Painted Boat Part 2

We got to enjoy one full day in the area where Painted Boat resides. While I wanted to just relax, Jason had other plans. He wanted to get out and do one thing at least. We got up early and hit the road to go for a hike. Jason had done his research and wanted to go see the Skookumchuck Narrows.

I was not really prepared to go hiking, so I ended up hiking in all black. I strongly do not recommend that! Thankfully Jason was thinking ahead and had packed the jogging stroller. It’s not a hike for little ones to do on their own, but in a jogger they can enjoy all the scenery and maybe see some animals. Meanwhile mommy and daddy got a great work out pushing the stroller.

While we had timed our hike perfectly the rapids were not at their wildest. It varies throughout the year. It was still beautiful there, and we enjoyed a little picnic at the view point. Soon it was time to head back to the resort. Evie’s nap was looming right around the corner.

After Evie’s nap we snuck in some more time at the pool. The weather was very hot, one of the warmest for our summer. I couldn’t get enough of the infinity pool there, it is gorgeous with the view there. Jason got to head down there on his own both evenings we were at the resort and use the gym and pool. Nothing compares though to family time. Evie is such a little water baby, and is so full of joy whenever she goes in the water. I will always have memories of her giggles and smiles from being tossed up out of the water, and caught in my arms.

A major highlight of our stay was the incredible dinner from The Restaurant we were treated to. We were blessed to get to enjoy a 3 course meal. It was definitely one of the best meals out we have ever had. We went for an early dinner because of Evie’s bed time, and it worked to our advantage as we had the place to ourselves. The staff were amazing, and so attentive, especially to Evie. Dinner out with a kid can be stressful for parents. We didn’t have to worry about that here. The staff kindly rescued her toy car before we noticed it rolled away, and brought her lots of crayons and a colouring sheet. Thanks to this attentiveness Jason and I enjoyed an hot meal for the first time in a long time! What a meal it was. Roast avocado, steak, and a salmon dish I dream of recreating! Oh, and do try the creme brulee.

Putting Evie to bed that night meant our trip was coming to an end. I did not want this break from the real world to end. It was so nice to get away and truly relax. It was needed. Jason and I sat out on the patio of our villa and took it all in, watching the sun set.

The next morning Evie helped chuck stuff into the suitcase as we packed up to sign out. We enjoyed one last DIY breakfast, and headed out the door. I couldn’t thank the staff enough for our stay. We told then we’d gladly stay and work there if it meant we could continue to stay in the villa.

The Painted Boat is now on my list of places I’d love to go back to one day with more of my family. Maybe do a big family get away. It will take some saving, but it would be so worth it.

Heading back to the ferry to go home we made a little pit stop after seeing a sign that said heritage farm store and another saying beach. We had lots of opportunities to catch a ferry home so we decided to take our time getting there. We walked past the little store and found a staircase leading down to the beach. I instantly started day dreaming of owning a home on the water. Evie had a great time running in the beach and throwing rocks. We were soon joined by a few others, some with dogs. We departed soon after because we saw more people coming and soon the joy of having a hidden beach to ourselves was going to be gone.

The ferry ride home went even faster than the one going there. I always dislike return trips. This time I was thankful for a mini getaway filled with wonderful memories. Add in a very hyper Evie running around on the boat, and hanging off railings, I found myself too distracted to be sad. I am going we will get to return to the sunshine coast in the near future. There is definitely much more to explore. I can picture many more family trips over here.