Aquariums and Ukee Dogs



Thanks Nicky & Chris

 Our anniversary began with breakfast served to our room.   "Breakfast in Bed"  This hasn't happened in years.







 Not since the girls brought me breakfast for Mother's Day.  Cheerios, toast and tea.... I think?

Sunflower Starfish

We drove to Ucluelet where we visited the Aquarium.  This facility is the only catch and release aquarium in the world.  As we entered the building we saw row upon row of tanks filled with mysterious creatures of the deep.  Majestic Colour!

Wow, I never would have expected to see such vibrant colours painted on these moving objects.  Sea cucumbers, sunflower starfish, hermit crabs, algae, octopus, and more.

Hermit Crabs

We had the opportunity to hold starfish, catch a crab in the open tanks. 

Did you know starfish can grow back their legs, if they have been broken or used as a snack for a hungry seagull?  They also tickle the hands when held.  Their tiny feet try to latch on to you skin. 




Sunflower starfish with baby

After the salty visit, our hands washed, and hungry, we visited Ukee Dogs.... they were expecting us. (the story behind this is:  Good friends in Thunder Bay, Al and Fran's best friend's daughter, Paige owns Ukee Dogs with her partner Zane) Al suggested we visit them for lunch.  So, here we are. 

Paige & Zane from Ukee Dogs

Not just your regular hot dog stand!  Fresh baked, organic, free run, vegetarian, raw, vegan, meat lover, healthy and not so healthy chow. (what a mouthful)

Paige suggested Smoked salmon sliders topped with grain fed naturally smoked bacon with a side of organic greens drizzled with Vancouver blueberry balsamic vinegarette.  Yummy in the Tummy.  Everything in the area is locally sourced and fresh.  Especially the fish. 

Ukee Dogs

Unique and unsual shoppes. The murals on the building, are beautiful. Much like the graffiti we found in Spain.  Art in its best form.

mural from Ukee Bike shoppe

Next:  Off to hike the "Wild Pacific Trail" or "Life on the Edge" in Ucluelet.  This trail skirts the rugged west coast of Vancouver Island, where ancient rain forests meets the Pacific Ocean.

Amphitrite Point Lighthouse

Our hike overlooks Barkley Sound and Broken Islands in Pacific Rim National Park. 



We feel like we are in an episode of the Ewok's forest from Star Wars.

Look...it moved!

Walking under the mossy forest canopy in the misty rain listening to the stormy waves crashing against the rocks.  The Light House sounds the fog to alert sailors (if any are at sea)  The photographs don't even come close to the mythological landscape. 

the land of the Ewok

Trees looking like creatures with their branches winding out to encompass you when your  not looking!    You won't catch me in here after dark, as I was already looking over my shoulder through the misty rain, thinking something was behind me.



Since good food is a priority, and with the recommendation from our wonderful hosts at Harvey House B & B Nicky and Chris; we were told "Shelter" in Tofino was right up our alley.  Seated beside the open fire we enjoyed fabulous local brew, B.C. wine and romantic ambiance. 


Treated to artisan yeast free breads, grain fed chicken, lamb steak with warmed kale, our taste buds were treated to an exquisite evening.
Happy anniversary! a perfect day (even in the rain)
I feel spoiled on this trip............. Breakfast in bed....beaches on the ocean.....fabulous dinners....wine.....romance.....

The Cathedral of Time

Cathedral Grove

After a long and wonderful day travelling in Vancouver Island sunshine (rain) we both were so tired, we succumbed to take out food and a cozy bed in our B & B on the Pacific Ocean in Tofino. 


Flowers of the West Coast

Bob and I departed from Naniamo shortly after breakfast; drove down the parkway to "Jingle Pot" road.  A curious name.  I will leave this one be!  HaHa
We travelled through narrow winding roads. Up, down and over mountains on Vancouver Island as we visited many natural and wonderous landmarks.

Our highlight of the day....Cathedral Grove: This area was given to the province by the H.R. MacMillan Export Co. in 1944 as a way to preserve an incredible stand of trees.

