October 2023

On the road again….

A 14-day adventure by Travel with the Wicks Read more

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Trip start
October 9, 2023
On the road again….Traveler
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Day 1
Monday, October 9, 2023 at 10:02 AM
☀️ 9 °C
Altitude: 1,293 m
Canada Exshaw Creek 51.049042, -115.17189851°2’57” N 115°10’19” W
On our way
October 9, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 9 °C
We decided for our trip this fall we would go to Vancouver Island to visit my parents. The difference is we are DRIVING! This is actually the first time we have driven there. So, here we go!
We headed out at 930am with a plan to be in Lake Louise for lunch with Barb and Mike. Gorgeous day, Thanksgiving Monday. Blue skies, warm and the highway busy, busy!
We did a short walk in Lake Louise. Our lunch with Barb and Mike was enjoyable. They were returning from our intended destination; Grandma and Grandpa’s house.Read more
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Day 1
Monday, October 9, 2023 at 4:00 PM
⛅ 19 °C
Altitude: 788 m
Canada Golden Airport 51.299534, -116.96849151°17’58” N 116°58’7” W
Golden colors
October 9, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C
An hour after leaving Lake Louise we found ourselves in Golden. Tired of sitting we headed out for the River walk. Golden is a pretty town and today being Thanksgiving very quiet.

The Kicking Horse Pedestrian Bridge is the longest timber frame clear span pedestrian bridge in Canada. It was constructed in 2001 in 24 days!Read more
TravelerMany many hockey tournaments here. Stay safe. Watch for bears lol.
10/11/23Reply
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Day 2
Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at 9:33 AM
Altitude: 1,303 m
Canada Rogers Pass 51.301383, -117.52068351°18’5” N 117°31’14” W
Plans change
October 10, 2023 in Canada
As plans are made, they change. We were heading to Kamloops today but feel we should go farther afield. So the new plan is Merritt, BC.

It is raining hard, off and on so plans for hiking have been shelved this morning. We did stop at the Rogers pass Discovery Center and also at Giant Cedar Boardwalk, which was closed due to lack of maintenance. A good sized raven greeted us as we exited the car, swooping in low and landing closer to me than he needed to be. We walked around a little and the raven remained close. I got the idea he wanted a handout and said so to Dianne. She reminded me that it was forbidden to feed the wildlife in a National Park, and I reminded her that I’m not a rule follower like her. We found the trail mix and shared two palms full with the bird by tossing it closer to him. Some forest drama erupted when two squirrels and a blue jay came to join the snack. The raven wasn’t in a sharing mood and ran all three off. Dianne and I decided to leave before the police came.Read more
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Day 2
Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at 11:31 AM
☁️ 13 °C
Altitude: 436 m
Canada Revelstoke 51.004728, -118.22042251°0’17” N 118°13’14” W
Revelstoke stop
October 10, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C
Another quick stop to stretch our legs. We decided a walk on the riverbed under 3 bridges to take some photos.
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Day 2
Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at 12:27 PM
☁️ 13 °C
Altitude: 566 m
Canada Three Valley Lake 50.932103, -118.4491850°55’56” N 118°26’57” W
Photo op 3 Valley Gap
October 10, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C
One day we will visit when 3 Valley Gap, hotel and haunted town is open. It closed for the season yesterday 🤣.
Getting the pictures took some negotiating. Dianne needed to convince me to stop, and that required a turn around to go back to the best picture spot. All of this is happening on a busy section of the Trans Canada Highway at 100 kph. We worked it out and everyone is happy.Read more
TravelerYou two sure have a knack for beautiful photography! Safe travels! If you are looking to stretch your legs around Chilliwack, Bridal falls is a quick little walk that has beautiful falls.
10/12/23Reply
TravelerEnjoy
10/12/23Reply
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Day 2
Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at 2:58 PM
☁️ 13 °C
Altitude: 632 m
Canada Merritt Airport 50.1245, -120.7550°7’28” N 120°45’0” W
A night in Merritt
October 10, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C
The Grande Pub and Grill downtown Merritt is a place with friendly waitresses and sports tv’s. We could watch UFC matches or hockey. Low lights and worn hardwood floors at to the redneck appeal. Food is good and by todays standards, not too pricey.Read more
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Day 3
Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at 10:06 AM
☁️ 6 °C
Altitude: 1,223 m
Canada Yak Peak 49.593647, -121.10200549°35’37” N 121°6’7” W
Heading down the Coquihalla
October 11, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 6 °C
All was good, beauty drive until we reached the steep part, really steep at 120km/hr. Tom is driving, I am white knuckling the dashboard in front of me and slamming my foot in the floor to brake. I am sure we will crash!
Dianne is screaming “slow down” but I hate to loose the momentum and potential fuel savings. Finally at 150, I loose my nerve and tap the brakes.Read more
TravelerAhhhhh 120? Normally it’s 140 but stay safe
10/13/23Reply
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Day 3
Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at 10:43 AM
☁️ 13 °C
Altitude: 33 m
Canada Hope Aerodrome 49.367288, -121.50241249°22’2” N 121°30’9” W
Pit stop Hope
October 11, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C
We fuelled up and had a small picnic from the cooler in the back of the car. Hope didn’t strike me as a place I would like to live, but a reasonable stop before the high traffic approaching Vancouver.
TravelerI thought hope with be good place to live others have warned that it's not
10/15/23Reply
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Day 3
Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at 3:06 PM
☀️ 14 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Canada Tsawwassen 49.003811, -123.13611649°0’14” N 123°8’10” W
The ferry
October 11, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 14 °C
We are early for the 3 pm sailing so we kill time taking pictures and texting Norah. It was smooth sailing and the time passed very quickly.
TravelerNice
10/15/23Reply
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Day 3
Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at 5:22 PM
☀️ 14 °C
Altitude: 3 m
Canada Sidney 48.649048, -123.39405848°38’57” N 123°23’39” W
Sidney Waterfront Inn
October 11, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 14 °C
It is spectacular! According to Dianne, she booked the hotel. And it is. I booked a room for us in Inverness Scotland a few years ago. It was above the pub in an old establishment and at first, this place reminded us of that spot. A winding hallway in a separate building leads to our room, but when we open the door , it is a roomy, open, bright place with a lovely view.Read more
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Day 4
Thursday, October 12, 2023 at 11:53 AM
⛅ 13 °C
Altitude: 4 m
Canada Sidney 48.648567, -123.39428748°38’55” N 123°23’39” W
Good morning Sidney!
October 12, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ 13 °C
The sunrise pictures are from our outdoor patio. The rest from the morning walk about . We watched as locals caught some crabs in their traps.
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Day 4
Thursday, October 12, 2023 at 12:00 PM
☀️ 14 °C
Altitude: 259 m
Canada Quarry Bay 48.570702, -123.52593248°34’15” N 123°31’33” W
Malahat skywalk
October 12, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 14 °C
I was sceptical about Dianne’s enthusiasm for doing the Malahat Skywalk. In Ecuador there was a canopy walk that she struggled with. We bought tickets anyway throwing caution to the wind. It was a good idea as the day was sunny and warm and Dianne met the challenges head on. Along the boardwalk to the Skywalk we found the handcrafted wooden sculptures of forest creatures. We had seen this on Amazing Race which spurred our interest.

