voted 'Best Asian Restuarant' in Anacortes

We thought it was right and proper to sample some other food in Anacortes last night instead of the hotel.
We first went across the road to see the menu at the door of the Brown Ale House... it didn't cater well for veggies.... then another restuaranht down the road a little... the same experience.
Eventually we saw the signs for a Thai restuarant ... we knew it was only Sunday when we were last experiencing a Thai in seattle, but it had a wide range of Veggie options. It seemed that these places had the monopoly on Tofu... so in we went.
Greeted by a young american waitress, she gave us a menu each and later presented a glass of iced water on the table. How important that later turned out to be.
We then ordered.... Caroline first... a tofu and brown rice dish and I had a chicken Masalan..
We then were asked to rate our spice requirements...(on a 1 - 5 scale) we though based on our previous experience, a meduim (3) would be ok... she looked at us and said that unless we wanted to feel our lips afterwards, a 2 would be a good start.
We accepted her suggestion and I ordered a Mac & Jacks whih I saw on offer at $4.50 per pint.
This was initially delivered to the wrong table by a Thai lady, dressed in basic jogging outfit, who smiled apologetically as she had her mistake corrected. But then went off to tell the american girl.."you told me table 4"
The meals were soon delivered and we embarked on our feast.
Caroline was soon reaching for tissues as the spices were starting to make her nose run. soon after mine was also... as the girl came back to top up our iced water. After about 10 minutes I was making little impression on my bowl, and realised that I already had a blister on the roof of my mouth. The spices had anaethetised my mouth and hadn't realised the effect that the heat of the dish was having on my mouth. I aksed for a second Mac & Jacks.
It had me beat after about 20 minutes of gently sifting through the rice and pieces of chicken, peppers and butternut squash.
We surrendered our plates and sought some relief in Mango flavoured ice cream. Caroline just had some mango.
we settled our bill, and walked out noticing that the restaurant had been voted 'best asian restuarant' in Anacortes...
I was uncertain about any other Asian places to eat in Anacortes... but never mind... it got our votes anyway..

A Whale of a Time

This one was an especially good day that was off the scale for many reasons.
We woke to a thick fog across the bay the the islands off Anacortes. Even though the forecats was saying sunny, it wasn't looking promising, even as we walked down the road to check in after having our breakfast at the hotel.
We were greeted by Mike (captain), Bart (the photographer and marine expert) and Tyson the junior deck hand). We were introduced to the safety aspects of the trip and a general overview of what the day would comprise of.
We set off with still a fair amount of overcast mist, but with the confidence of Mike at the wheel, we were assured of a good weathered day.
He was right... about an hour or so into the trip and there was a first sighting of a Minkie whale... the overcast mist was burning off as he marked the sighting on his GPS as he was getting word that there were Orca whales ahead. We motored on for another half hour.
True enough, the Orca whale performed right on the mark, and kept the crowd amused. Engines cut, we rode the roll of the waves to an eerie silence all but the commentary from Mike or Bart, who were able to identify each of the whales and what activity they were engaged in.
We drifted for what seemed like half hour, and persued a few others that were being seen a bit further.
Frantic rapid fire cameras were in good use (including my own) and we managed to get some video footage also.
There was other wild-life to see, but the main excitement was focussed on the whales. Seals and other birds were seen on our way back after about 4 hours, and we delayed our return on several occassions just to make sure everyone was feeling they had their monies worth.
We docked at 5.30... 6 hours that passed so quickly in the calm of the sea and not a cloud in the sky. Perfect sightings, and ideal weather couldn't have bettered the trip

