Paradise has different meanings for each of us, the coast of British Columbia is mine. We are leaving the stress behind and headed to an outstation in Pender Harbour, Garden Bay to be specific, and which is owned by our yacht club. The calendar says that we have it all to ourselves for the entire long weekend, which is amazing. Some outstations merely have dock space to tie up at, and access to some marina amenities on shore. But a few have buildings on the property, some of which have rooms to stay in. Garden Bay is one of these and it’s a lovely little oasis, no matter the weather.
The weather is a little bit of a mixed bag this weekend, but there is sun on the menu for a couple of days at least, and that means sitting on a deck in the warmth….listening to birds, watching eagles and seals, seeing boats come and go from the bay.
But just the ferry ride to the Sunshine Coast is a relaxing treat. Looking back and seeing the city slip away behind us means leaving the work stress behind.
No work phone.
No work computer.
And hopefully, in a day or two, I won’t have work thoughts interrupting the long weekend.
Hopefully.
I get a look from Kirk when I start to verbally ruminate….and it’s usually followed by “You’re doing it again…stop thinking about work“
The lovely thing about getting on the ferry to the Sunshine Coast, is that it’s so much more scenic than some other routes, and it’s not that long, so it creates a bit of a mental break.
As we came towards the Langdale ferry dock, I smiled as I saw a father with his son sitting on his shoulders. A family heading home? A family heading to the Sunshine Coast for Easter? Whatever the trip is about for them, it was a happy scene of someone anticipating something and made me smile.
The drive from the ferry terminal is about an hour or so, but we planned to stop at a pub/restaurant in Sechelt that has excellent food and a good vibe before the 40 minute drive to Garden Bay where we’d build a fire in the fireplace, mix a couple of cocktails, and just enjoy the silence.
The long weekend is here.