Canada's Gulf Islands and Point Roberts WA

The ferry terminal's best kept secret - a cheese shop. Only a world class cheese lover (and that's me) would shop for beautiful goat cheese prior to boarding the boat from Vancouver Island to the British Columbia mainland.......... headed for a city and a hotel room without a 'frig. The goat cheese lady said it would be OK not refrigerated for 2 days - and I know they don't chill their gorgeous cheeses in France - so, after sampling all of them, I took a chance and grabbed the mushroom and truffle oil on the far left, heavenly! These stunning cheeses were handmade on Whidbey Island, WA

The B.C. ferries are spacious, comfortable and serve a great breakfast on board. The early morning sail through the Strait of Georgia and the Gulf Islands was spectacular. My dream is to return soon, tour the West coast of Vancouver Island, visit the Pacific Rim National Park, then have several days in these smaller islands, staying in B&B's, enjoying walking, whale watching, and sunsets while sipping a great glass of wine.

It doesn't get more perfect than this!

Trivia question...............what's odd about the town of Point Roberts Washington? If you have time, go here and read the interesting story about this tiny piece of America that you can only access by crossing the border from Canada. Beautiful views across the water to Vancouver Island. Except for the gentle lapping of the tide and an occasional bird call, almost complete silence here on the driftwood covered beach. Worth the short detour (and having to pull out the passports yet again) after we left the ferry and headed to the great city of Vancouver.

We loved taking a break on this quiet beach - all seemed good in the world!

.........................tomorrow, Vancouver, Canada's great Western city.