Walmart to Roger Creek Provincial Park BC

Contrary to my comment in the previous blog, our stay at the Campbell River Walmart was quite good. We had a nice setting, level and off to one side in the parking lot, quiet overnight, pleasant staff:

The Walmart washrooms were WAY better than Kitty Coleman park (sorry Kitty).

Today we headed to Nanaimo for a 12:15 ferry back to the mainland. Lots of time, so we dropped over to the scenic drive (19A instead of 19) several times. Getting into the ferry lineup was simple, and the wait time passed quickly.

Once aboard we had a mini air show. There must have been a bush plane terminal off to our right and behind the ferry. So while we were still docked several small planes took off and landed right off the ferry bow:

Coming down

Smooth landing. An Otter plane I think.

 

Approaching Vancouver we could see the reports of smoky air were not exaggerated:

The coast from a distance

Vancouver skyline, believe it or not

 

Once we got ashore and started heading north away from the coast and past Whistler, things cleared up:

The traffic right from the ferry dock (Horseshoe Bay) to on past Whistler was very heavy with lots of aggressive drivers. Any type of accommodation was full, including any Provincial Park space. At the Pemberton tourist info they showed us some parks further north, and assured us we were past the major traffic now so there would be room somewhere. We ended up in Roger Creek Provincial Park. Kind of a grand name for a few spots roughed out, and one vault toilet. 

Only $12 though. No self-check-in, someone was supposed to be around to collect. They didn't though, so a nice free boondock.

Approximate route: