RVing in Parksville By DENISE WALKER Te anticipation was building as the last lawn chair was
stored away in the truck, and the garage door closed shut as my family began our journey to beautiful Parksville, on British Columbia’s Vancouver Island.
Leaving the hot, dry temperatures of Alberta behind, we
counted down the 13 hours and 44 minutes it took to reach our destination. Traveling 1,126 km, a combination of driving and BC Ferry, to peaceful, picturesque Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park located in Parksville was worth the torture of cranky and whiny teens. Tis is our third year we’ve visited Rathtrevor Beach
Provincial Park. Te year-round campground has 174 drive- in sites and 24 park/walk-in sites to choose from and every year we’re never disappointed with our campsite selection. Mature Douglas Fir trees surrounded our 32 ſt. Layton trailer which provided privacy and shade. I’m always pleased with the cleanliness of the pit/flush toilets and the three shower buildings the park offers. My daughter and I always look forward to jogging along the natural trails around the campground and along the beach. Aſter setting up our campsite, we quickly prepare our beach
accessories and walked 5-minutes to the breathtaking two- kilometre-long area of beach. Every year it’s an incredible
The Kathok Buddhist Meditation Centre in Coombs.
experience to swim among the fish, crabs and colourful starfish as they play in their environment. In the evening, we walk along the calming water to capture the vibrant sunset before heading back to our site and sink our teeth into mouthwatering s’mores. Coombs is a small town located 9 kilometres from Rathtrevor
Beach Provincial Park. Te Old Country Market located in downtown Coombs is the home of actual goats on the roof. Yes, there are literally three goats living on the market’s roof. Tere are also a variety of shops such as giſt shops, antiques, clothing, deli, and produce. Te choices of fresh bread, fish, side dishes, and desserts were everything I needed to make a lovely lunch or dinner at the campsite. Sometimes we decided to have an early or late lunch in the marketplace. Tere are delicious hamburgers, pizzas, wraps and a variety of salads to choose from. Our favourite stores are the ice cream shop, which offers 55 delicious flavors including several sorbets for those who are lactose intolerant, and Cozy Corner Bookstore, buying and selling used books. Guided fishing tours are a must on my husband and son’s
to-do-list when visiting Vancouver Island. We look forward to spending a day at Painter’s Lodge in Campbell River. Te 127 kilometre drive enables them to enjoy four hours of fishing for pink salmon. Tey enjoy the sport of fishing while witnessing the beautiful wildlife and the scenery that surrounds them.
12 RVT 169 • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016
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