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Sabbatical year! Aka, 344 Saturdays.
Two guys, a rough plan, some savings plus a smidge of frugality, a dash of moderation, even of moderation! Read more

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Trip start
April 13, 2023
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Day 1
Thursday, April 13, 2023 at 4:30 PM
☁️ 7 °C
Altitude: 488 m
Canada Hudson's Hope 56.027675, -121.91094956°1’40” N 121°54’39” W
T minus zero
April 13, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 7 °C
Last minute wrap up at work! Liberty time!
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Day 2
Friday, April 14, 2023 at 12:23 PM
⛅ 7 °C
Altitude: 612 m
Canada Hudson's Hope 56.024971, -121.93713956°1’30” N 121°56’14” W
Operation Plant relocation
April 14, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ 7 °C
Very thankful for friends to rehome them while we're off.
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Day 3
Saturday, April 15, 2023 at 5:00 PM
☁️ 12 °C
Altitude: 666 m
Canada Fort St. John 56.231871, -120.82120156°13’55” N 120°49’16” W
Cat-cation
April 15, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C
1hr of mini-meows from Kailee. MissT was more reserved. We're happy they will have a loving adventure while we're gone.
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Day 4
Sunday, April 16, 2023 at 11:28 AM
☁️ 7 °C
Altitude: 513 m
Canada Bullrun Creek 55.987002, -121.97901755°59’13” N 121°58’44” W
Southern bound
April 16, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 7 °C
Delayed departure... We remembered that one photo ID will not be enough with upcoming drivers license renewals. Car loaded with cellar items to share with friends and family. Cooler of food from fridge too. This shorter local trip is a good warm up for May's flights and transoceanic adventures!Read more
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Day 4
Sunday, April 16, 2023 at 3:01 PM
☁️ 9 °C
Altitude: 674 m
Canada Prince George 54.638333, -122.73554°38’18” N 122°44’6” W
Slight delay.
April 16, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 9 °C
Hoping the best for this soul on likely their worst day...

Everyone was very patient and respectful👍
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Day 5
Monday, April 17, 2023 at 7:14 AM
⛅ -2 °C
Altitude: 1,069 m
Canada Bunting Lake 52.262423, -121.8547452°15’45” N 121°51’17” W
Caribou - Ranch time
April 17, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ -2 °C
A lovely visit to the Ranch with Nan. Delicious food, wonderful sleeps. Adon got a garmin 98 score on an exact 8hr night! A couple good runs, including with the dog!
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Day 6
Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at 11:41 AM
☁️ 5 °C
Altitude: 535 m
Canada Cache Creek 50.925, -121.41550°55’30” N 121°24’54” W
Westcoast here we drive!
April 18, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 5 °C
Headed out from the ranch. Quick stop for coffee at Aunt's house in Lac La Hache. Clear roads. Some minor construction delays, including a washed out bridge from 1.5 years ago! We navigated 0 avenue to White Rock for dinner with J sister's and family. Then a hop on the ferry to Victoria to A's dads.Read more
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Day 7
Wednesday, April 19, 2023 at 2:31 PM
☁️ 10 °C
Altitude: 63 m
Canada Hamsterley Beach 48.535438, -123.39345448°32’8” N 123°23’36” W
Elk Lake run
April 19, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C
We're still trying to figure out Garmin. Got our training schedule for the half marathon out of sync. I did sprint runs and J did a long one.

Nice property along the trail for sale, with water access! Decent price too... https://www.realtor.ca/real-estate/25310785/557…Read more
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Day 7
Wednesday, April 19, 2023 at 7:06 PM
⛅ 9 °C
Altitude: 9 m
Canada Sidney 48.648333, -123.39548°38’54” N 123°23’42” W
2
Motorcycle ride #1
April 19, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ 9 °C
Today we dropped off Dad at the airport. He's on his way to his Morocco motorcycle group tour. He'll let me wash his bike while he's away, but not ride it 🤔?! Thankfully my brother is lending us bikes. Going to get in lots of practice for J.