Douglas Fir

We strolled through trails of majestic Red Cedars & Douglas Fir trees, some over 800 years old standing straight and tall reaching and touching the sky.  One reaching 9 meters in circumference.

Feeling like an Ewok from Star Wars

The lush greenery, created by the high moisture and sub tropic climate accelerates your senses.   A drastic contrast from Terrace Bay, Ontario, where you still can find snow and frozen grounds. 

Add caption

A tropical forest

And, yes, Star Wars (the location used for filming the Ewoks) was done here in Catheral Grove.


 Despite the quaint shops, cafes and heritage site, All the worries of the day just vanished into the trees.


The sights, the sounds and the smells of the outdoors soothed my senses.  


There is something inexplicable and magical that draws us humans back to nature. We feel the beauty within the trees, mountains and salted ocean breeze.  'We are at home in the forest".  It's in our blood and souls....a comfort within.

A fallen tree:  These are the roots reaching 20 feet in height

Then; a true contrast, we visited "The Country Market"  Famous for the Billy Goats on the grass roof.  Yes, for just a few blades of grass, these four legged bearded critters are an economical way to advertise.  Now, this was worth the stop.  Boutiques, fresh breads, gourmet foods and unusual items in this grass hut!


"The Country Market"

Billy Goat Gruff!   Baa Baa



Billy Goat Gruff

Along the B.C. Highway, we approach a humbling sign:  "Tsunami: evacuation route"  Totally ignorant of the fact.  Thinking it would never happen.  Especially in Canada.  Not so!  A fault line runs along the coast to California. 


Warning

We arrived in Tofino in the mid late afternoon.   Had a quick drive through the village and Checked in to "The Harvey House, where Nicky met us at the door.  What a delightful woman.  Nicky escorted us up to our room with maps, things to do and see during our stay.  With a wall of windows, we over look the forest and across the road from Chestermann's Beach/Clayoquot Sound on the Pacific  Ocean.        Delightful.
  P.S.   "Happy Anniversary to my husband and best friend, Bob.  I love you.....

Majestic





 

"Knitters are just a close knitt bunch!"

O.K.: Today, we are both awake and ready for the day.  Yep!  We were awake at 4:00a.m. this morning!  The robins weren't even singing.  Pacific Time has its advantages.

Bathtub race winner

We began our day with a wonderful breakfast.  Thanks to Judith from The Kennedy House B & B.  Fresh fruit, smoked salmon and egg on toast. We were ready to be official tourists of Naniamo.  Look out, here we come. A pair of Norwester hippies.  Pony tail included.

Our mission today was to tour Naniamo Museum, where we learned about the history of coal mining at Naniamo.  Naniamo bar tasting at "Serious Coffee Co." and the Bastion.


Naniamo tasting @ Serious Coffee Co.

I have to agree, the authentic tri level sweet of the west coast is absolutely delicious along side a cup of west coast java!  Now.. we are ready to start our day.  Caffeine and sugar.  WOW what a rush at 10:00 a.m.

Original recipe

The secret to Naniamo bars: "Bird's custard powder"

Sunshine, warm temperature!  Upward and onward.

Time for lunch.  Already tired of restaurant food, we are now eating by "default" and it is my "pick" for the meal.  "Lets try raw vegan.  What do you think, Bob?"  Waiting for the "I don't think so" 




To my surprise, we find ourselves ordering raw, vegan pizza.  Complete with cashew ricotta on a bed of organic pesto drenched over carrot puree crust.  Doesn't this sound just scrumptious? 

Well, don't be so turned off on tasteless food.  This pizza was absolutely wonderful.  Bob was pleasantly surprised.  I didn't even have to coax him to take his first hesitant bite.  Maybe, it was just hunger that succumbed his feelings towards raw vegan food.

