Gabriola Island and yes the Kramer's survived camping :)

Grant, the kidlets & I along with the Hodacsek family spent most of last week camping on Gabriola Island.(25 minute ferry ride out of Naniamo's inner harbour) We were our own little army. 9 kids (between the ages of 10 &18) 4 adults. It was a blast!!! Gabriola is stunning. We camped at the Hodacsek family property on the North side of the Island over looking the water. We spent the day watching, ferries and Cruise ships meander by....what a life!

Duke Point Ferry passing Entrance Island.

We (I mean Maggie, mostly) cooked and ate outside.....mmmm the best tacos I have ever had any where. I have to admit I truly coveted that camp stove as only a Relief Society sister could :0]

Twin Beaches...the second day was really smokey because of fires burning in the interior of BC, the first time ever a smoke alert was issued for the city of Nanaimo...That night we had thunderstorms (extremely unusual on the coast, 3rd time in 7 years) which helped clear the air.

Petroglyphs, from the Cowichan Nation..... we had to hike around a huge hornets nest to get there, but pretty cool to see.Also known as "Chunky Dunkin"..... Good thing we brought bathing suits :) ...this must be an issue on the Island...this wasn't the only sign we saw.

Malaspina Galleries...formed by frost & wave action against the soft sand stone, pretty impressive.

Our kids showing off for each other...jumping of the rocks just down from the Galleries...I was shocked even Dallyn was jumping.

Hiking over to Sandy Beach

Look at all the pretty boats,we will never afford...I tried to convince Grant to take our picture in front of a big yacht called the Lorraine...for our family Christmas Card...but Grant is way too honest for that

Entrance Island Lighthouse

Silva Bay Marina

Having a mistress of any kind is wrong Grant! The guy on the boat is not naked...if you look closer he does have shorts on...but it made me worry for a few seconds

My favourite spot on Gabriola...Drumbeg Provincial Park.


We loved camping...and nobody puked, not once....YEAH! Other than a wasp bite & several good scraps and scratches from barnacles(Maggie has a fully stocked first aid kit just for my kids), it was uneventful and the most relaxed I've been in along time. Good food, Great friends, Beautiful scenery...I can't think of a better vacation.