We started our morning even before the sun rose. Because of our desired breakfast stop we wanted to make sure that we left ourselves plenty of time to get to the ferry (even with the reservation). While Mum checked out, and made sure that our “comped” parking was, in fact, taken off the bill – it was – I put the suitcases in the car. We then popped across the street to grab a Timmie’s coffee before heading across the Lions Gate Bridge to breakfast.
We went to Tomahawk BBQ Restaurant, which was featured on both You Gotta Eat Here and Triple D. Although both Mum and I have been here before this was the first time that Mum had experienced their delicious breakfasts. I had a half order of Eggs Benny and Mum had a half Sunrise Special with a poached egg. As we waited for our breakfast we soaked in the ambiance provided by the Native artifacts that cover the walls and rafters. Unfortunately, I was unable to take any photos to share as they ask people not to take pictures
We had time to kill before we needed to be at the ferry terminal so we decided to take Marine Drive instead of the Upper Levels Highway. Anyone who has driven up Taylor Way and taken that insane stretch of road will understand our decision. We enjoyed our leisurely drive along Marine Drive, despite the numerous bicyclists that were also using the road. We took them in stride…who could blame them; it was a beautiful day. We did, however, forget that we needed to get on the highway in order to get on the ferry. So, after backtracking a couple of exits, we were back on track and we arrived at the terminal with plenty of time to spare.
We decided to stay in the car as we were right by an opening in the side of the ship…why fight for a seat up top when we had comfy seats already. I took a couple of pictures as we were heading out of the bay and I was able to look back towards Vancouver and English Bay. Although it was hazy the skyline was unmistakable…this is the view I always remember of the city I fell in love with in ’82.
Mum and I spend some time doing Facebook quizzes until I lost service and then she read while I did a crossword. The silence on deck was broken by the sounding of the ship’s horn. We looked up and realized that we had sailed into a fog bank; which was quite disconcerting, but we went back to what we were doing as we knew it was just sea fog. It did, however, stay with us until we docked in Nanaimo.
We drove up the hill to the Timmie’s, where F was waiting for us, with a rose for me, as always. After a quick picture by the car, we headed in for a coffee and then took another picture with our Timmie’s cups. We transferred the ridiculous amount of stuff that I accumulated on the trip into my car, said some quick goodbyes, and we were off…Mum heading north and me and F heading south.
It seems like just yesterday that I was meeting up with my mum at the border and we were starting our adventure; but now it is day 16 and the end of another voyage of discovery. We had some awesome weather, unbelievable food, and also some unexpected happenings (both good and bad). Through all of it, We survived and made memories that will last a lifetime.
I want to thank my dad for sending me on my first trip with my mum back in 2010…without him we would never have started our annual food adventures. I also want to thank F for holding down the fort for me every year as I escape this Rock we live on. I also appreciate all the restaurant and hotel reviewers on the web that have made planning these trips so much easier. This year I also would like to thank my bosses who allowed me the time to go off exploring.
Finally I want to thank Mum for making these annual trips possible. She has afforded me my idiosyncraties; both restaurants and trip routing…and also my occasional meltdowns when things don’t go exactly as planned. We’ve learned to make our long days at the start of our trip; plan shopping for weekdays; research parking and restaurant hours; and most importantly to make lemonade when the Fates seem to be against us. Thank you Mum…I had a blast!
Thank you all for reading and I will talk to you again soon.
L
