Warm in Snug Cove

March has steadily slogged on through the rain, with the occasional appearance of sun we Vancouverites crave all winter.  We lucked into a sunny weekend for most of our time in Snug Cove (apart from a rainy sail back), and did some hiking along winding hilly residential roads, forests, and a staircase down to the beach.  Exercise was steady enough to wake up muscles from a season's stupor, combined with fresh woodsy air made me feel bright and positive.  There are plenty of networking trails for hikers, but an easy walk in any weather along well maintained paths is in Crippen Regional Park.  Hemlock trees growing out of nurse logs and stumps look like they're on stilts as the old wood crumbles away.
We had our biannual potluck in the rented cabin and had breakfast at The Snug, a cozy and popular place that floods with people every time the ferry unloads.  I'd been there a few times and always remember the friendly older fella who ran the place, Piers.  So far his was the only split pea soup that I've liked.  I learned that he passed away just recently, and though I didn't know him well he was an important fixture in this small community and there was an outpouring of condolences at the restaurant.  Makes me wish I'd brought a spotlight to The Snug sooner.