Nanaimo B.C., visiting friends and promises kept

After our abrupt departure from Nicaragua, due to their uprising, our daughters were understandably devastated at the sudden and dramatic loss of their friends. Elise and I, promised them early on that we would make every effort to see their friends so that they could have a proper good bye. We are so happy that it worked out for them to see their buddies in Nanaimo, British Columbia. There are still other friends that we want to see but we are for the time being refocusing on a place to settle down and call home. Thankfully, this is our group decision so there aren't any hurt feelings about us refocusing on a place to live.
    The weather in Nanaimo was stunningly beautiful while we were there. It was mostly sunny with an odd cloud every-now-and-again, gentle breezes and 72 degrees. The people, countryside, and the coastal communities reminded me so much of New Zealand that it was eerie. Wherever we were, the Canadians were warm and friendly and loved to chat. I really noticed how polite the drivers were in Canada towards larger rigs like ours. It was much appreciated when they held back to give us wide berth for our turns. Unlike New Zealand, though, Canada is close and easy to visit.
   The last time we were in Canada, Elise was pregnant with Sierra, when we went to Banff and Jasper, in Alberta. It is remarkable that 13 years has gone by and now we have two kids. Canada is still just as quaint, once you get out of the big cities, as it was back then. We promised each other that whatever business that we buy, we would try to get away for a couple months each year and travel. I hope we can find that.
   In a much earlier blog entry, I mentioned how some parents use their kids as excuses why not to travel (too expensive, too cumbersome etc.) I promise with all I have that your children should be the reason that you travel. Your kids are your most loyal partners and will love you for eternity for showing them something special and meaningful. Most importantly, vacations are not rewards for working hard, they are essential ingredients for living a full life. For each adult reading this, do something cool like a picnic in the fog, or fall asleep to the ripples of a creek in a meadow, or something else unusual and memorable. Get away from it all, with the ones you most cherish. Anyone who has read this blog in the past knows I mean this from the bottom of my heart. 
   

Two friends reconnecting after being separated.

Our ferry ride to Vancouver island.

The vehicles had awesome views too.

Such a beautiful day to be sailing.

When you think of the Pacific Northwest you think of rain, and more rain. A little known secret is that the San Juan islands are in a rain shadow and is much drier than Seattle of Vancouver B.C.

Our drive along the coast of Vancouver island.

Berries are slowly starting to ripen in late July.

Unprompted and unscripted hug, tugged on our heart strings.

Friends are good for your spirit.

Lots of activity in the Nanaimo harbor 

Friends to the end.

This was while walking along the boardwalk in Nanaimo harbor.

Lovely setting in the harbor.

Nanaimo is attracting a lot of foreign investment right now.

The parents are friends too and reminds us of our better times in Nicaragua.

Nice hiking paths around our RV park. The kids played until dark every night there.

Another night of fun while our kids were being cared for by grand parents.

The older kids have more latitude to explore and buy things on their own. 

Breathtaking views from our RV park at night.