Welcome to our journey.
Off the grid
With an hour before check-in, Poul and I hiked to the nearby Nanaimo River. The path to the water's edge, lined with sword ferns, wild lilies, and salmon berry bushes showing the first green of spring, gave an impression of a well-groomed forest.
A perfect start to our two months away from home.
Home for eleven days.
A container?
Driving up behind our tiny AirBnB, I was dubious to say the least. You know what a container looks like? It's a corregated metal box! But when we opened the door on the end and looked at the length of glass floor-to-ceiling, and the modern decor, we were reassured.
First impressions.
What's that smell?
The smell of the neighbor fertilizing his fields would only be a temporary annoyance we were told, and not noticeable with the door shut. The view of the turf farm with trees and mountains beyond was pastoral. The air was still and warm as I sat on the deck sipping lemonade.
Lovin' the work space.
Home away from Home
It didn't take us long to set up our work stations. It's what we do... we write.
When the sun set, there was no TV... no sound. I was in bed. After all, it was seven-thirty of Day One.
Check out the folding screens!
DAY THREE-SHUT IN
We came to write and write I did! Well, mostly rewriting after suggestions from my harsh critic, Poul. He says I rush into the romance too quickly. Not enough foreplay. LOL. After visiting with my daughters for lunch and shopping at my favorite spot-WINNERS yesterday, I was ready to finish chapters 1-4 of Book 6.
Back to nature.
Day Four-Settling In
Took an hour out of writing to explore the property, here in Cedar. I startled a nesting couple of ducks from this tranquil pond. Sorry about that.
Lots to see.
This AirBnB is called OYstercatcher for a reason. There are stacks of discarded shells from their extensive oyster farm called Evening Cove Oysters on the east coast of Van. Island, spanning Cortes to Saltspring Islands.
What's that racket in the trees?
Most of the nearby acreage looks like a huge putting green. No weeds in this here lawn! I'm enjoying the plethora of song birds in the nearby evergreens.
We love sitting by the fire.
We barbecued steaks and sat by the firepit. Clouds kept me from seeing the sky blanketed with stars as promised. Perhaps tomorrow night.
I'm back!
Day Five
Poul brought a frother that whips and heats his latte. My cocoa's from the kettle... hmmm.
Great way to start the day... high protien.
Cloudless and warm.
We took a break from the computers, hiked the Nanaimo River, and found a lovely place for Poul's April cold water dip. The river is full with raging currents but this is a little side pocket.
Family visit...
Day Six
Spent time visiting my brother, Len, who's having a difficult time with Parkinson's. Gotta love that he's still renovating!
Try this... Delish!
Our friends Sheri and Jeff served us these wonderful muffins during our visit. Later we discovered a great Nanaimo restaurant: Authentic Indian Cuisine near the Tesla charging station.
Party at the Pub!
Day Seven
I hope you enjoy Chapter six of Kindred Legacy as much as I enjoyed writing it today. In the afternoon it was off to the pub for a party arranged by one of our close friends, Helen Shaw.
Hey Bro.
We dropped by the manufactured home Poul's younger brother Doug is restoring in Cedar. He took us around to share some personal favorite hikes and swimming holes on the Nanaimo river.
Rainy Day Writing
Day Eight
Our heads in our computers and our hands in the snack jars, our day centered around our books. I sent Book 5 off to the editor this morning. If you want a free download of the series prequel, click here.
Eating again?
The Fox and Hounds Pub in Ladysmith is known for its British cuisine. My daughter, Cori, and her kids met us for dinner. It was time for a break this rainy evening.
Evening Cove Oysters
Day Nine
Did you know oysters exhale ammonia and their water must be continually rinsed so as not to become toxic? Oysters are tumbled to smooth their curly edges to increase their depth. Our host, Andrew Dryden, showed us around the processing plant after our workout at the Nanaimo pool.
Beautiful evening
English pub food again. This time at the Crow & Gate with Poul's brother, Doug. We signed in at the Yellow Point Lodge and walked their grounds after dinner.
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