When driving from Vancouver to Harrison Hot Springs in the Fraser Valley, you'll see stately Mount Baker in the distance covered in snow and, as you get closer to the village, you'll become wrapped in the arms of the surrounding mountains. And if you are fortunate enough to go early in the year, you'll see the magic of trees adorned with springtime blossoms. But your adventure will only be beginning.
Sixty kilometers long, Harrison Lake sits in a valley, glacier fed, its color is a fascintating deep blue and with the mountains as a contrast, it is a truly beautiful setting. On the grounds of Harrison Hot Springs Resort, the lights in the trees on a starlit evening add to the ambience of the area.
Many visitors enjoy the hot springs in both the resort and the public pool; some believing them to have healing powers. The lake itself offers sandy beaches for relaxing with a book, swimming, fishing, kayaking and boat tours. When we went on a boat tour of the lake, we saw areas of this large lake that not many people have the good fortune to see as there are few roads in the area.
For those who have come to do more than relax there is hiking, golfing, rock hounding and the opportunity to search for some of the fossils occasionally found in the area, as well as going on nature walks. In close proximity also are attractions such as Minter Gardens, Hell's Gate Airtram, Othello Tunnels, the ski resort of Hemlock Valley, and the nearby historic site of Kilby Farm and Museum where more than one thousand bald eagles return each fall. As a visitor to each of these attractions, I can attest to the fact that they are all well worth a visit.
For those who visit this fabulous area with children, there is Dinotown, a children's dinosaur town, Bridal Falls Water Park, Tugboat Junction featuring Sasquatch caves, gold panning and train rides and most years, in early fall, there is a popular sand sculpture competition attended by people from around the world.
In spite of the varied attractions, for many of those who visit this small village, there is mostly the allure of nature's beauty and the feeling of romance inspired by the ambience that surrounds this small town that is tucked away in the heart of the Fraser Valley. For some it is a honeymoon destination or a place to celebrate anniversaries or birthdays. Most people, after having visited this delightful place, will agree that it is the place to go when a special venue is required.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Friday, March 19, 2010
Telegraph Cove and Kilby's Farm and Museum - Heritage Sites of British Columbia
There are several significant heritage sites in British Columbia, the province that was host to the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Two of these sites are Telegraph Cove and Kilby's Farm and General Store Museum. On a visit to these unique places, you will also be traveling through, and enjoying much of the beauty of our province.
Telegraph Cove, established in 1911, is a quaint boardwalk community north of Campbell River on Vancouver Island. A thriving town, Telegraph Cove was originally a telegraph station. In the 1920's the town grew to include a salmon saltery and a busy sawmill. As times changed with the coming of the Depression, lumber sales became the primary business.
During the 1940's, the population of the small town grew requiring the need for bunkhouses, a community hall, a caretaker, a doctor, a post office and a school as well as family residences.
Today Telegraph Cove is still active with the arrival of fishermen, whale watchers, kayakers and those like ourselves who travel the excellent road. The scenery is inspiring as the highway slices through the surrounding mountains and towering trees.
Many of the buildings on the boardwalk are original offering visitors a glimpse into the fascinating history of the town. Walking past each building one can imagine old time music playing in the community hall and laughing voices floating over the water; men's voices drifting from the bunkhouse as they relax after a hard day of work, and children running along the boardwalk on a sunny day. A 1930's Dodge truck, its cab rusted, sits on the site, forgotten by a long ago owner, a further reminder to visitors of the past.
Looking down into the sheltered bay, our thoughts returned to the present with the sight of the new marina and boat slips. Climbing the hill above the small town the view is spectacular with open waters and passing ships.
Another heritage site is the Kilby General Store and Farm located not far from Harrison Hot Springs. The Kilby General Store, opened on August 14, 1906 by Thomas and Eliza Kilby, was built on pilings and linked to the railway station by a ramp. The store, post office and farm were operated by them until Thomas's death in 1928. Their son Acton and his wife Jessie operated the business until 1977.
