At the edge of town, I stopped at the information center to check on further maps and/or info regarding the route to Nanaimo. I have found the information centers on Vancouver Island to be extraordinary in terms of both resources and knowledgable people. This one was even better than most. I was met outside by the most friendly and helpful attendant, who, when she saw me starting to look for a place to lock my bike, invited me to just wheel it right in to the center with me. Loved that. As I approached the front entrance, I noticed what appeared to be heavily laden blueberry bushes. The lady attendant told me that they were native blueberries and probably edible, although she discouraged folks from eating them.
Once inside, the attendants all kind of gathered around and we talked about the scenic route to Nanaimo through Crofton, Chemainus and Ladysmith. I calculated that it could add as much as 10 miles to the ride to Nanaimo, but then made the bold decision to disregard my fears and apprehension and go with the present moment opportunity to experience the unknown. If it took me all day to get to Nanaimo, then so be it. In other words, maybe I should try to practice what I had been writing about in recent blogs.
Before I left the info center, the attendants told me about some German brothers that had recently passed through cycling on their way to Rio. They had literally ridden all the way from Germany, except for the obvious points where they had to cross oceans or whatever. According to their blog, they did recently make it to Rio.
As I left the info center, I noticed a produce/firewood stand on the road. I have seen many variations of these on the rural roads. You take what you want and leave the money. Sometimes what is there is a free gift. In all events, you are trusted to do the right thing.
My decision to take the scenic route resulted in one of the best riding days on the island. The first part of the ride was on mostly flat roads, interspersed with some undulating hills. Nothing too drastic. Lush, green farmland all around, with those ever present brightly colored wildflowers and mountains in the distance. I saw some of the greenest corn fields I have ever seen on any of my bike travels. The entire stalk was dark green, not just the top half. I also saw some wonderful animals, including a field of pigs with personality. Just up ahead on the road after the pigs, I saw a sign for RASTA - Rescue and Sanctuary for Threatened Animals. A permanent place. I think I would love to work at such a facility.
I was making good time and before I knew it I reached the small town of Crofton, with its scenic views of Osbourne Bay. There was the pervading sweet smell of wood in the air - not just when a logging truck passed. I discovered the source as I passed by huge mounds of mulch at what I assume was a processing plant.
The next town I reached was Chemainus, famous for the 42 or so amazing murals painted on the sides of buildings in town. The town was so neat and clean, and had many enticing cafes and shops, as well as theatre centers. Overlooking the bay, you could see logs floating in the water next to the processing plant. They also had a wonderful information center and friendly people. A woman of obvious native Indian heritage approached and asked about my journey. We had a nice conversation. She was originally from Duncan, but now lives in Chemainus. This is one place I would not mind returning to and spending more time.
I continued my ride along the Transcanada Bike Route to Ladysmith, yet another pretty town perched up on a hill overlooking the water.
Unfortunately, I had to get on TransCanada Hwy 1 at Ladysmith for the remaining 10 miles or so to Nanaimo. The good news was that there was a nice wide shoulder, and a decent tailwind that fairly propelled me the rest of the way. I did stop briefly for a light lunch at a rest area before continuing on. Google Lady made one brief attempt to lead me astray on a side adventure, but my instincts kicked in early enough to thwart the attempt. I was proud of myself.
I arrived at my motel around 2 pm, surprised to notice that the scenic add-on had little effect on the approximately 40 mile ride. The front desk clerk, Graeme, was extremely helpful in getting some of my motel awards issues worked out, and I settled into a very clean, spacious 1 bedroom suite. I have now been on the road so long that I am getting some unbelievable deals and rates on rooms due to AARP discounts + awards programs, including even getting free nights. Makes for even less incentive to camp. Graeme was also interested in the fact that I was from Austin, and told me he had been there on a bus trip through Texas. They would sleep on the bus, then stop at various points or cities of interest and sightsee during the day. Austin was one of his favorites. Meanwhile, another guest waiting to check in heard us talking, and introduced himself to me as Herb, from Tyler, Texas. Herb is a pilot for a private jet, and was very friendly. We talked about my bike ride, and his job. We both agreed that we did not miss the Texas heat.
Had a lovely dinner at the motel, during which I learned my waitperson had also recently visited Texas and wanted to tell me all about that. She had identified me by my accent. Texans and visitors to Texas everywhere. I returned to my room to find that Mom had skyped - she is really in the swing of things now! Dawne also called excited and envious that I will be staying with Pam and Karen this weekend. We had a nice conversation.
So...ferrying over to Vancouver tomorrow. My time in Victoria and Vancouver Island was amazing. When I think back in the future, I think the things that will stand out most are how extremely bike friendly / accommodating the trails, roads and towns are. Truly, a biker's paradise. Secondly, I will have this mental picture of vivid flowers everywhere - in town, out of town, along the roads and trails, and a mainstay of most private homes' landscaping. Finally, I found the people friendly and helpful. I would love to return here someday if the opportunity arises.
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