I enjoyed our time in Canada, and we’ve decided we’ll return to Vancouver Island at some future date to catch the places we missed. After Campbell River we traveled to Port Alberni where we stayed at a wonderful bed and breakfast called Cedar Wood Lodge.
Stamp Falls
Our hosts were originally from Utah but were very knowledgeable about their new home. They suggested we visit a local beauty spot called Stamp Falls Park. We heard the magic words salmon and swimming and off we went. Mr. Munro swam with the salmon and took a few photos, although they were hard to catch on film because they moved so fast. The water was too cold for me. I was content to watch the salmon leaping from the water and to soak in the scenery. The fish ladder that the salmon use to navigate the falls was fascinating and we watched their struggles for a long time.
Gabriele – if you’re reading this you’ll laugh because we had dinner at the Little Bavarian Restaurant. It’s very popular with the locals and the people at the B & B booked for us. We were lucky enough to get a cancellation and had a wonderful meal. It seems quite a few Bavarian people settled in British Columbia and Washington. The food was yummy and it was easy to see why it was so popular.
On the way to Victoria we stopped at Coombs to view the Goats on the Roof. There’s a wonderful food market here where you can buy all sorts of delicious treats. The roof of the building is covered with grass and several goats graze up there during the summer, much to the amusement of the tourists. The goats were shy when we were there but I did glimpse one.
We also visited a town where all the buildings are painted with murals depicting the history of the area. They have some very talented artists. And thanks to our B & B hosts, we stopped off at Cathedral Grove where they have some very large Douglas Fir which were over 300 feet high and very old.
Victoria is beautiful, albeit touristy. The harbor is pretty and the parliament buildings look like a castle. At night they are lit up with hundreds of lights.
We ended up going whale watching. I’ve been fascinated with orcas or killer whales since I wrote an orca shifter story a few years ago. We spent about an hour with a Transient group of orca. They’re the ones that eat seals, whales, birds and other animals rather than fish. They travel from place to place unlike the Resident orcas. This particular family group had a new calf – about two days old, according to the naturalist onboard. Because of this they moved at a slow pace and didn’t do any deep dives. We also saw lots of fur seals and seabirds. It was a fun outing and much more rewarding than the bears!!
At the moment we’re back in the USA at Crescent Lake in Olympic National Park. We’re staying at Log Cabin Lodge and our room looks over the lake and forest clad mountains. Before we went into dinner several deer were grazing in front of our room. It’s a real slice of heaven and you can bet the story ideas are popping. We walked into the main lodge after reading about the depth of the lake – over 600 feet in parts. I was muttering about the Loch Ness Monster and we sighted a painting and a small card about the local sighting of a strange monster in the lake. Obviously I’m not the only one with a vivid imagination!
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Isn’t it gorgeous out there? DH and I visited there two years ago and have pined to go back ever since. We’d even consider retiring there. If we can ever afford to retire.
You’ve really done a ton of travelling this vacation! I’ve loved following your explorations.
by Leah Braemel September 3rd, 2008 at 6:23 pmVancouver Island is one of the prettiest places on earth (imo) Haven’t been since my honeymoon 16 years ago — but will take the kids one day.
I’ve been lurking mostly, but just had to say thanks for sharing your holidays with us, Shelley!!
by Wylie Kinson September 3rd, 2008 at 9:20 pmLeah – we can be neighbors since Mr. Munro and I would like to retire there as well!!
Wylie – what a beautiful place to spend a honeymoon. It’s actually very green and pretty like NZ IMO
by Shelley Munro September 3rd, 2008 at 9:28 pmShelley, I love Vancouver. What a wonderful place to visit. I’m so glad that you got a chance to come on into Canada!
by J.K. Coi September 4th, 2008 at 4:58 amLOL! – all the Canadian bloggers are pleased as punch that you moved up to British Columbia for part of your epic trek! I’ve never been to the west coast but I definitely hope to, one day. It’s funny how groups of people like the Bavarians settled in a mountainous, forested area in their new home – the same, but different.
by julia September 4th, 2008 at 6:13 amBeautiful. I especially love the mural.
by LA Day September 4th, 2008 at 6:15 amI’m glad you’re enjoying Canada. B.C. is an absolute pearl, but if you ever come back to our Rocky Shores head on over to Banff and Alberta.
HECK come to Ontario, I’ll show you around. :)
by Amy Ruttan September 4th, 2008 at 7:31 amOh it all sounds lovely and I’m glad you are enjoying the trip. Soak up lots of new story ideas! :)
by Amy W. September 4th, 2008 at 8:01 amHugs,
-Amy
What a nice vacation! You took beautiful pictures. I wrote about my trip too. Great minds think alike.
by Brenda ND September 4th, 2008 at 1:27 pmVery nice photos and your experiences on Vancouver Island. I’ve never seen the Goat on the Roof before, but its an interesting draw for the place.
Thank you for sharing your trip experiences, Shelley. Watching salmon jump up the fish ladders can be very entertaining.
by Barbara Martin September 5th, 2008 at 7:39 pm