There’s rain today.

Espresso in hand, rain tapping away outside, cold floor under foot. I am ready to write.

The first coffee of the day is one of the best. It is essentially the only coffee of the day. All the rest that follow are maintenance cups. I try to keep it to two cuppa a day.

I read into a volume on coffee. The word was that espresso has less caffeine than brewed joe. It is something to do with brewing times. Whatever it is it works for me. A good strong coffee the answer. Mildly balanced, full bodied, dark, intense. Just not too much acidity, please.

And where to today? Well, I suppose I could start with Gabriola Island. We enjoyed a nice drive around the island with family a short while ago. Our first stop was coffee at Mad Rona’s Coffee Bar. Bright, sharp coffee. A neat spot to boot.

The main highlight was the view. We spied Nanaimo Harbour back across the water from South Cove at Descano Bay Regional Park. Here we enjoyed a quick picnic with local loaf from Slow Rise Bakery.

Fresh air, sunshine and a cool breeze on a hot day. A quick ferry home. Felt like a real getaway in our Vancouver Island backyard.