We visited the "Old City Quarter" where chic boutiques are nestled among heritage building in the Old city of Naniamo.  And low and behold:  A yarn boutique. Well, we just have to visit.  Bob and I enter the tiny shop filled with exquisite colours and fibers.  Bob fit right in.  So much, that another customer asked Bob if he could help them with a selection of yarns.  He replied: "I don't work here, I'm just a tourist"  He did look pretty spiffy in his Irish knit sweater and sexy ponytail.  (Remember, hippie in B.C.!! and pro ski bum) After a long chat with Bob's new customers, and of course the staff, he came to the conclusion;  "All you knitters are just a close knit bunch, aren't you?"  That's no surprise at all.  We all knew of different shops all across Canada, from Baddeck, Nova Scotia to  Duncan, British Columbia and every where in between!  It's is scary that Bob knows the lingo of us fibre junkies.  Yes, very scary.  And, yes, I did leave with a decadent skein of hand dyed emerald green wool from Gabriola Island, B.C.

Next, on the agenda: The theatre in the afternoon.  At least, it will keep us awake.
"Two tickets for "Island Soul Choir" please.  We were in for a treat.  Afternoon concert featuring Vancouver Island's "Soul Patrol" (Soul, R & B), "Triva", (Acapella trio) and "Island Soul Choir" an African, Gospel choir that shook the walls of the Port Theatre.  This is what Naniamo is about.  The culture, live local talent, coffee shops and food.

Next stop is the Bastion, an eight sided fort  protecting the coal mining town of Naniamo.  Standing guard since 1853 over the city built by the Hudson's Bay company, the only original fort still standing in North America. 

To Bob's surprise, that small slice of raw vegan pizza still kept his belly satisfied for most of the day.  I'm now getting hungry.  Yes, it is almost 5:00 p.m. and time for a cold beer.  What a better place than Asteras Taverna, an authentic Greek restaurant, complete with a cold glass of Mythos Beer, red wine and fresh baked pita bread with Tzatziki.
A complete day it was.  At least, today, we didn't misplace the car!

Tomorrow, we depart and head even more westward toward the Pacific ocean to the coastal town of Tofino.

Beauty from Above



 

 

Canadian Rockies from above

I could only imagine what Chris Hadfield experience when he view our planet from above.  I don't often sit, let alone look out the window of an aircraft. Today, I gazed in amazement on the beauty below.

It was an early morning waking up at 3:45 am in Thunder Bay. We arrived in Vancouver at 8:00 am Pacific Time (a three hour time difference)  We felt like we were chasing the sun. 


Lion's Gate Bridge

Add caption

It was misty, "Vancouver sunshine" as we visited Stanley Park.  We were so excited to see the colour green everywhere!  Terrace Bay has just begun to bloom, so we were treated to saturated greens, pinks, and hues of the rainbow within the park.



The totem poles were majestic and stood tall beside the trees.

We then boarded the Ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island.  After parking the rental car we walked up and wandered to the sun deck and admired the views as we approached the island.  The swaying of the ship had tranquilized me into a sleep, as I stretched out on the bench in the sunshine.
Once docked we had to return to our vehicles.  Except....we kind of lost our car in the row upon row of vehicles on level 4 of the ship. OOPS!  We did finally find it, as all the other cars had departed.  It was only a matter of time and embarrassment.  Oh well.....we won't do that again!

We  sheepishly drive off the ferry and arrive at our destination.  Nanaimo, called the 'Harbour City"  a small town. One of many small towns we will be visiting.  And of course, the mystery of the Naniamo Bar:
Some legends trace its roots to Nanaimo's coal mining days when families of miners sent care packages that often included rich custard treats. Other accounts say Dutch settlers brought the recipe over in the early 1900's.  Local historian figure the Nanaimo Bar was most likely inspired by a recipe in a 1952 Woman's Auxiliary to te Nanaimo Hospital Cookbook.  
Tomorrow, will be hiking the Nanaimo Bar Trail.  Yes, it exsists.  A trail of sweet shops where you can sample traditional, deep fried, Nanaimo Bar ice cream, and espresso bars!

