Breakfasted early, goodbyes said, we were quickly on route from Saanich to Swartz Bay to catch the 9:00 AM ferry. Even though it was the first day after the long holiday weekend, we need not worried about not finding a spot on the ferry. One hour before sailing there was still 17% availability. Nonetheless, we did not regret reserving.
Not much to tell. After working for 3 companies over 43+ years (38 years 7 months with my last company), I finally got that promotion I had waited my entire career for……retirement.
I have been exploring this new career for the past 7+ years and while it is not always exciting, the chance to do what I want for myself and my family instead of what my company wants has been very fulfilling. Early on, there was a long list of projects in my “to-do” hopper and I attacked these projects with a vengeance for the first 9 months of retirement. Eventually, my brain told me that this was not what retirement was about, so it took me another 5 months before my industriousness again took over and I attacked another line of projects, this time somewhat shorter and less complicated, as well as many new projects related to the family weddings in 2016. After going hard for 6 weeks and 3 weddings, my body was telling me to relax, then the flu bug hit and as soon as that was done with me, my sciatic acted up. No rest for the wicked. In 2020 and 2021, the Covid 19 pandemic changed the whole retirement gig. I was lucky to not be still working, for sure.
I enjoy photography, gardening, working with my hands, walking, cycling, skiing, travelling, reading and creating special photo and video productions obtained in my first pastime. I may never become wealthy in any of these pursuits, but I already feel I am rich in life experiences far beyond any expectation.
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6 thoughts on “Back to the Mainland”
From Victoria and Vancouver Island to Southern Gulf Islands and from the vast landscape of the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast to Sunshine Coast, those who live or visit Vancouver certainly have plenty of destinations to explore by ferry! I would love to discover secluded beaches, fjords, inlets and bays framed by old-growth rainforests and the majestic Coast Mountains on the Sunshine Coast where you can visit the unique towns, full of character dotted along the coast, and take advantage of the warmer climate where you can swim in the ocean most months of the year. Thanks for sharing and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
During the busy summer months after Covid, I am not so sure it is still as much fun. Lots of sailings have had to be cancelled due to a shortage of staff. Ferries do give you a way to get to beautiful places and take your car and belongings with you. May was still a bit chilly to jump in the water, but I am sure it is a relief now with all the hot days they have had. Thanks for reading and commenting. Enjoy your weekend Aiva. Allan
Thanks for sharing, Allan! You had a great day on the water in the scenic Vancouver area. I like ferries. They are as close to a cruise as I’ve come so far.
It’s been a while since I’ve taken a cruise and this post reminds me of the associated joys. While I have never been on a long distance cruise, I have the feeling I would nevertheless agree with your preference for short distance ferry trips. Nice to see a few shots of you Allan.
We have only been on one cruise (a 3 day through the Greek Isles on a small boat). Given how they pack people in now, I am not interested. Ferry rides will always be a joy, especially on the West Coast. I am fortunate that my beloved grabs the camera every once in a while just to prove I exist. Thanks for reading Leighton. Allan
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From Victoria and Vancouver Island to Southern Gulf Islands and from the vast landscape of the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast to Sunshine Coast, those who live or visit Vancouver certainly have plenty of destinations to explore by ferry! I would love to discover secluded beaches, fjords, inlets and bays framed by old-growth rainforests and the majestic Coast Mountains on the Sunshine Coast where you can visit the unique towns, full of character dotted along the coast, and take advantage of the warmer climate where you can swim in the ocean most months of the year. Thanks for sharing and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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During the busy summer months after Covid, I am not so sure it is still as much fun. Lots of sailings have had to be cancelled due to a shortage of staff. Ferries do give you a way to get to beautiful places and take your car and belongings with you. May was still a bit chilly to jump in the water, but I am sure it is a relief now with all the hot days they have had. Thanks for reading and commenting. Enjoy your weekend Aiva. Allan
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Thanks for sharing, Allan! You had a great day on the water in the scenic Vancouver area. I like ferries. They are as close to a cruise as I’ve come so far.
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I agree with you. Ferries are the best way to cruise. Short term transport and congestion for great scenery. Thanks for reading John. Allan
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It’s been a while since I’ve taken a cruise and this post reminds me of the associated joys. While I have never been on a long distance cruise, I have the feeling I would nevertheless agree with your preference for short distance ferry trips. Nice to see a few shots of you Allan.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We have only been on one cruise (a 3 day through the Greek Isles on a small boat). Given how they pack people in now, I am not interested. Ferry rides will always be a joy, especially on the West Coast. I am fortunate that my beloved grabs the camera every once in a while just to prove I exist. Thanks for reading Leighton. Allan
LikeLiked by 1 person