Picnicking at Saltery Bay Provincial Park

Picnicking in the truck out of the wind.

Continuing our road trip excursions, today we drove 28 kilometres south from Powell River to enjoy fall foliage and sunshine at Saltery Bay Provincial Park.

There are two parts to the park, the Mermaid Cove Campground with 42 sites that are open from May 15 to September 15, and the day use picnic area that is open all year. It's called Mermaid Cove because of a bronze mermaid statue at 10 fathoms that is popular with scuba divers.

We stopped by a favourite restaurant south of town called Skeeter Jacks to pick up a sandwich and drinks to take with us for an impromptu picnic.

Oceanfront grass, trees and picnic tables.

The wind was blowing 25 knots so we sat in the cab of our truck while we ate. Then we took a stroll down the beach to watch the waves rolling in and enjoy the colourful fall foliage. On calmer days, there's a public boat launch available.

Clear blue skies to set off the last of the bright yellow maple leaves.

I'll leave you with this YouTube video by themarinedetective about scuba diving to see The Mermaid. Way back I was a scuba diver, but I never experienced anything this special.

It's good to remember to visit and enjoy places near home. What are some of your local favourites? -- Margy

Day One of Lower Mainland Road Trip: Bellingham to Harrison Hot Springs BC

We've been in the States for a few weeks. With the fall foliage out, we decided to take a road trip on our way home to Powell River to enjoy the colour.

The Peace Arch at the Canada-United States border.

From Bellingham we headed north on I-5 to the Peace Arch Canadian border crossing then BC Highway 99.

I love the messages on the arch, "Children of a common mother" and "Brethren dwelling together in unity." These beliefs are so important right now.

We use Nexus cards. If you cross the border frequently, this is the way to go. Pre-screening and special lanes reduce delays.

Rosie's Country Cafe in Surrey.

We made a quick stop in Surrey to take our car to the Mazda dealer.

While we waited, we had breakfast at Rosie's Country Cafe across the street. The food was great and I especially loved the crispy home-fried potatoes.

From there we headed east on 32 Avenue to Highway 15 then north to intercept Highway 1 eastbound.

This route took us through fertile farmland in the Fraser Delta and Valley regions. As Vancouver's population expands, many areas are developing, but in between you find fields of berries, potatoes, fruits and nuts, greenhouse vegetables, chickens, dairies, cattle and hogs.

Chilliwack farmland.

Highway 1 east of Abbotsford leaves the populated lower mainland. It's scenic, more like a rural road than a major highway. Here we started seeing the turning maples and oaks we were seeking. Unfortunately, the skies were gray and rain was falling.

Fall colours on a gray rainy day.

Highway 1 is the Trans-Canada Highway that starts in Victoria on Vancouver Island, uses BC Ferries to cross the Strait of Georgia, runs from Vancouver across the southern part of Canada to North Sydney in Nova Scotia, then by ferry to Newfoundland and end in St. John's.

Agassiz-Rosedale Bridge across the Fraser River.

We crossed the Fraser River on the Agassiz-Rosedale Bridge to take Highway 9 north through Agassiz to our destination, Harrison Hot Springs for a night at the resort hotel.

Harrison Hot Springs Resort Hotel and Spa.

The Village of Harrison Hot Springs and the resort are at the south end of Harrison Lake. The area is famous for it's thermal pools including several at the resort and a public pool in the center of town.

Fall colours at Harrison Hot Springs.

Old Settlers Pub within walking distance.

We arrived  at the Resort in the late afternoon and walked along the shore on our way to dinner at the Old Settler Pub. Pub food and good beer are my favourite dinner meal.

I ate here several years ago when I was on a respite getaway while caring for my mother. It was just as good as I remembered and they now have an outside heated area making dinner on a rainy day even better.

There are several accommodation options in town, but this time I wanted to try the resort.

The lake view from our room.

Our room has an expansive lake view. A wonderful way to end a busy travel day. -- Margy

Day Two of Lower Mainland BC Road Trip: Harrison Hot Springs to Lonsdale Quay

Day two of our Lower Mainland BC road trip took us from Harrison Hot Springs to Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver.

Blueberry plants with bright red leaves.

We had rain, so changed our route from Highway 7 north of the Fraser River to Highway 1 south of the river to head back to Vancouver.

We stopped at the Chilliwack Airport Restaurant for lunch/breakfast. We landed here in our Piper Arrow 997 in the 1990s, and returned in 2008 with a Powell River Books booth at their Airshow.

We were featuring Wayne's Up the Airway book about flying and camping throughout Canada in a private plane.

Chilliwack Airport on a rainy day.

As Highway 1 comes into Vancouver, you cross the Fraser River on the Port Mann Bridge. It was reconstructed in 2012 with an amazing cable-stayed bridge.

Vancouver Port Mann Bridge.

