A weekend in North Saanich, with a side trip to Victoria

The excitement of watching the Mill Bay ferry lazily drift into the dock and the struggle of cyclists attempting to crest the steep hill of the landing was the beginning of our holiday weekend. After a restful half hour sail to Brentwood Bay we motored on to Cole’s Cove to our favorite B and B.We are going to visit with Cary and Howard and plan to tour the North Saanich area.

An ‘E’ bike tour starts heading North along the West Saanich road and a right at Mills road that takes us into downtown Sydney. Riding along Beacon Avenue we reach the clam shell band stand in Sidney by the Sea, there we ar treated to an interlude of guitar music and singing performed by Pat while we enjoy a sandwich for lunch. We finished the afternoon by riding around Sidney, stopping at a local art show and making a purhase of a beautiful metal sculpture for a wall hanging.

Later that evening we drove back to Sidney commons to watch a Lantern Parade and listen to an Asian drumming presentation. What had started off as a leisurely bike ride turned into a full and adventuresome day.

Up early the next day we enjoyed a really great breakfast and conversation with our friend Carey at the B and B. We then gathered our belongings and prepared to go to Victoria. A late lunch on a bench beside a duck pond on Dallas Road afforded us an opportunity to watch Canada Geese land on the pond as they approached like dive bombers and then water skied to a stop. A few fights broke out between rival groups as feathers flew, but everyone survived and we enjoyed the show.

After a book shop review and a quick coffee on Cook Street, we were on our way back North to Nanaimo satisfied with our tour.