Vancouver Island

We left early Tuesday morning on a Ferry to Sidney, British Columbia. We left Lenny in Anacortes, Washington and packed only the necessities on our bikes and in our packs. The ferry ride was very comfortable! We arrived in Sidney, went through customs on our bikes = ), and then to the visitor center. We met a very lovely woman working there, who I am ashamed to say I can not recall her name. She gave us much information about the island, and we then took off on our bike ride from Sidney to Victoria. The ride was several miles, but not a hard ride at all. The bike path runs the entire way, cutting off occasionally in towns where the roads are basically part of the bike path (Lockside Trail). We passed through beautiful countryside, subdivisions with beautiful homes, small farms with pigs/sheep/chickens, and even a place with some very unique art! We had been told by the woman at the visitors center to stop at Matticks for tea. It was an old farm, turned into a very cute little café/restaurant. We shared a cinnamon roll and had some coffee and turns out the woman from the visitor center was there having lunch with her husband. They stopped and talked with us for a while. Just so lovely! As they left I ran out to say thank you once more and give them the address to this blog, and they were sitting in their car just looking at the bus schedule so that they could tell us what we need to know about the bus system there. So kind!!! * I am sorry that I can not recall your names, but if you ever read this THANK YOU!!! *We then headed out on our bikes and made it all the way to Victoria. We sat down on the concrete at the Victoria visitor center, ate some lunch, and gathered some information. We explored the town for a bit. There are beautiful old buildings, cute shops, museums, and what seemed like a pronounced population of homeless/mentally ill people. What was encouraging however, were the many stores window signs and bill boards promoting mental health programs and funding. The quote seen in the photograph was on a tee-shirt, and the profit of the sales from that tee-shirt benefited the mental health system there in Victoria, BC. Ok, off my soap box…but seriously have been sharing the last part of that quote since I saw it!!! I love it!!!
We were then were going to bike back towards Sidney and camp at a place along the way. Well, long story short it took too long and it was getting dark so we ended up staying at a Hostel in downtown Victoria (The Backpackers Inn).This turned out to be exactly where we were supposed to be. Our room was barely big enough for the full size bed and mini fridge that inhabited it, but a real bed…oh how inviting!!! We got settled in and then headed down to the bar area where they were having open mic night. We were so very blessed by the music of a young lady by the name of Steph Macpherson and her friends. The music and the atmosphere mixed brilliantly!!! We then headed off to bed and both passed out! = )
Oh I must mention that we rode the bus system today, they have two spots at the front of the bus to place your bikes. Anyways, while waiting at the bus stop I saw a young woman listening to music on her IPOD and every so slightly dancing to herself. She made me smile, and it made me think that we should all dance more!!! = )