And so my time in Canada has come to an end. I have to thank April for make such a great effort in showing me so much of her country. I look forward to a return visit, but this time in skiing season :)
The art gallery – “The Golf ball” – Field where April did bird banding.
April is pro-cycling. This is probably because B.C. is well suited to cycling. There is great infrastructure with bike lanes and buses providing bike racks. Even motorists are careful when cyclists are around (not something you will regularly find in South Africa). She suggested that I do a cycling trip during the time that she did a pre-planned hiked (I guess you can compare it to the Otter hike in Tsitsikamma, South Africa). She lent me her bike with special luggage and off I went.
View Larger Map
The map of where I went. It doesn’t show the TCT I rode to Lake Cowichan.
On the ferry to Swartz Bay.
On the way to Victoria I met two fellow cyclists (Jo and Karin). Will all my luggage they just had to ask what my story was. Now I know how Lucas Priklopil must’ve felt on a daily basis. Its nice to have a topic to get the conversation started off on.
Driving past wildlife (they are that tame) – Victoria harbour – Victoria harbour with Fairmont Empress hotel in the background
Famous art of Emily Carr – Parliamentary Buildings – Well groomed foliage – Elizma (school friend).
Victoria is very different from Vancouver. I found it more European i.t.o. layout and architecture. I ended up staying much longer at Elizma en Jan, as I had such a good time. They even put on a braai (similar to a barbeque) the night I arrived. Seeing them is definitely a highlight of my cycle trip. However, I knew I had to leave or I would spend all my time there. So I started heading North.
My campsite next to some random field (next to a “First nation” family) where a pow-wow would be held the next day. Didn’t feel too welcome so pushed on the next day. – Map of Southern Vancouver Island – Kinsol Trestle. I met “the Retreads” on the ferry to Mill bay and they invited me to cycle with them to the Trestle. Highlight #2. – The TCT converts old railways to trails. The idea is to be able to travel by the TCT across Canada from coast-to-coast.
The Retreads – Me along the TCT – Another Trestle on the way to Lake Cowichan
Camp at Lake Cowichan – On the way to Duncan
Chemainus is decorated with murals, celebrating its history. Here are a few
Wild seniors here :) – Random – Me in Nanaimo
After 6 days on Vancouver Island, I’m awaiting the ferry to take me back to the mainland.
April studied at the University of British Columbia (UBC), so she took me for a “quick” tour of the campus. Its different from Stellenbosch, as most campuses are, in that it is all on one property. Saying that it isn’t small. It is huge! It has some great flower gardens, but the things that stick in my memory I have been able to capture in photos.
The clock tower on the main square was made “infamous” by a group against the slaughter of cattle (for food). So they protested by walking a cow to the top of the clock tower. What they didn’t know was that cow walk up stairs without any difficulty, but can’t/won’t walk down them. So to get the cow down they had to do the thing they were protesting!
Murphy just couldn’t help himself :)
On our way out, we saw a “robot competition.” Students from various universities designed, built and raced their machines. First a drag race and then a circuit. I just had to hang around. Jip, call me a nerd.
After being a bit delayed at UBC, we made our way to Whistler. Most people would be thinking skiing, but in summer they have downhill events. The one we caught was the BMX trick event. Loads of people and a 15 year old with the most insane moves ever.
The whole town is surrounded by slopes and hills. I can see how this would be a great winter ski place. But don’t think this place is only good with snow. It feels a bit like a European town. Shops on the ground floor with apartments on top. And because it is a bit of a drive to get here from anywhere, everyone stays in town. I can only imagine the parties :)
The BMX trick course – and the crowds
First stop: Bridal Vail falls (not the only one in B.C. 
Our first night’s camping next to lake Kamloops lake
Some random ice cream shop. You would also stop to take a photo of this :)
