When one does not reserve your overnight accommodations it gives you freedom to do what you want for night. Especially when cycling, when plans can change in minutes. There are times when not having plans in place can be annoying.

Checking with the tourist info people in Campbell River. They did not give us much hope in finding a camp site at the Provincial Park. But we still went to check it out, as expected, the “ campground is full” sign was up. Checking further we noticed that there is sites you cannot book. We found one that was open, apparently it was perfect timing. So happy we can camp out tonight.

Tomorrow (Aug. 4th) will be our longest day of cycling we have planned. Close to 128 km’s, at this point the longest day of cycling has been 88 km’s. We are preparing to have enough food and water as there will be no services for a day and a half of cycling. A little nervous about cycling in such isolation. But also excited to know we have gone a great distance and have greatly enjoyed it.

What an excellent spot we had in a very well designed campground in Parksville. It was so quiet and we slept so well.

Cycling day was filled with highway riding. Cooler weather with some drizzle made for some excellent riding conditions.

Arriving in Courtenay we had no idea what to do for night. Talking to some local people at the grocery store. We decided that a Motel stay is totally justified and the answer for this nights stay.

We survived the night under the hydro lines. It was not a good place to spend the night as we were close to the highway. Did not sleep very well, so we were happy to get on the road again.

It was a day mixed with some trail riding, but most of the riding was on the trans-Canada highway. This made it a little stressful as you had be aware of how close you are to fast moving traffic.

We arrived at Parksville by mid-afternoon. At the campground they told us they were full. I explained to them in very tired looking way that we just needed a very small space for our tent. She looks at her computer screen and says “let me talk to my manager”. I love when people say that. A few minutes later she says they keep some spots open for emergency’s and they have one spot left. We were so happy to hear that.

During the evening we checked the sand sculptures in the downtown. We ordered supper and he asks which pop I want. I said Coke and he says “it’s the last one”. I thought to myself, this is the theme of the day.

Day started with the smell of bacon filling the air as we slowly got out of bed. Another shower, just because we can. Eating breakfast, looking out to the backyard that takes one’s breath away. We took our time enjoying the yard and left by noon.

Day ended by finding a spot under hydro lines for our tent. Quickly setting up the tent as mosquitoes were all over us like mud to a pig. We enjoyed the food, we bought earlier, in the tent. With the noise of the freeway nearby we slowly tried to go sleep.

It was a day of contrasts. Biking on trails to biking on the freeway. Sleeping soundly in a bed to trying to sleep in the bush.

It was a day filled with less traffic, berry picking stops and a wind that was actually helping us.

We are also motivated as we were going to stay with Cheryl’s cousin Verna. First shower since leaving Victoria was something to look forward to.

We are located just west of Duncan, having traveled 88 km’s for the day. In total we have done 328 km’s on the trip so far.

Today we would move from cycling on trails to cycling on roads. This meant having less interaction with people. Road was busy with traffic and at times much narrower. Wind was blowing against us and it seemed like we were going uphill a lot more than down hill. This made for a much you ride.

Having priceless views of the ocean was a highlight. The evening drew nigh as we rolled into Port Renfrew, we were wasted, hungry and had no plans in place for night.

Everything seemed to be closed. Asked at a hikers cabin place if they had room, no luck. Had to keep going and finally saw a take out place open. Asked if she had any suggestions for us for night. After a few ideas she just said why don’t you sleep on my property. We were very grateful for that and she made us supper as we set up our tent. One never knows what will happen when the sun is setting and your very tired. We were so happy to be offered this place.

We got to see what this island is made of: Both, beauty of nature and hospitality of its people. These are a few highlights of the people we saw on this day.

There are the people who remained nameless who offered advice and a helping hand. There was a person at Tim’s who was very positive and said you can do it. (Cycle to Port Hardy). He talked of his son who cycles and visits his home in Victoria. He didn’t feel safe cycling so he took the bus for the first time to Langford for only $9.

We met Raymond who grew up in Winnipeg. He talked of delivering the Free Press in the River Heights region. Had a brother who lived on Borebank very close to where we live. He talked of owning a car at Kelvin high school, only 2 other students had cars at that time. He had lots of friends in high school because he allowed them to smoke in his car. When we told him we were cycling to Port Hardy. He says: “Your what, no way, you will never make it”. We parted laughing.

As we were looking at a road sign we met Pelle Gustavo. He offered to cycle with us so we knew where to go. For at least 25 km’s we cycled together as he explained historical facts about the area. It was such a pleasure cycling with this very kind young man.

This is Saturday July 29th, this post could not get done last night due to no cell service. We will once again be out of cell service range tonight and for much of Sunday.

I am trying to understand what it means to take a day off from a vacation. You are already on vacation, so why take a day off from it.

I googled taking a day off from a vacation, but there was no useful information. So next I googled, what does taking a day off mean. The answer: to stop one’s activity for the day or for the present; quit temporarily.

That describes us for the day, we stayed in Victoria to enjoy what it has to offer. For the second night we are staying in the same Airbnb.

We still needed to get around the city so our bodies were the means of transportation. Our walking totalled 15,532 steps and we cycled 23 km’s.

Tomorrow we are back on vacation and plan to be in the Sooke area for night.

A note to family members to not worry about lack of contact for the next couple of days. We could be in and out of cell phone range for much of the time. This includes not being able to update the blog. It’s an unknown until we are actually out there.

I think the joy of traveling by bicycle is best expressed by writing a love poem. The poem is not the greatest, but hopefully you will feel the love.

The two wheeled bicycle sat in the van for days.

Crying out, “Oh, where is my rider?”

Today everything changes; the rider and bicycle meet again.

It is pure love and joy for the first 8 km’s.

“It’s time for a break,” the rider says.

“This email must be sent before 12 noon.”

Rider and bicycle continue on, still very much in love.

They cycle past water, flowers and trees.

Rider says, “It’s time for some food.”

“Food while cycling tastes the best!”

On the outskirts of the city of Victoria the rider starts to get lost.

But being lost is wonderful with a bicycle.

Once in the city, finding the Airbnb is like oil on a chain.

It is time now to rest the body and find a place for supper.

The end of the poem, but only the beginning of our lovely journey.

For supper Cheryl and I ate at a restaurant called “The Oaks Restaurant”. Building was built in 1912 and originally housed a grocery store. It changed to an antique shop in the 70’s. This later changed to a tea shop in 1975. Using their name Parsons it originally was known as “The Parson’s Blethering Place”

According to Oxford, “Blethering” is Scottish for… “voluble senseless talking”!

That was our first day of riding bike.

Just like this post, it was a day of blethering.

Paul and Adele served a wonderful breakfast to start the day. Left Vancouver at noon to catch the 2 pm ferry to the island.

Hosted by Cheryl’s cousin Marion and her husband Gerald on Vancouver Island. This is where we will park the van and start cycling on Wednesday morning.

After 2369.5 km’s of driving we can finally start cycling. No more yawning at the wheel as I drive. Now we can slow down and enjoy the views at 20 km/h.

Note: This post was originally written on July 25th. Due to some technical issues it only got posted 24 hours later.