June 13

We began our day packing up and readying ourselves to vacate our peaceful haven by the river and the sea. It was time to make our way south to Victoria and Sidney. Tomorrow we will return to the mainland and our lives at home. In the meantime, we have another day to enjoy Vancouver Island.

Krista has an aunt and uncle in Qualicum Beach. It was on the way to Victoria. A stop seemed like a good idea. In the coronaverse we need to be careful visiting our octogenarian family members. We were careful not to get to close, no hugs! The hardest thing about the new normal is the lack of hugs. We sat at a distance in their back patio and listened to the rain on the patio roof. The rhythmic sound of the rain was relaxing and it was pleasant connecting with family seldom seen. It was an added bonus that her aunt had some nice sandwiches made and ready for us. Lunch was served with a smile and love. After a fresh visit with them, we bowed out and started our drive down the island to the capital.

Rains thundered down on the car as we made time driving the island highway and over the Malahat pass. The rain was intermittent and came sudden and often as we drove down the four-lane road. When we got to the pass we saw blue skies open up ahead and I willed the weather to hold off and for the sun to come out. It is rare that I have any effect on the weather. Fortune smiled upon us today, the rain stopped and blue sky parted the storm clouds.

We pulled up to my mothers place in Victoria and greeted each other from a 2 metre distance. Weird, just weird is how it felt not being able to grab a hold of each other and embrace. I understand her fear and caution. I understand the need to keep social distance from someone we have not seen since before Covid. I hate it. I want a hug and I want to show her how much I have missed her. I want my amazing teenage kid to be able to hug her Nana and Grand Nana as well.

Hugs are not allowed.

We did enjoy a great connection and I met my mother’s new partner who seemed very nice and makes my Mom happy, which in turn make me happy. We decided to go downtown Victoria and see the inner harbour. I always love Victoria with all the flowers and the history. We parked and walked the boardwalk. Signs were everywhere; please maintain 2m/6ft distance. Weird, just plain weird; it’s stranger still that we are getting used to it. The three lovely ladies who hosted us had dinner ready back at their place. It’s always a good day when I get a free meal twice in one day, better yet when it’s given with love.

There is fear in the air but mostly its an abundance of caution. The three ladies that hosted us were very cautious about social distance and about ensuring they were safe. I certainly was not worried that I was at any risk around them, I have a tiny inkling of fear about my own safety. After 3 months it seems that the virus is in retreat in BC. I wish the same could be said about south of the border.

It was nice to connect with family again, even at 6 foot distances. I look forward to the day we can hug again. I hope our world has not forgotten how.

We ended our day with a spectacular sunset over the town of Sidney by the sea. The red hues and glorious, vibrant colours in the sky were stunning. The red and yellows glowed over the marina and reflected in the calm water among the sailboats of Sidney. We embraced again in the glory of the moment. Life is made up of moments in time. Moments like this when the sun sets on another day of renewed connections.