Stonehill Farm

Starting your day with Lon’s eggs Benedict doesn’t get much better. It was delicious! 

After breakfast we set to explore an abandoned saw mill on 130 acres called Stonehill Farm. This property once housed workers that ran a small sawmill. It has been zoned to build 300 units but has sat empty now for some time. Perfect way to spend a sunny afternoon.

We discovered ponds, buildings, art work, sawing equipment and more 

Since left to return to nature, graffiti and garbage have found their way here but still it is great place to explore. 

The old saw mill

The wood still looks pretty new.

Through the woods to the waterfall we found art hanging from the trees.

Unfortunately the waterfall was too dry to put on a show but a lovely mossy spot. 

A “hermit” somewhere in the woods keeps it tidy and has built some structures. 

Out of the farm, we headed into Duncan for some lunch at Just Jakes. 

These were excellent fish tacos, build your own. Norm with his toasted BLT with onion rings! 

Next stop a coffee and shared brownies. Note the teddy bear lattes.

Time to relax outside on the deck before dinner, seafood casserole and salad. Thanks Lon!!! Yummy! 

This is the view we got to see every day from their deck, Quamichan Lake.

Thanks Lon and Lorrie for a perfect end to our road trip holiday.

Duncan/Maple Bay

As we picked up our breakfast in a bag from the desk clerk, I did let him know about the serious ice jam in our room. He didn’t seem too concerned but said they’d fix it. Sure…..

Here is a pretty good breakfast to go. 

Mind you, we went to the Rhodo Cafe and Bistro. 

And this is a Comox Egg Benedict for Norm.

Tummies full,  we headed south to Duncan. On the way I remembered how my brother, Reg Baylis, had carefully removed two street signs on this highway when he was biking from Rupert 30 years ago. He brought along a crescent wrench, climbed the poles and removed the Baylis signs. They now sit very nicely in Prince George on his fence. 

Fortunately the signs have been replaced. The road is named named for my grandfather’s brother, Art Baylis, who was logging the forests in the area some 70 years ago. Or so the family story goes. I feel a bit famous having my family name on a road sign. 

We made it to Duncan in time to catch the local market. It was like the old days. Many people, almost no masks and lots of vendors.

Bought some yummy blueberries.

Our last stop on our road trip is with Lon and Lorrie Wood. They have a wonderful beautifully renovated home. Check our accommodations, very nice. 

Lon suggested we go to a local museum called The Hand of Man. He had not been before so wasn’t too sure what we would see. The owner Jim Shockey has set up millions of articles in an old elementary school. To say it was overwhelming is an understatement. It was unbelievable what was in this museum. 

I don’t think I could begin to list all the items. 

Rooms and rooms filled. 

These were just a small amount of the arrowheads on display. 

Every inch was filled with artifacts from all over the world. 

I couldn’t go into a few rooms because they were again totally filled with animals, from lions, deer, to every size and creature you could imagine. 

That’s a whole other topic - killing animals! 

Here is a dinosaur and Norman outside the museum. 

Norm is the one pointing.

Back home for a yummy Butter Chicken, Vindaloo, pita bread and all trimmings- chutney, coconut, peanuts, raisins, bananas (I skipped those) and mango  sorbet for dessert. Delicious! 

Tomorrow maybe raptors….

On to Comox

The clouds came in today so it seemed like we were meant to head to our next spot. We had a really good time staying in Powell River with Lorraine and Glen. Their hospitality was perfect, our every need was met and they encouraged us to help ourselves, and we did. Thanks!! 

There were a few interesting things in their home. Lorraine promised me a compete explanation of her new bidet! We never did experience it but definitely she did explain all the functions. 

There are lights, sounds and heated seat! Next time I’ll give it a try. 

Lorraine is a KEEN crafter. She has an amazing craft room or crap room as she refers to it. This woman could make anything!! Check the materials she works with. 

And this is just 3 of the 4 walls! 

We caught the noon ferry to Comox. Arrived a bit too early to get into our Super 8 Motel so did a walkabout in downtown Courtney. Guess what we found — a pottery studio, bookstore and a thrift shop all on 5th street. 

Our room is adequate but I will have to mention to the owners about the refrigerator. The ice is so thick that door does not close! 

But my trusty husband has found a solution. 

One more adventure on our trip will be tomorrow when we arrive at Lon and Lorrie’s in Maple Bay. 

Exploring Powell River

We got a chance to see more of Powell River today. Lorraine gave us a guided tour of the whole community. It’s way bigger than you first think. After a healthy breakfast of muesli, yogurt, omelette and coffee/tea she drove us around the town.  First stop a couple of thrift stores. 

Well organized and lots to see at the Mennonite Central Committee store.

This kind of activity means it’s coffee time. We grab drinks and muffins at River City Coffee and head down to Willngdon beach. 

A perfect spot to have a coffee break and enjoy the ocean views.

There was a seal or a floating ball in the water near our stretch of beach, but it was not what we thought….

Norm waded in to retrieve it. Guess what …..

Who knew that watermelons float. We left it for someone else. 

We had lunch ready for us back home then Norm and I headed out to explore the town. 

It is hot today so ice cream was needed, pistachio for Norm and salted caramel for me.

We managed a 7 1/2 km hike along the Willingdon Beach forestry trail. Lots to see, we learned about historical forestry equipment, types of trees and had a nice cool walk. 

Trees, trees, trees…

How they used to move logs in the past. 

Once back home we all went out for dinner to Coastal Cookery. So delicious! Thanks Glen and Lorraine. 

We’ve had a great time in Powell River and plan to come back again. 

Tomorrow off by ferry to Comox. 

Powell River

Off to Powell River today. Our goal was to reach Earl’s Cove by noon, allowing us time to see some sites along the way. First stop Roberts Creek. 

We sat down for coffee/tea and morning glory muffins. Perfect start for our road trip. Roberts Creek hasn’t changed too much since the hippies arrived some time ago. Every August they hold Creek Daze. It brings together lots of artists, musicians, second hand books sales, crafts and the Higgledy- piggledy Parade! Might have to catch that next year. 

Next stop a walk on the beach at Coopers Green Regional Park. Very quiet space but nice beach.

First selfies 

Pender Harbour seemed like a spot to grab another coffee. No luck but the thrift store was open Wednesday morning and I joined the lineup while Norm went looking for a newspaper and book store. We both had great success! 

Next stop the ferry to Saltery Bay. 

That’s our car bottom left behind the classy motorcycles!  Beautiful day for travel.

This is a view from the ferry. 

Here we are in Powell River staying with Lorraine and Glen Parkinson, Holland’s mother in law. They have a perfect view of the ocean and we even saw blow holes of passing whales today. This is the view from their front window. 

And their house, one of a pair of twins side by side on Marine Avenue — which is also Highway 101, just before this particular ribbon of blacktop hits it’s northern terminus at nearby Lund.

After dinner Norm and I went along the beach walk just across the road from their house. So warm it felt like Hawaii. 

That’s an eagle way up in the tree. We caught a bit of the setting sun as we returned home. The ferry is heading to Texada Island which is the island in the background. 

The best way to end your day is with freshly picked raspberries and blueberries and cream!