An early start meant we were out of there as soon as possible to catch the ferry to Earl's Cove and a drive down the Sunshine Coast. Managed to make the 9:25. A smaller ferry than the last two but a lovely journey between the Islands from Saltery Bay to Earl's Cove, and only 50 minutes sailing time.
Disgorged from the bowels of the ship onto the dockside and made towards Egmont, legendary amongst kayakers for its proximity to Skookumchuck Narrows Rapids. As it is nearing the end of the season the cruise up to Chatterbox Falls in Pricess Louisa Inlet was not running and the cove was fairly deserted.
Next on the list was Ruby Lake, didn't fancy a dip in the 'crystalline lake waters', but did have sightings of Wood Duck and that old American Robin again.
Hoped to visit the Iris Griffith Nature Centre to view the diversity of wetland birds, but due to our penchant for out-of-season travel - it was closed (well it was going to be open Sat and Sun). Too far to go back tomorrow!
Further travel along The Sunshine Route brought us to Madeira Park marina. It was rather confusing as the information booklet talked about Pender Harbour being the 'Venice of the North'. Turns out that Pender Harbour is a generic term for the district made up of three communities, one of which is Madeira Park.
Picture of Eric at Madeira Park Marina, inspecting the boat 'garages'.
Onward to Halfmoon Bay, Wilson Creek and Davis Bay.
The question has to be WHY?
Stopped for a bite to eat, a small picnic in the rain again, at Davis Bay. Shame, as they had a lovely picnic bench on a floating deck at the end of a sort pier type thing - would have been good in the sun. Despite the rain we managed to spot a Common Loon and a flotilla of Surf Scoter.
Sechelt was a little further down the coast, and both sides of the town are on the water. The name literally means "land between two waters". The rain was still persisting but we went for an amble along the seafront of Trail Bay (on one side of town), spotting some rather posh apartments with huge balconies, before decamping to the other side and the Marina in Porpoise Bay.
Can you spot Eric?
Followed our nose along a turn-off to Roberts Creek. A good choice. A short walk along the breakwater brought views of Black Oystercatcher, ducks (American Wigeon), lots of gulls and what we think were two juvenile Spotted Sandpiper (not a very good picture). Some massive houses on the seafront! and lots of logs washed up on the beach.
The area is also important as they have found 'Glass Sponge Reefs' - not sure how much of the sign you'll be able to read, but they are reef forming glass sponges thought to have been extinct for 40 million years, but discovered off the coast here in 1987. It also says that reefs of this type exist nowhere else in the world.
Close to Gibsons now, where our bed for the night is located. This time a studio apartment over-looking the seafront and yet another marina. Amazingly the fridge and cupboards were stocked with a selection of foods and there was a note telling us to help ourselves. Clothes washing was in order, followed by a walk along the sea front. The latter seemed to bring on another rain shower, tomorrow is supposed to be sunny.
On our walk we again saw what would be a useful service back home for dog lovers/walkers; free doggy bag dispensers.
This was Eric's favourite.
Eric climbing some vines down by Gibson's Marina - who does he think he is - Tarzan?
Discoverd a 'Fairy Glen' of Fly Agaric - there were about 12 of these in a very small area - no pixies on top though!