Trip to Anacortes

We got up this morning and took a stroll around the nearby Unversity Village, which was a well occupied shopping centre. The attraction for some retail therapy was required but again well managed.
The last remaining family group met for a final coffee and bid our farewells, knowing that there was a commitment to our renewed friendship would be subscribed wholeheartedly to.
An emotional drive away, realising that we were starting our final leg of the trip towards Vancouver.
But not before a stay at Anacortes and a Whale watching trip tomorrow.
The drive took us (as recommended) through Skagit county and the scenery once again changed. we observed migrant farm workers harvesting potatoes and squashes. The clouds began to disappear and as we drove into Anacortes, there was hardly a cloud in the sky.
We're now staying at the Majestic Inn & spa, where the Manager greeted me with a smile and an apology for not having his Harveys, Lewes rugby shirt on... I was fortunate in having mine on, and we hit it off straight away. He had fond memories of his trips to England, and even knew about my home town, Westbury...
"where the white horse and the big chimney is?"... what were the chances of that happening. He said some of his screensaver pictures are of scenes around the west country in UK.
Well, that was a good start, and already Caroline has booked herself in for a sweedish massage before we leave on Thursday.
We're taking a rest now, but will report back with a few photos later.

moving on from Seattle

well.... yesterday took a steady pace, at least for a Monday.
Those remaining family members still hanging out in Seattle met up at the hotel and had a take-out pizza, and then driven out to the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks a complex of locks that sit in the middle of Salmon Bay, part of Seattle's Lake Washington Ship Canal. They had installed a fish ladder to enable the salmon to get upstream, and made an observation area to see this in operation. We then went to sit out on Seaview avenue NW and watch the sun settle until around 6.15. whilst Caroline and Emily walked along the shore line.
whilst there, sitting in conversation on the benches, we observed a naked man walking along the path. Heads turned and some people were rather startled by the activity, however we took it in our stride (in fact Caroline only got the rear view as did Emily)and politely denied the invitation to call the Police!!.. apparently such activity is an offence. As we left we saw a Police car heading to the area... probably in search of a trail of clothes to track him down.
We were driven back through Washington Park Arboretum and then to Aunt Marianne's apartment, to take in the views across Lake Washington. Bill Gates lived on the other side of the Lake, and the Owner of Starbucks lived only a few doors away. We were on our best behaviour... we finished off the evening with a Thai take out and a beer, whilst others finished their evening with a Baileys cream!...
It was time to get back to the hotel and reflect on an amazing few days and regret our premature return... the visit here had been something either of us were expecting.

More than Seattle

It was breakfast by the pool today.... it was an indoors pool.. and raining outside.
Caroline and I cornered ourselves and watched as people qued to make their own waffles. some were overfilling the iron, but the aroma was good, but thought it wise not to try working it myself.
The crowds kept coming in and we maintained our table in the hope that other family members would be down to fetch a tray full of food and join us.
Cousins Lesley and Tim and his daughter joined us as we managed to connect with skype to Caroline's parents so that they could all chat and introduce themselves.
The wonders of modern technology left us needing another coffee, before we decided to go back to our room and continue our trans-world communication. we abducted another family member in the lobby, Bill, who also came and spoke with UK via Skype.
we spent another hour or so making all sorts of connections and sharing photos, before we headed out to the famous 'Pike Place Market' where it seems that all of seattlites were making their weekly pilgramage and seek out local produce.. fish, flowers, fruit and veg... whilst others browsed the many stalls selling arts and craft products.
In fact, it wasn't where all the residents were, as there was a big game 'American Football' going on at the nearby stadium. we could see the stands full of people from the area at the rear of the market, overlooking the bay.
We sat and watched the seattle vibe that was very unique to this place.

It was time for a little lunch, so we all went to a nearby bar/restuarant, and re-charged our batteries as I ate my burger in the traditional english way... with a knife and fork.. to the amusement of all around the table!!

Back to the hotel and time for a little rest now... I think there's more plans for later.. and still tomorrow to further explore some more of Seattle.

