Sechelt to Whistler
Another leisurely start with no time pressures as we had to be at a ferry terminal about 35 minutes away by around 11.30. So we lounged around the campsite until the sun had dispelled any condensation on the tent, then we packed up and drove the short way into Sechelt.
A short walk along the beach at the isthmus of the Sechelt peninsula was pleasant enough, but the sight of a house being revered for its extreme age - it was built in 1909 - brought home the fact that the history of this area is all fairly recent. Perhaps that explains the blandness of places compared with their characterful European counterparts. The views to date, when not limited by the smoke haze that has now dissipated considerably, are dominated by trees and lack the variety that we come to view as normal at home. This is a mere observation - not a complaint.
Perhaps things will change as we leave the Sunshine Coast.
A short ferry journey on the Queen of Coquitlam, found us taking our last pictures of the sea for a while, after which we headed inland towards Whistler. With views of cloud capped mountains. And trees.
Lunch was taken at a rubbish strewn car park at a trailhead at Bertram Creek, by Howe Sound. Walking routes from here led to exotically named places like Enchantment Pass and Mount Unnecessary.
We didn't have time for that. Instead, we paused at Shannon Falls. After waiting for a space in the car park we enjoyed a short stroll with the masses to a viewpoint. The falls are 335 metres high, quite impressive, and apparently the third highest in British Columbia.
Then we decided to stop at the town of Squamish. A suitable supermarket was found. This was a Good Move, as the traffic slowed to a crawl in drizzly weather about 10 km before reaching Whistler. Our accommodation at Whistler Lodge is 2-3 km before the centre of town, which we have not needed to visit. It's an interesting hostel. We are in what was billed as a room for four, but it's actually a largish dormitory with curtains around each numbered bed for privacy. Everyone gets a light and a power point, as well as a large storage box on another floor. We all get little fridge boxes and boxes for our non-fridge items - all numbered accordingly.
Our salad/quiche based meal, with a dessert of strawberries and cream, was delicious as usual, and the envy of the hostel.
Pictures: chronological as usual.
About 3 km of gentle strolling, a 130 km drive and a 50 minute ferry.
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