The store and post office was the centre of the community where people shopped, picked up their mail, socialized and heard the latest news. The rail lines, still visible from the front porch, are part of the Canadian Pacific Railway. In the early days steam wheelers linked Harrison Mills with docks downstream at Mission and New Westminster.
The post office also doubled as an office for both Thomas Kilby in his role as Justic of the Peace and by Acton in his role as Notary Public over the years.
The Kilby family lived in the back of the General Store with the upstairs area being opened as a hotel in 1908. It was named the Manchester House after Eliza's home town of Manchester, England.
As a Museum, the Kilby Store displays approximately 3,000 artifacts consisting of products and packaging dating to the 1920's and 1930's. The post office and Manchester House Hotel are also on display. Upstairs in the hotel are period books and approximately 300 photographs. There are 15,000 historic pieces in total. During the fall juice and cider-making demonstrations are held at this site.
Five acres of the farm surrounding the General Store are still in operation. Calves, piglets, lambs, goats and rabbits are supplied by a local 4-H group. There is also a tree fort and old fashioned games for the children.
Surrounded by mountains, fields and cattle, there are four original buildings and six reconstructed ones, 60 pieces of 1920's farm machinery and a milk house. There is also a restaurant serving 1920's homestyle food. To further give a visitor the feeling of having stepped back in time, staff is dressed in period costumes.
On my several visits to this museum, I have been particularly interested in the numerous pictures of the family and of the area during those early years, much of it appearing to be unchanged.
Telegraph Cove, established in 1911, is a quaint boardwalk community north of Campbell River on Vancouver Island. A thriving town, Telegraph Cove was originally a telegraph station. In the 1920's the town grew to include a salmon saltery and a busy sawmill. As times changed with the coming of the Depression, lumber sales became the primary business.
During the 1940's, the population of the small town grew requiring the need for bunkhouses, a community hall, a caretaker, a doctor, a post office and a school as well as family residences.
Today Telegraph Cove is still active with the arrival of fishermen, whale watchers, kayakers and those like ourselves who travel the excellent road. The scenery is inspiring as the highway slices through the surrounding mountains and towering trees.
Many of the buildings on the boardwalk are original offering visitors a glimpse into the fascinating history of the town. Walking past each building one can imagine old time music playing in the community hall and laughing voices floating over the water; men's voices drifting from the bunkhouse as they relax after a hard day of work, and children running along the boardwalk on a sunny day. A 1930's Dodge truck, its cab rusted, sits on the site, forgotten by a long ago owner, a further reminder to visitors of the past.
Looking down into the sheltered bay, our thoughts returned to the present with the sight of the new marina and boat slips. Climbing the hill above the small town the view is spectacular with open waters and passing ships.
Another heritage site is the Kilby General Store and Farm located not far from Harrison Hot Springs. The Kilby General Store, opened on August 14, 1906 by Thomas and Eliza Kilby, was built on pilings and linked to the railway station by a ramp. The store, post office and farm were operated by them until Thomas's death in 1928. Their son Acton and his wife Jessie operated the business until 1977.
The store and post office was the centre of the community where people shopped, picked up their mail, socialized and heard the latest news. The rail lines, still visible from the front porch, are part of the Canadian Pacific Railway. In the early days steam wheelers linked Harrison Mills with docks downstream at Mission and New Westminster.
The post office also doubled as an office for both Thomas Kilby in his role as Justic of the Peace and by Acton in his role as Notary Public over the years.
The Kilby family lived in the back of the General Store with the upstairs area being opened as a hotel in 1908. It was named the Manchester House after Eliza's home town of Manchester, England.
As a Museum, the Kilby Store displays approximately 3,000 artifacts consisting of products and packaging dating to the 1920's and 1930's. The post office and Manchester House Hotel are also on display. Upstairs in the hotel are period books and approximately 300 photographs. There are 15,000 historic pieces in total. During the fall juice and cider-making demonstrations are held at this site.
