September in Nanaimo

Now that we are more or less settled into our part time school routine, we can better define our other activities.

We only brought one bicycle from Idaho, having two stolen here (from a locked storage area in our rented condo) last year. Our housing is not in such a sketchy area this year and it is looking like we might have reason to want two bicycles. So I picked up a used one at Arrowsmith Bikes, which I may be able to sell when we leave, if that seems wise.

The weather lately has been beautiful, but the marine forecast has featured small craft warnings for three days running, so the kayak has received no exercise. Sunday looks good for the Malaspina sea kayak outing, however. Low tide will occur at about 11 AM, shortly after launch, most likely. Ron and Dana have signed up also. We plan to use the school's kayaks, but our own pfds and booties. The brochure lists Departure Bay as the site, but that could change.

We've done one mild hike to the ridge behind Westwood Lake (1 1/2 hour round trip). Then we did a long hike from our current neighborhood to the Entwhistle Viewpoint and back. At one point along the way, we encountered a lady feeding five deer in her yard. The houses in that area were quite close to relatively wild property. We may try Mt. Benson tomorrow. That typically takes 4-plus hours round trip. Eli is off hiking with her Friday hiking group today (Cable Bay Trail?).

Tonight we'll go to dinner at Phoenecia with the group from my department at Malaspina. Last week we had Indian fare - a bit spicy for me (even the mild stuff). The belly dancing was also spicy, so I didn't complain.

Richard
2007.09.07