Time again for some riding!

Well I spent a week with Steven, Rebekah and Esmond, that boy is a hoot. He doesn't talk yet, well nothing that is distinguishable, but is chattering something almost constantly. He really works the crowd, constantly trying to do something funny to get people to laugh, he loves the attention. It was a good week and a nice visit as I helped a little with the move and getting things a bit organized. And of course there was the bonding with my youngest son while installing a new toilet in there place, what more could I ask. Love fixing stuff!.

Yummy Breakfast made by Steven

So off I go Wed. morning all packed up and ready to ride with one short stop to help a long time close friend with there computer, unfortunately without success. The weather was great as I headed towards Port Renfrew, enjoying the familiar smell of that ocean breeze. The road was much better than the last time I road it some 5 years ago and I enjoyed all those corners at a somewhat exhilarating pace but without getting carried away. Was following a Yamaha R6 for awhile and pulled in at a view point to have a little visit with him. He seemed somewhat surprise that I was keeping up with him on my fully loaded touring bike. I didn't let him know that I just riding a mostly leisurely pace, although he was 74 so he was doing pretty good and I hope I can still be riding at the age too.

The road from Port Renfrew to Cowichan lake is now paved so I went that way and enjoyed lots more curves and nice warm sunny weather. I was aiming for long beach on the west coast of the island so headed up to Parksville and then on to Port Alberni and the west coast of the Island. It was another nice curvy road with only few occasional problem slow vehicles so was quite enjoyable. It was cooler as usual on the west coast but really not to bad. Very little wind which was nice as far as not getting to cold but there was very little wave action as a result, but it was still enjoyable walking barefoot in the sand, which I love.Went to the beach in the evening and again in the morning and then headed back to Parksville on the lovely curvy road once again.

I got all set up at Rathtraver Park and then went to visit my Dad again in the hopes he would be having a better day and recognize me. It was a good visit. As soon as he saw me he focused on me with the look that he was happy to see me and he appeared to know I was someone close to him. He was saying somewhat more complete sentences although not enough to really understanding his thoughts. When the nurse came in he said something to the effect that she was his number one son and gave her a hug, so I knew the thought was in his head somehow that his son was there.

Tomorrow I will be heading of to see long time friends of mine in Sechelt.

Well it's been way to long since I have written anything here. I am reserving this blog for when I am away alone on my bike.

The winter/cold spring has been way to long but it is finally time to forget others in my life and take care of myself, and what better way than to get away by myself on my bike. I used to hate being alone but now it seems to be the best thing for me.

Left home kind of late Mon. morning, but it's sure nice not having to meet a schedule like I always had to when living where the ferries have control of the times you travel. I was feeling still feeling pretty sick this morning but am on my way regardless. It's sure good to be on another journey by myself, go at my pace stop where I want and do whatever I feel like doing. The weather is not as warm as I would like it but not to bad either. Quite a few rain events but they were all short.

I am on my way to visit my son Steven in Nanaimo and my Dad in Parksville. My Dad is in a home and may not be around much longer, just hoping he can recognize me as his memory is fading fast.

I am riding the #3 to the coast and the scenery beautiful as usual. On the ride from Osooyoos to Keremeos the air was filled with  sent of  sage, it felt so refreshing, I love this kind of climate. The road from Princeton to Hope is always a favorite of mine as I love all those curves, although it's a sad thing that they are working on straightening the road. I landed for the night at a forestry campsite on the other side of Stemwinder Provincial Park. It was a little cool at 3 degrees by morning but I still had one of the best sleeps I have had in months. It's time for a new sleeping bag as this one has many, many miles on it but I just can't seem to find one that is similar to the one I have.

Tue. morning and thankfully this will be  a shorter day than yesterday as my body is pretty beat up and in lots of pain. It scares me to think that I may have to stop riding, but hopefully I will heal and the trip will get easier. Stopped more often today to try alleviate some of the pain. Arrived at the ferry about noon and visited with several other bikers, a couple I could relate to, but as for the Harley riders and there loud pipes, I'm afraid I just don't get it. It was good to arrive at Steven and Rebekah's, I haven't seen them in a year and it will be good to get to know my grandson Esmond. They are expecting my 9th grandchild in 3 weeks, sure is exiting to have so many grandchildren already, with lots more to come! Wed. morning and I just had an even better sleep than last night. Hopefully sleeping better will help the body heal a bit.

A few pictures of Esmond. Took him to the park so Mom could pack in peace. This was on Wed, In the  afternoon I went to visit my Dad who is in a home in Parksville, he is in pretty rough shape and had no idea who I was, and doesn't even seem to know Marnie these days so it was pretty sad to see him like that, hopefully he won't have to live much longer and will soon be released from this mortal life to be reunited with my Mom who passed away this time last year.

Today is moving day for Steven and Rebekah, things should go well as there isn't to much to move. I'll be off to Victoria with them tonight so will get a little time on the bike. Next week I hope to do some riding over to the west coast of the Island to port Renfrew and up to Duncan, and hopefully before I leave the Island I can get over to Tofino.