Gabriola Island

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!