FAMILY REUNION 2022
GABRIOLA ISLAND
DATES + DETAILS
It's set! Friday, Saturday and Sunday July 15, 16 + 17th.
There are special places on the island so we will plan some walks, beach trips as well games (badminton, darts, bocce) crafts, and other activities for those who would enjoy. (Dance party!) There will be meals together on all three nights. It looks like everyone is coming for the three nights, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Plus some people may be able to stay longer into Monday and you are welcome.
TRAVEL PLANNING
Travel: there are 2 new new ferries on the run from Nanaimo to Gabriola so that is pretty nice! The ferry will still be busy though as Gabriola is a popular place + the main route from Vancouver to Nanaimo is very busy, especially on Fridays.
So if you are travelling on the Friday please book ahead for the Vancouver to Nanaimo crossing. (The Gabriola Ferry does not take reservations.) Reservations are quite inexpensive now, plus you can move them around. Probably best if you book on the mid morning ferry or at the very latest around noon as the connection to Gabriola takes time (no reservations) and if you want to get to us for dinner you may need the extra time. You can check it all out on line and remember there are two options for the Vancouver to Nanaimo run… Duke point and Horseshoe Bay.
www.bcferries.com/routes-fares/schedules https://www.bcferries.com/routes-fares/schedules
You can fly to Gabriola by floatplane from Vancouver and Jill and Neil, are going to do it!
gulfislandseaplanes.com/fares/
It's set! Friday, Saturday and Sunday July 15, 16 + 17th.
There are special places on the island so we will plan some walks, beach trips as well games (badminton, darts, bocce) crafts, and other activities for those who would enjoy. (Dance party!) There will be meals together on all three nights. It looks like everyone is coming for the three nights, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Plus some people may be able to stay longer into Monday and you are welcome.
TRAVEL PLANNING
Travel: there are 2 new new ferries on the run from Nanaimo to Gabriola so that is pretty nice! The ferry will still be busy though as Gabriola is a popular place + the main route from Vancouver to Nanaimo is very busy, especially on Fridays.
So if you are travelling on the Friday please book ahead for the Vancouver to Nanaimo crossing. (The Gabriola Ferry does not take reservations.) Reservations are quite inexpensive now, plus you can move them around. Probably best if you book on the mid morning ferry or at the very latest around noon as the connection to Gabriola takes time (no reservations) and if you want to get to us for dinner you may need the extra time. You can check it all out on line and remember there are two options for the Vancouver to Nanaimo run… Duke point and Horseshoe Bay.
www.bcferries.com/routes-fares/schedules https://www.bcferries.com/routes-fares/schedules
You can fly to Gabriola by floatplane from Vancouver and Jill and Neil, are going to do it!
gulfislandseaplanes.com/fares/
ACCOMMODATIONS + WARDROBE PLANNING:
Everything is settled with everyone staying either at the Surf Lodge or on the property. https://www.surflodgegabriola.com/
If you are camping on your way to Gabriola, Susan recommends Living Forest Oceanside RV Park near Nanaimo. (It sounds very nice!)
And lastly, just to let you know we are planning to have an almost totally outdoor party. We really hope the weather cooperates but we are planning to use some tarps/fire pits and so on if we need to. Please bring your warmest clothes. (It’s BC after all.)
Also, in case you are inside at anytime, feel free to bring and wear a mask for indoors or any time you want….we understand that some of us are being very cautious still and there will be small + big children around. (Yay! ❤️)
Everything is settled with everyone staying either at the Surf Lodge or on the property. https://www.surflodgegabriola.com/
If you are camping on your way to Gabriola, Susan recommends Living Forest Oceanside RV Park near Nanaimo. (It sounds very nice!)
And lastly, just to let you know we are planning to have an almost totally outdoor party. We really hope the weather cooperates but we are planning to use some tarps/fire pits and so on if we need to. Please bring your warmest clothes. (It’s BC after all.)
Also, in case you are inside at anytime, feel free to bring and wear a mask for indoors or any time you want….we understand that some of us are being very cautious still and there will be small + big children around. (Yay! ❤️)
FOOD PLANNING
We have decided you do not have to cook or bring contributions for dinner food. We will plan the meals for Friday and Saturday nights and on Sunday night we will do collection for pizza for those who want. (There is a very good wood fire pizzeria on the island 🙂) You may be asked to help with simple meal prep, being an assistant chef on Saturday night or dishes/cleaning up, but we thought is it would be easier for everyone if we take care of the food planning and just ask for help here and there when we need it. (We have a secret weapon: Chef Margaret!)
The one important thing you could do is bring lots of wine, beer or any other beverages you like to drink. 🍷🥤🍺🍾 Plus, of course if you have a special treat you want to bring and share with everyone (like mom’s Christmas cake) please bring! If we need any other food help we will let you know, but mostly we want to enjoy being together and keep it simple for food. Promise it will be yummy though!
Please have your own breakfast and snacks available especially if you are a big eater. We will have some breakfast bars around and lots of tea, coffee etc but we don’t want to prepare and cook lunches as the kitchen will be busy enough with dinner prep. We are ordering in sandwiches for Saturday (good for taking to the beach) and on Sunday morning there will be a Pancake Breakfast for everyone. 🙂
We have decided you do not have to cook or bring contributions for dinner food. We will plan the meals for Friday and Saturday nights and on Sunday night we will do collection for pizza for those who want. (There is a very good wood fire pizzeria on the island 🙂) You may be asked to help with simple meal prep, being an assistant chef on Saturday night or dishes/cleaning up, but we thought is it would be easier for everyone if we take care of the food planning and just ask for help here and there when we need it. (We have a secret weapon: Chef Margaret!)
The one important thing you could do is bring lots of wine, beer or any other beverages you like to drink. 🍷🥤🍺🍾 Plus, of course if you have a special treat you want to bring and share with everyone (like mom’s Christmas cake) please bring! If we need any other food help we will let you know, but mostly we want to enjoy being together and keep it simple for food. Promise it will be yummy though!
Please have your own breakfast and snacks available especially if you are a big eater. We will have some breakfast bars around and lots of tea, coffee etc but we don’t want to prepare and cook lunches as the kitchen will be busy enough with dinner prep. We are ordering in sandwiches for Saturday (good for taking to the beach) and on Sunday morning there will be a Pancake Breakfast for everyone. 🙂
STAY IN TOUCH WITH QUESTIONS AND THOUGHTS
Feel free to email or text me with any questions and thoughts.
monicaedl3@gmail.com
Monica: 778-839-4732
Feel free to email or text me with any questions and thoughts.
monicaedl3@gmail.com
Monica: 778-839-4732
Address: 289 Davis Road, Gabriola Island