Settled in Seattle

If you'd have suggested a year ago that I'd be driving down Interstate 5 into Seattle to meet up with Caroline's Aunt and cousins, then I would have laughed you out of the room....
The main excitement was crossing the border into USA. We found our way easy enough to Sumas, which is half in British Columbia and half in Washington.
We were in line and drove forward to hand over our passports.
"Where you going?"
"Seattle for 3 days sir, then to Anacortes, returning to Vancouver for a flight back to UK next Sunday"
Nothing more was spoken for a few minutes, he then handed me a piece of orange paper and pointed to some examination bays. "you'll get your passports back over there"
So we drove as directed where another Border Officer directed us to leave the keys in the car, leave bags, mobiles and everything and go over to an office and see a third Border Officer, who asked a series of questions about our reason for entering USA and where and when we flew into North America.
He started to look like he wished he hadn't asked, as Caroline went through our schedule... He was relatively good humoured about the process and smiled when we told him that Caroline was a psychiatric nurse and I was retired.. "Really?"
We then had our finger prints recorded and photos taken. We even joked about my inability to follow his instructions.. "probably because you're retired"
After all the formalities were completed, passports returned, we returned to see if our car had been stripped due to the sniffer dogs being attracted to warm cheese...
"which car is yours?"
"the grey one here"
"OK, stand over here both of you.... don't worry, I won't bite"
I hand him the orange piece of paper...
"OK...".. he gave a wry smile.. "on your way"
We jumped in the car and strapped our belts up and headed down the rest of the main street on Sumas... decked with Stars & Stripes and not a sign of anybody... was it a ghost town?
I continued driving, and adapted ourself to different driving conditions. The speed limit in miles per hour, the road sign distances in miles and the price of GAS was per gallon. It seemed like we had stepped into the Imperial States of America.
And what was even more strange... after less than 30 minutes of being in the USA we had gone through 3 'roundabouts'.. and people said that they didn't do that in the States??
The sun kept shining and the the air con was being well used in the car.
We got onto Interstate 5 and headed south. The traffic density increased to fill more and more lanes.
We follow some instructions and the Sat Nav also confirmed our direction...
The Silver Cloud Inn.
We checked in, showered and got the shorts on.... seems like summer is here again today.

Long drive and time zone change

Met a couple last night from Liverpool in a "Ye Olde Irish Pub" that sold Guiness and a good plate of Flannigans Liver & Onions and fish and chips for Caroline. The place was popular as we had to wait for a table... it was interesting to compare other people's adventures and experiences.
We returned to get an early nights sleep as this morning we would be driving for around 6 hours across from Banff to Kamloops.
The scenery changed as we headed west and saw the mountains slowly fade into the distance. Caroline took over driving after around 90 minutes and got used to the automatic car. A few smart accelerations left be buried into the seat, and felt like it would have been to be in the car from 'Back to the Future'.
However, soon after, we saw signs saying that we had crossed the time zone and we would need to turn our clocks back... so her driving worked after all. and now 8 hours behind GMT in UK.

another stop and I took over the driving. The rain, that had started earlier, eased only for 20 minutes before more heavy rain kept the wipers well occupied.
we arrived in Kamloops and checked into the hotel. We have just been out to explore the local restuarants and stock up with some snack food in preparation for our drive to Seattle tomorrow.

a little running water

A Day around Banff

So breakfast at the Blue Mountain Lodge went down a treat and with the sun still shining, we headed off in search of as many touristy sights as we could manage in the next 6 hours (or so!)...
First stop was the Gondola ride to the top of Mount Sulphar. Once at the top we got 360 views of all the surrounding mountains. There was a very icy walkway across to the actual summit, where apparently somebody used to live until he died... don't think it was from vertigo.
Back down the cable car.. sorry Gondola (no cornetto for sale). we headed off to view another large lake, two jacks lake and cascade pond then to Bow Falls and finally a drive through the local golf course, where we saw a group of Moose posing for any cameras that wanted to be pointed in their direction.
The amazing thing about the golf course was that nobody seemed to walk. They all had little buggys and not only that there were other buggys that had drinks and sweets on them for the golfers to purchase as they went from tee to tee. It seemed like there was a drive thru culture evolving here?
We've returned to the lodgings as the sun has now disappeared and perhaps a chance of a shower later. Interesting observation is that most young teenagers are using skateboards as their favourde mode of transport... and they rumble passed our bedroom window with frequent occurrence.
It will be time to move on tomorrow morning and head to Kamloops via Lake Louise.

