Today was an almost perfect day! It started very early, which was fine, because we had gone to sleep so early last night, tummies full and lip healing. We started south, following old Canadian Highway 1. It was once the main route through Kamloops. It followed the Fraser River, where to, we found out on the news last night, the salmon are late returning. This was a great biking road, lots of long sweeping curves, climbs, tunnels, and views off to the side. This early in the morning, we almost had the road to ourselves.

The Canadian Pacific railroad follows the river through the canyon also. We saw several trains, and there was one stretch of road where the train was just feet from us. We ran into several areas of construction, but that only helped space the traffic. We were usually the only vehicles stopped. We passed through an area called Hell's Gate, stopped and marvelled at the beauty of the river, and then continued south through the canyon to Hope, the "chainsaw carving capital of the world." (We think Orick could challenge them for the title.) It was a quiet, peaceful place and we stopped there for lunch before heading for the freeway to Vancouver. We followed Highway 1 as far as we could on the mainland, ending at the ferry terminal. It was quite a ride -- we discovered there are drivers all over who get in the fast lane and refuse to go any faster than just under the speed limit, regardless of the chaos they create!

A great thing about taking motorcycles on ferries is that you get to board first. All the bikes get to go to the head of the line, then, we get to disembark first, also. We had an hour and a half wait before the next ferry left, so that gave us time to get acquainted with our fellow riders, really nice people.

Each day of our journey has had its special magic. Much of that magic had to do with exploring new places. There is a special magic, though, in returning to the comfort of a favorite place, filled with wonderful memories. That is what we experienced this afternoon traveling to Victoria on Vancouver Island. For years this has been a favorite destination for family vacations. As we entered the city we drove past the fabric store where we had purchased material for Hillary's wedding gown. we passed the park where Jackson had posed for a picture in front of the seal of Manitoba, where he would soon serve his mission. It is a beautiful city, great for walking, and around every corner is a sweet memory. And now we get to add to those memories. We are happy to be here for two nights -- no packing of bikes in the morning -- and a chance to sleep late!