July 28, 2025
Day 6 — Deep Bay to Fillongley Provincial Park, Denman Island
Well it was a lovely morning. Sun was shining, the air was warm and perfectly still. We had a short day ahead, so we lingered over coffee, gazing out over the water. At one point I could hear the sound of whalespout — and then saw the puffs of orcas out near Denman.
Eventually we did manage to pack up and leave. It was a short climb back to the highway, then a quick 18 km to the ferry terminal for Denman/Hornby at Buckley Bay. On the way we passed the oyster farms at Fanny Bay, which we could smell before we got there, and which had enormous shell middens.
The ferry trip was short and sweet on a tiny island hopper. Once on Denman there was a brief but staggering climb into town, where we provisioned at the store, and got some sandwiches for lunch.
Though the trip to our destination, Fillongley Provincial Park, was short, it did involve the classic gulf island impossible climb. I ended up standing in my lowest gear, and glanced down at the Garmin and saw its incline readout go from 17 to 19%. Oof.
Fillongley has 10 tiny campsites, and is set back from the eastern shore of Denman. Denman is typically just a cut through for those heading to Hornby. We are thinking tomorrow we’ll take the time to explore a bit here.
Today's ride: 24 km (15 miles)
Total: 269 km (167 miles)
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