Really sorry to leave Morris the Moose and The Summit Hotel – easily one of the best hotels I’ve ever stayed in. After a last breakfast at Purebread we were off down the road to Horseshoe Bay where we were just in time to catch the 11am ferry to Nanaimo. The crossing seemed much shorter than normal and we arrived in Parksville by early afternoon. It was so lovely to get a warm welcome from Karin who let us into the flat and had baked us some delicious scones.

It was great to finally unpack properly and actually stand a chance of finding things! Then over the road for a large vodka and tonic and snack at the hotel overlooking the beach where we watched a heron and then a bald eagle attempting to catch something for tea.

Feeling very relaxed now!Notices on the roads keep telling us to chain up – unfortunately I forgot to pack any so we’re trying to keep out of the way of the MountiesOne of my favourite views in the world – or the bits I’ve seen anyway!Bald eagle fishing – unlucky today by the look of it.This Raven was really determined not to be pushed off the terrace.