Like so many others, Richard and I have begun to approach our travel differently. This past week, we took a quick get-away to a rustic cabin on nearby Quadra Island. Just a 10-minute ferry ride from Campbell River, it was the perfect escape. Let me show you in pictures.
Our Morning Views:
Where We Hiked:
Noodles Nook 
Rebecca Spit 
Nugedzi Lake Trail 
Bold Point
Where We Stayed:
Heriot Bay Inn 
1 Bedroom Cabin 
Hotel Cat 
Bring a book or two…there’s no Wi-Fi in the rooms 
But there is a full kitchen!
Although just a quick trip away, the benefits of travel were predominantly the same — rejuvenation, adventure, discovery, new learning, great food, brilliant photo opportunities and wonderful memories. (Oh, and a pile of laundry when we returned home).
How have you been creating a new normal? What new adventure have you taken recently?
Retirement Reflections 
Hi Donna! What a wonderful place to escape to for your birthday weekend. Very beautiful and very private. I think it is also a great example of how we don’t have to stop “living” because of COVID and we can still practice safety and make sue we are being careful. Thom and I plan to travel to Tucson next month for his birthday and are staying in an Airbnb so it will give us a chance to get out of town. (with our new e-bikes of course!). ~Kathy
LikeLike
Hi, Kathy – We definitely do not need to stop living because of COVID. With a bit of creativity, we can remain cautious, while also remaining active. Life is too precious to waste.
I’m so glad to hear that you are going to Tucson next month — with your e-bikes. Happy Birthday to Thom!
LikeLike
Hi Donna – it looks perfect and peaceful and serene and gorgeous. I love self-contained places like this – a little home away from home where you can retreat and replenish. The hikes would have been beautiful too – you’re so lucky to be surrounded by so much natural beauty x
LikeLike
Hi, Leanne – We are grateful to be surrounded by such natural beauty. Self-contained accommodations definitely help ease some of the worries about current travel. When someone mentions hiking, I’m usually IN!! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
This looks just beautiful…although I hope you didn’t have to walk over that bridge (gulp).
LikeLiked by 1 person
Funny thing, I did boldly begin to walk across that bridge (as one does at BOLD POINT). Then I came to my senses and quickly turned around. Richard stood by smiling the whole time.
LikeLiked by 2 people
That bridge caught my eye. Nope, not me!
LikeLiked by 1 person
In our defence, there didn’t seem to be much of a trail on the other side of the bridge. Otherwise, it would have been a true dilemma! 😀
LikeLike
This looks amazing Donna, what a great find! I love the scenery and feeling of serenity your photos show. We are all having to relook at how we travel and you have done a great job of showing how a life of travel can continue in these weird times. Many thanks 🙂
LikeLike
Hi, Debbie – These certainly are strange times, but they have also brought forth opportunity. I have always wanted to do more Canadian travel, while Richard has always wanted to explore new countries. Right now, we are drawing from my Travel Bucket List. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a beautiful getaway Donna!
LikeLike
Thanks, John! I hope that all is well with you and Donna.
LikeLike
We just stay on our island….. no need to go anywhere as we are living in a beautiful place with our horses, donkeys and other animals. I just realized I have not left since October 2017. I just do not feel I need to go anywhere as any other place is not home and will not be nicer.
LikeLike
Hi, Rens – From the photos that you’ve shared, your place looks amazing. As soon as this virus ends, expect company! 😀
LikeLike
I agree that even just a short getaway close by can be re-energizing. This getaway appears to have all the charming elements one needs – cozy accommodations, serene time in nature, and of course each other 🙂
I took a look at that bridge and thought ‘yeah … no’. I must be getting wiser as well as older. It seems not that long ago I would have thought ‘challenge accepted’ 😏
LikeLike
Hi, Joanne – Great minds think alike! I was originally going with the ‘Challenge Accepted’ attitude. But up-close the bridge was even sketchier than it appears in the photo. There’s much to be said about ‘older and wiser’! 😀
LikeLike
I’ve been having more and more of those ‘older and wiser’ moments. I’m almost sad it’s pushing aside the wilder side 😏
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah, but perhaps a new, even wilder side may emerge! You never do know. 😀
LikeLike
Your pictures are stunning! What a great little getaway. I think travelling “small” is the way to go. Hoping we can still have our mountain ski time this winter and will definitely do an airBnB.
LikeLike
Hi, Bernie – We are counting on mountain snow time as well. We tend to snow-shoe which is a great socially-distance activity at the best of times. Fingers crossed!