We just returned from dinner, and cannot even fathom eating the delectable treat as our bellies are full, and the body clock is scrambled. 

It has been a long day travelling, so a good sleep, ocean air and Pacific time zone weighing heavy on our eyes, so by tomorrow, we will be ready to explore with both eyes open.  The Goal:  Desert!

Naniamo Harbour

THE ULTIMATE NANAIMO BAR RECIPE

Bottom layer:
1/2 cup butter
5 tbsp. cocoa
1/4 cup sugar
1 egg beaten
1 3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup finely chopped almonds
1 cup coco nut
Melt first three ingredients in top of a double boiler. Add egg and stir to cook and thicken. Remove from heat and stir remaining ingredients.  Press firmly into an ungreased 8 x 8 pan.

Middle layer:
1/2 cup butter
2 tbsp. + 2 tsp cream
2 tbsp. vanilla custard powder
2 cups icing sugar
Cream butter, cream, custard powder and icing sugar together.  Beat until light. spread over bottom layer.

Top layer:
4 squares semi sweet chocolate
2 tbsp. butter
Melt chocolate and butter over low heat. Cool. When cool, but still liquid, pour over second layer and chill in fridge.



From the Legend of the Sleeping Giant to the Legend of the Inukshuk

After our first winter in Terrace Bay with multiple trips to Thunder Bay (The land of the Sleeping Giant) for medical appointments, we will be travelling west to the land of the Inukshuk; Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Finally, a trip of pleasure and not necessity.

Our 14th wedding anniversary and our Mother,

Margaret Meharg's birthday. Unfortunately, she had passed away a few weeks ago, after a long and adventurous life filled with love and happiness. Mom would have been 90 years old.  A toast with a cold beer on May 28th , just as mom would have it.

So, another trip to Thunder Bay as our trip west will begin on Friday with an early flight 5:40 am on Saturday morning.  We will hope to meet our good friends in as we have on previous trip to "T Bay" enjoying a 4 hour dinner at the Prince Arthur Hotel, or at Vanderwees Garden Centre for a delicious lunch!  Maybe Naxo's for a traditional Greek meal.



Thunder Bay Harbour



Spring has been slow to arrive in Terrace Bay, as "Old man Winter" dug his heels in the frozen ground a little too long.  We will miss the trees budding as we will be on Vancouver Island where the flowers are in full bloom and the grass is green, amongst the Luxurious Wilderness of Tofino and Ucluelet of Vancouver's west coast.

Bob has set the intinery for our anniversary adventure.  Naniamo, Tofino, Ucuelet, Victoria and the big city of Vancouver.  Yes, another drop in the bucket of  lifetime adventures. 

Standing on the shores of Thunder Bay at the head of the great Lake Superior, one can perceive on looking out across the waters, a great land formation situated directly in the mouth of the Bay.

On an island just outside Thunder Bay, now known as Isle Royale, once lived a great tribe of Ojibwa Natives. Nanabijou, the Spirit of the Deep Sea, decided to reward them. One day he called their Chief to his Great Thunder Temple on the mountain and warned him that if he told the secret of their rich and abundant life to the traders, that he would be turned to stone and the Ojibwa tribe would perish.

The Great Spirit told Nanabijou to go to the highest point on Thunder Cape, and he would find the entrance to a tunnel that would lead him to the centre of a rich silver mine.  The Ojibwa people found the mine and became famous for their beautiful silver ornament. So beautiful that the Sioux warriors saw the ornaments on their wounded enemies, strove to steel their secret from them without success.

The Sioux summoned their most cunning scout to a pow-wow and a plan was formed.  The scout entered the Ojibwa camp disguised as one of them. In a few days he learned the secret of the island of silver. Going to the mine at night he took several large pieces of silver to prove to his chief that he had fulfilled his mission. The scout never returned to his camp as he stopped at a trader's post. He  had no money to purchase food, but used a piece of silver.

