since we have ¼ bottle of this and 1/3 bottle of that, we are very unlikely to be smuggling.
First on our Canada sojourn was, of course, our border crossing. And truth be told, this crossing was different from our many previous sojourns to and from our neighbor to the North. As usual, we try to have minimal food on board, and no fruit or fresh veggies to speak of. We make a list of liquor (because we technically have more on board than what is allowed). In years past, and even this time, the Border Agents realize that we travel in our home, and since we have ¼ bottle of this and 1/3 bottle of that, we are very unlikely to be smuggling. In the past AND this time, no hassle was given about liquor.
BUT, THIS was an encounter, IMHO meant to be intimidating. This is in gr8 contrast to other experiences. We were motioned to a holding lane. We were asked to leave the bus and wait inside. We waited, with no information for about 30 mins while the bus was boarded and thoroughly searched. We know it was thoroughly searched because when we drove away afterwards, almost every drawer and door swung open…having not been latched after search. In the past, we HAVE been boarded, but while we stood by just outside. And, the agents admitted they just wanted to see what the bus looked like inside!!! Not more than 5 mins. I would say this is a version of “Elbows Up,” and I understand, and do not resent the sentiment in any way. But, still intimidating!
Anyway, Canadians are too nice to REALLY be intimidating, and after ½ hours, they smiled and wished us well on our journey.
Once we made it to Canada, we began our experience of Camaraderie, Canadian Style. Starting in Vancouver, Sherry and Jack Walton/Christensen had us over to dinner. Then Paul Fournier scooped us up and took us to dinner (WONDERFUL Sushi) with his hiking group. One of this group excused himself for a minute and came back with a jar of Homemade Blackberry Jam for us. I wonder how many in my vast audience carry around homemade preserves just in case they meet someone new?!
Then Andrew Lee and Cheryl Wong had us for lunch at their Golf Club.
Then Linda and Russ Stanley/Wilson had the collective group over for a BBQ. Really wonderful time(s) with really wonderful people!!! Its been many years since we’ve seen these folks, but the conversations continued as though they were started yesterday!
After the BBQ and all the enjoyable reconnection that happened in Vancouver, we headed to the Ferry Landing for our passage to Vancouver Island. There, a remarkable experience! When we checked in, the agent in the booth got out and measured the total length of the vehicle and toad… total length determines total fare, and I had measured and prepaid for 66 ft. The agent said, you are only 64’ and issued a $15 refund!!! After that, the ferry ride was uneventful, and we arrived on time in Victoria.
Our friends, the Chandlers, now live in a funky, fantastic Float Home moored in a First Nations-owned marina just across the harbor from Victoria proper.
The marina has an associated RV Park, so we had a spot there for a week. VERY convenient to the Chandlers Hospitality (and cocktails).
This RV spot was directly under the landing path of the Seaplanes that fly back and forth between Victoria and Vancouver all day long.
Also, directly accessible to Downtown by either a GREAT Bike path (we did that several times) or Harbor Water Taxi (We did a pub crawl on that!).
What a beautiful blast that week was!!! While in Victoria, we did lots of Victoria things. Cocktails on the Chandler’s deck every day. A variety of restaurants featuring a variety of Seafood Chowders (to continue my effort to try every version in the PNW) and lots more. Walking trails, Bike Trails. Buchart Gardens.
I even had a chance to try out the cold-smoking capabilities of my new grill, using some fresh salmon filets given to the Chandlers by one of their Floating Neighbors. This was based on a recipe I found that had an “unusual” warning…not something most recipes come with: BEWARE, carefully follow directions or you can KILL PEOPLE! This is because the Fish spends a lot of time (8+ hours) at room temp in the Smoker. If it is not first cured completely and properly, the bacteria WILL create havoc!! As far as I know, none of our friends became victims!!!
And, after all that Victoria fun, we travelled up-island with Gera and Chuck, who also have an RV. Our destination was Cluxewe, which is a First Nations RV Spot WAY North…near Port Hardy. That’s 6+ hours driving (Vancouver Island is BIG!!!). TO break it up, we (both RVs) stopped overnight in the driveway of a Bluebird friend, Susan/Peter Camilerri/Haggins. Peter and Susan weren’t even home, but gladly offered their driveway and electrons for an evening. Much beer is owed, and we hope to see them soon!
Up north, we visited Port Alice, an old Mill town (Mill is now gone) where Gera grew up. We visited a neighboring island by ferry, Malcolm, and the town of Sointula. This is an old Finnish settlement. Chuck rented a truck in Port Hardy and we drove over a REALLY BAD logging road to Cape Scott – which is in fact at the tip of the Island. From there we walked 3KM beyond the end of the road to a gorgeous beach, where we had a picnic lunch. Each evening, we had a campfire (the propane version…campfire bans up here) and shared various spirits…some that the border guards had allowed us to keep, and some that the Chandlers offered. We also took turns with dinner…and the most memorable was a Smoked Black Cod filet we had acquired in Port Hardy. Gera poached this in milk, and I have honestly never had fish that tasted soooo good!!!
Eventually, the goodtimes with the Chandlers had to end…they needed to get back to Victoria for a variety of reasons, so they left us in CLuxewe. We then departed for a couple of stops on the way back to the ferry and the mainland. The first was at Salmon Point, just South of Campbell River. From there we drove to a place called Fanny Bay, where they have all sorts of fresh-caught seafood in an establishment in the walkout basement under a gas station. We bought oysters and crabs, and had a BC Seafood Extravaganza (YUM!). We also bought some ore Smoked Black Cod, hoping to reprise poached nirvana at some point!
A few more, kinda random experiences:
- Poutine, of course! A couple different times (Please don’t tell my cardiologist!).
- The FULL MONTY British Columbia Late fall/Winter Experience (albeit a little early): Pissing down rain while eating at Tim Hortons.
- Visiting a Salmon Hatchery during aforementioned Pissing Down Rain (fortunately, an excellent INDOOR exhibit)
- Last Nite, A cruise ship Parade…
RandomCanada
As I am writing this, we are heading down-island, back to the ferry. We will stop in Nanaimo for a couple days, then back to the mainland. There, we plan to wander for about 10 days across the southern border of BC, landing in Nelson eventually. Along the way, we’ll stop in Hope, Manning Provincial park and Osoyoos (wine country!). Then back to the States en route to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
So, now you are all caught up on the rest of our summer. The fall has yet to fully congeal…we’ll report in awhile with an update.
