Arriving.

Our adventure began with a decidedly grumpy shuttlebus driver once Murray's Coaches deposited us at the International airport. He was not a happy camper! "Get on the bus" he shouted after we had heaved our suitcases into the trolley without any help. One of the other passengers - a young man  from Peru - wondered " Why is he so pissed?" He drove at brake-neck speed through the congestion of road works, and changed road conditions to our hotel at the same time reading from his passenger list. I would have liked to ask him to moderate his speed and fully address the road but what if he had stopped and made me get out?

Surprisingly the plane was only a few minutes behind schedule on departure. Our route to the departure gate was seamless - we were not seduced by duty free but forked out an exorbitant amount for coffee and a croissant. 

The flight experienced turbulence for about two thirds of the flight - severe enough to prohibit service of hot drinks and delay meals. It was a long 14 hours with the flight path making a number of deviations to escape turbulence.

Customs was quick and easy - no one called us aside so we obviously looked innocent and non threatening. 

I must mention coffee! It is horrible! A flat white became black coffee with milk added and was horribly strong and didn't improve during the day. But the Canadians are super friendly and even on the street offered help as we peered at bus stop numbers or looked vaguely around.for street names.

The bus for the ferry left from the front of the  Hudson Bay Company incorporated in 1640 - a living bit of history.

The express bus deposited us at the ferry terminal at Horseshoe Bay for the trip to Vancouver Island. A chat in the cafeteria assured us that cappuccino would have been possible if only the machine was not broken!

We munched on a chicken wrap whilst watching a baseball match and listening to the rich tapestry of voices around us.

The water sparkled, we could see a touch of snow on distant mountains and forests of pine and fir reached down to water's edge.  

 Our adventurous day ended with warm welcoming hugs from Marg's brothers and family and lots of self congratulations. We ate fresh Mushroom pasta and birthday cake on the verandah in Graeme' s wild and beautiful garden before going to our accommodation. 

" Don't be alarmed if you tip tapping during the night - it's only deer walking over the deck and through the garden!" , we were assured.