After crossing Burrard Inlet on the Iron Workers Bridge, we exited the freeway and followed the north shore to the Lonsdale Quay Hotel.

First you pass the active docks including a huge Cargill grain storage and shipping area.

Abruptly you enter the business and residential area along the north shore. This included our destination, the Lonsdale Quay Market and Hotel.

The Lonsdale Market and Hotel.

The Tap and Barrel pub.

We relaxed in our room and visited the market.

Later we went next door to the Tap and Barrel pub for a brew and dinner. It's located in repurposed shipyard where large cranes were common for loading and unloading ships.

On the way back to the hotel, we stopped at the market for an ice cream and enjoyed the nighttime lights from distant downtown Vancouver. 

Vancouver after dark.

It was a nice way to end our Lower Mainland BC road trip. Tomorrow we head to Horseshoe Bay to catch a BC Ferry back to Powell River and Powell Lake float cabin home.

Have you been to BC's Lower Mainland? What are some of your favourite spots? -- Margy

Day Three of Lower Mainland BC Road Trip: Lonsdale to Sunshine Coast and Powell River

Day three of our Lower Mainland BC road trip took us along a route we drive frequently when we want to get from our home in Powell River to and from the big city or Bellingham.

First at the Horseshoe Bay lineup, our ferry in the distance.

We waited for the morning rush hour traffic to subside then drove from the Lonsdale Quay Hotel to catch Highway 1 northbound.

Our first stop was the Horseshoe Bay BC Ferries Terminal. We had a reservation for the 11:55 ferry going north to Langdale on the Lower Sunshine Coast.

But today it wasn't very sunny. At least the rain showers were light, making driving not too difficult.

We got a front row spot so remained in our car.

Front row on the upper deck of the Queen of Surrey.

There are comfortable seats and food service on the passenger deck. If you are parked on the enclosed lower deck you must go upstairs. If you are on the open upper deck you can remain in your car if desired. You can also walk on as a foot passenger and have an economical round trip scenic "cruise."

The first stop was the Langdale Terminal where we exited the ferry to take Highway 101 north along the Sunshine Coast. This is a beautiful drive through lush forests with glimpses of the Strait of Georgia along the way. The 84 km (52 mi) drive takes about an hour and a half.

Driving Highway 101 on the Sunshine Coast to Powell River.

Highway 101 is part of the Pan-American Highway that runs all the way to the tip of Chile.  Lund, a village 28 kilometres (17 miles) north of Powell River, claims to be Mile 0. The two lane road is good but has lots of winding curves as you near the Earls Cove Ferry Terminal.

Scenic Trout Lake is a favourite viewpoint north of Sechelt.

About a third of the way up you pass through the Village of Sechelt with full services including gas, food, lodging, camping and outdoor activities.

Other stopping points not far off the highway include: Gibsons where the popular Canadian TV series The Beachcombers was set, Roberts Creek, Halfmoon Bay, Pender Harbour and Egmont with it's impressive and dangerous Skookumchuck Narrows rapids.

Backeddy Marina is popular with locals and cruisers.

We were early for our second ferry at Earls Cove so we decided to head over to Egmont for an early dinner at the Backeddy Pub.

We've been here before by car and in our own boat.

Docking at the Backeddy Marina can be challenging for boats when the tide is running strong because Skookumchuck Narrows is just around the corner.


We got on the Island Sky for the last ferry ride home. Gray skies made photos naturally black and white. Looking up Hotham Sound on a sunny day is very different.

Comparing Hotham Sound as seen from the ferry in clouds and sun.

After a 50 minute ride we arrived at the small residential community of Saltery Bay.

Driving off the ferry at Saltery Bay.

It was originally the site of a fish salting company back in the early 20th century, hence the name. From there it's about a about 40 minute drive to Powell River.

Along the way there are several resorts, bed and breakfasts, restaurants and sporting goods establishments. There's also the ocean, forests and the expansive sky to enjoy.

I hope you enjoyed our Lower Mainland road trip and can come visit our Powell River home town sometime soon. I know you will enjoy it as much as we do. -- Margy

Ideal Cafe in Campbell River, BC

If you read my post about our North Vancouver Island road trip (if not, click here), I mentioned stopping at the Ideal Cafe not once, but twice. We had breakfast there heading north and returning south on our four day excursion.

The Ideal Cafe has been in operation in Campbell River, BC, since the early 40s. It's a favourite for locals and visitors alike.

If you were just passing by, you might not be tempted to stop. But don't let the humble exterior fool you. Inside it's a classic diner style cafe with good eats and friendly wait staff.

New owners in 2011 made improvements without losing it's character catering to loggers, fishermen and families.

