Sidney, BC

The girl’s finished getting ready and packing up to leave today.  We are all a little sad.  Guests add a bit of chaos but it really nice to share this lifestyle with others.  Our plan is to take the Budget Rent-a-car shuttle to the airport and then rent a car to go shopping.  The shuttle arrived on time and we all headed to lovely Victoria International Airport which is charming.  It is very nice but quite small. They only have 12 gates. This airport is about 10 minutes away and located in Sidney, not Victoria. We had coffee and hung around until the girls had to go through security.  We then headed to the local Costco. We are going to get the products that we could not bring through Customs when entering Canada (produce & meat).  We spent $500 for food to last us for 3-4 months.  I love having a freezer aboard!  The bad part is that when we get back to the boat I have to portion the meat out and vacuum seal it for freezing.  This took about 4 hours.  I was about  to take the 4 lb package of hamburger and portion it out.  I knew Merlin was too quiet!  I found him eating the meat.  I think he must have consumed at least ½ lb.  I had no idea what this might do to a 19 lb dog.  I called the pet Poison Control Center for advice. Fortunately the vet said the worst it could do is give him vomiting and/or diarrhea.  We watched him carefully and he did not have any adverse effects from this dietary indiscretion.  We sure hope he doesn't think he getting fresh meat every day.  Bless Fred’s heart, he did the laundry.