It has been just over a year since I packed my belongings and headed west to British Columbia. I have settled in at Chilliwack and am loving every minute. There is so much that is available to seniors – some is completely free and others have fees involved (but not high fees – just enough to cover the cost). I am sure trips will start repeating at some time, but so far all the trips have been new and interesting for me as I learn more about the province and surrounding areas. Chilliwack is very close to the U.S.A. border some of the trips do go south to cross the border, so a current passport is required for those.
I didn’t know where Sucia Island is but all I had to do was to get myself to the bus that would be taking us there. Sucia Island is actually a Federal Park in the U.S.A. Camping is allowed, but other than the washrooms and a water tap, there are no other facilities.
I have been on one of the Salish Sea cruises before. We had an amazing Crab & Chicken dinner on board. This time we had quite a decent lunch and we got to keep the little insulated carrier that it came in The Gull was on guard to make sure we got away from the dock safely. I wonder what they pay him for that!
It was about 2 hours to the island and then we could wander as and where we liked.
Although I took a fair number of photos, I also managed to get absolutely soaked by the salt water on the ride to the island. There were places to sit or stand on the roof and that is where I went to take photos. About mid way across to our destination, we hit some big waves and most of us up there got absolutely soaked. I could (& did) taste the salt. The water was getting rougher every minute at this point, so I headed down to stay inside & dry. I didn’t actually dry off until we landed at Sucia Island. The salt really didn’t bother me on my body, but my hair felt stiff from the salt soaking. The first thing I did when I got home was to shower!
I was happy to see a couple of Great Blue Herons in the water.
It is amazing how wind & water can change the shapes of rocks.
Some of us went on a guided fossil hike.
The fossils must remain in the national park – so all we could take were photos.
On our ride back, we were excited to see Killer Whales. There appeared to be about 4 or 5 of them, but they were up & down again so quickly that I missed most of them.
I am really enjoying all the tours that are available here for a reasonable price. I am getting to know the area now and there are still more that I have booked for in the near future.
Mavimet's Weblog 
Winnipeg’s loss is Chilliwack’s gain! You and my son are less prone to see sickness. I, on the other hand … Hope the water did not get into your camera! And that the Orcas were not practicing chewing on rudders!
Stay cool and hydrated out there on the virtual Lone Star Trail! Cheers, Stumblebum
LikeLike
Thanks Tim. I’m staying inside today in between my fan & my portable air conditioner (that is really more like a fan). All the photos I posted after landing at the island were ok and that was well after the soaking. So, hopefully it stays that way. It’s an old camera, but it takes decent photos.
LikeLike
I loved the photos and felt like I was there. I’m like Stumblebum – prone to seasickness. I can get sick on a boat with calm seas. I wouldn’t have been happy on your boat trip. However, cruise ships are different. Huge ships so much better. I’ve only been seasick once on a smaller cruise ship during bad weather. MaryMac
LikeLike
I’m glad you are enjoying my posts/photos Mary. I always enjoy my walks (&/or rides) to get to know my way around here. After 71.5 year in Winnipeg, this is a whole new world around me in B.C. Many years ago I was with a friend on a large ship that crossed from Rotterdam to Montreal. Unfortunately my friend was very sea sick for most of the ride. I felt bad for her, but if I went down to our room, I didn’t feel great. I had to be able to see the ups & downs. I only went down at night to sleep and I was fine then. I am fine in any size boat.
LikeLike