As another glorious stretch of lazy summer days and lake
front picnics draws to an end so we find the last long weekend of the summer
holidays is upon
us. It seems fitting then to save the best for last. By way of
best I mean, the most expensive and luxurious part of our vacation. We have
done the camping, the free and cheap days out, picnics and just about anything
else possible to keep summer spending under control. So now it’s time for a bit
of a treat that both kids and adults will love. Generally we are an adventurous
family. Always keen to try new things, visit new places and savor unusual
experiences. But, for this treasured bank holiday weekend we are returning to a
tried and tested favorite – The Harrison Hot Springs Resort.
Our booking for 2 adults and 2 children staying for 4 nights came to just over $1,000. There are other, cheaper accommodation alternatives in the area including RV parks and camping, motels, B&B’s etc.
We’ve all done it. Decided on a whim to go for a day out to somewhere new. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. My recent last minute decision to race off to Bowen Island seemed to be more of a “doesn’t”….
I woke up to glorious blue sky and sunshine and decided to take the kids for a day out to this little island I had heard so much about. After scrabbling about a bit to borrow a bike rack from a friend we were finally in the car and drove off merrily to Horseshoe Bay.
The problems began when my son realized he had forgotten his bike helmet. A quick rush around the village of Horseshoe Bay soon established that there is not a bike shop, second hand shop or any other kind of outlet that sells bike equipment. At this point we decide to cut our losses, lock up the bikes at the ferry terminal and head off on foot.
Having timed it perfectly (by luck and obviously not judgment) we buy tickets and board a ferry that is just about to depart.