A nice ride up the West Saanich road to Sydney. Shared a fish and chips. Back home on the East Saanich road. A bit on the cool side, but great roads and little traffic.Read more
Gotta start the carb-loading haha. [Tessa]
4/26/23Reply
TravelerAnd omega 3! 👍😋
4/26/23Reply
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Day 8
Thursday, April 20, 2023 at 1:59 PM
☁️ 8 °C
Altitude: 16 m
Canada Swan Lake 48.456667, -123.37666748°27’24” N 123°22’36” W
70kph drizzling
April 20, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 8 °C
Wind was howling all day. Drizzling too, so we opted to not hop on the bikes. A relaxing day doing some errands. J got a physio tune up too. Wee bit of shopping. We're still getting used to the city, so much of it seems to be mindless robots, mostly unaware of each other.Read more
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Day 9
Friday, April 21, 2023 at 1:32 PM
☁️ 10 °C
Altitude: 42 m
Canada Cedar Hill Golf Course 48.45472, -123.3454548°27’17” N 123°20’44” W
Long Run and Motorcycle day
April 21, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C
The winds ended and a bright but overcast day. We decided on the golf course trail for our run. We did a few loops. A very friendly elderly walker chatted us up about the beautiful day. The third pass around she also commented "you guys are sure on a mission!"

The condo building was getting water repairs so we relaxed before a shower and heading off on the bikes.

Popped over to motorcycle store to get J some gloves. Found some great roads! Delicious donuts at RoyalBaybakery.Com The housing delevopment on Bear Mountain is crazy!

Whipped up a delicious baked Garofalo Fusilli Bucati Corti for dinner that I found at the grocery store. Sauce from our preserved tomatoes imported from the north!

We Finished the second half of Top Gun Maverick. Totally cheesy, but incredible flight cinematography!Read more
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Day 10
Saturday, April 22, 2023 at 1:05 PM
☁️ 10 °C
Altitude: 34 m
Canada Prevost Hill 48.46, -123.27548°27’36” N 123°16’30” W
Fish'n chips & coffee
April 22, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C
Restful morning and some yoga while waiting for the rain to pass. Our initial plan to zip up island for lunch was postponed until Monday.

Jumped on the bikes and took the long route to the best fish&chips! We shared the Chef's plate with halibut. Then onwards along the sea shore road. We eventually found some Serious Coffee in Sooke. It's fun how many folks are extra smiles and friendly when we're either on our bikes or in riding gear. I suppose it's a commonality for a connection that would otherwise be awkward.

Wrapped up our 142km ride as the sprinkles were starting again. Thank goodness for delicious pasta planned-overs for dinner!Read more
nice but looks rainy.. [Erich]
4/23/23Reply
TravelerOvercast, yes; rainy, no for the most part. A few sprinkles here and there, but dry roads.
4/23/23Reply
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Day 11
Sunday, April 23, 2023 at 1:47 PM
☁️ 10 °C
Altitude: 102 m
Canada Kirby Creek 48.388333, -123.90548°23’18” N 123°54’18” W
Shirley. The chicken crossed the road.
April 23, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C
A wonderful sleep. Coffee to start the day off right as usual. Mt.Doug was calling our name so we did a 6km run loop around it.

Today's 140km ride took us out to Shirley, BC to the famous Shirley Delicious! Amazing art on their walls. Staff were loving their jobs and rocking the tunes almost too loud! At least it was good "real" music, not that crap the teens are into these days 😱

We noticed a sign for a lighthouse and popped by. On our way out a chicken surprised me by crossing very close in front of me.

