VANCOUVER TO PARKSVILLE SATURDAY 16/10/2017

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Having experienced the heavy traffic in Vancouver city we decided that another early start was the best option.  Checked out and picked up car before 7 am and were on our way to the Horseshoe Bay Ferry terminal to get the ferry across to Vancouver Island. This drive was uneventful until we arrived at the ticket booth. Roger managed to frighten the life out of both of us and the lady issuing the tickets when he hit the accelerator pedal instead of the brake pedal, fortunately there wasn't anything in front of us and the nice lady came out of her booth her comment in a broad Canadian accent and said with a big smile "I bet that scared the crap out of you, don't try to reverse, just stay there and I'll sort your ticket out".

This is the route the ferry takes - Ed

A cautious drive onto the ferry and we were parked and made our way up to the restaurant for well earned breakfast.  The crossing was very pleasant and disembarking was quite easy. A short and easy drive to the Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort in Parksville where we were staying for two nights.
Wish we had known that our accommodation had full self catering facilities before hand and we could have cooked some of our own grub. The chalet was a long way from the waters edge which was a disappointment as we had no ocean view. Having got settled in we made our way down to the beach the tide was out but the view was still wonderful.

Decided to eat in the resort restaurant where we had the equivalent of Canadian bar snacks.  We were served by a young man who had moved to Canada with his parents years ago from North Wales, for dessert we had liquor coffees at the bar whilst being amazed at the barman's dexterity and skill of the barman making the cocktails. Used the Jacuzzi bath and then climbed into bed. Considering the walls were made of logs the room wasn't particularly sound proof but we managed to get a reasonable nights sleep.

Woke the next morning and worked on the blog because it was raining. Went for a drive later in the afternoon, popped into a supermarket where we noticed for sale an earthquake survival kit! (What, no pictures?! -Ed) Not something you see very often for sale in the UK.

Another night at this resort and then onto Tofino in the morning. Will post some pictures now of the ferry crossing and the resort beach.







Location: 1155 Resort Dr, Parksville, BC V9P 2E3, Canada

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