13 May - Powell River and Lund

Today was a slow day. We are thinking that the expended energy from the hike yesterday may have been responsible. Mary Lou had to work for a few hours so we lodged ourselves at the ever-present McDonalds for a good part of the morning and worked. It's really amazing how much time it takes to process images, write the blog and figure out what else to do during the day plus where to spend the night. Mary Lou had her regular Tuesday morning meeting with her boss. Amazing technology really.

We drove out to Lund (north) to see what this little town had to offer. We passed through a community owned by the Tla'amin Nation. It was time for breakfast (which we eat at 11:00AM) so we took a road towards the water where we found a beautiful little park along a beach area complete with gazebo and picnic tables -- ideal for us! Some of us were very uncomfortable doing this because it was land owned by the Tla'amin people. We had some discussion and agreed that we would ask someone. When we met a local fellow he said it was totally fine, "...just clean up after yourself....and thank you for asking!" 

We didn't understand the totem poles erected there but they were beautiful. We were intrigued with the the juxtaposition of one of the totem poles with catholic church in the background. Is there a story here?

In Lund watched a fishing boat unload it's catch, relaxing on a bench for a while. Sorry, no photos. Just wanted to relax today and not have to think "imagery"!

Lund is the end (or the beginning) of a road that can be travelled along the west coast, all the way to Chile. We stopped by the sign for the requisite selfie. We doubt if we will ever make it all that way, but it was fascinating to learn that road, linking the Americas, exists! 

Aside: We've heard some dispute about Pope Leo XIV being the first "American" pope. An expanded understanding of what "America," means would actually make him the second "American" pope, after Pope Francis.

We learned that Nancy's Bakery in Lund makes the best cinnamon rolls ever so we succumbed and enjoyed 2. The reputation is well-earned!! Ever heard of raspberry cinnamon rolls? Not only gooey cinnamony, with frosting, but added raspberry (probably jam) rolled in as well! We enjoyed them in a small secluded park by the side of the road.

We sat on the bench in this little park called, "Gazebo Park."

We found a fantastic Rec Centre here (we thought this was a small town. We have learned, however, that the Powell River Agglomeration is around 18,000. They have all of the fast food restaurants and box stores (including a small Walmart) required these days to make for a city comfortable and predictable for all of us. Fortunately there are a few independent entrepreneurs around (eg Nancy's) that we can taste something to tantalize the taste buds in a different way.

Powell River also has a very nice library that is open until 8:30pm on Tuesday's so that is where we are working on our blog and planning some of the details for tomorrow.