Upon returning home we made a delicious dinner for my brother's family. He caught the halibut and we were tasked with cooking it.Read more
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Day 12
Monday, April 24, 2023 at 2:30 PM
☁️ 12 °C
Altitude: 21 m
Canada Cowichan Bay 48.742865, -123.62947848°44’34” N 123°37’46” W
1
In the Doghouse.
April 24, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C
Up island trip today. More highway riding than ideal, but got to do all fun side-roads after the Malahat. Both sides of Shawnigan Lake and Cowichan Bay.

We visited with J's great Aunt and uncle West of Duncan. Then we met up with friends at the Doghouse Restaurant in Duncan for lunch. They road their bike from Nanaimo, so we ducked up to Chemainus with them before heading back south. The skies were partly cloudy and a few sprinkles. Then around Shawnigan it was real rain with a cool chill. Brrr.

Another great few hours of riding and 250km more under J's boots!Read more
Hola Steve and Pat! [Nedra]
7/4/23Reply
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Day 13
Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at 7:42 PM
⛅ 11 °C
Altitude: 5 m
Canada West Bay 48.428213, -123.39767248°25’42” N 123°23’52” W
Toasty Dump? No, roasted house.
April 25, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ 11 °C
Morning training run at Beaver Lake in bright sunshine and fresh air. We freshened up zipped off on the bikes. Met up with J's cousin&mini for a sea wall walk. He's at the stage of tasting everything, including dandelions!

The afternoon ride took us up to the Highlands again, as I didn't believe the road we saw the other day was "closed." the sign today indicated power utility work. I thought we'd just turn around if it was. There was hardly any traffic on this single lane rollercoaster ride. Alas we found the construction section. They were trimming large trees right next to the road. Oncoming traffic had been stopped. No wonder it was such a car free ride! We waited for the traffic to pass and scooted ahead of the one vehicle in front of us. Then the aroma of burning hit us, and smoke in the air. I knew we were close to the Dump and thought they had a fire. Pretty crappy for the residents out there to have to endure that! We did see a fire truck later on the ride. A wee bit of internet searching determined that it was a house fire which made all the smoke km's away, not a fire at the dump. It was a lovely 77km ride.

Dinner was in Esquimalt with Aunt and Uncle. Victoria Sushi was very tasty and not loud or busy. Last call for the kitchen was at 730pm. Both us and another table were there past 8pm closing and we got the boot shortly after. I think that was a first, staying until close time for a restaurant.Read more
Beaver Lake! Ed and I had our first kiss sitting on the grass there! May long weekend 1974. [Nedra]
7/4/23Reply
TravelerA magical one too ❤️
7/4/23Reply
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Day 14
Wednesday, April 26, 2023 at 12:59 PM
☀️ 13 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Canada Fulford Harbour 48.768992, -123.44864748°46’8” N 123°26’55” W
1 1
Fulford
April 26, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 13 °C
Amazing sleep! It must be the heavy run training 🏃. We woke to a very drizzly day ☔, and postponed our early ride departure to see a friend on Saltspring Island.

The rain let up enough for a run around the golf course trail. We passed the elderly babushka again. She greeted us with her big friendly smile and a hello.

The sunshine came out and we jumped on the bikes for a leisurely ride to Swartz Bay ferry. We encountered some road construction delays which made our timing a little tight for the 1pm sailing. We popped onto the highway and made up a little time. Thankfully we were doing the correct speed as we passed a police vehicle on the side of the road monitoring for speeding. We pulled up to the ferry ticketing window and were told that the boat was already loading! Zipping down the instructed lane we were the last two vehicles on the boat! It was warm enough to sit on the outside deck. A friendly guy Steve, from Sydney, chatted us up about riding on the ferry. He is also a motorcycle rider, so we exchanged stories about travels, riding and our sabbatical plans.

Upon arrival at Fulford Harbour we were the last off the boat. We did a little ride to Ruckle Park before getting to our friend's property. Signage on the island roads isn't the best, so we did make a wrong turn and got to double back.