    

Upon seeing such a large piece of this beautiful metal, the two traders pressed to find the whereabouts of its source so they could become wealthy. They persuaded him to show them the mine.  When almost in sight of "Silver Islet" a horrible storm broke over the Cape.  The traders were drowned and the Native was found in a crazed condition floating aimlessly in his canoe. An extraordinary thing happened during the storm where there once was a wide opening to the bay, now lay what appeared to be a great sleeping figure of a man arms folded across his massive chest. 

The great Spirit's warning had been fulfilled and he had been turned to stone.  On a little island at the foot of the Sleeping Giant, can still be seen the partly submerged shafts of what was once the richest silver mine in the Northwest.  Traders tried again and again to pump out the water that keeps flooding it from Lake Superior, but without success.  Is it still under the curse of Nanabijou, Spirit of the Deep Sea Water?

Who can tell?

As for the legend of the Inukshuk...

We will travel west to the land of Canada's tallest waterfall, ancient cedars, and rich aboriginal history.  Along with a touch of Old World style and plenty of excitement.  Vancouver Island stretches 460 kms north to south off the west coast of British Columbia. We hope to experience the spring migration of more than 20,000 grey whales of Pacific Rim National Park, sleep on Chesterman Beach spotting seals and eagles, hike the centuries old rainforest.

A Superior Inukshuk



and of course... hang out at some of the jazz bars in Naniamo, the home of Diane Krall, our favorite Jazz artist. 

The Mystery awaits................

Dreams do come true

A healthy Bob and myself hiking the Casques Isles Trail

"What are you doing here?"  Asked Dr. Czlopinski, Bob's Cardiologist.  "We don't see healthy people in this office!"  he stated with a smile.  "Your heart is better than ever!"  as he read the report from the Cardiac surgeon, which stated: "

Dr. Lamy, a member of the Hamilton General Hospital cardiac surgical team evaluated Bob's progress and in a letter to Dr. Czlopinski stated he was in great shape, recoverd very well and was on his way to a healthy and lengthy life. Good News.  Dr. Lamy also recommended Bob not to shovel snow.


I am winning the battle of the snow!!



 "In fact" he said: "Women are more suited to shovelling snow than men"  He then looked at me and smiled.  Yeah right!!!!

And yes, I am shovelling the snow in the driveway, the wood pile and today, shovelling to dig out the shovel!

So, life is good in the Northwest.  Since all restrictions have been lifted for Bob, we have been hiking and snowshoeing the trails.  Uphill both ways.  That is why the town is appropriately named Terrace Bay. Since we can't ski the trees this season, hiking amongst them is almost as good, except a bit slower.  Yes, there are snowshoe rabbits here as well, and big ones.  I wouldn't mind one in the oven roasting with a hint of fresh rosemary and marinated in red wine.

We have been hiking the Casques Isles trail. The total distance from Rossport to Terrace Bay is 53 km.  We have begun to explore the shores of Superior in segments.  Trails hug the beautiful and magnificent coastline of Lake Superior.  So far, we have hiked from Augosaban Falls to Danny's Cove and Lyda's Bay.  Beautiful!!!

Lyda's Bay



Casques Isles Trail



The weekend brought approx. 1 foot of fresh snow.   The temperature was 0 - +2 degrees....time to play outside.  But, not until the snow is shovelled....again.   In Southern Ontario, they call this stuff  "Heart Attack snow"  I call it wet cement, or back in ski school it is called "Elephant Snot"  Yep,  heavy and no where to pile it!  O.K. now that chore is done, now the wood pile....again....  I had to get the shovel from the front to dig out the shovel in the back, as it is now buried in amongst the wood pile.  Yes, I did leave the shovel standing up, and no, you can't see the picnic table either, as it is also buried.



Aguasobon Falls


Back to

snowshoeing.....

We began this day's trek at Aguasobon Falls as the goal was to reach Hydro Bay (6km along the shore of Lake Superior) and back.  Well, the snow moist, sticky and heavy:  Cannonball shaped death cookies had begun to form under the crampons on our snowshoes.  And they weighed the equivalent to cannonballs.  Of course, it IS uphill both ways. 



