North on Vancouver Island

Kevin has joined us in Sidney for a trip North on Vancouver Island to Campbell River. It is a day trip in Dutchess with Granny in tow.

 On our first day in Campbell River on the spit we find a float plane company offering 2 hour 'mail run' flights in a Beaver. Kevin's Bucket List includes a ride in a Beaver....this chance is perfect with a flight over and beyond Desolation Sound. Five landings and take offs, with a stop at Refuge Cove and several luxury lodges.

Our second day sees Kath and Kevin going out salmon fishing from Painters Lodge. The salmon run is one of the best in memory, with Kevin catching his limit of 4. Kath landed one and had 2 more on the line.

 The fishing guide for the day.

 The fish are landed and the fishermen are well dressed up for the cool weather out on the water.

Back at the dock the 'catch' is headed and gutted before taking their catch home.

We've found a floating shop on the fishing docks, "Crabby Bob's" selling live crab. We 'dispatched' them, cooked them and had a feast that night back at our campground. 

 All good things come to an end the next day as we drive South to Nanaimo camping at the Living Forest RV campground. A beautiful spot with views out over the Straight of Georgia to the North Shore mountains. A campfire sets the mood for the evening.

The following day we head back to Sidney and catch the Washington State Ferry to Anacortes.
A trip to the Boeing factory provided us with a tour of the assembly buildings for the 737, 747, 777, and the new 787 or Dream Liner. The Dream Liner utilizes carbon fiber for many of its components. These components are built in many countries in the world and are flow on the modified and huge Boeing 747 to the assembly plant. One of four Dream Lifters is pictured below. No pictures were allowed to be taken in the assembly plants.

From the Observation platform we spotted 2 new Dream Liners painted and ready to be delivered to Air New Zealand...note the new colours.