A lovely visit on the farm. A walk to the garden, and hike to the stream. Lamb dinner from the farm and a lovely sunset to cap off the day.Read more
Traveler Amazing 🤩
4/30/23Reply
Traveler 😍
4/30/23Reply
We were on that ferry often. My parents lived just a block away atop Orchard Rd. [Nedra]
7/4/23Reply
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Day 15
Thursday, April 27, 2023 at 4:28 PM
☀️ 13 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Canada Duck Point 48.88, -123.58666748°52’48” N 123°35’12” W
Walk your parrot
April 27, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 13 °C
We had a lovely sleep and woke up to fresh dew. Down to the garden we headed. Four flats of onion starters needed to find their homes in a bed. J and I got to it, assisted by canine supervion. The sun breams were hotter than expected and we got our first post-winter kiss.

Lunch was in Ganges at the Food Truck park. The Japanese noodles were scrumptious. We hit the road on the bikes and covered 90% of the island before arriving at the Vesuvius terminal. We traced the route south which we had done a few days earlier. This time there was some cool air and rain in Shawnigan Lake.

In Maple Bay we passed a couple, they had their parrot on arm for their walk!Read more
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Day 16
Friday, April 28, 2023 at 11:21 AM
☀️ 12 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Canada Ten Mile Point 48.453333, -123.26548°27’12” N 123°15’54” W
Hot day = ice cream!
April 28, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 12 °C
Garmin trainer said it was a long run day. So off to Elk Lake for a fun hour.

Another motorcycle ride in the mid 20s sunshine. We found ourselves in Sydney and J thought, "ice cream!" We spotted the small business hiding in plain sight on the main drag. We know it wasn't just us, as a lady saw me holding the cone in front of the store and asked, "where'd you get that?" So, I pointed right beside us. She laughed! 🤣

Homeward we went to prepare a delicious meal for our good friends P&G. It was scrumptious and we enjoyed some board games afterwards. J was great with his acting for air quotes 😂! It will be memorable forever.Read more
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Day 17
Saturday, April 29, 2023 at 11:36 AM
☀️ 19 °C
Altitude: 12 m
Canada Pease Creek 48.5541, -123.50552948°33’15” N 123°30’20” W
2
Cascade Falls
April 29, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C
W&A picked us up for a hike out at Cascade Falls. It was a prefect day for a walk in the woods; not too hot or busy. Afterwards they treated us to lunch at a pub. The sun beams were toasty, so we took advantage of the umbrella on the patio. J's seafood crepes were "unique": baked in a dish covered with cheese. Delicious and lots of calories to replenish energy expended during the hiking.

We set up our new motorcycle communications headset which arrived in the mail. Off we went for another ride out to East Sooke and a Bear Mountain. We even zipped by the William Head "institution". Probably the most luxurious ocean side prison in Canada!Read more
Traveler 🤍💕🥰
4/30/23Reply
Traveler 😎❤️
5/1/23Reply
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Day 18
Sunday, April 30, 2023 at 1:51 PM
☁️ 14 °C
Altitude: 28 m
Canada Ship Point 48.426667, -123.35833348°25’36” N 123°21’30” W
R & R Sunday (run and Ritual)
April 30, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C
A nice sleep-in Sunday 🛌💤
Cappuccino success ☕
A easy run around the golf course🏃💨
Babushka, "my flying birds," was her greeting. 🧓

J remembered about Ritual Nordic Spa and we squeezed in a last minute booking for today: massage and the circuit! ♨️🧖 www.ritualnordicspa.com

We relaxed for the afternoon and prepared for hosting my cousin L and her guy S. A little bit of house tidy too.