Jasper to Banff

It was time to move out of Jasper, but not until we had picked up our rental car. We got to the station at Jasper and started to go through all the paperwork and be allocated our car. The girl went through the process fairly easily and she informed me that they were upgrading our car to a Hyunda Senata.... with just under 10,000 miles on the clock. We went to check it out in the car park, and it fully met with our approval. We went back to the hotel and picked up our cases and headed to the tourist information office to purchase a Jasper National Park permit, which I hadn't realised we needed. A few provisions from the store to have a picnic and we set off towards Banff.
A drive which as you will see from the photos was beyond any possible description. We drove some 200km and never tired of the views, which constantly changed as we reached Banff.
Caroline still keen to spot bears, we stopped for a picnic. I soon noticed that there were claw marks on the tree next to the picnic table, so I thought best to abandon as soon as possible the second course!!
The radio information was also updating listeners about the conditions of the trails and that groups should comprise of at least 4 in certain areas.
We checked into the Blue Mountain Lodge just after 5pm and have just returned from a very enjoyable meal at the Spaghetti Factory.
A few ideas are being hatched for tomorrow, so watch this space.

Arriving in Jasper

Nothing could have prepared me for the final part of our train journey.
We were running a little late (about an hour) from Edmonton, where several of our new friends were getting off.
We re-joined the train after they added another panorama coach and we headed off to Jasper.
The views became increasingly impressive and the announcements gave additional land-marks to view. We spent a fair amount of the journey riding in the sky car which gave 360 views above the coaches.
We reached a place called Hinton where there was evidence of snow fall on cars. We then left after a 20 minute or so stop whilst paramedics attended to a medical problem on the train (which was an ongoing problem that had caused a delay in the night), and descended through even more scenic landscapes. There were a group of Portugese who were becoming more and more excited at the scenery, but when we were suddenly confronted with towering mountains in front of us, the camera clicking and gasps of amazement drowned out the next announcements about us entering Jasper National Park in approx. 1 mile.
It as truely impressive sight, with the sunshine, blue sky nd snow covered ridges making the profile of each mountain even more prominent. Admittedly my camcorder was doing its job for most of it, and will await careful editing to avoid the deafening Portugese party being too distractng.
We disembarked the train and collected our bag and headed off to find our hotel for the night.
We've since explored a little more and even had a try out in the hotel's pool, sauna and steam room.... just what we needed after nearly 3 days on the train.

a few more pictures of the train ride

more catch up information

Sunday 19th September
It was an interesting wake up call this morning. Some heavy shunting movements give me the feeling that we should be awake. However checked my watch and found that it was coming up for 6am. Then raising the window shutter, it was clear that we were in sidings in the region of Capreol, waiting for another mile long freight train to pass by.
It was to become the theme of the day. That, and the endless views of forests, lakes and hundreds of telegraph poles that were in desperate need of repair as they sunk into the swamplands. It wasn’t the day to play ‘I Spy’.
We had breakfast whilst the staff folded away our beds and left 2 chairs in our room.
The views were magnificent and seemed to capture some true sense of space and wonderment that was typically Canada.
During the course of the day, staff were providing look-out calls for Moose and Bears… however we were to find their alerts were to be less than reliable.
Our meals, (breakfast, lunch and dinner) were all excellent and company varied at all of them, as we were randomly matched up with others who were travelling in sleeper class
We stopped for a 25min break at Hornpayne and were allowed to get off for a short walk and remind ourselves of what fresh air was.
People travelling home to Edmonton, Vancouver and another person from Poland. One couple celebrating their 58th Wedding Anniversary kept us entertained for dinner.
But the scenery started to register the enormity of the country and the expanse of land.
Whilst at our final meal, the Via Canada staff had been into our rooms and unfolded our beds again, ready for our next night of slumber.

