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.
