In case you missed part 1, we went to Vancouver Island a short while ago in search of adventure. On the first two days we traveled to Sooke and then out to Port Renfrew and saw magical things. If you’re curious about the magical things you can read all about it here.
On day 3 the forecast looked doubtful again, but we packed our rain shells and headed out on the bikes with great determination. The plan was to meander towards Victoria, along the Sooke Basin, then through Roche Cove Regional Park, through Metchosin, Colwood and then perhaps to Victoria. The plans were totally flexible with our only firm destination a recommended coffee shop in Metchosin.
We headed off onto the west section of the Galloping Goose trail. This part of the trail is particularly pleasant because of the water views. First we rode around the Sooke Basin, and then through Roche Cove Regional Park. Through the park the trail travels high above Metchosin Lake with stern warnings of steep cliffs.
When we reached Metchosin we detoured off the trail to The Broken Paddle Coffee shop, located on Happy Valley Road. With an address like that you’re practically guaranteed a good experience. The coffee was strong, the soup delicious and the shop filled with fellow cyclists. Most were from the lower mainland riding various sections of the Galloping Goose Trail. One group said this was their 10th year of doing the trail. I always enjoy the enthusiasm of cyclists sharing stories.
After our break we got back on the bikes and headed east toward Victoria. Along the way we passed a good ol’ country fair and stopped at the fence to gaze at the horses. We watched the screamers on the rides and counted the cowboy hats. Once we lost count we continued on our way.
Our next “stop of interest” was a remote controlled car grand prix being held in a parking lot. The drivers earnestly stood beside the track manoeuvring their cars, while one fellow stood on the track to release all the trapped cars. We watched to see if he’d get hit by the speeding cars, but he was agile enough to escape each close encounter. Disappointed, we headed over to Tim Horton’s for a bathroom break and a cup of tea.
We should probably have headed back at this point, but now we were too close to Victoria not to go all the way. So without pausing too much to think about the ride home, we forged ahead. The dirt trail soon gave way to a nicely paved path, which made up for riding along the highway. The charming country views behind us, we sped up and got to Victoria in time for a late lunch.
The Old Spaghetti Factory is always a reliable place for good food, so that’s where we went. We were ready for a long rest and a feast after riding 40km into town. Over lunch we decided to ride back and if we were too tired, we’d board a bus to Sooke. The bus ran hourly, so with plan B in place, we headed back up the trail.
The ride back always seems shorter because you see familiar things. “Oh yes, I remember the fair.” “This is the part with the really steep hills.” “This is where we rejoined the trail after the coffee shop.” That was the first 30km. The last 10 dragged on forever as we stopped for frequent breaks as we got more tired. At last we recognised the home stretch and felt like horses racing back to the barn. That night we had and early dinner and were in bed shortly after 9pm. I love going to bed with that happy-tired feeling.
The next morning, I tiptoed out to the garden with my yoga mat, grateful that my legs still worked. My intention was to do a few sun salutations but with the sun hiding behind the clothes, I paid homage to vast ocean in front of me instead. After my practice I met some slugs and we spent some time together. There was also a bunny, but he wasn’t nearly as willing to engage in any sort of conversation.
After yet another delicious breakfast, we packed up and said our good-byes to our charming hosts at A Point of View Bed and Breakfast. With promises to come back for whale sightings we went down the driveway one last time. We had planned our departure to allow us time for one more stop.
At the second of Sooke’s two traffic lights, we turned left and headed up to Sooke Potholes Provincial Park. I felt torn between wanting to ride the last part of the trail and wanting time to see the potholes and take some pictures. 
In the end we drove there and took the time to enjoy some of the geological wonders of the park. Watching the water swirling and swirling its easy to see how the pools are formed, but it’s difficult to fathom the time it takes for that to happen.
Back at the car, we settled in for the drive back past Victoria to the ferry. Between the drive, the wait for the ferry, the sailing time and the long drive home from Tsawassen, Sooke is a long way away. It gave us plenty of time for us to plan our next trip to Sooke.
As usual, I took too many pictures. Have a look-see.