Five acres of the farm surrounding the General Store are still in operation. Calves, piglets, lambs, goats and rabbits are supplied by a local 4-H group. There is also a tree fort and old fashioned games for the children.
Surrounded by mountains, fields and cattle, there are four original buildings and six reconstructed ones, 60 pieces of 1920's farm machinery and a milk house. There is also a restaurant serving 1920's homestyle food. To further give a visitor the feeling of having stepped back in time, staff is dressed in period costumes.
On my several visits to this museum, I have been particularly interested in the numerous pictures of the family and of the area during those early years, much of it appearing to be unchanged.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
The San Juan Island Group - Where the Past and the Present Meet
As visitors from British Columbia we were excited to visit the San Juan Island group, having heard much about them from other travelers. We took the ferry from Anacortes to Friday Harbor on the San Juan Island. This town was somewhat of a surprise to us as it was much larger than we had expected it to be.
We booked into a campground located on the water where the view was lovely but the wind was nearly gale-force at the time we arrived Because of the increasing winds and the fear of being blown out of our lawn chairs, we decided to take the opportunity to explore the island rather than brave the elements in the camp site. We saw many beautiful areas as we drove around where huge tumbling waves crashed like thunder onto the beaches and angry black clouds over our heads threatened rain. However, this did not dampen our enthusiasm in discovering what the island had to offer in the way of beauty. Bright yellow and orange flowers lined the roadside and occasionally a stunted tree, its branches reaching towards the water, drew our attention away from the view of undulating waves.
We explored further the following day, arriving eventually at Roche Harbor. We were enchanted with this village's old buildings; the Hotel DeHaro, a brick building where lime and cement had once been made; and old brick furnaces and walkways. Taking pictures, and reluctant to leave a place where we felt we'd been catapulted back into time, we explored trails through the old lime quarries. At one point we were able to enjoy a beautiful view of the outer islands and our own Canadian gulf islands. We also visited an alpaca farm, a scenic, idyllic home for the obviously well-loved alpacas and their friendly owners.
Having limited time for our trip and wanting to see as much of the islands as possible, we hurried to catch the ferry to Orcas Island. Camping at Moran State Park, we visited Mount Constitution and climbed the stone observation tower which was built in 1936. At 2,409 feet above sea level, we had a 360 degree view of the region's islands and mountain ranges as well as some of those in Canadian waters. Within the park also are a couple of interesting moss-covered bridges built in memory of Robert Moran's brother. There are also hiking trails of varying lengths and on one of these trails we saw several small waterfalls surrounded by lush forest areas. In many of the areas that we walked the forest floors were carpeted with many varieties of velvety mosses.
Leaving early the following morning, we took the ferry to Lopez Island. On our arrival, we were surprised when we realized that with each car that passed us, there was a friendly wave from its occupant. In no time at all we were returning these friendly waves and wondered why this isn't done everywhere. I particularly enjoyed the rolling farmlands and was interested in the numerous old barns and buildings, the structures often barely supporting the roofs. I found that the old buildings, suggesting many untold stories, situated beside the newer structures were particularly picturesque in their contrast. At each antiquated building we stopped to view, I wondered what the history might have been of the previous families on these farms. We also found a quaint old church with a nearby cemetery; a tranquil scene rarely seen in our world of bustling cars, rumbling trucks, public transit and harried people.
Following various roads, we discovered an old unusued pier and nearby some ancient gas pumps; an interesting bridge, built in 1915 spanning an empty pond; old buildings, and unique mailboxes and everywhere we went there were friendly people.
On our return, we told several friends of our visit to the San Juan Islands and as a result of our enthusiasm, we know several people who also made the trip. They returned as enthusiastic about their trip as we were.