Monday 20th September
We had been informed the previous evening the plans for this mornings stop in Winnipeg.
It was a planned 4 hour stop, so that once we had breakfast we were free to explore the city of Winnipeg. And at last a chance to get a mobile signal and check al was well at home.
The train arrived ahead of schedule, however the first come first served breakfast became under pressure for a while, but the log-jam soon cleared.
We packed items away and loaded back-pack with camera etc. and set off in search of what Winnipeg is famous for.

will attach some photos shortly

catch up after no wi-fi period

We’ve had some time away from wi-fi, so this is a catch up since the last upload…..
Saturday 18th September
We had a great night’s sleep in a very luxurious hotel and woke on Saturday, considering the options on our list. We checked emails and found that Caroline's Aunt Diane had responded to a request from Caroline to see if she knew where her Grandmother was buried. we got some rough idea, then after a short bit of internet research we had contacted the Park Lawn Cemetery on the west side of Toronto. The person asked that they closed at 12.00 midday, and gave us the plot number and area. We checked out of the hotel and made our way to the subway and arrived in good time. Unfortunately the area designated was the oldest and many plots were sporadically marked. We weren’t expecting to see a named stone as we had with Caroline’s grandfather the day before, but after half an hour of looking, we decided that our search was similar to that of a needle in a haystack.
We made our way back into the centre and found ourselves attracted to viewing the Chinese Terracotta Warrior Exhibition at the Royal Ontario Museum.
We spent around 2 hours looking at both the special exhibition as well as other artefacts from around the world as well as a specific section on Canadian design, art etc.
It was becoming a bit tough on the feet, so we made our way back to the subway and got off at Osgoode to eat a burger for me and a strange tasting ‘veggie hot dog’ which didn’t fool Caroline as we thought that there was probably meat contained. She had to leave it, but concentrate on fries instead.
It was around 16.00 and thought we could head back to the hotel to collect our cases and then walk to the Union Station and sort our tickets out and check in our bags.
By around 17.30 we had dropped our bags off, and then considered which direction to go in order to get a meal. I think we went the wrong way, and whilst carrying 2 heavy backpacks, the feet were starting to feel considerably tested!
We eventually found a very nice restaurant back near the station, ‘Oliver & Bonacini’ Café Grill, (33 Yonge Street). We chatted to people on both neighbouring tables about our adventure who wished us well on our journey across Canada.

It was time to head back to the station and start soaking up the anticipation and excitement with other travellers who were congregating at the Station.
We boarded the train at 21.30 and the train left at 22.00 (right on time).
Soon after departure we were invited to a champagne welcome party in the lounge area. We went and spoke with several other passengers, one of whom had retired the day before and was doing a solo journey across Canada, to Vancouver island after doing a further train journey through the Rockies.

Time to get sorted in our cabin, which was not a place to swing a cat around in, but with a little practice, we managed to get settled down with ear plugs in place were gently rocked into slumber land, courtesy of several glasses of Champagne!

Toronto Night Life!

Its almost midnight here on Friday night, and whilst we've had a great time at the Banana Shpeel show, there seems like there's a whole load of fun being had 10 floors down from our hotel.
Time to get a double dose of ear-plugs strapped in and see if there's any sleep to be had, as I don't think I'll be going down to join them!!

Now in Toronto

We've taken a short train ride across from Oakville back into Toronto this morning.
We were entertained on the journey by a Canadian guy in his late 40's. He looked like a younger version of Seasick Steve and was going into town to sort his Solicitor out over some inheritance that he thought he was being swindled out of. He was interested in our journey and made good value entertaining conversation as we took the 40 minute ride back to Union Station.
Believe it or not, after yesterdays rather wet expedition to Niagara Falls, today has turned into a blue sky sunny day. we've just checked into our hotel for one night, and are planning to go to the Cemetry in Toronto where Caroline's Grandfather this afternoon. I know its not the usual tourist event, but we wanted to do some 'who do you think you are' work while we were here.
Then we'r off to a show this evening 'Banana shpeel'

transfer to Oakville for Visit to the Falls!!

