Cowichan Bay extra trip

Our almost full magic bus rolled out of the centre just after 10:00 am on the way to Cowichan Bay.  Our driver, John, took us on the by-roads to reach the scenic bay community in time for a browse of the many interesting shops and boutiques. Some of us took a walk to view the marina from the north side.

Although it was cloudy, the views were excellent.

An example of the artisan ware available in Cowichan Bay, this pottery was both elegant and functional.

It was great to be able to celebrate Frank's birthday during lunch at the Rock Cod Cafe. Many Happy Returns of the day, Frank. We had time for a short postprandial stroll to work off some of the lunchtime calories.

A scenic drive back to the centre via Shawnigan Lake rounded off a very pleasant Let's Do It Day Trip.

Oak Bay and Galleries Browse

We started out at The Avenue Gallery.  Everything in here was beautiful - some great paintings, ceramics, and some brilliant and very fine fabric collages that had to be examined with a magnifying glass to tell that the images were made from tiny pieces of fabric!

Next was the Eclectic Gallery. This was eclectic in nature as well as name, including interesting pieces made from perforated and moulded metal sheets, back-lit to display the perforations. Also on display were crystals and fossils as well as jewelery, sculpture, ceramics, wood turnings, and gemstones.

Lunch at the Penny Farthing was very good. The pizza and a pint of beer for $9.99 proved a popular choice for some reason!

Then we visited Side Street Studio,  with its wide range of art, crafts, jewelery, and gifts.  At least one of us took advantage of the 10% discount offered to our group!

We had time for some independent browsing of the Oak Bay shops and other scenic locations before it was time to head back on a really good circuitous drive to the centre.

Thanks to everyone who joined us on this enjoyable and excellent value Let's Do It Day Trip.

There is no trip next week.  We had to cancel the Chemainus trip to Steel Magnolias due to lack of ticket sales. See you at the Cowichan Bay trip on May 25th!!

Let's Do It!!

Dinghy Dock - May 4, 2011

With the organizers there on time this week, we got off to a flying start and arrived at Nanaimo in good time for the special sailing of the ferry the Dinghy Dock laid on for us.

The 10 minute voyage to the floating pub seemed to go in a flash - seemed like just a few minutes!.

We spent some time looking at the stylish ornamentation.

This was before lunch!

After lunch we looked around the dock or went up to Protection Island - land of golf buggies and place names from Treasure Island. It was fantastic!

We all arrived safely back at Nanaimo for the journey home.

A quick stop at...

 for coffee and/ or ice cream or coffee with ice cream in it (in some cases) on the drive back to the centre rounded off a really enjoyable trip.

Some comments from the Let's Do It Day Trippers:

• My first visit to Dinghy Dock. Ate too much to have "Sex in a Dinghy"  - the dessert I mean.  Pity!
• My first visit - enjoyed, very good
• First visit - everything enjoyable - didn't get to see the dessert menu - next time!
• A lovely day trip - second time I've been there - nice views and good food.
• This is my third trip - a great day.
• Had a nice trip - this is my second trip.
• Good driver, good food, good company.
• All good - my second visit to D Dock - enjoyed the drive and the lunch.
• Loved the ferry ride.
• Lovely day - thank you very much
• These trips are always enjoyable
• Great trip, nice driver, not enough walking - thank you very much.

And thanks very much for your company on the trip and for all your comments.

Lets Do It - again sometime soon!!

Chris and Tom