Wandering Retirees

Nanaimo, British Columbia

Quick update tonight. We had a cool, wet ride from LaPush, WA to Nanaimo, BC via US 101 and the Black Ball ferry from Port Angeles to Victoria, BC. Not much to say except it was a cool wet ride. Fortunately the weather cleared as we approached Nanaimo on the northern coast of Vancouver Island and it looks to be good weather for the next few days.

We met some really neat people on the 1-1/2 hour ferry ride. Rick and Jamie are Harley riders who call Nanaimo their home. Rick is owner of a tire shop in town, which keeps him so busy he doesn’t get out to ride as often as they’d like; and Jamie is a home care coordinator with the Canadian Government for older citizens and to help them stay independent in their own homes as long as possible. She says she finds it really satisfying and is glad for her work. They were so friendly and helpful, seeing that we’re visiting their city for the first time. We would really enjoy meeting them again some time.

We met another couple from Nanaimo who were also traveling by bike. They each rode their own dual purpose bikes (on and off road). It was the woman’s first extended trip which is very exciting. We’re sorry to say we didn’t catch their names, but they were very kind in suggesting special spots to visit while here.

Another rider is Doug from Sonoma, CA. He’s riding solo on an extended trip through the Northwest US and BC, Canada. Doug is a retired Alaska marine harbor pilot who is licensed as a Ship’s Master, any tonnage, any ocean. He’s understandably proud of his accomplishments and his 50 years of service to the merchant marine. He is now in his 70’s and loving large. And does he have stories!

We are so glad we met these folks – it made the travel day so much more enjoyable.

So, not so much to tell except that we are safely at our new destination and glad for the chance to discover what this special area has to offer. Access to the internet is spotty at best. We have no idea when this will be uploaded, but we’ll do our best.

More tomorrow.

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Except for poor road signage, Victoria, BC was so welcoming.