Dave through the Americas - 9.20.02 Mt. Geoffrey

I woke up to a nice sunrise on the water. I prepared my rainfly and tent for the sun’s warmth to dry out the night’s condensation and then fixed a nice oatmeal breakfast. I did some writing and then prepared my bike for riding around town today. I packed some trail mix and granola in case I get the urge to ride up Mt. Geoffrey. I met Derek and Sam who had stayed the night by the beach in their bus. They were having breakfast. There was another van parked nearby, one that belonged to an Israeli couple, Elie and Lali who I met shortly after talking to Derek and Sam about last nights music and after hours drama. We all enjoyed some tea and conversation and then Elie and Lali got out the spray paint and started painting their van. There was already some wonderful artwork on the van but more was always being added. I painted a tall cedar tree on the end of the van. After much enjoyable procrastination in the sun, I said goodbye and headed to the store for some water and a snack for the mountain. I started up the road that turned into an unpaved double track biking/walking trail into some second growth forest. I rode mostly uphill and enjoyed the fresh air and peacefulness of the forest. I hit a walking trail that looked to be the way up the mountain so I parked the bike and put on the sneakers. The unmarked trail had a few breaks and mixed up some ups with some downs, which made things a bit discouraging at times, but I finally made it to the top. There was a wonderful view of Denman and Vancouver Island on a great sunny day. I munched on some trail mix and enjoyed my high. A turkey vulture floats by on the thermals. Cool. I wrote a bit before turning around and hiking back down the mountain. I got to my bike and followed the main trail which turned into a smaller single path. The trail started going downhill and some parts were pretty steep. Eventually I reached a sign recommending cyclists to dismount. I walked the bike down the rest of the way and ended up a couple miles from, where I started. I got a few things at the co-op grocery and then headed back to my beach campsite. I had some bad indigestion so I just relaxed for a few moments by the beach and enjoyed the view. After popping a couple anti-acid tablets, I started on a nice pasta dinner with some fresh store bought mushrooms. I met an English guy named Andy who had been taking a dip in the frigid bay water while I was preparing my meal. He was very friendly and we ended up making plans to get together later on in the evening to go listen to jazz. Andy headed back to the cabin he was staying at and soon returned with his cousin Anica. We enjoyed a nice toke on the beach and then drove down to the other side of the island to the Thatch Pub. Anica and Andy got something to eat and we enjoyed the music and each other’s conversation. We hung out until about 10:30pm and then hit the road. I said goodbye to Andy and Anica and walked over to my spot. I noticed there was a new arrival to the beach, four young guys from Victoria BBQing and chilling out in their lawn chairs. I joined the friendly bunch and we started a nice driftwood fire. We talked for a while and smoked a bit. I enjoyed one of their cold beers and then turned in for the night. (10 miles)

Peace

Dave

Pic: Bus Painting with Elie and Lali

Pic: My cedar tree

Pic: One of my favorite sights, a large uprooted tree on Mt. Geoffrey. Mother nature is one hell of an artist.

Pic: Remnants of past lives

Pic: These notches cut into the trees support the planks that the fellers (tree cutters) stand on when cutting down a tree.

Pic: A view of Denman Island and Vancouver Island behind from the summit of Mt. Geoffrey on Hornby Island.