue our "vacation" north, up-island!
Hi to Deb and Ray from us! That was an awesome park they took you to.
ReplyDeleteYes, it was a great spot!
DeleteHad fun seeing your happy little faces after a year. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for your hospitality!
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