Wow! no posts for 6 months – time to update the blog. Winter sure was different than what we were used to in Ontario. We were able to golf, hike, and walk on the beach all winter, wearing nothing more than a light down jacket on the coldest days. Sure (as many people were eager to warn us) it can be wet and gloomy some days – but there is no -30, no shovelling, and best of all if we want snow and cold, it’s an hours drive to the nearest alpine resort for skiing and snowshoe. Parts of the island, at higher elevation, do get snow regularly and there is even a glacier near Comox, but the overall temps. all year are moderate and below freezing.
We did get snow on Jan 14 – it lasted on the ground for about 2 weeks in Qualicum Beach. We laughed as everything shut down in town, and no, we did not shovel ……
On a couple of our hiking excursions we did encounter some snow covered areas which was fun. I’ve always liked winter, but I do not miss -30 and icy roads….
In February we had a chance (thanks to my very generous sister with a timeshare), to go skiing at Whistler, joined by our daughter Rachel and partner Francis. The ferry ride from VI was a nice relaxing 2 hours, followed by a great scenic drive along the sea-to-sky highway. The Embark /condo right at the base of the mountain has 2 bedrooms + ensuites, full kitchen & large sitting area as well as communal hot tubs for apres ski. Skiing at Whistler (a bucket list item – CHECK!) was great, but with the lift tickets being very pricey, we only skied one day.
With family visiting we took a trip (2 quick ferries) to nearby Hornby Island in hopes of seeing some marine wildlife. We were not dissapointed. These birds are called Oystercatchers.
Apr 10 –Hiking Mt. Arrowsmith CPR trail we had to turn around as we got into higher elevation due the snow. The lookout will have to wait for summer.