Perhaps there were some second thoughts, getting up so early to a cold, dark and overcast October morning?
Despite any misgivings, 13 intrepid cyclists gathered at the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal to catch the 9:00 a.m. ferry to Salt Spring Island for their annual Apple Festival. 4 had cycled all the way from Victoria. Half an hour late we disembarked at Fulford Harbour.
First stop was Fulford Hall to purchase the farm visit tickets and view too-many-to-count different varieties of apples. It was very busy for so early in the morning. We met several other groups of cyclists and a tour bus here and along the route.
We departed in search of food and adventure, slogging up a steep and long hill just East of Fulford Harbour and making our first stop at Salt Spring Island Cheese. After tasting and purchasing various cheeses and fortifying ourselves we pushed on to Apple Luscious Organic Orchard for apple tastings (shared with some very laid back wasps) and a walk around the orchard.
What was to have been a brief visit to The Bread Lady turned into an unplanned lunch stop due to the various reasonably priced BBQ lunch selections on offer. Great views of the island and surrounding waters from up here!
Final stop was Ruckle Park for views of rocky shores, misty seas and various equatic life.
The return to Fulford harbour even though mostly uphill passed quickly with frequent stops to rest. An axhilirating descent brought us back to the ferry terminal with time to spare to catch the 4:50 p.m. return ferry to Swartz Bay.
3 riders cycled back to Victoria and the rest returned by various other means with a meet up at the Monkey Tree Pub for refueling for some.
The weather was very cooperative - the forecast early evening showers failing to make an appearance. Though there wasn't much sun it was warm enough for a comfortable day of cycling.
Odometers indicate approximately 30K or riding on Salt Spring with an additional 60 - 70K for those who cycled from and to Victoria.
Probably the most exercise many of us have had since the Galiano trip but welll worth it!
Pictures from Simon
3 Panoramas:
Gallery:
Pictures from Jim
Gallery:
Pictures from Jitka
Gallery:
The route on BikeMap.net
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