Left the motel around 11:00 am, and coasted downhill for the 2 miles to the ferry. Took a couple of pictures along the way, including one of a thick mass of wild blackberries which some pedestrians were picking and eating - this was similar to those I described seeing all over Sequim yesterday.
I stopped by the Visitors Information Center next to the ferry to get some maps and info. As I was leaving, I was approached by a couple and their dog - Bob & Dorothy Simpson and Sadie. This retired couple lives in Nanaimo on Vancouver Island, which just happens to be the point from which I will ferry over to Vancouver when I leave the island the end of next week. They are avid cyclists, and have biked extensively in Louisiana and some parts south near where I live. More recently, their cycling adventures have taken a hit as they spend most of their time indulging in their new passion - square dancing. Bob & Dorothy are also members of Warmshowers and Couchsurfers which I wrote about previously. In any event, they invited me to camp at their house or stay with them when I get to Nanaimo. They even said they would leave the house open and I could just stay there if they happen to be out of town when I arrive - they have some square dancing activities planned out of town. They gave me their card, and I told them I would call later in the week when I knew more about my plans.
While waiting for the ferry, I also met another retired couple with their bikes who had spent a couple of days biking to Sequim and back. They live in Victoria, and offered a number of suggestions for my upcoming biking in the area. Specifically, they told me about the Galloping Goose Trail and the Lochside Trail that runs pretty much all the way to Sidney - my likely destination for tomorrow. The woman also seemed to think my thoughts about a loop to Port Renfroe --> Lake Cowichen --> Duncan --> Nanaimo might be a really good ride. I am just not sure yet about taking that much time. Am already thinking about an extra day in Victoria since there seems to be a lot to see and do.
We reached Victoria after the 90 minute ferry ride. There was a festive feel in the air and it was sunny and quite warm. A gentleman from California graciously took my picture to prove that I had, indeed, arrived in Victoria. The friend with him was from Sequim, of all places! Seems like everyone I was meeting lived in Sequim, had visited Sequim, or wanted to.
Rode my bike past the government building and Queen Victoria's statue at the start of the 5 mile or so ride to my motel. The streets were quite crowded, but everything is set up to be biker friendly and the ride was enjoyable.
Arrived at my motel at approximately 3:30 pm. Love my room! It is huge and has a nice little kitchenette as well as a desk and couch. There is a little lake out back behind the complex that is pretty and serene. Very happy here.
At the suggestion of the young man at the motel desk, I walked across the street for dinner at That Li'l Pasta Place. Outstanding! One of my favorites ever. I had pasta primavera that was out of this world. After dinner, I returned to my little haven and settled in for the night - I was feeling very tired after all the twists and turns of the week. Will figure out the activities for tomorrow in the morning.
