Tuesday August 13 ... On to the rock!

Today we were able to make a more leisurely start to our day.  Got a late checkout, had a relaxing breakfast and decided to hop onto shank's pony and go into town to see if we could find a grocery store.  Ended up walking for about 45 minutes to get to the Sobeys where we got the fixings for a boat picnic (chicken and spinach salad) and snacks.  Harry figured out a shorter way for us to return to the hotel so managed to make it back there in about 25 minutes...plus I think we were walking at a bit faster clip on the return journey.

Packed the bike and headed for the ferry...then had to play the waiting game until it was time to sail.  We visited with some fellow bikers, Laura and Dennis, from Wisconsin.  They are about our age and have been on many bike trips since 1995 so are very experienced.  A very friendly couple with lots of good stories.  We also chatted with a couple of fellows from Ontario who are on their way to Newfoundland to do an off road trip on their bikes, part of which involves 400 km. on a rough dirt road...sounds like the kind of biking our friend Ken and his friends in Edmonton do.  Another couple we were talking to  while waiting to board were travelling by car and mentioned that they could not get a return ferry until the end of August....which gave us both a bit of a start as we hadn't booked our return passage yet.  Luckily we were able to book the last two spots on the morning ferry on August 21...whew!  Ferry service is at a premium because of the one that is still being repaired after running aground awhile back.

The last two ferry rides we were on in BC we just had to put blocks around the bike to stabilize it, whereas this time we (read Harry) had to strap it down to anchors on the floor...here is a pic ...

I am writing this on the ferry...a gorgeous boat called the Highlander.  Lots of tractor trailer trucks on board.  

Some people have cabins, there is a full restaurant and bar here as well as lots of comfy reclining seats and tv monitors playing three different tv stations.  Feels quite luxurious really and I am enjoying reading and relaxing.  

We have spent some time on deck and it is warmer than I expected it would be...though we forgot to take the camera with us so will share this photo that was taken just before we left...

Imagine those who made the first ferry crossing on the SS Bruce July 1, 1898 would have experienced quite different surroundings and amenities! 

We expect to land about 11 pm...and I'll post this then.  We are hoping to get in a bit earlier as we have a big day tomorrow ... 570 km., providing it is not raining cats and dogs that is...moisture is in the forecast but we are hoping it won't amount to much.

Ahoy for now...