I have lots to share - what I packed/wore, oodles of west coast scenery and Weird Things I Saw, plus what I bought when I went shopping, AND all the family we saw.
Buckle up! Here we go!
As always, I basically wear the same thing for the entirety of the 3-day trip, including travel both ways.
- Acid-wash vest - Chicle, thrifted; last worn here (2nd outfit) to hang in the park a couple of weeks ago
- Beached tee - 2020 concert merch, not tracked
- Elton John tee (below) - thrifted
- Soup can tee (below) - SPRZNY X Andy Warhol, thrifted; last seen here with a pink blazer in July
- Skirt - Acqua & Limone, consignment; last worn here in July when I met up with Maria
- Sneakers - Converse, consignment; last seen here in July with my teal suit
- Track jacket (below) - Fred's Adidas, consignment; purchased here for $39.60
I only varied my t-shirts and socks, but wore the skirt, vest and sneakers every single day.
Minus the blurry Whateley, who did his usual photo-bombing on Friday morning. when I took these pictures.
At the last minute I added the Adidas jacket that I just purchased, but only wore it as a jacket briefly on one day. Most of the time, it was around my waist like this. Handy for carrying my phone in one of the zip pockets, as the skirt's pockets are small.
Whenever I was indoors, eating or not walking around, I looked like this.
This is how most people saw me.
Here's everything I packed.
We had sun, a bit of rain, some wind, and temps ranged from a little chilly to rather warm.
Jacket on...
But as I said, barely worn like this.
Here's everything I packed.
I forgot to remove my pins.
- Colquitz Blue Devils pin - thrifted
- Star pin - consignment
My brother Dave, partner Shelley and my Aunt Lois all loved that I had a team button from my junior high school.
These are the tees I took.
I started with the pink sequined sneakers and then matched the tees to them.
I debated over the hat, but was glad I took it - the sun beat down hard on Saturday while I was walking around shopping all day.
A handy purse - it holds a lot!
- Leather purse - Michael Kors, consignment
- Paper hat - thrifted
At the last second, I picked out a scarf.
Barnabas was in his usual spot, enjoying the morning sun.
But again, it ended up on my purse, except for a short Movie Star Wrap right at the end of the voyage.
- Silk scarf - Ed Hardy by Christian Audigier, vintage 00s, consignment
I usually vary up my bling, but this time I decided to just wear the same things for all three days.
Felt comfortable.
- Filigree cuff - St. Paul's Cathedral gift shop, London, 2010
- Crystal heart cuff - Juicy Couture, consignment
- Silver/crystal ring - Soul Flower
- Silver/amethyst ring - vintage mall
- Silver/kyanite ring - consignment
- Earrings - vintage, c. 1995
- Silver Celtic S pendant - UK, gift from Mom & Dad, c. 1995?
- Amethyst pendant - gift from Mom & Dad, c. 1992?
One last round of kitty pictures, and off we go!
As was Whateley.
Be good boys for Ross and Cat!
Okay, here we go! If you've been here for a while, this is a regular bi-annual jaunt for us to Powell River (aka PR). We last went up here in January, and last summer in August 2025 here.
Here's the start of the Malahat Drive, near Goldstream Park.
We had a warm sunny day, with only a few clouds.
We're zooming along here, with cliffs on the left, and a drop down 1000+ feet to the right as we go higher.
Mt. Finlayson.
The trees are turning from green to yellow.
Cloud Drama.
Mt. Finlayson again as I look back to the south.
I love these big towers.
Such a statement!
The lookout!
It's for tourists. We don't go there.
Oh, wait, who's that doing all the driving?
But I do like taking pictures of Weird Things On the Road. Like a wizard!
My lovely husband L! Thank you, love! You are the best.
I didn't take as many scenery pictures, because I've driven this route a hundred times in the past 30 years.
And this giant plant for making/storing...something?
I noted it had a gift shop! Maybe one day we'll stop here and check it out.
Silver Bridge outside of Duncan.
I'm a fan of these lovely geometric shapes.
This green bridge is also very handsome.
There was lots of traffic. Summer, August...
And loads of logging trucks.
Terrifying! Don't go "Final Destination" on us!
Seriously, these logs are just aching to crush us.
One strap snapping and we'd be toast.
Then there was a lovely car.
I couldn't tell what kind it was, but it was so beautiful.
We laughed and made fun of this bumper sticker.
The driver was a tailgater and a total arse.
