Day 3: Salt Spring Island to Gabriola Island

August 18, 2025

After another sleepless night, I wake up at 6am and head down to the water.

Turkish towel on the right. I'm not sure what the doughnut looking things are on the left, though.

The intertidal here is so cool. I've never seen bullkelp in the nearshore before. There was also plenty of sea lettuce, alaria, and fucus. And sea stars (good news, buddy, the scientists figured out wasting disease, spread the news!).

I decide I'm going to scrub the ride today. I desperately need a proper sleep system. Gabriela planted the seed last night that she was going to take the Long Harbour ferry back to Tsawassan today. I think I might do the same. Or maybe I could tough it out, go to Dionisio on Galiano? Michaela mentioned how amazing it was. Maybe that would be worth being very cold for.

I have breakfast with Micki, and she said she might scrub too, and take the extra day for recovery.

I let Erika, the organizer, know that I'm going to depart the ride today. So instead of a 4D/3N, it'll be a 3D/2N for me. A good shakeout trip. I say goodbye to everyone and give Tiff my remaining pepperoni sticks. Gabriela left already, and I'd have to gun it (a hilly 26km to Long Harbour) in 1h20m to make the 10:50 ferry to Tsawassan.

As I'm leaving the campground, I decide to just... let myself take the next ferry.

What are they selling? Bones? Baby teeth?

The ride is hilly and relaxing. I missed riding by myself. The roads were quiet, and it was just a really enjoyable time. I could definitely see myself returning to Salt Spring Island for the riding. Unloaded would be so fun.

Descending into Ganges, I spot Buzzy's Montreal smoked meat sandwiches. The waiter sees me coming and makes a spot for me to park my bike. An avid cyclist himself, he asked me many questions about the set-up. I just had a banana this morning, so the sandwich really hit the spot.

I explore Ganges, and pick up a few gifts before riding to Long Harbour. It's about a 45 minute wait because the ferry is delayed.

I just ate an hour ago, but I'm still hungry?

In keeping with the Quebec theme, a BC Ferries poutine (not bad!)

We pass by Sturdies Bay. I've got to come back one day for Dionisio. It's going to happen.

And there's the first bikepacking tour in the books! I'm hooked.

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