We booked into a campground located on the water where the view was lovely but the wind was nearly gale-force at the time we arrived Because of the increasing winds and the fear of being blown out of our lawn chairs, we decided to take the opportunity to explore the island rather than brave the elements in the camp site. We saw many beautiful areas as we drove around where huge tumbling waves crashed like thunder onto the beaches and angry black clouds over our heads threatened rain. However, this did not dampen our enthusiasm in discovering what the island had to offer in the way of beauty. Bright yellow and orange flowers lined the roadside and occasionally a stunted tree, its branches reaching towards the water, drew our attention away from the view of undulating waves.
We explored further the following day, arriving eventually at Roche Harbor. We were enchanted with this village's old buildings; the Hotel DeHaro, a brick building where lime and cement had once been made; and old brick furnaces and walkways. Taking pictures, and reluctant to leave a place where we felt we'd been catapulted back into time, we explored trails through the old lime quarries. At one point we were able to enjoy a beautiful view of the outer islands and our own Canadian gulf islands. We also visited an alpaca farm, a scenic, idyllic home for the obviously well-loved alpacas and their friendly owners.
Having limited time for our trip and wanting to see as much of the islands as possible, we hurried to catch the ferry to Orcas Island. Camping at Moran State Park, we visited Mount Constitution and climbed the stone observation tower which was built in 1936. At 2,409 feet above sea level, we had a 360 degree view of the region's islands and mountain ranges as well as some of those in Canadian waters. Within the park also are a couple of interesting moss-covered bridges built in memory of Robert Moran's brother. There are also hiking trails of varying lengths and on one of these trails we saw several small waterfalls surrounded by lush forest areas. In many of the areas that we walked the forest floors were carpeted with many varieties of velvety mosses.
Leaving early the following morning, we took the ferry to Lopez Island. On our arrival, we were surprised when we realized that with each car that passed us, there was a friendly wave from its occupant. In no time at all we were returning these friendly waves and wondered why this isn't done everywhere. I particularly enjoyed the rolling farmlands and was interested in the numerous old barns and buildings, the structures often barely supporting the roofs. I found that the old buildings, suggesting many untold stories, situated beside the newer structures were particularly picturesque in their contrast. At each antiquated building we stopped to view, I wondered what the history might have been of the previous families on these farms. We also found a quaint old church with a nearby cemetery; a tranquil scene rarely seen in our world of bustling cars, rumbling trucks, public transit and harried people.
Following various roads, we discovered an old unusued pier and nearby some ancient gas pumps; an interesting bridge, built in 1915 spanning an empty pond; old buildings, and unique mailboxes and everywhere we went there were friendly people.
On our return, we told several friends of our visit to the San Juan Islands and as a result of our enthusiasm, we know several people who also made the trip. They returned as enthusiastic about their trip as we were.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
British Columbia's Beautiful Gulf Islands
The Gulf Islands, mostly in the Straight of Georgia between Vancouver Island and the mainland of British Columbia, are considered to be B.C.'s vacation destination. The beauty of their shorelines, lush forests, orchards, sheep farms and awe-inspiring views are unsurpassed. And the lifestyle is peaceful and relaxed with the opportunity for outdoor adventures.
Pender Island (North and South), Saltspring Island, Maine Island, Saturna, Galiano and Gabriola Island are the largest of this group of islands. Some of the smaller islands include Texada, Hornby, Denman, Quadra, Cortes, Thetis, Vales, DeCourcey, Mudge and Lasqueti. There are approximately 200 gulf islands, some so small as to be invisible on most maps and many that are uninhabited are accessible only by private boat, or kayak.
Saltspring is the largest of the gulf islands with a population of over 10,000 year-round residents, a large population of sheep and deer, and the occasional bear. It is the most populated of all the islands and is home to many artists, musicians and sculptors.
Ganges, on Saltspring, is one of the largest towns on all of the gulf islands and is a popular destination for boaters. This busy town is where most of the businesses are located. On our visit, we stayed at a lovely bed and breakfast and watched as orcas cruised through the off-shore waters. Sea lions are occasional visitors to the island as well. We were surprised to discover there are eight lakes, 22 beaches and 225 farms with beautiful rolling pastures.
