Month: August 2012

Day 9 Western Adventure

Day 9

Because we were so tired last night, we fell asleep before 11, then awoke before 6AM… to the insatiable sound of seagulls (There are no shortage of seagulls here and their droppings can be spotted everywhere). Todd went in search of the Tim Horton’s listed on his app, but was unsuccessful. He spotted someone with a Starbucks cup, so he enquired as to the location and was led a couple of blocks up the street from our hotel. He also discovered a grocery store for us to return to later.

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After breakfast in the hotel (nothing fancy…toast, scrambled eggs, and sausage), we went for a morning walk through the downtown area – the Parliament Buildings, Bastion Square, Market Square, and Chinatown. We then wandered down by the City Hall and Centennial Square where numerous volunteers were setting up for Victoria’s 150th Birthday Celebration. Within the Square, numerous vehicles from the past were on display – police cars, fire engines, and cars. We also spoke to a man who compared the original electric-driven car here on the Island and his new Nissan electric car. He was a firm advocate for clean, sustainable living. Later in the morning the festivities were to get started with the mayor making some opening remarks and then various cultural groups performing.

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After lunch, made from products we purchased at the local grocery store Todd found earlier, we ventured out to Beacon Hill Park. It is located a few blocks from where we are staying. We saw the standard park-life (ducks, geese, birds, trees, bushes, and flowers), then came across a cricket park where a game was underway. We stopped to watch and try to figure out the gist of the game…not successful…….very confusing. Further down from the park, we came across the world’s tallest free-standing totem pole at 38.8 metres.

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Just outside the park’s boundary, towards the ocean, is Mile Marker 0 for the Trans-Canada Highway. The 7821km highway was actually built east to west (so technically, shouldn’t Mile Marker 0 be in St. John’s NFLD?). Here also stands a memorial to Terry Fox because this is where he planned to end his cross-country run.

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Later in the afternoon, Todd headed out on his bike to ride the trail outlined on a tourist map we picked up. After a short time on the trail, he noticed the “no biking” signs (apparently the map hasn’’t been updated). So he headed over to the main drag…the Trans-Canada highway and was just “getting in the groove”, when Jon and Ponch (remember Chips?) asked him to pull over. ….Turns out it is a law in BC for everyone to where bike helmets. “Jon” kept threatening him with a $29 fine, “Ponch” recommended he get a helmet. Then “Jon” told him he would need to walk his bike back, but “Ponch” suggested if he moved over a couple streets (away from the Trans Canada), he would probably be okay for getting back to the hotel. Now Todd is off to buy a helmet…..

After checking out both Trip Advisor and Open Table, we decided to try a Japanese restaurant a couple of kilometers from the hotel…… !

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 !

Day 7 Western Adventure

Day 7

…Last full day in Woodinville… After a relaxing start to the day lying in bed, drinking our Starbuck’s, and reading the paper, we headed out for our morning walk –down the Sammamish Trail 3.5 km and then back. Along the way we spotted a couple of interesting sights besides seeing the usual walkers, joggers, and cyclists. We saw four kids all around the ages of 5 to 7 running on the trail, being chased ? encouraged ?…by a woman speaking in loud, stern Spanish – both on our way down the trail and back again. We also saw a guy on his bike (not unusual) with a trailer (not unusual)……carrying his dog (funny!).

Our first winery to visit today was the renowned, Columbia Winery who are celebrating their 50th year anniversary. They and the Chateau St. Michelle, where we visited yesterday, were the first in the area and really brought wine to Woodinville. Columbia Winery was a huge disappointment. Although the tasting room is beautifully decorated and they sell a lot of different winery items, the service at the counter (or should I say lack of service), the cost for tastings ($15 for 5 scant tastings of premium wines regardless of a purchase or not), and the wines themselves (lacking in flavour, body, and complexity) made for a start we hoped would not signify how the day would go.

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Our next stop was Pepper Bridge Winery. It is a small tasting room with wines from the Walla Walla Valley. The woman was very accommodating and social. Turns out she lived in Santiago, Chile for a while (immersing herself in the culture, so she could learn Spanish). She also was in Mendoza (a place we have been) and Salta (a place we are going this winter). While taking about the regions in Chile and Argentina, we sampled 7 different wines – Viognier, Syrah, an ’08 Merlot, an ’09 Merlot, a couple of Bordeaux Blends, and a ’08 Cabernet Sauvignon. We opted to retry the last one (both knowing…….this was the one… with its full bodied, well-balanced, complex flavours of dark fruits). The bottle –is now our fourth to bring across the border will be cellared for about 8 years.

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Next to the above tasting room, is the tasting room for Mark Ryan Wines……..so while in the vicinity !… The woman serving was very bubbly as she chatted about the wines and the winemaker (his motor bike sits in the tasting room with only 5 miles on it –from driving it in the parking lot……he bought it, but doesn’t yet have a license…). Wines come from the vineyards in a couple of different regions in the State and the winemaker is a Pearl Jam fan, so a lot of the wines are named after Pearl Jam songs. We sampled 5 different wines and both really enjoyed the 2009 Dead Horse, one of the few not named after a Pearl Jam song (a Cabernet Sauvignon blend – hints of cocoa and vanilla beans with soft tannins…. – to be cellared for another 6 years). Bottle 5 of the allowed 4 to bring across the border tomorrow… !

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For lunch, we went to the newly opened Station Pizzeria. We sat in a shaded area on the patio and were warmly greeted by the hostess and server. We split a Caesar salad which was brought out on two plates, lightly dressed and not too intensely flavoured with an ultra-thin crispy piece of bread on top…, a perfect lunch salad. We enjoyed the Boedecker Pinot Noir Rosé (from Oregon) and split the Not So Classico Pizza – thin crust, perfectly baked in a wood-oven, topped with prosciutto, tomato confit, arugula, balsamic reduction, and chevre…..DELICIOUS!!!

After a short nap, Todd got on his bike and ventured out onto the Sammamish Trail. He was gone for about an hour, enjoying the peaceful serenity the trail offers. Then it was time to relax on the balcony before heading across the lot to the Barking Frog for dinner.