She even chose to do the slide down to the bottom of the ten story structure. Woohee{Read more
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Day 4
Thursday, October 12, 2023 at 3:00 PM
☀️ 16 °C
Altitude: 254 m
Canada McCurdy Point 48.565411, -123.52693248°33’55” N 123°31’37” W
The way down!
October 12, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C
As you can see from the pictures, it is good sized structure and a formidable slide. Dianne had bragging rights after the trip down. We hiked a short trail back to the entrance.
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Day 5
Friday, October 13, 2023 at 2:00 PM
☁️ 18 °C
Altitude: 16 m
Canada Duncan 48.777836, -123.7096148°46’40” N 123°42’35” W
We are in Duncan
October 13, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C
Today we took it easy with a slow yoga class and a walk around town. And of course we had a good visit with mom and dad.and out for a feed of fish & chips at the The Rock Cod Cafe!
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Day 6
Saturday, October 14, 2023 at 8:18 AM
☁️ 10 °C
Altitude: 15 m
Canada Duncan 48.789333, -123.71300548°47’22” N 123°42’47” W
Lazy day in Duncan
October 14, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C
There is road construction at the end of the street. No cars are allowed but pedestrians can get through if they are escorted. A nice lady helped us old folks across the street to the sidewalk on the other side. I teased Dianne about it, and even though she didn’t take my arm and help me cross the road, I’m closer than I like to that scenario. We walked to Walmart when we were safely on the other side.

