Oceanside
My day 10, official day 8
July 18
Coombs to Hornby Island
50 miles, 1909 ft climbed
Rain woke me up at 4 am. I checked the bottom of tent walls to make sure nothing was getting wet and for now, everything was dry. I did build a little protection with my rain jacket and pants carefully rolled up along the tent walls.
I went back to sleep and was surprised to wake up after 7. Georgia, Pete and Nicole were hiding under the massive tree, protected from the rain, boiling water for breakfast. I got fully dressed in my rain clothes in the tent before venturing outside and determined to quickly and efficiently pack up minimizing soaking my stuff from the rain.
Another typical 8 am departure. Without much intention, we always seem to leave around this time. Hugs and goodbyes were in order since my friends were finishing the route in Nanaimo and I was biking up Vancouver Island to meet Justin on Hornby Island. Today is my solo day and about 50 miles to go. Since Justin won’t be arriving until the evening, assuming he makes all the ferry connections, there was no reason to be efficient. So after 20 minutes since leaving Coombs, I spent about hour and a half, two coffees and a scone at a local French Press Coffee shop in Qualicum Beach. This town is known to be a retire favorite. I passed by the Downtown farmers market before connecting with the bike path along the ocean, the Strait of Georgia. Although the bike path wasn’t very long, the Oceanside highway had mostly a wide shoulder and I took it all the way to Buckley bay.
The warm sun felt great and I was delighted to dry out from the last two days of dampness.
I passed by the turn off for Horne lake - yesterday’s lunch spot but feels like weeks ago.
There were a number of road riders coming in the other directions. I’d get the nod in response to my wave.
I enjoyed ocean views, pikaboo views or none at all.
The Denman Island ferry arrived shortly after I purchased my ticket and I saw Leslie and Bruce rolling their bikes off the ferry. We had an awkward quick conversation over the unloading cars but I was delighted to see them 10 days after first running into them on my way to Sequim. The ferry trip was quick and although I unloaded first, I waited for all the cars to leave. The Hornby island ferry was loading as I completed the hilly 7 miles across Denman island and pulled up next to the cars waiting to get on.
The Heron Rocks campground completes this trip and is my final destination but I need to loop around this entire little island to get there. After about half hour, I arrived at the Market place - the island’s hub - and spent a couple hours checking out the Co-op, eating ice cream while watching the second half of the France-England World Cup soccer match at à little outdoor watch party. I had to earn every mile on this hilly island and reunited with couple friends at camp while waiting for Justin.
More camping is ahead but this stretch will look a little different - one campsite on the beach and no more biking while carrying all my gear for a while.
Seattle-Sequim-Port Angeles-Victoria-Cowichan Lake-Port Renfrew-Bamfield-Port Alberni-Coombs-Hornby Island —>
The modified Alberni Bam Bam is complete. I am grateful to Georgia, Cathy, Nicole and Pete for the planning, well matched riding, good vibes and all around being awesome adventure partners.
2 ferries
1 oyster farm
2 ciders
1 ice cream
1 soccer game
1 campsites on the beach
