Okay, I realize the title sounds vile but it actually describes how we spent Sunday, July 24th. Our first task was to drive Geoff to a bike shop, Coastal Cycle, on the Galloping Goose Trail. Here he got outfitted with a bike, helmet, and toolkit for the ride to Sooke. He felt it would take him 2 hours to reach this town southwest of Victoria. In the meantime, we would drive there and explore French Beach which my sister, Lynda, had recommended.
All was going according to plan until we hit the winding roads approaching the town. Elijah said he felt sick so we pulled over to the side of the road (they are narrow so there isn't much room). He tried but nothing was forthcoming until we resumed our journey. Fortunately, we had some cloth grocery bags which were pressed into service. We stopped at the Sooke Information Centre to mop things up and give Elijah some time to bounce back. I did some Christmas shopping in the gift shop and Melissa bought a souvenir.
Elijah felt he was better but we decided French Beach was probably asking too much of him so revised our plans and made our way to Whiffen Spit on the edge of town. We didn't get far when the last food in Elijah's stomach left him. We pressed on knowing the spit would give the boys fresh air and a chance to play.
Meanwhile, we had decided the pub where we'd planned to meet Geoff was not kid friendly. Fortunately, he felt the same way and I received a text from him as we walked the spit. We told him where we were and that Elijah was not ready to get back into the van. Geoff courageously drove along the narrow highway until he reached the spit just as we were making our way back to the parking lot. He stripped out of his gear and we stashed the bike into the back of the van.
We then headed to a drug store to buy some Gravol which helped settle Elijah's stomach although he could only eat soup when we got to the Stickleback Restaurant. This kid-friendly restaurant is on a tiny, sheltered cove where kayakers launch their boats and others come to learn how to paddle. We sat outside in the sunshine and the kids were given a drawing to colour while we waited. Mile's fancy macaroni came in a pirate ship so he was thrilled. Geoff and Glen had burgers which they raved about.
Both Elijah and Miles slept until we reached Coastal Cycle. After returning the bike, we headed home for a quiet evening.
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