The forecast was correct and the rain passed overnight, so we awoke to a bright, if chilly morning -- temps around 45 degrees. After getting led around in circles by the GPS for about 30 minutes, I finally managed to get the bike to CAN 1 and headed north towards Nanaimo. Nanaimo's on the east coast of Vancouver island about 90 minutes north of Victoria. It's been a major seaport since the 1800s when it was a major coaling station for steamships heading to Alaska. It's now the primary hub for ferry traffice between Vancouver Island and the mainland.
The ferry was much larger then the one from Port Angeles -- capacity was about 300 cars on three decks, although there were less than 200 on our boat. There were about 40 motorcycles this time, and as usual we spent our time waiting swapping ride stories and advice on routes and places to stay. It was another sunny day, so most everybody heading to the top deck to catch some rays, and I'm afraid that my nose and the top of my balding head are telling me this evening that I overdid it.
After we disembarked, we headed into Horseshoe Bay and then jumped on the Sky to Heaven highway (BC99) heading up the fjord to Whistler. They are overhauling the road in anticipation of the Olympics later this year, and while things are nearly finished, some parts of the the road are still getting work. We made good time, but still pulled into the hotel about 10 minutes after my first meeting got underway. The suites in the Westin, where the meeting is being held, are spacious and have nice little efficiency kitchenettes, but I'm definitely glad we're not paying the regular rate for this place.
I'm not sure whether I'll be doing much blogging for the next 3 or 4 days while the meeting is on. I wouldn't want to bore you with business, but we do have some interesting social events planned, so I may write an update or two. Stay tuned.
The forecast was correct and the rain passed overnight, so we awoke to a bright, if chilly morning -- temps around 45 degrees. After getting led around in circles by the GPS for about 30 minutes, I finally managed to get the bike to CAN 1 and headed north towards Nanaimo. Nanaimo's on the east coast of Vancouver island about 90 minutes north of Victoria. It's been a major seaport since the 1800s when it was a major coaling station for steamships heading to Alaska. It's now the primary hub for ferry traffice between Vancouver Island and the mainland.
The ferry was much larger then the one from Port Angeles -- capacity was about 300 cars on three decks, although there were less than 200 on our boat. There were about 40 motorcycles this time, and as usual we spent our time waiting swapping ride stories and advice on routes and places to stay. It was another sunny day, so most everybody heading to the top deck to catch some rays, and I'm afraid that my nose and the top of my balding head are telling me this evening that I overdid it. 
After we disembarked, we headed into Horseshoe Bay and then jumped on the Sky to Heaven highway (BC99) heading up the fjord to Whistler. They are overhauling the road in anticipation of the Olympics later this year, and while things are nearly finished, some parts of the the road are still getting work. We made good time, but still pulled into the hotel about 10 minutes after my first meeting got underway. The suites in the Westin, where the meeting is being held, are spacious and have nice little efficiency kitchenettes, but I'm definitely glad we're not paying the regular rate for this place.
I'm not sure whether I'll be doing much blogging for the next 3 or 4 days while the meeting is on. I wouldn't want to bore you with business, but we do have some interesting social events planned, so I may write an update or two. Stay tuned.
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