12:00 Vancouver 15:00 Peters Creek Campground (BC) on the Sunshine Coast
I leave Vancouver relatively late (noon). I initially wanted to go to Whistler, but since there is a major rock festival in Pemberton nearby, I decide to head toward the Sunshine Coast instead to avoid the crowds and probable lodging difficulties. Additionally, a friend and her boyfriend are arriving in the West this morning and will be passing through there. We will try to have a camping evening together!
I take the ferry at Horseshoe Bay.
There is a long waiting line because it is Friday and a long holiday weekend for British Columbia. What a pleasant surprise when the attendant waves me toward the far right, to the only open lane! I learn, to my great satisfaction, that motorcycles are always sent to the front and board the vessel first.
Once I arrive in Langdale, I head to the village of Gibsons to pick up supplies for tonight’s feast: steaks, beer, wine… I am ready for a party! I think I really need to see some friends.
I then zip over to the campground to set up camp and relax a bit. Shortly after, I return to the village to walk around and visit. Gibsons is very pleasant and, as there is a festival going on, the atmosphere is particularly lively and festive.
On the way back, I stop at the market to pick up two bags of wood to make a fire and, above all, to cook the superb steaks waiting for me in the cooler. Not easy to transport logs on a motorcycle!
Of course, nothing is ever simple while traveling: my friends get lost in Vancouver. They are on bicycles (true athletes!) and couldn’t find the exit for the Lions Gate Bridge, thus missing the last ferry.
Sniff, sniff… I’ll have to cook my meat and celebrate solo!