Ever heard of Concrete Ships?

Sometimes weird stuff can be discovered on Google Earth. We found this oddity when looking up Powell River.

Zooming in would show ships, actually ship wrecks. And while researching the story around it we learned, those ships were brought there on purpose. They serve as breakwater to protect the logging pond of a pulp and paper company.

And some of those ships were made from concrete, built at a time when metall became scarce. World War II. Ships of concrete? Never heard of such before. More about this experimental phase of ship building can be found here.

We thought that might be a good reason to visit Powell River. But hey, any reason is as good to justify a ride.

The trip was only about 200 km one way, but took us about 7 1/2 hours to get there, because it included two ferry rides. A scooter cruise and a ship cruise? What's not to love.

We started late and hitched the ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Langdale (Gibsons) at 11.10 am. The sun was shining, and it was hot, about 30C.

Two-wheelers get a special treatment on ferries: first come, first leave. Finally the motorcyclists get what they deserve  ;-)

Gorgeous weather, splendid views.

I named them Twin Falls.

We blasted over the next stretch of road up to Earl's Cove only to discover that the ferry was already gone...  One perfect example of BC Ferry schedule planning (not!). Meanwhile we killed the waiting time eating some snacks and chatting with other riders.

And the ritual repeats itself. The bikes get to go first on the boat, and first on the road again.

The ferry was much smaller, and yet not even half full. I wondered where all the vacationers were?

Snow capped mountains, the ocean and blue skies. Need I say more?

We landed at Saltery Bay, and the spousal unit was already saddled up for departure.

Me? Not so much... Meanwhile I enjoyed the view some more.

We arrived at the Old Courthouse Inn around 5 PM, checked in and refreshed before hunting for food.

While the B&B was rustic, cute and very clean, the location wasn't as good. The pulp and paper factory was part of the view... not the best choice for a good night's sleep.

On our quest for good food (Chain fast food is is no good period!), we meandered around in the area and enjoyed the views.

We had a strong Northerly wind going up here, and the Vespa did a little tap dance on the road, while the Burgy kept her line.

Something with a frog caught my attention. I thought of Kathy (Toadmama) and said, that surely can't be a bad thing.

The Tree Frog had all we deserved after a long day of traveling. Good food, excellent service and a nice ambience, at reasonable cost.

A catfish schnitzel with veggies for Roland.

A potato-leak soup and a salad for me.

A delicious Bavarian Apple Tart to share.

After dinner we went for a stroll at the beach.

Meanwhile the wind had calmed down a bit.

Quite the cultural contrast: A church and a totem pole.

We liked the totem pole better.

Sunday we woke up at 7AM, and prepared to be on the first ferry at 9.10 AM. The breakfast selection was simple but good: gluten free cereals with a choice of almond and coconut milk.

It was still sunny on the Sunshine Coast when we left.

Roland is on weather watch.

What he saw wasn't very promising. Something was brewing.

And on the stretch to the next ferry at Saltery Bay we got rained on.

No problem! We've got the gear!

It was a bit scary to run down the wet and slippery ferry deck, though.

But we managed and got on and off the boat without any incident. This was the weather that welcomed us on the mainland:

It was another great little road trip and Roland gets more and more confidence in riding his Scooter. Also, the red Vespa did well, and bonus, it didn't have to take a nap this time.