CANADA 2018

Day 1     -              30 July 2018

The start of the big trip. Left home at 11:00 to take taxi, coach, train and train to the Rydges Airport Hotel. Room Service for tea tonight.

Day 2     -              31 July 2018

Slept in until about 8:00 as check out is not until 11:00 and check-in by 11:50 for 1:50 pm flight. Joy got body-scanned and passed, but her backpack failed at the scanning area as she forgot to take the liquids out of her backpack.

While waiting for our flight there were 3 men waiting for a flight to Noumea who entertained us. One stank of alcohol and was very noisy, one other was slightly drunk and the 3^rd was trying to calm them down. After a while the airline staff took their passports off them, then the police (up to 6 of them) came and they were taken away with the very drunk one in handcuffs. Good thing Les didn’t get stuck into the grog!!!

The plane left on time. Only problem was the passenger in front of Joy put his seat back as soon as he sat down in it – very claustrophobic!  Arrived slightly early however the Flight tracker had us landing in the bay not on the runway! Through passport control and Joy failed at Auto Passport so had to go via good old fashion method. Through customs and Joy’s boots failed the cleanliness test and had to be cleaned and disinfected. So then across the road to the hotel for the night. Nice room with a fair bit of space (larger than Rydges).

Kids on flight to New Zealand

Day 3     -              1 August 2018 (Today is long day as we cross the International Date Line)

Slept in a bit as we have a fair bit of time to kill today. Breakfast at Jamaica Blue café and a walk to the Sculpture Park, which is near the airport and has about ½ dozen sculptures. The paths are gravel and one part was a bit rutted and Joy slipped and fell hurting her ankle (old hockey/netball injury) but also cutting her knee and ripping a hole in her pants. Managed to see the bulk of the sculptures with Joy hobbling a bit. The knee she hurt is the opposite to the ankle, so it balances out a bit.

One of the Sculptures

Next stop, Butterfly Creek which is like a small (very small) zoo. We managed to get a few bandaids for Joy’s knee (from the café, so they were bright blue) and then head off through the zoo. ¾ of the way through the rain set in. After about 15 minutes the rain cleared, and we saw the rest including farm yard animals. As it was about lunch time and we didn’t want to risk more rain we headed back to the airport. Through security and this time it was Les who had issues as he still had his mobile in his pocket. Plane was late boarding and left about 15/20 minutes late but had tail wind so caught up lost time.

Flight is long and neither of us had much sleep (more just dozing). Arrive at Vancouver about 30 minutes ahead but long taxi to terminus so not much ahead of time. Long queues to get through immigration, etc but seemed to move fairly quickly. We declared our food, boots, etc but they did not check the luggage, so got out quickly. Waiting for courtesy bus noticed Les’ suitcase had been damaged and part of the zippers and the luggage lock have been torn off.

Arrive at hotel and settled in before heading to shopping centre for a/tea and some bandaids and other stuff for Joy. Found a café that did cappuccinos so got one for Joy – pleasantly surprised to find it was OK, as we had been warned that Canadian coffee was awful. Back to hotel before dinner (yes, another meal) at Ceilis Irish Pub across the road. Joy had Thai cashew bowl (as you do in an Irish pub) with a beer (first alcoholic drink in 3 months). Les had shepherd’s pie (no chicken schnitzel on the menu) and soda water.  First time trying to learn how to do the tipping thing. 15% of the pre tax total is standard in Canada. The price on the menu does not include any taxes so the bill is more than you expect and then you add the tip. When we told the waitress that we were new at this and how much tip I had added she seemed pleasantly surprised.

Day 4     -              2^nd August 2018

After breakfast, which was included with our hotel room, headed to collect the rental car. Saw our first bit of wildlife – a rabbit, hopping around in a Sheraton Hotel carpark. Were due to get a VW Jetta but ended up with Dodge Charger with GPS – almost brand new with only 3,000 km on the clock. Joy drove the first day and we headed to shops to buy Esky, storage stuff, etc at Walmart and had m/tea. Back to Walmart for some groceries to fill in time before heading to the Ferry Terminus to head  to Vancouver Island. Joy was disappointed that she didn’t see any typical Walmart customers (like the ones you see in photos on Facebook).

Long queues for the ferry but as we had reservations we got on the 2:00pm ferry that we had booked for. Those without a reservation had to wait for 2 sailings, which means 2 hours (minimum). Well worth the $10 reservation fee. 

Queue for Ferry to Vancouver Island

Arrived at Swartz Bay and on to Saanichton for the rest of the groceries and perishables. Not a great range of anything. No custard (although have since found there is 1 brand of tinned custard and 1 brand of custard powder). No healthy cereals like Weetbix and the only untoasted muesli Joy found was in the German food section at Walmart. It takes ages to do the shopping because everything looks different and we have to really look at everything to see what it is.

