Ferry boats, Canadians, Hills, and A Place to stay.

The ferry boat ride was enjoyable. We sat at the top front of the boat to make sure they were going the right direction. We sat, talked, ate, Blake tried to read but of course Evan and I didn't make it easy for him to read. We arrived to Nanaimo which was larger than expected. 

We stopped at a nice grocery store to pickup some snacks and dinner. Everyone in Canada is so kind, interested, and excited about our bike trip. It's amazing how many people recognize my surly long haul trucker and saddle knowing it is for touring. We departed town and hopped on the highway south towards Victoria. 

The ride was along a highway busier than expected and not as many viewpoints either, still pleasant to smell the ocean air and take in the lush rainforest. There were several decent hills which is only getting us in better shape, but we all struggled a bit. 

We rode 45+ miles down to Duncan looking for a provincial park; we stopped in at a grocery store in Duncan to ask directions but no one seemed to know. Outside a couple and their friend were talking to Blake about our bikes and invited us all to stay the night in their backyard. They were headed to a party but said their doors are unlocked an too feel free to shower and make food in the kitchen and setup anywhere in their yard. 

It's always nice to get a shower especially when you don't know when your next one will be. Granted its day 1 but we are already grimy from sweat and exhaust. We made some hot food, showered, and set up tents then zonked out. Not a bad day; the weather has been so perfect with partial clouds, cooler temps, and sun peaking through here and there.