The rest of the Canada trip

Somehow I haven't got back to my blog lately.
On Monday 14 I bikes down to the coast and along Dallas Road, up Foul Bay road and on to Carnarvon park where is there is nice water park. I met everyone else here and had lunch before I continued biking. On my way back I visited Craigdarroch Castle. Amazing woodwork and obvious cost a lot - but then men died in the coal mines to earn the money that built it.
On Tuesday I also got out on a bike ride. This time I went downtown after meeting everyone at a children's bookshop! I rode through town to the Galloping Goose Cycle way. I road only a short section but it meant I saw some of the Gorge area.

On Wednesday after we got pack up after Ruth and the boys went to Imax in the morning. We left about 3pm and had tea in Nanaimo before driving on the Sproat Lake Camp site - called Lakeshore. We were as far from the view of the lake as possible. However it was a good base for the outings we had each day.

Thursday 17 was Christopher's birthday and the highlight of the day ( and the trip -other than being with Madeline) was going on the train from Port Alberni to McLean Mill National Historic Site. Because the camp site was less than attractive we cook and ate our meal in a park by a very pleasant stream. A highlight for the two older boys - playing Huckleberry Finn type games in the stream.

The following day we drove to Tofino - rather chilly at first and we had to buy some sweater. However it warmed up by lunch and we had a great day including tea on Long Beach. The trip the following day down forestry roads towards Bamfield turned out to be an adventure. before that though we stopped and saw the Martin Mars flying boats. We then had a really interesting drive down the Alberni Inlet, seeing a log collecting area on the inlet and having lunch in the forest while Murray and Richard removed a small log from the road. Unfortunately Christine and Richards car has a very vulnerable sump - and we hit a rock. We had a long slow tow back - bu we saw a bear. At lunch time the boys especially Charles had collected lots of wood and so we had a good fire and cook marshmallows in the evening.

The camp site itself was not that great but the swimming area on the lake was great for the kids and each morning the children and I had a swim and play - and especially on the last day while the other adults packed up.

The trip was coming to an end. On Monday we did some jobs to help Christine and Richard. Madeline and I went out for a tea party and we later went a played in Beacon Hill Park.

All good things must end and son on 22nd we caught the float plane to Vancouver to begin the long haul home. All went smoothly - the most hassle was in Auckland and the most interesting landing was - yes... Wellington "smack in the teeth of a southerly gale."

Weekend in Victoria

Saturday

A different configuration of children were unwell, so I went out alone. Walked around downtown seeing the sights including China town and Market Square. I then asked where the transit buses left from and caught a bus to Butchart Gardens. About a half hour ride - rolling country with a good view of the Olympic Mountains including Mt Baker. Enjoyed the walk around the garden though it was very hot. It was interesting to see how an old quarry had formed the centre of the garden. I then took a boat ride in Todd Inlet and Brentwood Bay - restful and cooler. Managed to just miss a bus - they of course were coming on the hour. Back to town had a look at a book sale but resisted any temptation.

Sunday.

Got the troops organised and went down to the harbour to see the Victoria Harbour ferries do their ballet to the Blue Danube.. We then took an outer harbour cruise.

We walked back home and then Ruth took Christopher for a walk ( sleep) and did some shopping. Richard, Liam, Charles, Madeline and I went to Mt Douglas. Drove up and boys and I went to the very top because Madeline was asleep. We then played on the play ground and went down to the sea.

Victoria - First 2 days. (Thursday and Friday)

On Wednesday evening after tea Richard took the boys to fly the kite down at the coast ( at the end of the street) Could see the Olympus Mountains USA. Christine, Ruth, Madeline, Christopher and Izabel arrived and we go everyone to bed. Thursday we set to with washing and sorting. Charles made a zip-line withe K'nex (there was a zip-line on Grouse Mountain) and Liam, Charles and I set up a line outside and got it going. The day then went down hill with Liam and then Christopher throwing up. Ruth and Christine and Izabel went to the supermarket leaving me to cope! Christopher was OK at this point. He and then Madeline went to sleep and Liam also slept. Charles was really good and entertained himself with activities. After tea Charles, Madeline and I went for a walk to Beacon Hill Park. Played on the playground and trees and then walked to the Look-out Point.

On Friday eveyone seemed much better and after the chores Liam, Charles, Madeline and I went back to the Park and went to the petting farm. Children enjoyed stroking the goats - lots of small ones. We then went to the water play area. Christine, Ruth and Madeline, Christopher and Izabel came with lunch and a change of clothes. We then went for a walk along the water front. Saw some of the land marks - totem poles, Legislative Building, seaplanes taking off, little harbour ferries, house boats at Fisherman's Wharf - saw two seals. Walked back. After tea Ruth, Liam, Charles, Madeline and Christopher and I went down to the water front and had a ride on a horse and carriage.

Vancouver

We were delighted to fly away from the cold wet of Wellington. I hope I left most things organised for next term -otherwise that it is on a list! We all coped well on the long flights and with the stop over in San Francisco. I had novice elderly travellors- tip make sure you know your name before travelling, don't hassle you neighbour about how to use the inflight! Arrived at Great Western Capilano Inn at about 11pm. Christine had arrived a little before us - all children asleep and we got Charles and Christopher settled and oursleves.

Monday-Capilano Suspension Bridge

After breakfast we initially set off to walk but on realising we were going the wrong way we divided up and Christine ferried us up to the Bridge entrance. It was lunch by now so after refuelling the troops we crossed the bridge - a long way down! The tree walk was really good and the children enjoyed answering questions for an eco badge aand collecting stamps for a certificate.

We put our morning walk to good use and returned to a Greek Tavena for a meal - thought of Angela and Abby in Greece.

Tuesday - Stanley Park

A great day for the children. A train ride and play ground - Christopher's favourites. Then an amazing aquarium- maybe the adult's favourite but enjoyed by all. We then took the free park shuttle and road to the totems. I feel sure Mum and Dad visited this park. I must check out the photos when I get home. We re-caught the shuttle and got off near the fish and chip concession and the water play feature. After food the children had a great time playing in the water. Christine went for the car and took me and the children back and then went for Ruth.

Wednesday- Grouse Mountain

We followed the ferrying method and got the whole team up to the gondola ride to Grouse Mountain. Great views as we went up. Once at the top after refuelling everyone - with a great view over Vancouver. We walked up a track - the kids enjoyed playing in old snow. The highlight was a lumber jack display - very well done -humorous as well as a good display of skills. The grizzly bears were awake (they had been asleep earlier) - OK at a distance but I am sure they are more impressive to see in a more natural habitat - though they had a large area up on the mountain. Took the gondola down. Liam, Charles and I caught a taxi to the seaplane terminal. The others went to the ferry terminal and took a boat. The seaplane was great with great views. and a thrill for the boys.