Nic and I headed to Vancouver Island this September. Finally it was time to visit my Mom on her birthday after almost a year. We tied in a ride trip with friends Sue and Lubo. The weather is cooling off now as I write this, so I'm doubly glad we got 1 last trip in before we hunker down for fall.
I've spent a lot of time at my Mom's over the years. Her Cocker Spaniel became one of my favourite ride buddies. He's 13 now. This trip I knew would be his last ride, but I still wanted to get him out one more time. I can't read doggy minds, but I'd like to think he'd have rather come out for one last trip up Mt. Tzouhalem and endure what ended being quite a challenging ride for him.
He put his heart into as best he could, but the age was more apparent than I'd thought. He kept up as best he could, but has lost his hearing now it seems. I was happy to ride slow for him to keep up, but when he can't hear you and loses sight of you when you wander off, you know its leash only walks from now on.
He showed good spirit through shaking legs. I helped into the back of SUV to return the trail legend to his owner.
We showered up and bought take out for my mom's Birthday from the Old Firehouse Cocktail Bar and Grill. Full marks for this place. We'll definitely be going back next chance we get.
We had a pleasant visit out on her back patio and called it a night.
Sue and Lubo met us back at the Parking lot the next day. Double D and then a long haul back up to Danilyzer. Plus a short detour to see the view over Cowichan Bay.
Most of these images are courtesy of Lubo.
Once done, a quick meal at the Shady Rest in Qualicum and then over to the riding fool in Cumberland. Their first time, my 5th?
UROC has built an amazing climbing trail called Soba No Michi, or Grandmothers trail. We had a long time to idle up to Thirsty Beaver to be advised it was probably to slippery. We improvised as best we could, finding Blue Print, and then getting re-acquainted with Bear Buns, Tea Pot, all of Crafty Butcher and 2 Flats.
Between the ride in Duncan, and the long climb up to the TB, legs started to pack it in around the end of Teapot. I urged them to try Crafty with me, but that trail was longer and more flat landing than I remembered.
Travel tip, carry beers in your pack for when Lubo gets cranky on longer than advertised rides.
It was a full 4 expedition in the Cumberland forest. Sue started riding gnarly skinnies at the end because she was too tired to get off her bike. LOL. Having done the big Chilcotin float plane trip a year earlier, I know we'd have survived up there longer. But rest was needed before heading to the Waverly for dinner and the brewery for some interested drinks.
Subo met us for lunch again the following weekend so I guess the friendship continues.=)
No legs left for a day 3 ride though. Nic and I said our goodbyes to our friends and headed for the ferry.
