Visiting the City and Friends

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Mike is an old friend!! I knew him in Lethbridge and Fred met him on Long Beach so many years ago. We haven’t seen him for at least 25 years. The amazing thing is that even after all those years; we just picked up where we left off. We caught up on all the major events like travels and children but carried on with the stories and adventures we shared so many years ago. Old adventures revisited – new adventures began.

As we toured around Victoria, Fred told me all kinds of stories from his notorious past and we even went down to Chinatown and had a wonderful dinner at a place Fred had frequented in his younger days. As always, we were drawn to the water and spent a good amount of time walking along the beaches.

Of all the places we have frequented, Victoria ranks pretty close to the top as a city we could live in (not saying that either of us want to live in a city). Even here there is unbelievable development but somehow the city, itself, has managed to retain a link with its history and the natural beauty that surrounds it – impeccable gardens everywhere, crowded long walkways along the shore and always a greeting as you meet others on the paths.

From Victoria, we took a jaunt up the west coast to Sooke. Sooke is certainly more laid back than Victoria but again there is construction everywhere. We both commented on how busy the road was, even though it was the middle of the day in the middle of the week. Sooke had been hit pretty hard with the winter storms. Some remnants of fallen trees remained but they seem to have survived well.

Being folks who tend to travel on our stomachs, when Mom’s Kitchen was recommended for lunch, we were going to take advantage of the opportunity. We were not disappointed. It reminded me a lot of “Peggy Sue” in California but more genuine, traditional and better food. It came complete with a real jute box complete with outlets in each booth and a great old wood stove.

The day was warm and sunny and again, we were drawn to the ocean.

Whiffin Spit (I love the name) is a breakwater accessible right in the middle of town. We sat and watched the waves come and go and splash up against the shore.

How can you possible describe the sight, the sound and mostly the smell of the ocean? A total assault on all your senses!!

This outing put the icing on the cake – we came back to Nanaimo and gave our notice to leave the 16^th of March.

Where to? Much depends on the weather. Chances are that the passes still won't be easily passable so we are searching out a different place here on the island.

It is definitely Spring - you can feel it in the air.

Oh, BTW, I’ve had another article accepted. I’ll let you know when it will be in the RV Times.