Another piece of equipment that wants to kill us.
Oh, it's just a small tractor, everything's fine!
Famous last words!
Denman Island? I don't know.
Another truck full of four by sixes.
A glimpse of the water on our right and some crows following the highway.
That's what a logging truck looks like without a load of logs.
Dangerous!
A wide open sky and mountains ahead.
No snow on them. It's been a hot year.
Another cool car.
The tires say "Hoosier Rooster." Sure!
The four Cs - we're close to the ferry to Powell River now!
It leaves from Comox. It took nearly 3 hours of driving to get this far.
And there it is, pulling up.
The mountains in the distance are the mainland of BC.
It's the Salish Orca.
One of the most modern ships in the BC Ferries fleet.
We loaded onto the top deck, due to Vlad the Jaguar's low belly clearance.
There is a deck below this for regular cars. They ride in the belly of the beast!
We arrived, checked into our hotel, and then walked over to visit briefly with Louise.
She had a great pair of earrings on. So good to see her!
We had dinner plans with a friend that fell through, so drove south to the Beach Gardens Resort & Marina.
Blackberry Festival was on, so all the restaurants in town were packed.
We arrived and wandered around, looking for the Seasider Bistro.
It's a chainsaw carving!
They were very territorial with the other sea-birds.
We arrived and wandered around, looking for the Seasider Bistro.
Despite waving its claws around, this lobster was terrible at directions.
Isn't it cool?
We finally found the bistro - shockingly, it was at the SEA SIDE.
L charmed them into getting us a literal seaside table. What a hideous view!
We watched the mass-murder of crows on the beach.
We also watched otters clamber out of the rocks on the breakwater and frolic in the water.
This deck just below our table was swarming with people taking pictures of them.
We also watched seals swim by.
And herons soar overhead.
We had a lot of Sunset Drama.
Gawd-light!
The mountains in the background are Vancouver Island.
Isn't that spectacular?
The mountains in the background are Vancouver Island.
But wait, it gets better!
Clouds limned in light.
Then it all went orange.
Wow!
Wait, did I say orange?
We had an awesome meal and enjoyed watching the sunset. So romantic.
We played boardgames and watched "hotel TV" for a while back in our room, then were up early for breakfast at the hotel restaurant before getting together with Louise and her boyfriend Dave.
She had to pose in my hat! So chic!
I meant ORANGE.
Here's to my goofy partner!
We played boardgames and watched "hotel TV" for a while back in our room, then were up early for breakfast at the hotel restaurant before getting together with Louise and her boyfriend Dave.
Saturday's outfit - Elton John tee!
We picked up Louise from her apartment.
Due to Vlad only having two seats, I walked down to Willington Beach, and L drove his mom.
I spotted L and Louise walking towards me.
The trees are big here!
Selfie of us all!
We met up with Dave over by the bandshell.
We were serenaded by a piper band.
Louise watching them march off.
Bagpipes, yeah!
Her favourite!
We strolled around and looked at the booths of food and goods for sale.
And popped into the Loggers Museum.
Self-portrait with chainsaws.
I love a miniature diorama.
This is a (former) logging town.
At this point, I left everyone to go shopping on Marine Avenue.
Looking back. This was packed with people an hour later.
And looking all the way back.
Loads of blackberry bushes!
I only had luck in my favourite store - the Economy Shop wasn't open on weekends (boo!) and Madrona Thrift has closed - but spent a couple of hours browsing in the Willow Rose Boutique.
They had 20% off on everything for the Blackberry Festival, so these brand new Converse sneakers - with heels! were only $79.00.
I think I have to put my name in them, right?
This one is perfect. The perfect colour, just the right amount of pocketry and the price was right at $47.00 after the discount.
So fun! These will be fun to play around with.
I've been on the lookout for a turquoise purse for years.
Gorgeous pebbled leather.
The classic Roots Canada label.
A metal label - made in Canada!
I couldn't find another one in this same design, but based on the tiny "cell phone" pocket inside, it's probably from the early 00s.
In addition to the big front pocket, there is a wallet pocket inside and two smaller pockets (the aforementioned cell pocket is one).
It's beautifully soft and is going to be used plenty!
I loved this red lace top with the gold Chinese dragon on it.
It was only $18.40.
It's by Luna Moon, but I couldn't find anything like it online.
My last find was this rather dull vest.
It has no label, but those are real pockets and it fits well.
For $16.90, I was happy.
It'll be a good layering piece.
