Moments Found on the Sunshine Coast

Roberts Creek, you’ve got that golden glow down to an art.

We rolled into Gibsons on an ordinary travel day — needing a shower, a stretch, and a break. So we headed straight to the aquatic center, not expecting anything more than a swim. But life has a way of slipping in small surprises when you least expect it.

While we were there, something surprising and sweet happened: we received our very first message through our website since installing our decals. Someone had seen the bus parked outside, got curious, looked us up, and sent a note. It completely made our day. It felt so fun because it created an unexpected connection with a stranger — a little reminder that connection can show up anywhere. We often meet people in person and strike up conversations on the spot, but now we’re also able to connect online — even when we’re not around to say hello. That little message felt like a high-five from the universe.

After our swim, we drove over to Bonniebrook Beach. It was peaceful and beautiful — no big plan, just the kind of afternoon where you slow down and let the sun warm your skin. At one point, Arielle disappeared, and we assumed she’d gone back into the bus to sneak in a little tablet time. Instead, she returned with orange juice and a plate of cut veggies she had prepared for us. We were stunned — proud, touched, and reminded that our kids are absorbing more than we know.

When your kid surprises you with a beach café pop-up — orange juice, veggies, and 5-star service.

The Warm Welcome of Roberts Creek

Later that evening, we drove a little further up the coast toward Roberts Creek, hoping to find somewhere to spend the night before our friends arrived the next day. We spotted a sign for one tiny farm and decided to check it out.

Tiny name, huge inspiration. This garden’s got soul.

Shed goals 💛💚💙 Maybe the Pink Sloth needs a splash of this energy next?

It was the kind of place that whispers instead of shouts — simple garden beds, a shared tool shed, and a peaceful atmosphere. We met a kind woman originally from Quebec, now a French teacher in the area. She wasn’t part of the farm team, just another visitor like us, but she took the time to share what she knew about the space and the community behind it. As we chatted, she mentioned she lives just up the road in Roberts Creek Cohousing — a collaborative neighbourhood built around shared values and intentional living. I thought that was so inspiring.

The idea that people can design their lives around connection, shared resources, and mutual support really resonated. Back home, we live in a multigenerational triplex with my father-in-law and sister-in-law — not quite co-housing, but definitely co-living. We each have our own units, which definitely helps keep us all sane, but we share cars, tools, repair duties, groceries, child care, and the occasional leftover cheesecake. “Sharing is caring” hits different when someone hands you freshly baked cake or offers to watch the kids so you can sneak out for a run.

I’m also part of a non-profit called Nidazo that’s in the early phases of developing a place rooted in community, sustainability, and shared purpose. Hearing her talk about her experience in co-housing made the whole idea feel that much more real. It was a small conversation — but one that left me feeling both hopeful and seen.

There was even a sweet honour stand out front of one tiny farm, so we picked up some fresh kale, dropped coins in the coin slot, and carried on with full hearts and leafy greens.

That night, we parked the bus on the side of a quiet residential street. Nothing fancy — just a respectful, tucked-away place to rest. These aren’t the kind of moments you plan for, but they often become your favourite ones.

The next morning, we treated ourselves to breakfast at the Gumboot Café who had the most amazing buddha benny, then made our way to the beach. Later, we tried to fit in a bike ride at Sprockids — a local trail system. Let’s just say... not our finest parenting win. The kids weren’t into it, and we quickly realized it wasn’t going to be the carefree family bonding moment we’d imagined. Still, we got out, we tried, and we made it back in time to meet Lien and Jesse at their rental.

Dipping into the day, one wiggly toe at a time.

Pedals, dirt, and freedom — Élyssa’s kind of playground.

Steep hills and a Beautiful Weekend

Getting there was no small feat — the hills were incredibly steep and not exactly fun to drive in a bus. But it was worth it.

That afternoon, we met up with Lien, Jesse, Kim, and Thomas, plus their kids — three families coming together for Mother’s Day weekend. They had rented an Airbnb, and we were lucky enough to park the bus in the driveway and join them.

Little travelers, big memories — posing before the next chapter unfolds.

Everything just clicked. The kids played easily, the conversations flowed, and the energy was relaxed and real. We had beach time, forest time, and good food time.

Skipping rocks and chasing giggles — simple joys by the shore.

The Mother’s Day dream team — beach vibes and big smiles only!

