Day 30: Fall into Santa Cruz - Half Moon Bay to Santa Cruz

After loading up on the free breakfast from the motel we set off into the fog. The beginning of the day the road rose and fell with the dliffs, the climbs not too bad and the roads not terribly busy for labour day.

There was a long hall of no shops or running water so we made sure to load up before we set off. The road was full of day beach areas, each filled with families setting up for BBQs to celebtate the holiday.

We stopped to eat our lunch at Bean ollow State beach sticking to the north side of the beach, full of rock pools and a lot quite than the south side.

It was a hard day for us in the fact that there was so much fog, it made the ride a bit boring as you couldn't see anything. Some of the cliffs you were riding through would have been stunning, but I guess we have been lucky with views until now.

Breaking up the afternoon we stooped at an organic strawberry farm, which gave a discount to cyclists and treated ourselves to a delicious homemade strawberry short cake, yum yum yum. After leaving the farm the shoulder crossed some train tracks, I slowed down and role over the first, but I caught my front wheel in the second groove next to the track and managed to fall with my bike into the road. Luckily the road was clear and I was going really slow so I think my pride hurt more than my bottom, but got a fright none the less.

Arriving into Santa Cruz was so weird. Two seconds ago we had been on an almost deralict fog ridden rugged coast and all of a sudden we were in in a fun fueled university town with plam trees and rollercoasters.

This place was far too much fun to just roll on through, so we found a cheap motel and decided to explore the boardwalk.

Miles today 50. Total miles 1274.

Day 3- Goodbye Canada, Hello America - Salt Spring Island to Oak Harbor

We got up early as we had a ferry to catch, the rooster in the next field would have meant we wouldn't have got a lie in anyway, he was up at 6 and so were we.

We ate packed up and were on the road by 7-15. We sped along up and down the rolling countryside and got to the ferry port in plenty of time. I really liked Saltspring, so relaxing, nice people, beautiful scenery.

Got the ferry back to Vancouver island more riding then another ferry this time away from Vancouver Island to Anacortes, Fidalgo Island, Washington, USA.

Sad to leave Canada, have had such an amazing year here, but, onwards we must go. Great ferry ride through the San Juan islands, such amazing scenery (again), was hoping to catch site of some Orcas but no such luck (oh well you can't have it all).

Made good progress through Fidalgo Island until the first flat tire if the tour which came half way up a really steep hill.

Pressed on over the impressive Deception Pass bridge and onto Whibdey Island, lots of traffic around, busy Friday afternoon, these islands are a lot less laid back than Saltspring I guess because they are more connected to the mainland. Whibdey has a military base so we see a few US Navy planes coming in to land.

Another puncture and the fact it is getting late make the decision for us that it is time to call it a day. We decide to grab a motel room in the town of Oak Harbour and eat some huge burritos.

I've really enjoyed the island hopping, really interesting how each place has it's own unique feel but tomorrow we head for the mainland and I'm excited to get going and it will be nice to not have to worry about ferry schedules any more.

Miles today- 36. Total miles 95.

Day 2: Headwinds, headcolds and heading south - Nanaimo to Ganges

Awoke to a beautiful view of the water from our camp spot, but also woke up with Dave's cold I thought I had cunningly missed. Dam and double blast!!
We decided we would check out Salt Spring Island, so headed south from Nanimo along Highway 1. Not always the nicest ride but at least you can pick up speed... If there's it a headwind against you. I really found it hard with a pounding head, but its not like we can just go home - because we don't have one!
Dave was very patient with me, answer broke for a spot of lunch at a homestyle coping cafe mmmm. Two pulled pork sandwiches please! These were awesome, but the mountain of chips (fries) I regretted later when I hit the hills.
Turning off the highway towards the ferry was a a really nice break from the highway and we saw a few eagles swooping for their prey.
We had to wait 40 minutes for the ferry so took in the amazing views, we could see the Vancouver mountains in the background, which made us realise how little we had actually travelled.
Everyone poured onto the ferry when it docked, and we parked up with all the bikers in their leather. It was a really relaxing ride, but it was so hot, not complaining mind you!
When the ferry docked, the warden gave us instructions to wait for all the traffic to go, as there are no shoulders on the narrow roads. The funny thing is that for us, the roads are like our A roads at home.
As soon as you arrive on a small island the mood instantly relaxes, even the birds seem more relaxed. It reminded me of when we first arrived and rode around Koh Pagnang in Thailand.
It was around 5 on as we arrived in Ganges and decided to set up camp for the night. I'm very happy as the campsite has chairs, that will make smore making over the fire so much sweeter.

miles today 32. total miles 59.