Saturday Jun 25, Ripple Rock RV Park, Campbell River BC

It has been a really leisurely day, our overnight free campsite was excellent although a few vehicles parked boat trailers quite early. Managed a good walk along the harbour area before breakfast. The weather was a bit on the grey side. We retraced our tracks back to Parksville Beach, then up to the coast to the next town, Qualicum Beach where there was a Farmers Market. Always good fun and such a shame that it is usually only in the weekends. It was a good market and filled the bag with some fresh multi grain bread and vegetables and found a jar of our favourite Red Pepper Jelly. It is so good on sandwiches, or with cheese and crackers. Think I will need to find the recipe and make some in NZ.

After meandering through the town centre we continued onto Courtenay which surprised us by its size….somehow thought we were heading into a more remote area. Time to do some laundry so after locating the Laundromat, loaded the machines and had a lunch stop while it was getting done. A few more chores then on up the coast to Campbell River and then down a 7 km unsealed road to Browns Bay and this Campground. Thanks to Lois and Rex in the Parksville Camp who recommended we come here.

There is quite a story to this narrow pass of the Inside Passage….The Seymour Passage is very narrow and there were 2 large rocks just beneath the surface that caused many boating tragedies, until in the 1950’s 1400 tons of gelignite were used to blow them up and make a safer passage.

The camp is right above this and it has been amazing this afternoon to watch the cruise liners on their way to Alaska pass just beside us.

Just after we arrived we were lucky to see 2 humpback whales breach just in front of us…there are a number of whales in this area. So lucky for me to go whale watching without having to get into a boat!

Tonight we cooked some of the halibut that Ian caught yesterday and have to say it would have to be the best fish I have ever eaten, just so much flavour and so fresh.