Newcastle Island: Same Same But Different

I never thought we’d be the type of people who do things annually, but lately it seems to be happening more frequently. For the past three years we’ve gone to Big White around Easter time (trip 1, 2 & 3), and as of last year we’ve started going to Newcastle Island in June with a bunch of other families. I like the old saying that you can never swim in the same river twice as the water is always changing. So even though it was a trip to the same destination, at the same time of year, and with mostly the same friends some things were still quite different (and some were the same).

Different:

1) My dad didn’t come with us this time as he wasn’t visiting at the time. We did have a fourth family member joining us though, but I guess in a way he was already part of last year’s trip.

2) When we arrived to where the Newcastle Island ferry leaves from in Nanaimo there was a celebration for National Indigenous Peoples Day with yummy BBQ salmon, music, and activities for kids. 

3) It was a bit chillier and windier which was a good thing for Gili’s kite – yeah, yeah, it’s actually Neil’s kite, but we all know who enjoyed it more…

4) It didn’t rain!

5) There were fewer families but the kids still bonded nicely. 

6) The kids entertained themselves more, especially with a wagon which they took turns rolling down a hill with a few kids inside.

7) There was a standup paddle board to play around with! 

8) There was a set of grandparents around, but not the same one.

9) We and a few other families arrived on Friday already. 

10) There was a baby shower and a wedding on the island during the weekend, and tons of raccoons.

Same:

1) S’mores were consumed with love by all kids and some adults.

2) We walked there and back and Neil rode his bike.

3) We were at the same group site which was awesome!

4) There was a lot of beach exploration during low tide.

5) BC Ferries were running late – but that’s probably a true statement about almost every trip to Vancouver Island!