The pictures are of my parents home ad gardens.Read more
TravelerBeautiful fall colours!
10/18/23Reply
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Day 7
Sunday, October 15, 2023
☁️ 16 °C
Altitude: 46 m
Canada Michael Lake 49.043975, -123.81980349°2’38” N 123°49’11” W
Dinner in Lady Smith
October 15, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C
Dianne and I had the opportunity to meet Natalie McKenzie’s parents. For context, Natalie is our son Robert’s girlfriend. It was a lovely evening with easy conversation and an excellent meal. The McKenzies live on an acreage near Ladysmith in a modern Queensland style home.Read more
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Day 8
Monday, October 16, 2023 at 12:14 PM
🌧 14 °C
Altitude: 18 m
Canada Tofino Harbour Water Aerodrome 49.153873, -125.90395449°9’14” N 125°54’14” W
First time in Tofino
October 16, 2023 in Canada ⋅ 🌧 14 °C
The drive from Duncan to Tofino was long; longer than expected. After we left Nanaimo area the road became narrow, windy, rainy (sometimes extremely heavy rains) with lots of cautions for falling rocks. I am not good on windy roads, especially as a passenger.
Anyway we got to Tofino and the sun came out! We walked around town a bit and found a place for lunch. The Wildside Cafe. Good fish chowder and pretty good fish and chips.Read more
TravelerI use to surf there when I was living in BC.
10/20/23Reply
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Day 8
Monday, October 16, 2023 at 2:15 PM
⛅ 14 °C
Altitude: 5 m
Canada Tofino/Long Beach Airport 49.072273, -125.76629649°4’20” N 125°45’59” W
Incinerator Rock
October 16, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C
We are on Long Beach for a walk enjoying the ocean views. This feels good as we have been in the car a long time today. Neither of us can figure out how Incinerator Rock got its name. There are no surfers here today.
Further research has revealed that the Canadian Army and RCAF had an incinerator located here during the Second World War for burning garbage. Now I find it hard to believe the name hasn’t been changed to an Aboriginal version.
Holy cow, Dianne informs me they did. It is called Čašiiwa which means Paleface burns trash.
No really, it means “The voice of the ocean” Knowing what I know, they are too kind.Read more
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Day 8
Monday, October 16, 2023 at 3:16 PM
⛅ 14 °C
Altitude: 9 m
Canada Tofino/Long Beach Airport 49.070595, -125.75802849°4’14” N 125°45’29” W
Long Beach
October 16, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C
More pictures of Long beach.
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Day 8
Monday, October 16, 2023 at 4:31 PM
⛅ 13 °C
Altitude: 10 m
Canada Ucluth Peninsula 48.936996, -125.55633748°56’13” N 125°33’23” W
Black Rock Resort
October 16, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ 13 °C
We drove down Norah street to access BlackRock Resort. We have a view of he ocean and can hear the waves breaking on shore. The night was starry and calm, so a pleasant evening to enjoy.
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Day 9
Tuesday, October 17, 2023 at 1:00 PM
🌧 11 °C
Altitude: 226 m
Canada Cathedral Grove 49.290298, -124.66274349°17’25” N 124°39’46” W
Cathedral Trail
October 17, 2023 in Canada ⋅ 🌧 11 °C
Old growth forest logging should be illegal.

Walking through the cathedral like forest convinced us this should be protected. Dianne and I spent about an hour on the trail, and learned that some of these trees are 800 years old, but most sprouted about 300 years ago after a forest fire opened the canopy.

The Devils Club,famous plant on the coastal forest. In Latin means horrible weapon hence the sharp thorns that inflicts painful wounds. There is a myth that they may be tipped with poison. The plant itself is beautiful with the large leaves and has pretty red berries when ripe.Read more
TravelerWow
10/21/23Reply
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Day 10
Wednesday, October 18, 2023 at 1:04 PM
Altitude: 21 m
Canada Duncan 48.789025, -123.71425248°47’20” N 123°42’51” W
Last day in Duncan
October 18, 2023 in Canada
Dad and I went out for lunch with a mutual friend Hal. He is a retired Air Canada pilot. Hal and I didn’t know each other when he worked for AC but we all get along quite well. It was just 3 old pilots talking about the good old days. Hal is closer to Dad’s age than mine.

Mom and I spent time visiting and making meals for the boys. It was a great visit with both Mom & Dad.

Chinese food for supper was excellent and Dianne and I are heading back home tomorrow on an early ferry.Read more
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Day 11
Thursday, October 19, 2023 at 6:00 AM
🌧 13 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Coastal Waters Of Southeast Alaska And British Columbia 49.091675, -123.47399149°5’30” N 123°28’26” W
Early morning
October 19, 2023, Coastal Waters Of Southeast Alaska And British Columbia ⋅ 🌧 13 °C
We were up at 5am to catch the 7:45 ferry from Duke Point. The constant rain for the last two days helps to motivate us to get going.
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Day 11
Thursday, October 19, 2023 at 1:00 PM
🌧 14 °C
Altitude: 174 m
Canada Popkum Indian Reserve 2 49.181889, -121.74012849°10’55” N 121°44’24” W
Bridal Veil Trail
October 19, 2023 in Canada ⋅ 🌧 14 °C
Bridal Veil Falls is about an hours drive from Tswassan ferry terminal. It would be a nice hike on a sunny day and it was still good even in the pouring rain. Thanks for the tip Brenda!
TravelerBeen there many times
10/25/23Reply
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Day 11
Thursday, October 19, 2023 at 4:00 PM
☀️ 19 °C
Altitude: 644 m
Canada Aberdeen 50.651039, -120.36792250°39’4” N 120°22’5” W
Onto Kamloops
October 19, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C
Our hotel was conveniently located near the highway and within walking distance of a mall. Dianne likes Kamloops. I do too. It is wide open, surrounded by pretty mountains.
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