Danny's Bay

 

We managed to snowshoe to Danny's Cove and back. Two hours later, our legs felt like we had skied moguls all day.  We will save Hydro Bay for the spring.



Knitting:  Yes my addiction.  Ski withdrawal = knitting, knitting and more knitting. (spinning too)  I finally completed Bob's sweater.  3 months to spin the wool and here it is.  The Irish knit pattern is my special gift for Bob.  The Celtic knot: for Bob's Irish heritage. The Ensign's braid: In memory of his father George who served in the Navy. The X's and O's: For my love for him. 



A fitting sweater for a handsome man



Now that the day is coming to an end, we think and wait.  Spring in not just around the corner as it is in the South. 

Here, in the North West, spring arrives when the bears wake up...



Every day is a gift



Stompin Tom Connors passed away 6 March at the age of 77.  God rest his soul

Stompin' Tom Connors: A Real Canadian Girl

She loves the way it feels, driving snowmobiles
And laughing at her dates when they don't know how to skate
She knows her hockey games and the players of the world
She's an all Acandian, northern lady
An Real Canadian Girl

She's from the Miramichi by the old Atlantic Sea
But like the rolling tides she travels far and wide
So fond of the great outdoors with a glowing heart a twirl
She's an all Acandian, northern lady
An Real Canadian Girl

She's a real Canadian Girl, a real Canadian Girl
She's an all Acandian, northern lady
An real Canadian Girl

She'll brave the Yukon nights and dance to the northern lights
Then she's off to ski in the mountains of BC
In the summer she'll play ball
In the winter time she'll curl
She's an all Acandian, northern lady
An Real Canadian Girl
[ Lyrics from
From the river of Saint John to the old Saskatchewan
Up along the Caribou she'll paddle her canoe
She loves the bears and birds and every little squirrel
She's an all Acandian, northern lady
An Real Canadian Girl

She's a Real Canadian Girl, a real Canadian Girl
She's an all Acandian, northern lady
An a Real Canadian Girl

Now when you see her play she'll take yer breath away
Bathing in the sun or swimming just for fun
And if some lucky guy should land this precious pearl
She's an all Acandian, northern lady
An a Real Canadian Girl

She loves the way it feels driving snowmobiles
And laughing at her dates when they don't know how to skate
She knows her hockey games and the players of the world
She's an all Acandian, northern lady
An a Real Canadian Girl

She's a real Canadian Girl, a real Canadian Girl
She's an all Acandian, northern lady
An a Real Canadian Girl

• "The Snowmobile Song"

It's Wintertime and the weather's fineThe snow on the woods and fields when I reveal... my snowmobileThrill by thrill by golly n' hill

Baby it'll make ya feel like an outdoor meal...On a snowmobile

Listen to the sound when the belts go round 'When the winter carnival's here...
And oh what fun at the crack of the gun
When the whole gang disappears...

The race is on from the bush to the pond
And back where the judge's feel you've won their seal...For the snowmobileYou've won their seal... for the snowmobile

Where skier's ski, and skater's be and snowshoes lend appeal
Like a boogie wheel,... On a snowmobile

We tip the glass to the northern lass for she won't let ya kneelShe'd rather squeal -...on a snowmobile-up-

You're off to the town where the word goes roundIt's winter carnival timeIn goggles, boots, and a snow proof suit Your sweethearts on your mind
Ya win the race and you see her face and you know that she must feel
You've got a real... good snowmobile-

Now down the street U can hear the beat & the clickin' of the dancer's heel
When the fiddler's peel... off a ragtime reel
You dance and tear with an "I don't care

On the way back home you'll wheel-over hill and field -On a snowmobileup-
Through the golden glow on powdered snow

When the moon comes rolling along

On a homeward trail

U can hear the wail of the whole gang singing a song..

If tomorrow's clear with fishin' gear

We'll head for a lake trout meal

With a rod and a reel-and a snowmobile

Life can be real with a snowmobile

There ain't no deal like a snowmobile