Staycation

Elk Falls, Campbell River

 I have been MIA this week as my Stepson flew into town for a 9 day stay.  We only found out a few weeks ago he could get leave from the Armed Forces before his Tank driver training starts in September so we shuffled some business appointments and tried to do a few tourist things during his visit.

Elk Falls, Campbell River

We started off by driving 45 minutes to Campbell River to experience the new suspension bridge finished this Spring and see Elk Falls.  We took my Stepson, Mom and Buddy and walked the 1.2 km in on the nice trail.  We took turns peering off the suspension bridge into the falls as obviously Buddy couldn't go onto the suspension bridge.  There are several viewing platforms and the trail and one of the viewing platforms is wheelchair accessible - amazing!

Elk Falls, Campbell River

After a slushee stop we proceeded to drive back to Comox to the harbour as hubby wanted to buy some fresh salmon off the dock. Cost for 1/2 a salmon?  $40 Canadian.  Not cheap but this is as fresh as you can get non-farmed salmon without catching it yourself.  I no longer eat fish as really don't like it so this fed hubby and my Stepson one night (I had soup) and there are two more meals for hubby in the freezer.  We only buy fresh salmon about twice a year due to the cost and as a treat only.

Baby fish, off dock at Comox Harbour

We discovered a few weeks ago that there is a large metal boom attached to the longest dock.  Most people don't walk that far - but if you walk to the end you are rewarded with this - 27 seals basking in the sunlight.  It is like a seal waterpark.  Not only do they have a place to suntan, they get scraps from the fishing boats that come in daily.

Seal Waterpark at the Comox Harbour

Heron flying in for a look

Seals sunning themselves

Heron and Seals on their Comox Harbour Boom

Comox Harbour

 Wednesday was my Birthday (46) so I decided that I wanted a fancy dinner at home instead of out.  We bought bacon wrapped filet mignon and large shrimp with asparagus and mushrooms with rice as a side.  Total cost for a homemade fantastic meal for four was $45.  It was scrumptious and followed by a raspberry tiramisu that my Mom made.  Yummy!

Victoria Harbour

Thursday hubby had a business meeting in Victoria, a 3 hour drive away.  We decided to make a day of it while Mom took care of Buddy for the day.  Most people who come to Vancouver Island only go to Victoria, which is a shame since it is a beautiful city but not a true representation of the rest of the Island.  In summer it is teeming with tourists.  I don't think I will go back to Victoria between June and September again.  I hate the crowds and the fight to get a parking spot anywhere near the inner harbour.  If more people would just go a little further, over the Malahat mountain they would see that there are no crowds and tons of neat little towns and ocean side areas to explore.  I have always seen Vancouver Island as filled with nature, not tourist attractions.

Victoria, BC

We had lunch after a 1/2 hour wait in a waterside cafe and then headed back home.  The next day we took a walk to Airforce beach in Comox near the base and airport.  This beach is reserved for those who currently serve and have served in the armed forces and is closed to the general public.  We have never been but as we had Stepson with his military ID we were excited to go.  The tide was in but the beach is great and Buddy had fun exploring.  I tried out my new birthday present, a Canon Powershot D30 underwater (to 82 feet) camera.  I love it!!

Buddy at the Beach

Trying out my new underwater Canon Powershot D30-2 feet of clear water

On Sunday we took my Stepson kayaking using our two kayaks and rented a 3rd for $29 for two hours.  The river leading out to the estuary and ocean was quite murky but there was a huge amount of jelly fish which I caught on video - I love taking pictures of jellyfish.  These jelly fish are only about the size of two quarters - tiny and even if they brushed against you you might feel a tiny pringle if you accidentally got stung.  I fastened the camera to my lifejacket and dipped the camera over the side to take these shots.

Underwater Still Shot with Canon Powershot D30

Kayaking on the Puntledge River

On Monday night we tried out a new Japanese restaurant.  Our town has several Japanese places, but mostly takeout.  My Stepson had a craving for Sushi so this fit the bill.  It was great and we will definitely be going back there.

He flew out yesterday and I spent the day catching up on Company accounting so today is the first day I have managed to get any time to post.  On Friday our floors were finished so today I am going to do a gigantic house clean - and finish up the laundry. All of the expenses from the 9 days adventures were paid out of my sealed pot fund - $300.  Lots of the activities were free and most of that were two meals out, Salmon and slushies.  My stepson has an extremely high metabolism and eats A TON from working out so our grocery bill is much higher than normal this month.  Time to have some nice cheap homemade meals!