bed rest/seaview cure continues

It poured all yesterday, all night, much of today. Now, at 3 p.m., it's grey, windy, and drizzling but not heavy rain. I lay in bed all morning, working, reading, computing, imbibing coffee, cereal and peanut butter toast. Finally, at noon, ran out of food, so had to get dressed - dressed! - and out the door in the rain, to find Red Can Catering someone here told me about, with, she said, "gourmet takeout." Really? I thought, in my snobbish Toronto way. Gourmet takeout - in Tofino?

I came back with a hot gourmet pizza - artichoke hearts, fresh tomatoes, caramelized onions and roasted garlic - and with seafood chowder and a salad with fresh baguette for supper. The pizza was so good, I had to have a glass of wine with it. Gourmet takeout indeed! And then putting on many layers I went for a walk on the crowded beach. There were at least five people and several surfers, the whole length of Chesterman Beach.

Now I'm back in bed, working, looking forward to my chowder. I cannot recommend this more highly - a day or two in bed with a computer. The thing is, though, that you need a view of cold grey skies and wet trees. That makes bed SO much better.

The view from my window

 The room with its heavenly fire

Lunch

 The crowded beach at low tide

Just off the beach is Frank Island, which is private property. There's a house on there - can you see it?  What an amazing place, surely with no electricity or plumbing, though you never know.

Multicoloured starfish waiting for the sea to come back in

 Anemones? I have no idea what these beautiful emerald things are.

My very own deck, with a table I'd use if there were sun. Love how they've accommodated the tree.

Tomorrow, of course, it's meant to be sunny, so I hope to be up early and have another walk on the beach. Perhaps I won't manage a hike through the ancient cedar forests this time. Have to leave this gorgeous place by 11 a.m. and get back to Nanaimo. Will go first to Red Can Catering and get a sandwich for the trip.

Silence, except for the distant roar of wind and sea. No one here, no one to talk to. I love it. Especially because you are there to write to, email is there, the phone. I am alone and not alone, feeling better, safe and warm in the trees with pizza, chowder, the ocean. Grateful for every moment.