Trip over to Vancouver on the ferry to visit friends and family.

Busy weekend visiting Garrett and Kat, then John and Joane and finally Aunt Norma and Uncle Ken.

Ray and I were up early at 5am Friday morning to catch the ferry from Nanaimo to Horseshoe Bay to spend a couple of days with Garrett and Kat. It rained a little on the way but by the time we arrived in Squamish at 11 am it was bright and sunny. Garrett was home but Kat was working in Vancouver and would be home later in the afternoon. After dropping off Freya and our luggage it was time to meet our good friends Delle and Chris at Howe Sound Brewing for lunch. Garrett came with us. (We have known Delle way back when Garrett and her daughter Jodi, went to preschool together.)

Garrett, Ray, Chris and Delle

After a great lunch we went for a short stroll to stretch our legs. What a great visit catching up.

Once Kat got home for work it was off to a new restaurant in town called the "Salted Vine". One of the best meals we have had at a restaurant in a long time. We all had different entree's and shared them. My cocktail was called a "Vegetable Garden", a fancy caesar.

Back home watching movies and to bed at 10. Freya certainly had fun with her sister.

Saturday morning we were all up to 7am. Garrett and Kat made waffles and bacon for breakfast. Yumm. We sure are getting spoilt. Coffee with Carolan's was also on the menu.

Kat getting to hug Freya ... Kira does not tolerate this so Kat loves her time with Freya.

The "expert" waffle maker.

After breakfast our tour guides took us for a drive to the spit and then after to the Mamquam River to see where Kat and Garrett go to beat the heat in the summer with Kira. What an awesome sunny day.

Yup, going for a car ride.

Looking up the harbour towards Mt. Garibaldi.

The metal container is for the wind surfer club's gear.

Next off to the Mamquam River.

Squamish sure has beautiful scenery, surrounded by water and mountains.

Back home to chill out for a couple of hours so Ray could rest.  Went out for a lovely dinner at the new sushi place near their home called Sushi San. Lots of laughs and good food. We ate early to beat the rush at this restaurant. By the time we left there was a lineup to get in.

Back home, Kat served her homemade peach tarts with ice cream for dessert. What a great day.

Sunday morning we were all up by 7 am. After coffee, Garrett and Kat made Eggs Bennie for breakfast. Fabulous guys. By 10:30 we were on the road heading to West Vancouver to meet up with our good friends John and Joane Mahon. We chatted for an hour or so before heading out to their favourite sushi place, Kin Sushi in Ambleside. The food was wonderful, some of the best sushi we have had. Very fresh. Forgot to take a picture of them .... so I stole one from Joane's facebook from this past Christmas. lol

John and Joane Mahon

Before heading off, Ray and I took Freya for a short walk down the Ambleside Seawalk. What a gorgeous day. They have great little sitting areas in shaded gardens.

As well as great views of Vancouver and the Lions Gate Bridge.

Lots of people out enjoying the sunshine.

 After hugs goodbye, it was off to Coquitlam to see my Aunt Norma and Uncle Ken where we are staying overnight. We had a lovely afternoon catching up before taking them out to dinner at Mr. Mikes. My cousin Pam and her boyfriend Rick joined us. Another lovely visit and it was nice to meet Rick for the first time. Back home and in bed by 9:30 pm. This has been a long travel day for Ray and myself. 

Norma, Ken, Rick and Pam

Monday morning after a leisurely start and breakfast it was off to Langley to exchange our hot tub cover and a few other stops. We tried to make the 12:45 pm ferry back to Nanaimo but ended up being the 11th car that did not make it on and had to wait for the 3:15 pm ferry... bummer. Fortunately it was a lovely sunny day so we were able to leave the tailgate open for Freya and Ray and I just stayed in the car with the windows open reading. Made it home at 6:15 pm. It was 18C when we reached the house. We left with it still winter with a lot of snow still on the ground and cold on Friday morning, to come back on Monday with most of the snow gone and hot. Felt like it was summer! Wow what a change. 

It was a fabulous visit with everyone but both Ray, Freya and I were happy to be home in our own beds. Long days for Ray and we are very happy to be back in Lake Cowichan. Fortunately I did all the driving and our car seats are fairly comfortable for Ray but he still was a hurting unit.