Just like the schedule suggested, we set off from Oshawa on the 'GO TRAIN' which took us from Oshawa to Oakville. It involved a change of train in Toronto where we were met by Caroline's cousin Warren. With only a couple of minutes to spare, we found him (or he found us) and we boarded the waiting train and made our way across to Oakville.
Sun started to shine once arrived and were taken to the Lake (Ontario) for a distant view of Toronto.
The plans were then set for our trip the following day to get to Niagara Falls and see the sights.
The following morning we awoke to the sight of rain falling. The rain got worse as Warren drove around the Lake toward the Falls.
We were not to be distracted by the heavy rain fall. Equipped with as much wet weather kit as we could put on, we set off to soak up the sights...(literally).
After 30 minutes we were well and truely soaked and made our way to the ticket office to get to walk 'behind the falls'.
The sun only peeped through for a few seconds, before more rain fell.
Its now bags packed again this evening and we are heading into Toronto centre for an overnight stay at hotel and theatre, before heading out on our train ride to Jasper on the Via Canada.

Visiting Parkwood Estate

we've been out for a local visit to the Parkwood Estate where the once founder of Canada General Motors. He was definately Mr Gadget of the early 1900's and seemed to have every new invention. There was even one of the first automated ten pin bowling alleys installed in the recreation area, plus a pool. Parts of the house and grounds are often used feature films and documentaries.
We'll be heading off across to stay with another of Caroline's cousin tomorrow in Oakville. Just sorting out the train time options for getting across to the other side of Toronto.
and the sunshine keeps shining!!

The CN Tower, Toronto

It was up up and away...
It was time today for some amazing sights of Toronto and the surrounding area of Ontario. We were invited to go into the centre of Toronto and decided to take the elevator to the top... yes... to the top. But we couldn't stop for a meal at the restuarant... but we did walk on the glass floor.

Oshawa - prepare to be amazed

So the weekend came to an end as after a short walk around the country lanes near the lake, we were given the green light to advance our journey south towards Oshawa. I was offered the wheel of the Rav 4 and we set off for an hour drive to meet with Caroline's cousin, Laura and husband Roger (this could start getting confusing?) and their 2 children Eric and Liam. Whilst we had written instructions which Caroline's Aunt was clutching next to me, she was in competition with the Tom Tom sat nav which I wanted to test out. We took a few diversions and only got honked at once after a brief moment of indecision. Never mind... we arrived to the reception in Sun Valley Court and were greeted by the family.

After a drink and chat, it was announced that we were off to a festival..."a Rib Fest" were the exact words.. and one that would even keep Caroline entertained with a variety of Yams, veggy curry and sweetcorn. We walked to the lakeside park where the entire area had been taken over by a fairground and massive trucks that had all been touring around entering competitions. They had trophies on display, probably to attract the largest ques, which were clearly doing a good trade despite the fest being on over the entire weekend.
Our hosts introduced us to a variety of different flavoured ribs, and exchanged viewpoints with others as we sat at the tables and ate. Swilled down with a beer (which was an obligatory concenssion) we then walked along the lakeside for a while and headed back to their house. As we walked I noticed a sign... Oshawa 'prepare to be amazed' apparently it was the new underpinning motto for the town, which for a long time had been associated with the car industry, but due to recent decline it was time for a change.
What one might mark in the diary as the perfect end too the first perfect week.
And now its time to consider a list of things to do this week in and around Toronto.

weekend retreat

Weekend account
We travelled south west from Ottawa on Friday, heading for the cottage that Caroline’s grandfather had built on the southern shore of Lake Sturgeon.
We left a little after 10am and made it after a couple of stops at around 4pm. The stops gave both myself and Caroline an opportunity to share the driving with her Aunt. Once out of the city lanes, we were on straight open roads with a speed limit of 80km/h which we were informed meant we could creep up to 90km/h.
We stopped a few miles short of our destination for some provisions, as there were no shops nearby, and was informed that the town of Omemee was where Scott Young (father of Neil Young) regularly wrote for the local paper and frequented the Canadian Legion Club. Apparently Neil spent erly years living here. I also noted a Rock & Roll Museum and a few other rock music references which were associated with the Neil Young connection.
The arrival at the cottage enabled us to view not only the cottage itself but also the surrounding properties which were different in design and size.
Best of all however, was the waterside view as we walked down across the lawn at the rear of the cottage. A few had boats moored on small jetty whilst we observed others being driven at high speed across the lake, which is a mile and half wide and around 23 miles long.