The ALMOST Perfect Visit

More Than One Side To Every Story

The First Ten Minutes of Joanne’s Visit to The Island

Joanne:  “Can I feel your leg and your pants?” 

Me:  “Sure.”  I am meeting Joanne for the first time In Real Life.

A bold, yet reasonable request.

Am I surprised?

After all, the name of Joanne’s blog is titled “Following a Bold Plan.”     

Deb (Widow Badass):  Rolls up the hem of her skirt.  She begins to walk through a deep puddle of water to get to another part of Island View Beach.

I yell out:  “The tide is coming in!  You will be stranded on the other side swimming for your life!  Not a good way to begin your vacation.”

The giggling starts.

  Our In Real Life adventure has begun.

Same Day In Victoria

Joanne arrives early Monday morning.  Deb picks her up from the airport and the three of us meet at Island View Beach. We explore the beach, head downtown to The Breakwater, and have a late lunch at Fisherman’s Wharf.

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When Things Go Wrong

18,000 steps later, we are hot, tired and ready to return to my house for some Prosecco.

Since we drove in separate vehicles, we agree to meet at my house in fifteen minutes.

      1 1/2 hours later, I am still hunting for my cell phone.

• Not in my knapsack.

• Not in my car.

• Not on the ground beside my car.

• A kind couple nearby allows me to use their phone. I phone my husband and I leave a message on his voice mail: 

 “I am hunting for my lost phone. Joanne and Deb will be arriving at our house in fifteen minutes.  They are expecting Prosecco and snacks.”

• I walk part of the way back downtown on the route we had taken.  No luck.

• I drive back to Fisherman’s Wharf and I manage to find a parking spot.

• The security guards recommend I go to each of the food vendors in the area and ask whether anyone has turned in a phone.

• I check the bathrooms.

• I check around the table we sat at to have our lunch.

I Almost Went Dumpster Diving at Fisherman’s Wharf

A lightbulb moment:  ‘I volunteered to clean up our lunch garbage and dispose of it in the large dumpster at Fisherman’s Wharf.’

A) I will borrow someone’s phone to call my number and listen for vibration sounds coming from the dumpster?

B) Do I just jump into the bin and hope for the best?

All’s Well That Ends Well

• The Dumpster Diving was a genuine, desperate, fleeting thought.

• Not a good idea in COVID times.

• Not a good idea at any time.  

• After 1 1/2 hours of searching and help from many strangers, I enter the ‘acceptance’ stage of losing my phone.

              I drive home.  

At home:  I am greeted by Joanne, Deb, Chuck, Prosecco, Snacks, My Cell Phone

               And, lots of giggles.

(The Other Side of the Story on how my phone was found is in “Behind the Scenery” at the end of this post)

         

“It Is All Doable.  Even a Three-Year-Old Can Hike These Trails”

Monday Night

We are planning footwear and food for tomorrow’s hike.

Joanne, Deb, Donna (Retirement Reflections):  “What kind of trails can we expect?”

Me: “It is all doable.”

These polite, kind wordsmiths would like more of a description.

Me again:  “It is all VERY doable.  Even a three-year-old can walk the trails.”

               This time, tired giggles.

We all need to say goodnight and rest up for the day ahead.

Note to self: 

• In retrospect, I had to chase after some three-year-olds on these trails. 

• I also had to carry them back up the hills.

• I need to come up with a better description than doable for next time.

        Yay!  “Next time.”  I am already counting on a future visit.

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The Following Day:  Why Hike The Juan de Fuca Marine Trail?

• Diverse trails take you through a beautiful rain forest.

• Breathtaking scenery on the West Coast of Vancouver Island.

• Whales close to shore, seals, sea lions, bears, deer and many other wild life.

• Infinite exploring of tidal pools, rocks, logs, driftwood.

• Waterfalls.

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Why Visit Hornby Island?

Stunning scenery. Beautiful beaches. Tranquil. Laid back lifestyle. 

Leaving from Victoria for a day trip on Hornby Island makes for a very long day.  

               All worth it!  Joanne, Deb, Donna, Ann and I had a blast!

Should You Meet Virtual Blogging Friends In Real Life? 

• I enjoy visiting my virtual world.

• My real world carries a lot more weight.

• It is where life is truly lived.

• I know where my priorities lie.

        It is the time I spend with family and friends that gives me the greatest satisfaction. 

• My cup fills.

• My heart overflows.

         If you want Skookum adventures, great conversation, fun and laughter, I highly encourage you to meet your virtual blogging friends in real life.  

Joanne says it well.  You will find a  “A family of friends.”

A place I belong.

 My Side Of The Story of An ALMOST Perfect Visit

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Behind the Scenery

The Other Sides of the Story

Donna (Retirement Reflections)

Ann (The Unretired Life) The Hostess with the Mostest for a wonderful day on Hornby Island

Deb (Widow Badass)

Joanne (Following a Bold Plan)

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Safety Concerns Were Not Taken Lightly

• All of the present concerns with COVID-19 were not taken lightly.

• Our activities were all outdoors, maintaining social distancing and we wore masks when it was difficult to maintain the distance.

• I am aware how life is changing daily.

This special week in August was a window of opportunity for us.

Shout Out To My Husband, Chuck

• Making the awesome sandwiches for our hike.  

• Patiently listening to me about how excited I am about our Skookum adventures.

• I honestly appreciate you by my side.

• You are not an honourable mention.  

        You are my Numero Uno!

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How Did My Lost Cell Phone Get To My House?

• Joanne, Deb and I walk back from Fisherman’s Wharf to Deb’s car parked by the Breakwater. 

• So far, 18,000 steps for the day.  Everyone is hot and tired.

• Deb kindly offers to drive me to where my car is parked.  At least another ten minute walk for me.  

• Deb and Joanne head to my house and we plan to meet in fifteen minutes.

• On the way to my house, Deb and Joanne notice I have left my cell phone on the dashboard of Deb’s car.   

        ‘Should we drive back to the Breakwater and try to find Erica?’

• They cannot reach me by phone.  I do not have my cell phone on me. 

        Should Joanne and Deb answer my cell phone when it continues to vibrate?

• Joanne and Deb are puzzled:  ‘Why does Erica get so many out of town phone calls?’  

                 They might as well relax at my house,

       A visit with Chuck and a nice cold glass of Prosecco.

• 1 1/2 hours later I arrive home and I hear laughter in the back yard.

• Whew!  I see my cell phone on the table.   

Then, I almost pee myself laughing.

All’s Well That Ends Well.

                    

Have you had the privilege of meeting blogging friends in real life?

Have you ever lost your cell phone?