Today we would rise early yet again so that we could go visit the top of Whistler

After tidying up a few loose ends, we set out for the BC Ferry Terminal at Departure Bay. Although we expected to be on 3:00pm ferry, the ferry corporation had dispatched the old Queen of Nanaimo to run an overload trip at 12:45pm. The Nanaimo is one of the older, smaller & slower ferries that was built in the era just after the Blackball Ferries were "nationalized."

In spite of the wind and swells, the weather was warm and sunny and the ferry made good time - arriving at Horseshoe Bay at 3:00pm. We stopped at friends place in Coquitlam where we had dinner and good conversation. H. drove us to the Accent Inn in Richmond where we were to overnight before our departure by air at 9:00am the next day

We did do one day trip while we on the Island, which was up to Nanaimo. On the way there, we stopped in Chemainus and walked around the town. It’s a small fishing village with cute, little shops, however there’s not a lot to do, so we didn’t stay long. We did buy tickets to a play that was being staged later that night, though. We went to Nanaimo and did some shopping, then timed it just right to be back in Chemainus for the play (which was a really weird play). Once the play was done, we went back to Sidney. It was fun.

So much for normal roommates - the San Francisco girl is ok but at the bottom of Diane's bunk seems to be the local Nanaimo drunk!  She came in very late last night, poured herself a few whiskey's, rocking the bunkbed and proceeded to eat the loudest crackers for about half an hour - not just a nibble - a full meal of crackers - crunch crunch!  Emma heard none of this and had a good nights sleep!

When we got up we headed round the corner to a cafe for breakfast, having panckaes and omlettes - setting us up for the day.

After this huge breakfast we got the ferry to Gabriola Island - a short ferry ride to a quiet island with forests and beaches.  It was relaxing; we walked to one of the beaches, saw a jelly fish.  Walking back we saw two deer.  The island has a tiny little shopping centre -all wooden.  There was a little cafe called The Rasberry Jazz Cafe  where we called for coffee -ended up getting some free soup as it was the end of the pan - it was delicious, along with a cinnamon roll.  Afetr this we dashed back to catch the ferry back.  The crossing was very foggy, it gradually got sunny as we reached Nanaimo harbour.  Looking back Gabriola had been swallowed up in a cloud of mist.  Just as we got back we saw a seal swimming past the ferry.  We picked up some groceries and headed back to the hostel and relaxed for the rest of the evening.  Had glass of wine and pre dinner snacks - stuffed olives and doritos - anyone would think we were on a budget!

We didn't get murdered in our beds - although Japanese girl did continue to be weird, scurrying around the hostel running in all the rooms, making strange noises - will miss her!  We packed up, had breakfast then headed to the Painted Turtle HI.  It is fantastic - best hostel ever, really modern - think we might just stay here for good - and it has free internet.  We chilled for a bit in the open plan kitchen/lounge area then had an explore of the harbour.  Nanaimo apparently has a 5km harbour front.  After a few hours we had lunch/tea in a cafe/bistro on the harbour - was very welcome as we were both starving.  Budgetting seems to have gone out of the window these last few days.  After weeks of trying not to overspend our budget and failing miserably, think the new tactic will be to just spend what we want and see how that method goes.

Back at the hostel, Emma had become feeble so had to have a lie down - she's trying to kid herself that its flu - we all know it's a hangover!   Is nice to get a normal roommate again - a girl from San Francisco who's been telling us the best places to stay when we get there.

Another early start today as we had to get the 9am bus to Nanaimo, just over half way down Vancouver Island.  It was a long journey, about 6-7 hours in total but it was a good journey, on one side of the coach we had the ocean and on the other endless views of tree covered hills.  Upon arrival in Nanaimo we walked to the hostel - Nichol St and it wasn't the best we have chosen so far.  The owner was nowhere to be seen and some random guy said he had been left in charge for the day and showed us to our dorm.  Emma wasn't too impressed.  Later when we looked at the guide we realised we had walked past two hostels to get here.  So we made a decision - we headed to the Painted Turtle Guesthouse (the HI hostel) and booked in for tomorrow night.  Whilst doing this the guy on the front desk told us about a free jazz concert later that evening, so we headed back to hostel grim for tea, then headed straight to the pub and some jazz.  It was a good night, we sat at the bar and had cocktails whilst listening to the band.  When we got back to hostel grim we thought we might have the dorm to ourselves until our strange roomate turned up - a Japanese girl who seems to have no luggage and runs everywhere!  She was strange and we both thought we might end up murdered in our scruffy little beds.