LikeLike
This looks beautiful and serene, Donna. Who needs wifi? Its great to unplug and unwind. Looks like a happy place!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, Terri – Strangely, although there was no Wi-Fi, and no data reception, we didn’t miss it one bit. I do have a regular Zoom call on Friday mornings. I spoke to the Inn owners about this ahead of time. They arranged for me to use their private conference room (for free) and gave me access to their staff’s internet. It was perfect!
LikeLiked by 1 person
How very kind of them … and thoughtful of you to check in … just to see …
LikeLike
Thanks. Hilary – you never do know until you ask! 🙂
LikeLike
No adventures for us. We remain at home attempting to avoid people and the virus. However if we were given the opportunity to visit somewhere as beautiful as where you went, we might venture forth. Your photos are wonderful.
LikeLike
Hi, Ally – We are grateful to live in an area with stunning (and largely deserted) trails nearby. Quadra Island is very small and attracts few visitors in the autumn and winter. In our entire time there we saw very few people.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Donna, Such a beautiful place and perfect get-away for all the benefits of travel that you mentioned. I’ve been exploring local parks and loving the adventures.
LikeLike
Hi, Natalie – I’ve greatly enjoyed following your explorations. You’ve been a master of channelling your travelling spirit into safe, local adventures.
LikeLike
What a beautiful place! To this Mainer, Quadra Island has an otherworldly look, wild, fey, and beautiful. As for adventures…my husband and I are working hard to get my newest book ready for publication. That’s adventure enough for ma & Pa. 😉
LikeLike
Hi, Laurie – Thank you for stopping by while you are on your blogging break. Publishing a new book is a HUGE adventure. I look forward to the final results. Good luck!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Many thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Looks wonderful! You made me think.
LikeLike
So glad that I made you think. I love that bloggers continually inspire one another! 😀
LikeLike
Quadra looks like a beautiful island to escape to, whether for a day or several. Glad you had such a lovely get-away. Going on my list of islands to discover!
Debv
LikeLike
Thanks, Deb – You can easily visit Quadra as a day-trip, especially when the days are a bit longer. Funny thing — on the way home, at the Ferry Dock, we ran into the only person I know who lives on Quadra – Captain Garry (our Whale Tour Guide). So cool!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is very cool!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely! What are the odds? 😀
LikeLike
This looks wonderful. How can you leave a place like this? Cheers!
LikeLike
Hi John and Susan – Thank you so much for stopping by. The only reason that we could leave is that our own small town on Vancouver Island is also gorgeous. Otherwise, we would likely still be there! 😀
LikeLike
What a gorgeous place to celebrate your birthday! We haven’t done any mini-trips since our 3-day trip to the mountains in July, and we really need to fix that. I guess it’s all about adjusting our desire for adventure and the competing need for safety. It looks like you have found the perfect combination.
LikeLike
Hi, Janis – Richard and I are very fortunate to have such lovely and relatively isolated places nearby to escape to. We never want to take this for granted. Hopefully, you and Paul will also find some safe places to. If so, I highly recommend it. Does the soul much good!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Donna, when the option is to not travel at all, one tends to consider reasonable alternatives that incorporate safe practices. I think we are all experimenting with what that might look like. Your pictures depict a peaceful and relaxing adventure, and you certainly maintained social distancing!! Beautiful place.
LikeLike
Hi, Suzanne – Thanks so much for dropping by. I recently ran into an acquaintance who lamented that since her regular travel and activities have been thwarted, she has been sitting home alone. As this woman is fit and healthy and lives in the same island town that I do, her lament shocked me. Pursuing safe and enjoyable alternatives makes much sense to me…and seems to be much better than allowing ourselves to become trapped and isolated in frustration.
LikeLike
Beautiful, Donna! It makes me smile to see how you created and enjoyed a wonderful birthday weekend. During these challenging times, it certainly helps to live in a nice area (or hit the road again) in order to still immerse yourself in nature and different experiences. Thank you for showing us more of VI’s beauty and discoveries!
LikeLike
Thanks, Liesbet – I can’t believe that it was over two years ago that you and Mark were out this way. Wishing you safe travels ahead!
LikeLiked by 1 person
How could you not fall in love with a place named Noodles Nook! No Wi-Fi in the rooms sounds perfect to me. Thanks for sharing your getaway with us, Donna. Your photographs are stunning.
LikeLike
Hi, Jill – I love the name Noodles Nook as well. How fun is that?!!
Thank you for your continuing support and encouragement. Both are greatly appreciated!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a great idea! Quadra Island is so picturesque, a perfect getaway. We visited there once by boat and loved it. Happy Birthday!