Forest crew assembled! Exploring the trails of Cliff Gilker Park with our wild bunch 🌲🐾

The dads really stepped up that weekend — handing us mimosas after our yoga session, managing the kids, and preparing a brunch spread that checked every box. We felt seen, spoiled, and truly celebrated.

Mimosas, mountain views, and a moment to ourselves — cheers to that!

Later that day, we hiked Soames Hill — a steep climb with stunning views, perfect for working off brunch. We were so happy Lien and Jesse decided to take a later ferry just to do it with us.

Huffing, puffing, laughing, and loving the view — Soames delivered.

Heading North: Sechelt, Porpoise Bay & Beyond

One of our favourite encounters happened after dinner at a cozy Thai restaurant called Friendly Thai in Gibsons. We met a warm and generous woman named Mary Archie, a member of the Shuswap Nation, who shared part of her story with us. She had the sweetest little dog named Qualimi and an energy that made you feel instantly welcome. Mary was so excited about our travels and encouraged us with a joy that stayed with us long after we parted ways.

After our beautiful weekend in Gibsons, we slowly made our way north. We returned to Roberts Creek — something about it reminded us of our own village back home. One morning, we woke up to find a handwritten note tucked under our windshield wiper, welcoming us to the area and inviting the girls to go for a bike ride. It was one of those small, thoughtful gestures that instantly made the place feel like home. Later that day, we spent part of the evening with the family who had left the note. They were also from Quebec and had moved to Roberts Creek several years ago. It was such a warm, unexpected moment — the kind that makes you feel like the world is a little smaller and a lot kinder than it sometimes seems.

We stopped in Sechelt to stretch our legs and visit the Tems Swiya Museum, which offered a thoughtful look at the cultural heritage of the Shishalh Nation. Then we warmed up with a soak at the local aquatic centre before continuing to Porpoise Bay, where we soaked in the peaceful shoreline and watched the girls bike through the lush rainforest.

Porpoise Bay, you beautiful little slice of peace.

From there, we took our bikes to visit Burnett Falls — a hidden little waterfall tucked into the trees, quiet and cool, with barely anyone else around. It felt like one of those gifts that only shows up when you’re not in a rush.

Courage looks good on her.

Eventually, we made our way to the ferry at Saltery Bay, where the ride across was just long enough to watch the coastline disappear and dream about what might come next. We were especially impressed that dogs were welcome on the main deck — clearly marked signs showed where pets could go, and Kuna loved every second of it.

Kuna’s first ferry ride — 10/10 would recommend (especially the salty breeze).

Horizon gazing from Saltery Bay Park — sometimes the best views are the quietest ones.

Between giants — where imagination grows wild and wonder stands tall on the Mermaid Trail.

Why We're Doing This

Sometimes I think about how, as adults, we put so much pressure on ourselves to do things “right.” To be responsible, productive, efficient. To follow the script. But in the process, we can forget how much joy and aliveness come from the unstructured, imperfect moments — the ones that don’t make it into a planner.

This trip isn’t polished or curated. There are grumpy bike rides, awkward parking spots, and meltdowns. But it’s also full of veggie plates on the beach, handwritten notes on our windshield, honour stand kale, and mimosas after yoga.

And it’s reminding me — joy doesn’t need to be earned. It doesn’t have to be extravagant. It can live in the small, silly, surprising moments we give ourselves permission to enjoy.

It’s been over three weeks since all of this happened — and while I’d love to share things as they unfold, I’m also doing my best to stay present with my family, enjoy where we are, and figure out where we’re headed next. We’re now in Terrace, BC, settling into a new rhythm, and I’ll be sharing stories from our time on Vancouver Island and our path up here very soon. There’s been a reunion with old friends, a visit to another inspiring community, a bit of cave exploring, and one long, beautiful road north. This blog is my way of remembering, reconnecting, and hopefully encouraging you to slow down and find some wonder in your own day, too.

If we want to build a more sustainable way of living — for our families, our communities, our planet — it’s going to take togetherness. Not perfection. Just a willingness to care, to share, and to step in where we can. We’re all out here looking for connection and entertainment, but maybe the most lasting joy comes from collaborating on shared curiosities — building things together, learning alongside one another, and letting our lives overlap in meaningful, messy, and creative ways.

If this inspires even one adult to pause, to play, or to follow curiosity for no reason at all — that’s more than enough.

With love from the road, Roselyn & The Pink Sloth Crew