Travel mantra - expect the unexpected

Things change. We thought we'd go to Stathcona Park, but then just "felt" that Quadra Island might be the place to go given the forecast and heavy rainfall alert. As i posted on FB, we found a cozy, large guesthouse right on the beach in Heriot Bay and booked a loft room for 2 nights. We had a great time simply enjoying the amenities in this funky little spot. We were able to get 1 hike in, through a large stand of Douglas Fir out onto Rebecca Spit. We had a woodstove to keep us warm and enough sheltered space on the wrap-around deck for me to set out my yoga mat. Our fellow-traveller Lily was good company, but also did her own thing. From Quadra we went to Powell River to visit good friends. We had a day at a sweet little festival, Sunshine Music festival, at Palm Beach. Only 1 stage, but great music and dancing, good food and a real community vibe. We spent a day canoeing to another beach for swimming and hiking, and also hiked a beautiful forest trail to see numerous waterfalls. Our friends are building a house, which meant we could sleep inside (we are getting spoiled as we have not been inour tent for a week now)- not really necessary given the good weather, but appreciated none the less. Now we are in Nanaimo for an unplanned trip to the Subaru dealer. Our trusty Partner Ship appears to have a seized caliper and we had to do a highway stop en-route to Pacific National Rim and get a tow to Nanaimo, and a room at the downtown hostel. It is interestng to slowly be working our way south; towns and citites are larger and the entire area more populated. We've come from quite remote to a city with a vibrant looking arts and cultural scene (although we've also learned that being in a city on a Sun, Mon or Tuesdaay night generally means not much is going on),however, the people here seem a little less friendly. We have yet to learn when our car repairs will be completed.... the sooner the better, but we'll make the most of whatever happens. We are grateful for sun, CAA, and yet another opportunity to see a new place. Yesterday my teaching peers returned to work, and I did not. Somehow, at this particular junction in time, the experience has become a little richer, and a little more savory. We are well aware that we are in a position of incredible luxury (even though stranded on a highway does not feel too luxurious) and freedom. My sister and brother-in-law just suffered a death in the family and we are missing them alot right now, but otherwise revel in this experience. XOXOXOXOXO D