Gabriola Island is another of the gulf islands dotting the western coastline. The rugged shoreline and sandstone beaches almost ensure that beachcombing will be a wondrous adventure. Nature flourishes with starfish, jellyfish, anemones, sea otter and seals being in abundance. Setting up chairs at waters edge, we enjoyed the tranquility of waves lapping at our feet, eagles soaring overhead and the ocean sounds of seagulls and oyster catchers. From the bluffs above the shoreline there are spectacular views of ships and pleasure craft and the spirit-lifting beauty of sun glistening on gentle waves. In the evening we enjoyed the breathtaking sunsets with the soft lights of Nanaimo and Sechelt twinkling in the distance.
Gabriola Island is known as the Queen of the Gulf Islands and there is much to see and enjoy on this enchanted island. One of interests is Malaspina Galleries. It is a rare geological feature. It was once named Galiano Gallery, after the Spanish explorer, Dionisio Alcala Galiano, who visited the area in 1792. The gallery has been carved into the sandstone over hundreds of years of high tides and is one of the not-to-be-missed sights.
Many of the other islands are much smaller than these two but each has its own history, culture and attractions. On one visit to Hornby Island we found a clean sandy beach where clams were plentiful but knowing nothing about clam digging, we looked for the largest ones. Taking a pail of these delectable creatures to the home of friends, they informed us that instead of the melt-in-your-mouth clams we had been anticipating these large ones would be tough as old shoe leather; they were the soup-making variety.
Traveling from one island to another is relatively easy but to really get the island feel, it is important to allow at least one or two days to explore each island thoroughly in order to see it the way it should be seen.
Pender Island (North and South), Saltspring Island, Maine Island, Saturna, Galiano and Gabriola Island are the largest of this group of islands. Some of the smaller islands include Texada, Hornby, Denman, Quadra, Cortes, Thetis, Vales, DeCourcey, Mudge and Lasqueti. There are approximately 200 gulf islands, some so small as to be invisible on most maps and many that are uninhabited are accessible only by private boat, or kayak.
Saltspring is the largest of the gulf islands with a population of over 10,000 year-round residents, a large population of sheep and deer, and the occasional bear. It is the most populated of all the islands and is home to many artists, musicians and sculptors.
Ganges, on Saltspring, is one of the largest towns on all of the gulf islands and is a popular destination for boaters. This busy town is where most of the businesses are located. On our visit, we stayed at a lovely bed and breakfast and watched as orcas cruised through the off-shore waters. Sea lions are occasional visitors to the island as well. We were surprised to discover there are eight lakes, 22 beaches and 225 farms with beautiful rolling pastures.
Gabriola Island is another of the gulf islands dotting the western coastline. The rugged shoreline and sandstone beaches almost ensure that beachcombing will be a wondrous adventure. Nature flourishes with starfish, jellyfish, anemones, sea otter and seals being in abundance. Setting up chairs at waters edge, we enjoyed the tranquility of waves lapping at our feet, eagles soaring overhead and the ocean sounds of seagulls and oyster catchers. From the bluffs above the shoreline there are spectacular views of ships and pleasure craft and the spirit-lifting beauty of sun glistening on gentle waves. In the evening we enjoyed the breathtaking sunsets with the soft lights of Nanaimo and Sechelt twinkling in the distance.
Gabriola Island is known as the Queen of the Gulf Islands and there is much to see and enjoy on this enchanted island. One of interests is Malaspina Galleries. It is a rare geological feature. It was once named Galiano Gallery, after the Spanish explorer, Dionisio Alcala Galiano, who visited the area in 1792. The gallery has been carved into the sandstone over hundreds of years of high tides and is one of the not-to-be-missed sights.