Got to accommodation just after 5:00 pm and unpacked and settled in. Joy took the opportunity to ask our host (Arleen) how the hell four-way stop signs work when you are turning across the traffic (it’s as simple as just taking your turn, regardless of where you are going – Joy didn’t want to risk it without knowing for sure, just in case). We were planning to go to the markets but too tired and Joy’s ankle and knee are sore – can’t believe Joy is choosing to not go to a market!  We have a lovely view from our accommodation, across a field (paddock) of barley and pond (dam). Saw quite a few birds of prey cruising around but could only get blurry photos as they refused to stay still. Have found out they are Turkey Vultures.

View from Accommodation at One Barn Farm (the one barn is the white building on the left behind the tree)

Day 5     -              3rd August 2018

Quiet morning catching up on diary, washing and learning how to use the kettle!! Have seen a few more bits of wildlife – a cat and a deer (not together) in a field, and a bright yellow and black bird.

Quiet afternoon before heading to Butchard Gardens at about 4:00. Spent a few hours here including doing some comparison shots based on Joy’s photos from 27 years ago. Had a soft serve ice cream each which was very yummy. Today was Les’ first turn with the hire car.

2018                and                   1991

When we got back were invited to have a drink with hosts (Arleen and Chris) and their friends. Discovered the deer are pests to the farmers here the same way kangaroos are to farmers in Australia. Farmers can shoot the deer, using either shotgun or bow and arrow, if the deer are on their property.

Day 6     -              4^th August 2018

Saw some Canadian Geese this morning. Plan was to go to Victoria today but changed and did Sidney and will do Victoria tomorrow.

Les drove into Sidney and we walked down the main street towards the waterfront and sculptures however there are several sculptures in the main street itself. There was a shop selling items made by local crafters and artisans, so of course we had to have a look inside. Amongst other things there were the most beautiful wooden jewellery boxes, some made from burls!

Saw a café called “Serious Coffee” so Joy thought this would be a good place for her morning coffee. Walked to and along the waterfront for 1km or so, admiring the view and the nice houses where the rich people live. Back to the main shopping street and dropped into a bigger supermarket and managed to find some muesli for Joy and some Weetabix (not Weetbix but similar) for Les.

One of the Sculptures in Sidney

Sea Mist from Sidney

Drove to John Dean Provincial Park but the gate was locked (due to high fire risk). Les caught up on Trip Advisor reports and Joy had a snooze. She is worried she might be coming down with a cold – perfect way to start a holiday!

Today we tried to use the voice control for the navigation system in the car but try as we might we couldn’t get it to understand us – must be our accents! Maybe we should try again but with a North American drawl?

If blackberries are in season, Vancouver Island is the place to be. Our hosts told us not to buy any as they grow wild everywhere so just stop on the side of the road and pick them. A bit different to in Australia where all the blackberries get poisoned. We have a bowl of blackberries our hosts gave us, and they are yummy!

Picking Blackberries

Our accommodation is top floor on the left hand side of the building in the middle of photo.

Walked down the laneway to the Barn that gives the property its name. Met the fellow who owns the barley crop. We found out that the land owner leased the paddock to him to grow his barley. The barley needs to be down to 8% moisture and they estimate they will harvest on Monday, which is when we leave ☹.

Day 7     -              5^th August 2018

Decided that we will try Canadian Public Transport today and drove to Saanichton and caught the bus to Victoria. We only found out yesterday that there was Symphony Splash in Victoria today. This is where they put a huge floating platform in the middle of the harbour and have symphony music playing. Fortunately, this was not until 7:00 pm but people were reserving their places early in the morning. The buses are fairly good.

Arrived in Victoria and headed off on a predetermined route set by Les. Past the Seaplanes and stopped at a café for morning tea before exploring markets (isn’t Les good to Joy?). 

Through some of the back streets including one with the “paving” being timber laid with the end grain showing upwards. Interesting but not the lane to be in late at night. 

Wooden Paving

Not opened!! Not Happy!!!

Past some older buildings and through Fan Tan Alley to Chinatown area. Then headed back towards the harbour. Needed to find a chemist as Joy has a cold and sore throat so need lozenges and nasal spray. There was a commotion outside the chemist (pharmacy) and the police arrived (3 cars and 6 officers) to subdue the person. He had been subdued by a passer-by who looked like ex armed forces. 

Makes for interesting days. Next stop was Miniature World which was very interesting. 

Miniature World. Not sure how you get from Toronto, Canada to Australia by Railway!!

Miniature World

Walked passed the harbour where things are well prepared for the night’s entertainment. Had lunch in Beacon Hill Park and it is very dry and hot.

Squirrel!!!!

Saw cricket being played in a quaint oval. 6 a side, 10 over game. Each player except wicket keeper must bowl 2 overs. Wides are 4 runs and must be bowled again. 

Next was lookout over the passage between Vancouver Island and US and sea fog which we are amazed at. Past the World’s Tallest Totem Pole at 127 ft 7 in. 

Walked along the water to café for afternoon tea and back to catch the bus home.

Symphony Splash

Joy was amazed at how much bigger Victoria is than when she was here last – but then it was 27 years ago, so she should have been amazed if it wasn’t! Sadly, Joy wasn’t able to find the shop where she bought her whale tail last time, so nothing to add to the souvenirs currently on the dresser.

