Vancouver Island

Friday, May 22

After saying goodbye to Sandy’s cousins we headed north through mixed forests of conifers and the new green of the deciduous trees. The main coast of this part of British Columbia is called the Sunshine coast because it is sheltered from the west winds by the 8000 foot high mountains of Vancouver Island. Karen and I traveled this road one year in April and were surprised how warm it was.

Now I am on the island looking across to the east beyond the Sunshine coast to the snow covered mountains on the mainland. To the north and west are the mountains of the island, also covered with snow. The day is gorgeous and the scenery spectacular. Sandy and I are traveling along in tandem testing out the walkie talkies that she brought. They will make communication between the two Roadtreks a breeze.Thanks to our Roadtrek Cyber Pal, Barbara D., we found a wonderful campground north of Campbell River. Ripple Rock RV Park. It is a jewel tucked down along the Inside Passage. We enjoyed crackers, cheese, humus and wine while waiting for a cruise ship to pass. All we saw were sailboats and barges.

Discovery Passage links the open Pacific Ocean with the waters of the south. It is the most direct route north for vessels coming from Vancouver, BC. Both marine traffic and marine animals must pass this way, which is just 1.5 kilometers wide at some points. Ancient legends tell of salmon running so thick in Discovery Passage that a person could walk on the salmon!