Day 8 Western Adventure

Day 8

Dinner last night was conveniently located at Barking Frog, a restaurant located on the same property as the Willows Lodge. Todd had made reservations with Open Table (accumulating those points) the day we arrived. The evening was a comfortable 22°, so we opted to sit on the patio. The Barking Frog restaurant is ranked #1 on Trip Advisor, and after a multiple course meal that was a pleasure to the eyes as well as the nose and mouth, we definitely agree it is a must visit if in the area.


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I began the meal with the Soup de Jour, a cream-based soup with corn, potato, and bacon (the waiter assured me it was lo-calorie……but then he winked ?). Todd began with a complimentary plate of Grand Marnier Prawns (coupon we received from the woman at DeLille tasting room on Monday). Next, Todd ordered a plate of 6 Oysters and I went for the Caesar Salad. Todd said the oysters were creamy, melt-in-your-mouth good and offered to share……no thanks. For the entrees, Todd ordered the Seared Sea Scallops with cauliflower risotto, brussels sprout leaves, and sautéed leeks in a white wine curry sauce.  My choice was the Braised Chicken and Tagliatelle served with zucchini and mushrooms in a Parmesan reductions sauce. Chateau St. Michele’s Sauvignon Blanc was a perfect accompaniment. The meal was a perfect end to our last night in Woodinville.

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After a short walk on the trail and our standard egg breakfast (2 eggs over-easy, with bacon, roasted potatoes, and multi-grain toast) to fill us up until dinner, we packed up and headed north to Anacortes to board the ferry. The ferry ride to Sidney BC was uneventful, no whales and lots of wind.

We arrived at the Best Western Inner Harbour in Victoria at 6:15 PM, did a quick unpack, and dressed for dinner. We were meeting Todd’s cousin, Paula, and her Beau, John, at 6:30 at the Ferris Oyster Bar and Grill. Paula moved out here 7 years ago, and it was years before that since we last saw her. Life out here must suit her – she looked very relaxed and happy. It worked out perfectly that we arrived in Victoria today, as she and John are leaving on their vacation first thing in the morning. We talked about life on the Island (various activities like kayaking, fishing, and something we hadn’t heard of – Frisbee golf, weather on the Island – limited snow in the winters, temperate summers, and the cities….the quaint feel of Victoria, the picturesque Sidney, and the Native areas in the north). After an enjoyable dinner with great company, Todd and I said good-bye and wished them well. Hopefully they will make it out to Ontario in the near future.


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We are both tired and looking forward to a good night’s sleep before exploring the city tomorrow !