While I was out shopping all day, L drove Louise around to all her favourite places.
They were momentarily trapped by a black bear! See it on the right side of the truck? Yikes! Get out of there!
We had pizza for dinner with Louise, then were back in the hotel room for an early wake-up to catch the first ferry back to the island.
I didn't take any full-length pics of me in my "soup can" tee but this is the only time I had the Adidas jacket actually ON.
A light rain sent us off.
Time to load, and grab breakfast onboard.
An before we knew it, we were back in Comox/Courtenay.
Looking down at the Comox Valley.
Of course, we stopped in to visit with Dave and Shelley.
Me and Shelley.
Aw, my little brother!
He made us all a nice strong coffee, and we hung out chatting for over an hour.
And me, Shelley, Dave and L.
So great to see you both!
Dave, stop making faces!
Ah, so good to see them!
Back on the road.
A bit cloudy, but very little traffic.
We met up with my aunt Lois and uncle Brent at The Shack Taphouse on the golf course near Parksville.
A great view!
We had a yummy lunch, laughing and catching up with Brent and Lois (she is my dad's younger sister).
And back on the road we go!
I was disappointed that the Trading Post's horse wasn't out on our way up-Island, but she was out for the down-Island trip.
More steep cliffs, and we're on the Malahat again.
It was JAMMED with traffic (much of it is single lane, carved out of rock).
And finally we were nearly home.
And when L put the top down on Vlad, I wrapped my scarf around my head in the Movie Star Wrap. Home!
We both chilled when we got home (me uploading photos, L napping) and then played board games on Sunday.
"I'm playing too!"
We both took Monday off to relax and unwind from all the travel.
"I'm glad you're home."
Me too, Whateley!
How lovely that you got to spend time with both of your families! And beautiful weather to boot. We are going to have to do the Malahat the next time we are in BC; my husband always likes a twisty turny driving adventure.
ReplyDeleteWe lucked out this trip - it was one of our best! Drive the Malahat on a week day during a non-tourist month for the best experience! October and March are both lovely months here.
DeleteWhew! No matter how many times I follow along on this trip it is always special to see your scenery photos. The pictures of the sunset were astonishing, beautiful, and quite evocative. In the time of my parents when they were growing up families settled physically near one another. As I think about it, that is what happened with my brother and his family, and with one of Fred's siblings and their family. Given the long drive to visit Louise and then your family on the return trip, it becomes extra special that you and L make the effort to visit everyone.
ReplyDeleteBarnabas is quite the poser in his opening photo! And Whateley has that 'who me' look on his face. ;-) Cheers, Laurie
Aw, thank you, Laurie! We really soaked up that sunset and reminded ourselves that the time we spend together is the best part of the trip. L's not the first in his family in 3 generations to leave PR and move away, but only a few have left. It's a long way, but we'll do it while we can. I like the extra visits with my family too - it's been good to get a bit closer with them.
DeleteThey are just so cute! I can't stand it!
What a great trip! I can't believe you took one white skirt for the whole trip. I would have been guaranteed to do something to it that would require changing into another! I think we share the love of a certain kind of car. I drool over some of those long, understated gorgeous cars whenever I see them. We once owned a used Buick Roadmaster, and enjoyed it for some years, but it was time for something easier to park. It must have been so rewarding to see some of both sides of the family in one trip, and to have photos for lovely memories until the next time you are with them!
ReplyDeleteI know, it was risky! And I did end up with a small spill on the front, and a rubber mark from pulling myself out of the car. Yes, I love those old cars - they had design! Yes, it's a gift to be able to see them all.
DeleteThe first car was a Volvo P1800. I loved those cars (almost got one as my first car but it was too rusted). The Volvo C30 I had was the modern successor to that car. The storage things you took a picture of is Top Shelf Feeds. They mix grains for animal feed. We buy chicken food there.
ReplyDeleteGord! Fantastic to hear from you! How are you liking retirement?
DeleteThat's so cool - I love those cars. I know that place, it's been around for ages - they usually dress up their horse!
Thumbs up on retirement. Highly recommended.
DeleteWhat an amazing trip with aaalll the family!!
ReplyDeleteThose sunsets were incredible and became more and more so!!!
It's not all the family, but it's a lot of them! We were amazed by that sunset!
DeleteAlways soo great to see you & still want to shop soon… retired in under 2 weeks now
ReplyDeleteHi, Karen! Excited for you!
Delete