We booked a two night stay at the B n B my parents stayed in ten years ago when they first made this trip. We arrived there Wednesday night and enjoyed a relaxing evening touring a bit and playing some cards. A family passtime. In the morning we boarded the ferry at 7am and found some awesome window seats. The ferry travels to Bamfield three times a week delivering mail and supplies to the ocean side towns. It makes a few stops along the way.
The morning weather was cool and there was a low laying fog but thankfully it wasn't ow enough to block our view of the coastline along the Alberni inlet. It was so wonderful to just relax and enjoy the views out the window although we did eventually spend some time sitting outside when the sun came out. There were lots of logs tied up along the shoreline ready for transport when we first headed out.
We also spotted a bear on one of the beaches but as I had the binoculars I was the only one to see him before he headed back into the bush. We then went past China Creek Campground and saw some sea lions.
Our first stop was the Kildonan post office. A tiny little village with an even smaller post office. It looked like a very remote and peaceful place to call home. After dropping off some mail and supplies we headed out again towards Bamfield.
As it was almost noon we popped downstairs to the cafe and enjoyed a good lunch. I chose the burger which was just massive and had a fair bit of cheese on it which made it difficult to eat but it certainly was good!
Our next stop was at the old hotel on the east side of Bamfield. Most of the passengers disembarked here to walk along the boardwalk and explore for an hour. However we chose to stay on board and go into Bamfield and watch the unload the cargo. It was actually quite amazing. The boat has a crane on it that lifts the crates and containers of supplies. Food, drink, housing materials, we even had a load of lumber and siding. It took some time for it to unload. We then headed back toward the ocean school where we picked up a large group of students before heading across and picking up the rest of the passengers who had now returned to the dock.
On our way back toward Port Alberni we are lucky enough to come across two whales. We kept our distance but did manage to see them blow quite a few times.
It began to rain on the journey home but we were quite dry and comfortable sitting inside and still had great views.
The ferry trip took ten hours and was something I definitely would do again.
That night we went out for a nice meal and then returned to our B n B.
I will always treasure having spent this time sharing an adventure with Dad and Mom. Something I need to do more often. It was great to spend time together and have time out on the water and be in creation. I'm so very, very blessed and thankful to have such loving people for parents and my good friend who is always game to join in on any adventure!
