Seafood by the sea

(Leah) We had to pack up camp this morning, so a quick breakfast of pre-mixed oatmeal (just steel cut oats that I added sliced almonds, coconut, raisins, cinnamon, and brown sugar to). I found making my own oatmeal way better than the pre-packaged stuff from the stores that is just grossly sweet. Oh dear, there I go sounding exactly like my mother again…sigh…I suppose it was inevitable. We packed up camp and headed north on the 101 and made a coffee stop in Sechelt at a great little local shop. Keith made an observation that we have not visited a BC Liquor store since we have been here, we’ve also not visited any of the big chain coffee shops. Local coffee and local beers only for us! Or as much as possible, anyways.

The drive between Sechelt and Earl’s Cove was a very tight, twisty, motorcyclist’s-dream-come-true type of road. As Keith was pulling the trailer, he did not ride it at his typical mach-chicken speed but took his time through the corners instead. There was some good elevation gains and drops, so the additional weight behind his bike is definitely always a factor in riding style. We even had a small line of traffic behind us at one point. I must say, this area has a lot more traffic than I was expecting. We pulled into a grocery store parking lot about halfway to the ferry for a quick break. Naturally, there were people that had to come and ask about the trailer. Dang does this unit ever attract attention! We raided a blackberry bush, then jumped back on the bikes. The second half of the ride was considerably less traffic and more relaxing. We pulled up to the ferry terminal about 40 minutes before the next sailing and got waved to the front of the line with the motorcycles. 😎 Rain had just started to sprinkle as we pulled up, so the bikes were loaded mid-deck of the ferry rather than up front to keep them out of the rain. Well done, BC Ferries!

The private campsite we reserved was 5 minutes from the Saltery Bay ferry terminal, the driveway was a bit rough but the bikes made it through without an issue. We set up camp, chatted with the neighbours and their two children that seemed very interested in the bikes and the trailer. Once settled, we set out to explore Powell River. First order of business: the brewery! Townsite Brewing had a great selection of beers, we settled in at the bar for a flight, Keith snagged the deck of cards to play more GOLF, and then we were presently surprised as a cat jumped up on the end of the bar and immediately settled into an empty beer flat box that was labeled Wanda. Turns out that Wanda lived in the building when it was a Post Office, and was part of the purchase of the building when the brewery moved in 12 years earlier. She was a sweetie and is obviously used to getting plenty of attention. 😻 The way the alcohol license works at Townsite, they can serve flights of beer in the trap room or front small patio area. They also have a beer garden behind the building, but to access it you need to walk through an unlicensed area. To get around this technicality, they serve beer in mason jars, seal it with a lid, then it can be opened in the licensed area. The beer garden was beautiful! The large stone retaining walls and steps to multiple seating areas was so impressive. There were plenty of places to sit, either in the sun or in the shade of the trees. They even had a play area for young ones, and Keith.

We picked up more beers to bring back to camp, then decided that the general opinion of the locals we had asked about seafood restaurants was that the Laughing Oyster closer to Lund was the place to dine. We tried to call for a reservation, but they did not answer the phone. We just took the gamble and set out in that direction anyways, it was a lovely ride (one that Keith could stretch his legs on without the trailer). We arrived during a rush, and more diners came in after us as well. The staff were running non-stop as they had two large groups plus it was buffet night. Keith did not want to eat from the buffet, but rather off the menu. We were warned that it may take longer, but that was fine with us. We are in vacation mode and on no time schedule whatsoever. The meal was amazing! Keith had ahi tuna to start and halibut for his main. I had scallops as a starter and baked seafood au gratin. We left fully satisfied and then some, with very full bellies.

We were running out of daylight, so had half of our ride back to the campground in the dark but it seems that people in this sleepy area do not leave their houses after 8pm. The highway was almost empty and it was a relaxing cruise. We made mental notes of a few places of interest that we would like to explore while we are here.