LikeLike
Hi, Darlene – It would be awesome to have access to a boat while on Quadra. So much to see and explore there by water (as well as by land). Thanks so much for stopping by and for the kind wishes!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Looks and sounds like the perfect getaway and perfect way to celebrate a birthday. Beautiful photos, as always.
LikeLike
Thanks, Ingrid. We had an awesome time, and are already planning our next escape! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
It sounds like you had a wonderful time, Donna. And that couch shrub–fabulous! Thanks for sharing!
LikeLike
Hi, Christie – Thanks for commenting on the couch-shrub. It was very, very cool. It was also on private property…but with shrubbery like that, I’m sure that they were okay with a bit of company. 😀
LikeLike
Hi Donna, We have camped on Quadra Island and loved it. Your post and beautiful photos remind me how we should plan another trip to this area. Like you say, the perfect escape. I like how the “Bold Point” photo is larger. A very striking effect. You summarize well the benefits of travel, even nearby travel. An interesting and beautiful post!
LikeLike
Hi, Erica – I had often heard others speak fondly of Quadra, but for some reason, Richard and I had never made it out there. Now that we’ve been, I’m certain that we will return. It was truly magical!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Enjoyed seeing your pics and WOW check out that hedge couch!! We enjoy staying in cabins from time to time. Our new normal hasn’t changed much for hubby. He still works, can’t get that man to retire! I personally don’t go out as much as I used to but didn’t go out much to begin with. I order most things online but of course I did that before the virus. Just tried grocery delivery and it was awesome! We have traveled out of state on vacation a few times this year. Just have to be safe. We can’t let this virus rule our lives then we have no life!!
LikeLike
Hi, Dee – Your thinking here makes great sense to me. We need to keep ourselves, and those around us, safe. We also need to live our lives. Hopefully, most of us can find a way to merge both safety and living.
I also totally agree with you about online grocery shopping and home delivery. Absolutely love it!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That looks gorgeous! We too are sticking to short breaks in self-catering accommodation. That feels safe.
LikeLike
Hi, Anabel — Great minds think alike. Short breaks and self-catering, with lots of socially distanced walks/hikes. That all sounds perfect to me!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Quadra- even the name sounds enticing! A birthday weekend? Happy birthday Donna💥🌺gorgeous photos, that sofa/couch in green is a work of art. – actually now that I think of it, nature is an ongoing work of art. I’m setting off this morning for Cape Town, a long drive away. But it’s so refreshing to have a change of scenery once in a while.
LikeLike
HI, Susan – Nature is a brilliant artist indeed. She never ceases to amaze me.
Enjoy Cape Town. I agree that a change of scenery can be a great refresher!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Donna,
After our three-month RV trip, I am taking a short technology break to catch up on home responsibilities. However, I never miss your blog and I’m so glad I didn’t miss this one. What a charming place! I love the names–Noodles Nook and Rebecca Spit–plus, a cute couch kitty to boot. Thanks for taking us along. Joe
LikeLike
Hi, Joe – I love when fellow bloggers become blogging buddies…and then, simply, friends. I am glad that you are giving yourself a break after your epic adventure. I look forward to continuing to follow your adventures once you are posting again.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That looks ideal!! Except maybe one’s footing on the Old Point bridge there! We’ve been so busy moving during the pandemic that we were able to ignore the travel itch for a while. Now we are ready and have booked a couple of road trips. The first one, this week, will be to the closest beach. Staying in a remote area and going mid week to avoid crowds.
LikeLike
Hi, Tracey – I hope that your move went well. I am glad that you are now ready to take a couple of road trips. Staying in remote areas, especially mid-week, is our usual strategy as well. Please keep us posted, I would love to read more.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a beautiful place to be! The photos are gorgeous.
LikeLike
Hi, Antoinette – Thank you for dropping by and for your kind words. I hope that all is going well with your Daily Bread!
LikeLike
What a wonderful place for a quick getaway. The accommodations look cozy and comfortable and very inviting. I think that kitty has the right idea!!
Your photography is stunning, Donna. I think you need to have a multiple photo frame or gallery and change out the photos with the ones from your latest adventures. The cool colors, the wintry skies are so pretty. Love the lines in the Bold Point photo. The perspective, the weathered wood, the vanishing point.
Thank you for sharing one of your happy places with us.
LikeLike
Hi, Leslie – Thank you so much. As you know, I am a huge fan of your photography. Mutual admiration society! 😀
LikeLike
Donna this look fantastic! These smaller, out of the way places, is what we are enjoying as well. You are right in that the travel may look different, but the benefits of the rejuvenation are the same.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, Sue – Absolutely! I am also greatly enjoying virtual travel. Your posts have been taking me to some of my favourite places, and to other places that are high on my Bucket List!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Donna – it does look an amazing break … that bridge is definitely a bridge too far and too decrepit! So pleased for you … and there’s lots of little places on the Island to visit – who I’m sure will be delighted to have guests.