Arrived home at 6:15 to find that they were harvesting the barley crop. Tired but happy.

Day 8     –             6^th August 2018

Headed off at 8:00 after working out where to pack things in the car. This is the first time we have had to pack with all our stuff we brought with us and bought here and food, etc. First stop was Sandcut Beach. Walk to and then along the beach (or should I say pebbles/rocks as there is very little sand). Again, sea mist had rolled in. Saw a dead seal and went as far as a small waterfall. Les is happy! (but he did know it was here as he planned these walks). Joy is grateful she has the walking pole – makes her much more secure on the walks.

Sandcut Beach in Sea Fog

First Waterfall of trip!!!

Back to car for morning tea and on to Sombrio Beach. This is accessed by a dirt road which was dusty but not too bad. Very busy car park. Walked down a good path to the beach and lots of people walking out as today is last day of long weekend. They are carrying eskies on wheels and lots of gear. When we arrived at beach (again rocks) saw a group moving their tent but picking it up, still fully erect, and walking it down the beach! A 20 minute walk down the beach and we found the access to the Hidden Waterfall. Up a rough track and then up the creek with us both getting wet feet. Joy had sandals and Les had joggers! Into a narrow canyon to a very impressive waterfall. Even Joy was IMPRESSED!

Back to car and on to Port Renfrew for lunch at the pub. Sat outside where the breeze was cool and watched the sea fog in the harbour. Very popular pub and would have been busy the previous few days in the middle of their long weekend.

2:30 and we headed back to the eastern side of Vancouver Island stopping to take photos of the “Tree on the Log in the Lake”. 

Tree on the Log on the Lake

Stopped at Lake Cowichan (township not actual lake) and was 31 degrees so found a spot in the shade and watched the locals floating on tubes, etc on the small lake in town. 

Lake Cowichan township

Walk around Duncan to view Totem Poles.

Arrived at our accommodation in Nanaimo at about 6:00 and settled in. Our hosts had left a couple of pieces of Nanaimo Bar (like hedgehog but with an extra layer of creamy icing in between the base and the chocolate on top). Saw a beaver playing in the lake behind the accommodation.

Beaver

Day 9     -              7^th August 2018

As we were staying in a true BnB we had breakfast supplied this morning so upstairs to the host’s dining room for a breakfast of sausages, egg and broccoli pie and croissant, juice, coffee, homemade jam and fruit. This is the best value accommodation on the trip. Average is $170 and this was $109 including breakfast. First stop today was Little Qualicum Falls where we did a walk and saw several falls and gorges.

Next stop was to be Cathedral Grove however it was extremely busy. The parking lot would probably handle 20 to 30 cars but with the ones parked on the side of the road (in the no parking zone) there would have been 100 or more. So we just kept going and stopped at the Coombs Country Candy where Joy got 2 chocolates and Les got some fudge.

Joy’s cold is running its normal course and she is still getting worse. Should be a few days until she starts getting better even if she sounds worse. She is still soldiering on.

Day 10 -              8^th August 2018

We were planning to leave at 8:00 this morning but slept in so were not on the road until 8:50. First stop was for a walk to Willowbrea (Florencia Bay) and Halfmoon Bay. The walks in to the bays were lovely, but involved long flights of steps, so Joy was again prepared with her walking pole. Both bays were nice but Halfmoon Bay was a beautiful little bay and was nice and peaceful until other people turned up, the hide of them! 

Stairs coming back from Florencia Bay

Stairs to Halfmoon Bay

Halfmoon Bay

Off to the Kwisitis Visitors Centre for morning tea. The centre was “closed for unforeseen maintenance”. Did a walk to South Beach which is also a nice beach (rocks and pebbles) but is very dangerous in rough weather due to large waves. With the logs washed so far up the beach we can see why.

Chesterman Beach for lunch where we sat on a log on the beach which had SAND!! Grey sand but still sand. The beach was steaming, literally like fog, etc. 

Chesterman Bay steaming!!!!

Drove into Tofino and bought postcard and mailed to Mum. Booked in for Bear Cruise and not sure what temperature but very hot in the sun. Cruise was 15 mins late leaving and the boat had a Perspex cover. Was fine until they had to close the windows at the front where we were sitting so they didn’t fall down while the boat was cruising, so we were sitting in a sauna. Took about 40 mins to get to where bears were, and we managed to see several bears along the shore. Got some reasonable shots but some passengers were hogging the good spots for photos. When more people decided that it was OK to stand up and join the hoggers, Joy decided enough was enough and politely told them they were stopping others from seeing. They sat down then (and you thought the bears were scary!). As well as seeing bears, we saw a couple of seals and a couple of bald eagles.

Bald Eagle

Arrived back at the wharf at 6:05 (24 degrees) and headed for accommodation where we had another quiet night with a second night of maple walnut ice cream. Other than the first day we got the car Les has been doing all the driving. Getting more confident every day.