Boo-hoo on BC Ferries

So we really do need to check out today since we fly home tomorrow! With that sobering thought, I really want to enjoy our last day and I'm really glad we stayed to prolong the vacation feeling.

Rugge took the kids to the pool while I did the packing and straightening. The girls were home first to help out with their bags, Gabe and Rugge played some tennis. We had all the things out for the 11 am check out but stayed for a beach walk since the ferry we want doesn't leave until 3:15. Rugge had walked north along the beach and wanted to show us some neat things he'd seen the day before. It is a little blustery today but we didn't want to miss our last chance to stroll the Parksville Beach. Tide is out so we were walking on mushy sand, finding cool shells and even cooler coloured rocks: purple, green and blue. There is a stump with its root system sitting on the crest of the beach. Over the years, people have stuck driftwood tree trunks in with the stump. It looks like a sea urchin in driftwood. We took some self timer pictures with the mountains in behind.

We said our good byes to the beach and cottage after a "polish off whatever we can" lunch. We're all set for out BC ferry ride from Duke Point to Tsawwassen for a packing spree evening. We get to the ferry in lots of time so we head to the park for a bit until the incoming ferry has unloaded. I just can't help singing some Chris de Burgh! We're loaded and out of the car to find the kid play place. Gabe is happy to watch tv, Jubes is playing with Jesse, Rugge is in the gift shop, Nina is floating around and I'm on deck! This ship has a enclosure outside on the deck right at the front of the ship where you can stand almost on the edge and still be inside. Later in the ride, I had Rugge and Nina out there spotting porpoise fins. The wind is pretty fierce and chilly so the exposed deck is too frosty! Of course, the whole ride is spectacular.

We're back at the Seiberts before sundown and Rugge immediately starts cleaning out the car for its return. Gabe is playing street hockey for the last time with the boys, the girls are doing their good bye rounds, exchanging addresses and emails. I'm indoors packing and doing laundry. It all seems to fit in and with a little repacking after the kids are asleep, it's all done. Rugge returns the Expedition with Tim's help after a quick stop across the border for a gas fillup.

Tomorrow's a 7:30 start with JoAnne preboarding us (it is great staying with a travel agent!) and two cars carrying the Guadsquad to the airport... hopefully we all get a good sleep!