Last week, I had some time off from work, and my husband and I wanted to get away for a few days.  We didn’t have much time, didn’t want to have to wait for a ferry or leave the Sunshine Coast if we didn’t have to, so I looked online for some options.  As most of you know, I am very much a “details” person. There are specific things I look for in a place to stay, and if a website doesn’t have pictures, chances are, I steer clear of it.

     After a couple of hours checking out pretty much all the Hotels, Motels and B&B’s on the Sunshine Coast of B.C., I found a place that looked  simply lovely.  I recognized the signs that are at the side of the road from the online pics – turns out we had driven past it many times on our way to one of our usual hiking spots ( one I haven’t written about quite yet ) I always thought it looked inviting – even just from the signs, as we drove past before.

     The Bed and Breakfast we booked is called ” A Lakeside Retreat “, and is located in Egmont, about a 45 minute scenic drive past Sechelt.  We were looking for a few days of peace and quiet, relaxation, and sunshine.  When we arrived, our gracious host Rob greeted us, gave us a tour, and showed us to our room – the ” Call Of The Loon ” Suite. Continental Breakfast is included in the price, so he asked us what we would like for the next morning, as a lady brings fresh pastries every day – huge muffins, croissants, or Quiche. The room is stocked with a kitchen area and mini fridge so you can have Breakfast at your leisure in the morning – no set times, and no need to get up early if you don’t want to.  There was fresh fruit, cheeses, whipped butter and jams etc., milk and juice and yogourt in the fridge, as well. Dishes are supplied, there is a microwave, toaster oven, sink  – everything you could need.

The Most Comfortable Bed Ever

Cool Shell Mirror

Big Deck Overlooking The Water

Chairs On Private Dock Overlooking North Lake

Three Boats To Choose From

After that, we did some swimming, snorkelling, and sunbathing, while listening to the birds chirping.  It was so incredibly peaceful and relaxing – exactly what we had hoped for.  The view from the dock of the lake was beautiful.

View Of North Lake From Private Dock

Rob was just in the process of installing a brand new swim ladder, so we got to be the first ones to try it out while we were there.

Brand New Swim Ladder

After a day in the sun, in and on the water, and trying out the various boats, we headed back up the path to our suite.

Path Back To Our Suite

Before freshening up to go have some Dinner, we stood on the deck just outside our Suite again, and took in the gorgeous view of North Lake.

Our Fabulous Deck - Call Of The Loon Suite

Over the next couple of days, we spent most of our time relaxing, swimming, boating, or just laying in the big chairs up on our deck, soaking up the amazing hot sun.

Adirondack Chairs On Our Deck

There was also a recently added Games Room, which was great for night time, or would also be good if the weather wasn’t cooperating ( or in Off-Season ).  There was a Pool Table, a Dart Board, a Poker Table, CD’s to listen to, books to borrow, and movies to watch from a comfy couch, or to take back to your room.

We would definitely go back to A Lakeside Retreat again.  Rob was a wonderful host – he made sure we had everything we could possibly need, then left us alone to enjoy the peace and quiet, which is precisely why we went there.  There were a lot of personal touches that showed just how much thought he had put into every detail of the place. 

I look forward to the next time we are fortunate enough to have a couple of days to sneak away to ” A Lakeside Retreat “.

Thanks again so much for everything, Rob !

     If you read my blog post  ” Take A Hike – Part 1 ” a while back, then you already know that my husband and I spend a lot of our free time hiking up here on the Sunshine Coast of B.C.  That particular post was about one of our favourite hiking spots  – Smuggler Cove, which we have probably been to more times than any other place up here, so far. 

     There is another place we have been to quite a few times, but I will write another post about that one some other time.  Today, I want to discuss the newest place we have discovered for hiking – Francis Point.  The drive there is probably another 10 – 15 minutes past Smuggler Cove, but it was sure worth it !

Francis Point Provincial Park

     The start of this hike is much like many others around here – fairly flat, and you head right into the forest.  Going in, I had no idea that this was going to be a very different hike than I was used to.  This is an area that has had relatively little human contact – there is even a section that the public is not allowed to go in, for the sake of preservation of delicate mosses and lichens etc.

About Francis Point

     Not too far into the hike, you come out of the trees, and are basically walking along a cliff overlooking the water.  I love being in the warm sun, so this was awesome for me.  I am used to spending most of our time hiking under the cover of tall trees ( and I often get cold because of that fact ), so this was both a surprise, and a treat for me.

Looking Back On The Trail

     Since moving to the Coast, one of my newest favourite trees is the Arbutus.  I have seen quite a few on various other hikes, most of them medium in size, and generally they have been on their own.  On this hike, I saw some taller Arbutus trees, and they were grouped together more.

Beautiful Arbutus Trees

          Most of the trail is pretty straight – forward, and not too difficult to navigate.  There are some tricky spots which require a bit of fancy footwork, and a hand from a friend, but nothing too bad.  Sections of the pathway have little wooden posts and ropes, to remind everyone to stick to the trail – there are delicate plants that need to be spared being destroyed by a careless mis-step.  Anything you want to photograph is close enough that you can do so with a decent lens – there is no need to stray from the marked path.

Marked Path at Francis Point

     My favourite part of the hike was when we got to near the end.  You pass a little ” lighthouse ” ( very small ) and a bit later, you get to the end of where you had been going straight, and have to turn to the left.  This is where the giant Arbutus Trees live – many growing almost sideways, bent by the force of the wind on the unprotected cliff, overlooking the water.  These were by far the largest Arbutus I had ever seen.  They made me think of one of my dearest friends, as they are her very favourite tree.  ( I hope she smiles as she reads this ) I hope one day to show them to her.

Tall Arbutus Trees at Francis Point

     Once you get to the big Arbutus trees, the trail continues, and gets much trickier.  It appeared to be the  most logical place to stop and turn around, as it was late afternoon, and we had a long hike back out.  We stood there at the end  for a while, marvelling at the size and beauty of these incredible trees, and admiring the view of the water from the rugged cliff.

Trail Getting Steep

     It is a good thing I brought my newly acquired backpack – we had been out there for a long time, and needed to find a place to stop, and have a snack.  We picked a sunny spot on some smooth flat rocks, perched on them, had some cashews and water, and enjoyed the view.

     I usually tend to like to go to familiar places, but am very glad my husband suggested we try hiking at Francis Point.  It is definitely a hike I would like to do again, and I would love to take friends there when they come and visit.  I think it may just be my new favourite place to hike.