Hannah's parents always prided themselves on being the last car onto the cross-channel ferry (no queuing) and we continued the tradition; the gangplank had already been raised and we were ushered up the car ramp. A minute later we pushed off across Howe Sound as bald eagles wheeled overhead.
Today is Victoria Day, a national holiday to celebrate Queen Victoria. We don't even have one of those in Britain, making Canada more monarchist than the UK! No wonder they're so suspicious at the US border. Luckily our destination was only Bowen Island, just off the coast, which is rugged and forested and home to many arty rural people. There's not even a Starbucks, although we found an artisanal local roastery that won an award for being the third best espresso in North America.
For a bank holiday it was surprisingly uncrowded, possibly because every forecast was for huge rainstorms that thankfully never arrived. Hannah tricked us into doing not one but two walks! The first to Dorman Point - a viewpoint disappointingly obscured by many tall trees - and then through Crippen Park, named after the notorious murderer (possibly).
Pete enjoyed it all from the comfort of the backpack, and the sun shone down as it has for some time now in a non-Vancouver manner. Here's to the next time Hannah has a four day weekend...although maybe I'll suggest something quieter and home-based...
A ferry at the bottom of the garden.
My Dad, a naval architect, always made us find the safety certificates whenever we traveled to France. So this pic's for him!
Sailing away. That's actually Bowyer Island up ahead, small and uninhabited.
Should you be flying that on Victoria Day?
The perfect place to take a toddler!
Cut down some of these trees and the views of unspoilt landscape would be impressive.
Hiking in the wilderness.
Bridal Veil Falls, a little smaller than its Yosemite namesake.
Daisy, daisy.
Everyone enjoys Victoria Day.
Bowen Island is also known for its exceptionally fine orchard.
First class travel in the bus on the way back.
The holiday isn't over until the last G&T is finished (i.e. shortly).