I was wondering if you/Richard – more his line I expect – had come across Spilsbury’s Coast – pioneer years in the wet west is its description … it’s part of the Inside Passage between Fraser River and the top of VI …Jim Spilsbury is pioneer, painter, aviator, inventor and matchless raconteur – per blurb on back … it fascinated me – I left my copy behind, but have bought a replacement since getting back to the UK. Brings the opening up of the Inside Passage to life in the 20th century …
Look forward to that snow … all the best Hilary
LikeLike
Hi Donna – thanks for sharing these pictures. It’s so great to get away, these days especially because you do feel renewed afterwards. We have been visiting different colleges with our son, so taking a lot of day trips. And even though these have been necessary, they are still fun and I feel happy to get out. Love that couch and coffee table shrubbery!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, Barb – I remember college tours – so much fun! The problem for us was that we lived in Beijing and our son choose colleges in 4 different countries (the world was his backyard). 😀 We toured 2 different universities (the University of British Columbia, and The University of Hong Kong). Luckily, our son was offered (and accepted) a spot at UBC so our tour ended there. Good luck to your son!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oh my – our visits are all in the same state, under 2 hours away. Two of our kids went 1 hour away but one went 6 hours away!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a great get-away! The photos are beautiful. My guy and I are anxious to get that kind of rejuvenation, but he’s still dealing with infections from his burst appendix. We’ll live vicariously through you two for awhile. 🥰
LikeLike
Hi, Pam – I am so sorry to hear that your guy is continuing to deal with inflections. Sending warm wishes that he has a full recovery soon!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What stunning morning views… I would be very happy waking up to that for a few mornings, OR forever! Such gorgeous landscape. So good to be immersed in nature, so restorative and always good to break up routine by getting away.
Peta
LikeLike
Hi, Peta – Thank you so much for stopping by. I agree that being immersed in nature is so restorative. To me, this seems to be true more now than ever before. Hope that all is well with you.
LikeLike
What a perfect place. I agree with Jill, Noodles Nook is a fabulous name. Good name for a Thai-American Restaurant. I love the sculpted sofa.
LikeLike
You are absolutely right, Marsha. ‘Noodles Nook’ is a perfect restaurant name. I just checked with Google. I couldn’t find a restaurant by this name — definitely a missed opportunity!
LikeLiked by 1 person
LOL. You googled it? OMG, you are so thorough! Shall we start a retirement based restaurant?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yup, I’m totally a nerd like that! Noodles Nook is such a cool name for a restaurant that I could resist checking to see if someone else had already thought of it!
LikeLike
This looks like such a cozy getaway to Quadra Island, and it looks so peaceful. Amazing photography of your trip and that is one lovely panorama shot. I also like how you paid attention to the hotel cat and took a photo of it 😀 It was a bit hard to adjust to lockdown and a new normal here in Australia at the start of the year…but as time went on I focused on what I can be greatful for and really started enjoying my time. Now Australia is opening up again just in time for summer and we are doing very well. Hopefully everyone here keeps their distance from each other and stays safe. Hope you are staying safe, Donna. Take care 🙂
LikeLike
Hi, Mabel – Thank you so much for dropping by. I’m glad to hear that you are doing well and that Australia is beginning to open up. Focusing on gratitude is a great thing to do and an excellent reminder of all that we have. Please keep in touch.
LikeLike
Wise words. Focusing on gratitude can make us calmer with clearer thoughts. Yes. keep in touch. Take care and wishing you well for the end of the year.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Looks like the perfect getaway. Great that you could go somewhere so close and yet so immersed in nature. The hikes look wonderful. We have traveled to Oaxaca City, once we established that Covid is taken seriously and the spread seems to be under control. Enjoying finally getting to see something of the country we live in.
Peta
LikeLike
Hi, Peta – Richard and I thought that we’d get in some local travel while we could. That turned out to be good thinking. As our BC COVID numbers have significantly increased, our travel restrictions have also (understandably) increased. I hope that all is well for you and Ben.
LikeLike
Donna, Quadra Island looks gorgeous. I haven’t been there yet. We managed to go on a few short camping trips last summer in our truck and camper. Because our living situation was self contained and we mostly brought our groceries with us, it felt safe, and was great for our mental health.
Jude
LikeLike
Hi, Jude – Quadra Island was fairly deserted when we were there, and we brought our own groceries as well. The change of surroundings was just what the doctor ordered! I even did my Friday Zoom call from there! 😀
LikeLike