The last of the Ranch Lamb. It was tender and delicious! The instant pot is magic 👍. We enjoyed a couple rounds of the board game, Blokus, and dessert.Read more
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Day 19
Monday, May 1, 2023 at 11:49 AM
☁️ 10 °C
Altitude: 2 m
Canada Jordan River 48.42, -124.04666748°25’12” N 124°2’48” W
1 1
Pothole tour
May 1, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C
We decided to do the big loop through Lake Cowichan and Duncan on our bikes. The day seemed like it was going to be warm, but we could have used another layer while on the ocean road out to Port Renfrew. It had been years since I've been out there. I was surprised that the section before Port Renfrew all the way to Lake Cowichan was in such rough shape. Lots and lots of potholes and chasms in the road!

We enjoyed lunch at Bridgeman's. Afternoon coffee was supposed to be at the Olde School coffee shop in Cobblehill, but they weren't open (only their drive through) , so we enjoyed our own snack on their tables.

It was a great 270km loop. To replenish our energy we whipped up some homemade Lamb Poutine 🍟🐑😋.Read more
Traveler 🤣
5/12/23Reply
Traveler Handsome Adventurer ❤️🤗
5/12/23Reply
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Day 20
Tuesday, May 2, 2023 at 2:07 PM
☀️ 19 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Canada Island View Beach 48.573333, -123.36666748°34’24” N 123°22’0” W
Hop on a boat
May 2, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C
Beautiful morning in Victoria again! Today's run was around Uvic campus. I studied there for 5 years in the early part of the veg century, so it brought back memories. The outer trail is newer than my days.

We enjoyed a quick by beach walk before parking the car and walking on the ferry to the Mainland, Vancouver. We took public transit to our friends' house. This included a trip down East Hastings street, and its sad reminded of the homeless and drug issues faced by many.

The warmth of summer was happening so we enjoyed sitting their yard for dinner and into the early eve.Read more
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Day 21
Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at 1:45 PM
☁️ 21 °C
Altitude: 10 m
Canada Willingdon Heights 49.265164, -123.01829749°15’55” N 123°1’6” W
Motorcycle road test
May 3, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C
Jeremy enjoyed his motorcycle road course in March at a Vancouver school. The Last couple weeks of riding were excellent preparation for the big day. He was borrowing a bike from the school so we drove across town to pick it up. Then he did a practice test with the school. I joined him for a quick lunch before his test.

The weather was warm and sunny. The test invigilator was a little late due to some staffing issues. Jeremy's garmin watch registered the whole 4hr afternoon as lotsa STRESS! It must have been good stress as he successfully passed! He has his full license now!

We stopped at Deer Lake park in Burnaby on our way home for a run in the warm summer weather.

For dinner I cooked up an amazing mouth-melting massive prime rib steak which all four of us shared eating on the outdoor garden patio.Read more
TravelerJeremy you are my hero. So brave never afraid to try new things. 🥰🥹💕. Love you guys thanks for sharing the adventure.
5/9/23Reply
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Day 22
Thursday, May 4, 2023 at 9:47 PM
☁️ 11 °C
Altitude: 109 m
Canada Shawnigan Lake 48.627442, -123.63863648°37’39” N 123°38’19” W
Lightening
May 4, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C
J stayed in Vancouver while I returned to Victoria. He enjoyed having lunch with a long time friend.

My ferry ride was relaxing. That evening I could see a lightening show in the distance. Lightening around Vancouver Island isn't common. Looking on an app I saw that it was 25km away around Shawnigan Lake. Someone had a very loud noise next to their house and dock! I hoped that none of the strikes would cause a fire. Nothing on the news the next day!Read more
So glad to have a chance to catch up over a nice long lunch! Thanks! [Katherine]
6/4/23Reply
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Day 24
Saturday, May 6, 2023 at 2:28 PM
Altitude: 7 m
Canada Halkett Head 48.427704, -123.36745748°25’40” N 123°22’3” W
Pick-me-up pickle
May 6, 2023 in Canada
Errands day in Victoria and a little shopping.

I enjoyed some deep fried pickles and a beverage. The waitress commented that it was my "Pick-me-up pickle," for my afternoon. I guess she was right!
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