People got up a little later on the morning after. And there was a coffee crisis, as supplies had run out. Susan averted the fearful prospect of under-caffeination; she heroically drove to her home in Roberts Creek to fetch coffee and filters.

The consensus on the evening before had been that it wasn’t necessary to make another vat of porridge; leftovers for breakfast would be perfect. So people filled their plates with anything from cookies to kale salad and rice.

Charles was the first to take his leave to catch an early ferry. The rest of us lounged about all morning enjoying our last few hours at Linwood House. Most of us left in time to catch the 1:15 ferry.

Overheard comments

“It’s a good idea to use the locks on the bathroom doors.” — Dave

“It was halfway through the game before I understood the rules.” — Jon

“Didn’t you ever use a paper towel for a filter in your bachelor days?” — Carol

“I’m not touching another man’ s Bialetti.” — Dave

Wildlife sighting

Elk! Several allegedly seen by Fred and Joette. But no photographs.

Return journey

People rose at varying times after sleeping well on the comfortable beds. The buffet table now contained a fine array of breakfast items, featuring a large container of porridge being kept warm on low heat. Endless coffee refills were available.

Much post-breakfast activity revolved around completing the New York Times, and similar, puzzles.

Eventually, a group was inspired to put on outdoor clothing and head out in search of the Roberts Creek waterfall. The route took us along some country roads, passing some rusted vehicles along the way. Where the road came to an end two options presented themselves; one marked with signs saying “Do not enter” and the other a trail into the woods. Ignoring a certain participant’s anarchist tendencies, we chose the latter option.

A pleasant trail wound through the woods and we could soon hear the sound of rushing water in the distance. There was a view of the waterfall from the trail and a path that dropped down to offer a closer look. At this point, some of the group decide to turn back while the rest took the plunge down to a viewpoint across from the falls.

Climbing back to the main trail, we carried on to a spot where the trail forked. One branch offered a rickety bridge over the creek while the other, which we took, circled back to our starting point.

Returning to what we already feel is home, we jointly assembled lunch. Three kinds of soup had been prepared, with bread, crackers, and a fine assortment of cheese, fruit, and dips.

Another afternoon of puzzles, reading, soft music, and conversation ensued. There was some more walking.

As the evening approached, a sense of anticipation grew. Some people changed into festive clothing. We were diverted by Anomia, a fun card game brought by Fred and Joette. The table was set with more than usual care, featuring Jean’s white and gold birthday theme.

Dinner was created by Jonnita, a chef Jean had worked with before. We dined on Chicken Marbella or Mushroom Wellington, with roasted vegetables, squash with butter-fried sage, rice, kale salad, and foccaccia.

Jean and Fred put on a wonderful evening concert with a set of modern classics for piano and saxophone.

Birthday cake was served, honouring both Fred (December 25) and Jean (December 31).

And then it was midnight! A flurry of hugs and Happy New Years occurred. And shortly afterwards those who had stayed up for it headed to bed.

Many of us took the 12:10 ferry from Horseshoe Bay, arriving at Langdale just before 1:00. Since check-in time was 2:30, we took the opportunity to stop at Persephone Brewing for lunch and a suitable beverage. Naturally, we made a few purchases at the Upstart and Crow bookstore above the brewery before leaving.

Then we drove in a somewhat disorganized convoy to Linwood House, where we were warmly welcomed by Jean and Michael.

After a tour of the house and room assignments, we settled in the great room to consult devices, read books, catch up, and so on.

Fred and Joette had brought the giant crossword from the year-end Globe and Mail, so we all took a hand at filling in the blanks.

Michael and Jean had provided vegetarian chili for dinner, with a buffet table full of accompaniments, and a fruit crumble for dessert with hand-picked Deep Cove blackberries.