It's open for breakfast and lunch from 7:00 am to 3:30 pm. We go mostly for breakfast, but on occasion arrive at lunchtime for a sandwich large enough to share. In addition to their regular items, there are daily specials and all day breakfast, a huge plus for Wayne. And it's a licensed establishment offering spirits including some unique "hard" shakes.

You can find out more about the Ideal Cafe online:

• Facebook
• Yelp
• Trip Advisor

Click on "view larger map" for a better view of the location for the Ideal Cafe. They are between the split of Highway 19 north of Campbell River. You can enter their large parking lot from both the north and southbound sides. We've even parked there with a truck and quad trailer with no problem.



Next door is Ideal Tackle filled with reasonably priced new and used fishing gear. Now how good is that? Fill your tummies and then go out and catch something fresh for dinner.

What are some of your favourite restaurants, cafes and dives. -- Margy

More Boating Adventures in the Northern Strait of Georgia

Fish cleaning station at Discovery Harbour Marina.

This summer we've taken our 2452 Bayliner out on the chuck (ocean) more than usual. In less than two hours can reach exciting destinations. This is one of the reasons we decided to retire in Powell River, BC.

We retired early from our careers in education so we could enjoy experiences like this. I just read an interesting post by Debbie Dabble about early retirement. She has lots of good suggestions if your are planning or beginning yours.

Harbour seals waiting for a free meal in Campbell River.

Back in Campbell River at the Discovery Harbour Marina we watched fishermen clean their salmon and the harbour seals and gulls waiting for a free meal.

Sunset over the Heriot Bay Inn Marina.

At the Heriot Bay Marina we enjoyed a quite dock with wonderful sunsets and tasty dinners on their Inn's Herons Restaurant's outside deck.

Heading home passing Cortes Island in the Northern Strait of Georgia.

After four nights out on the chuck we caught a good weather (light winds) window to head back to our homeport, Powell River's Westview Harbour.

 The way the waves were rolling, it reminded me of the introduction to a 1950s TV show from my youth, Victory at Sea. Well, maybe not quite that big! -- Margy

Available Online: "Farther Up the Strait" by Wayne J. Lutz

from
PowellRiverBooks.com

Farther Up the Strait

Coastal BC Stories

Boating on the Strait of Georgia, British Columbia, and the islands to the north. Read stories about the people and places of coastal British Columbia, where the mountains drop into the sea and lifestyles focus on self-reliance and a different sense of purpose. This book, based on the original Up the Strait, has more great boating stories and adventures.

Go to PowellRiverBooks.com 
or use one of our online partners.

Print for $16.95
Kindle for $1.99
Other ebook formats for $1.99

North Vancouver Island Road Trip

The Salish Eagle at the Powell River Westview dock.

Summer means Wayne and I are at home on Powell Lake in Coastal BC. Life in our float cabin is like a vacation every day, but we do leave for other adventures. Last week we hopped in our Tucson to take the ferry to Comox on Vancouver Island.

The trip across the Strait of Georgia takes about an hour and fifteen minutes. Our condo in town is above the BC Ferries terminal. That makes it handy plus an interesting view from our balcony.

Our truck towing the double quad trailer on a previous trip.

The purpose of our three night and four day road trip was to explore backcountry roads and campgrounds on North Vancouver Island. We are preparing for a future trip in our truck towing two quads on a long trailer.

Many unpaved logging roads are rutted and potholed. Some backcountry campsites are too small for a truck and large trailer. Scouting in the SUV will make future truck and quad trips easier.

We started north to Campbell River using the Old Island Highway 19A. It's the scenic Oceanside Route. We gassed up at the Discovery Harbour Centre that we know so well from our boat trips, then stopped at the classic Ideal Cafe for a late breakfast. We eat here every time we drive through Campbell River.

The Ideal Cafe is a classic breakfast and lunch spot.

Two lane Highway 19 north of Campbell River is wide and uncrowded. We had a mix of sun and rain, but that didn't stop us from exploring logging roads and potential campgrounds.

Island Highway heading nort

If you would like to read more about our offroad adventures, click here to go to the Powell River Books Blog.

The first two nights we stayed at the Quarterdeck Inn and Marina Resort in Port Hardy, the end of the paved road and the gateway to Bella Coola, the Central Coast, Prince Rupert and Haida Gwaii via BC Ferries. The hotel is south of town with lots of boat and fishing action to enjoy. Try the Sporty Bar and Grill in town for good beer, pub food and interesting people.

The Tucson and Wayne at Georgie Lake and a logging train display in Woss.

North Vancouver Island is strongly linked to the sea for fishing and transportation. We enjoyed exploring Sayward, Woss, Coal Harbour, Port Alice, Port McNeill and finally historic Telegraph Cove while we were there.

Port Alice, Port McNeill and the boardwalk at Telegraph Cove.

