Nothing is ever simple when travelling with two people. I can’t even imagine how larger groups get it done at all.
One sleep in the parking lot of a Walmart, with police cars going by. One early morning visit to Save On grocery, to look for fresh bread and contact lense solution. One wait in the ferry line, as the Sunday morning ferries were packed. I recommend reservations, as we had meant to do, but forgotten. Also, taking even our short little trailer across to the island, with two people and a truck with an extended cab (as they charge by the foot, and then per person) was expensive! It cost us $200 to get across.
Justin and I stopped off at the MEC in Victoria, and one of the sales people there directed us to Robinsons, a gear store just up the street. Much less busy than MEC, and they had a great sales rack upstairs. We topped up our gear in both places, and headed West on the island, past Sooke. Out of cell phone range. There is something divine about escaping the reach of the outside world.
We stopped at a campground near the beginning of the trail. Full. Oh wait, all the reserved spots are full, but they keep a couple first come spots, a few of which are double sites. We chose to take one half of the large site already claimed by a couple with a tent. They also had a really sweet dog, a silky mutt with soulful caramel coloured eyes who didn’t even bark, just waited to be introduced and then tried to climb into my lap. I threatened to take her home with us, the couple said she would try to come with us, and Justin gave me that look which means I can find a new place to live. So in short, the usual scenario with a friendly dog.
The wood for sale was green, so we skipped a fire, just packed our bags for the trail and collapsed into bed. That night was the sleep I needed. We slept soundly, cocooned in our comfortable trailer, undisturbed by road noise, drunken campers, bears, nothing. We slept the sleep of builders and do-ers finally at rest. For about 12 hours. Seems like we needed it!
Wherever you are, Be There 