To conclude our road trip, we stayed in historic Telegraph Cove. In the early 1900s, it was a fish saltery, lumber mill and the terminus of the Campbell River telegraph line. We stayed in the new lodge overlooking the cove, or you can choose to stay in the suites with kitchens, one of the historic homes or cabins, the forested campground, the marina or nearby RV park.

To celebrate our road trip, dinner at the Killer Whale Cafe in Telegraph Cove.

Thanks for coming along on our North Vancouver Island road trip. Even though it was a holiday long weekend, we found rooms and campsites readily available. If you want an exciting yet relaxed vacation, come north. You can arrive by car via BC Ferries to Victoria, Nanaimo or Comox. You can fly from Vancouver to Comox on WestJet, Air Canada or Pacific Coastal (my favourite) and rent a car to use on paved roads. You'll be glad you did. -- Margy

Available Online: "Up the Main"

A Great Book
for the Outdoor Enthusiast

Up the Main

Coastal BC Stories

Travel up the main logging roads for an unparalleled backcountry experience. Whether you go by ATV, motorcycle, mountain bike, car or on foot, you can find clear mountain streams, hidden lakes and uncrowded campsites. Read Up the Main by Wayne Lutz and ride along with us. 

Go to PowellRiverBooks.com for more information.

Kindle $2.99 at Amazon.com
Other Ebooks $2.99 at Smashwords.com
Print version $12.95 at Amazon.com
Prices may vary in Canada.

Favourite Ports of Call

Heriot Bay Marina, Quadra Island

Do you find yourself returning to favourite destinations? We do, especially in our boat on the Strait of Georgia. Within two hours we can reach half a dozen marinas. If we anchor, there are dozens of bays to choose from.

The weather has been perfect for cruising, sunny, not too hot and light wind. We took advantage of five days of good weather to return to two favourite ports of call, Campbell River on Vancouver Island and Heriot Bay on Quadra.

Campbell River is midway up Vancouver Island's east coast. There are three marinas: Fisherman's Wharf, Coast Marina and Discovery Harbour. Discovery Harbour is our favourite. It's next to the fuel dock and Discovery Harbour Centre with restaurants, stores and shops.

Campbell River is a great resupply spot for boaters. It's also a major centre for fishing, whale watching and large animal tours. Our moorage spot was next to a fish station. Harbour seals were benefiting from the Chinook salmon run.

A harbour seal waiting for a fisherman to finish cleaning his catch.

After two nights in Campbell River we went to the Heriot Bay Inn on nearby Quadra Island. They have a quiet marina that almost always has space. We usually call ahead to make sure. They have fuel, a restaurant and pub, and there's a grocery store within walking distance,.

The Inn has well maintained grounds with places to sit in the shade of mature maple trees. It's a perfect place to kick back, relax and read.

Dock time at Heriot Bay.

We almost overstayed our welcome. What was forecast as 5 to 15 winds from the southwest turned out to be more like steady 15 or more. The swells were tall with deep troughs by the time they ran all the way to the northern Strait of Georgia.

Rain follows us all the way home to Powell River.

Wayne slowed from our normal 20 to 5 knots. With my new armrest I felt secure, but it couldn't eliminate the pounding. Once we rounded Hernando Island we were in the lee of the wind driven waves. We used up another fair weather stretch.

You don't have to have a boat to enjoy Campbell River or Heriot Bay. BC Ferries can get you and your car there for the adventure of a lifetime. -- Margy

Coastal British Columbia Cruising

Puffy clouds on our way through the Thulin Passage.

On my Powell River Books Blog I shared about our recent summer cruise on the Strait of Georgia. I encourage you to follow the link for more details.

The weather was wonderful and I ended up with more pictures than I could include. Here are some of the outtakes.

We left Powell River under blue skies with puffy while clouds. The wind was mild so it was easy going.

Our first night was at Squirrel Cove on Cortes Island.  We came by boat, but you can visit Cortes via Quadra Island using BC Ferries from Campbell River on Vancouver Island.

Calm water at the Squirrel Cove public dock for our overnight stay.

There were a few towering cumulus clouds, especially over the mainland, but no rain either night we were out.

Dark clouds but no rain or wind.

Our second night was at nearby Refuge Cove on West Redonda Island. It's a popular resupply spot for boaters coming to enjoy the Desolation Sound Marine Park.

Sunset reflections at the Refuge Cove marina.

We made it home with good weather holding. There were lots of reflections on the calm seas while heading into the Westview South Harbour in our hometown of Powell River, BC.

Heading in for fuel to be ready for our next Coastal Cruise.

Thanks for coming along on our Coastal Cruise on the Strait of Georgia. You can read more about our boating adventures in Wayne's book Farther Up the Strait.

Each chapter takes you on voyages to remote inlets and anchorages. E-books are available online at Kindle, Kobo and Smashwords. Print formats through Amazon, many online booksellers and locally in Powell River at Coles. -- Margy