Many of the other islands are much smaller than these two but each has its own history, culture and attractions. On one visit to Hornby Island we found a clean sandy beach where clams were plentiful but knowing nothing about clam digging, we looked for the largest ones. Taking a pail of these delectable creatures to the home of friends, they informed us that instead of the melt-in-your-mouth clams we had been anticipating these large ones would be tough as old shoe leather; they were the soup-making variety.
Traveling from one island to another is relatively easy but to really get the island feel, it is important to allow at least one or two days to explore each island thoroughly in order to see it the way it should be seen.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Exploring Vancouver Island, British Columbia
The beauty of British Columbia's Vancouver Island is well worth an adventurous road trip to explore a small area of what this province has to offer. Among many things, the magnificent shorelines are great for kayaking, sailing, beachcombing and diving, with many areas considered to be some of the best in the world.
Qualicum Beach captured our attention when we were there. Strolling along the seaside promenade, we had views of Lasqueti and Texada Islands and the snowcapped peaks of mountains on the mainland in the distance. Qualicum has a strong belief in heritage preservation and their antique shops, galleries and the museum are definitely worth a stop.
Campbell River, another seaside town, is known as Canada's Salmon Fishing Capital. On a visit to the Marina, this came as no surprise; from the pier we saw masses of masts. Campbell River is also acknowledged as one of the top five scuba diving destinations in the world because of its exceptional underwater visibility, diversity of sea life and wreck sites.
"As Wild as You Like!" is a Campbell River slogan. Between skiing Mount Washington and diving the Strait of Georgia, this appears to be an apt slogan. There are trails meandering through lush forests that are worth exploring where the sounds of wildlife are a song in your ear. From the beach we watched cruise ships, freighters, barges, sailboats, yachts and the ferry to Quadra Island travel through Discovery Passage. There is a Maritime Museum with a collection of more than 500 artifacts, some dating back 2,000 years. There is also the John Hart Dam operating at upper Campbell Lake.
Traveling the road to Gold River is also well worth the effort. It is considered 'The Cave Capital of Canada'. There are many miles of caves to be found in the area for both the novice and the more adventuresome.
The West Coast Trail follows the contours of the rugged west coast of Vancouver Island and is one of Ucluelet's main attractions. Rainforests meet pristine beaches and there is a panoramic view of Barkley Sound and the Broken Islands of Pacific Rim National Park. Lighthouse Park is another attraction where, on a slightly foggy day, you may hear the lighthouse warning boaters to be aware of the rocky and treacherous shoreline. The rugged shoreline, as seen from the walking trails, is typical of much of B.C.'s coastline. During winter storms the breakers can be as high as 20 feet. Ucluelet is popular for whale watching expeditions and each spring celebrates the migration of 20,000 gray whales.
Long Beach has a quite different shoreline with miles of sweeping white sand. When we were there, the surf was high and surfers were enjoying the excitement of catching a wave. There are many warnings to surfers and others to never turn your back on the ocean and to be especially careful around water's edge.
We also stopped at Cathedral Grove Provincial Park located at Cameron Lake. The park is a preserved section of lush old-growth forest; many trees are 800 or more years old. Walking among these giats, we marveled at their beauty, endurance, resiliency and the power of nature.
Victoria, B.C.'s capital, known as the City of Gardens, is a perfect place to visit any time of the year. Butchard Gardens is a particularly beautiful place to tour as are the Parliament Buildings.
We took time to explore the Inner Harbour, Old Town, Chinatown, James Bay, Fisherman's Wharf and Beacon Hill Park, all within Victoria's downtown core. This can be done either on foot, by double-decker bus, horse-drawn carriage or boat tours. Victoria is home to several exceptional museums and heritage buildings.
Other attractions include the Undersea Gardens, the Wax Museum, the Butterfly Garden, Craigdarroch Castle, Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse, Canada's first west coast lighthouse.
There are many other great places to visit on Vancouver Island; one could spend months exploring it.
Qualicum Beach captured our attention when we were there. Strolling along the seaside promenade, we had views of Lasqueti and Texada Islands and the snowcapped peaks of mountains on the mainland in the distance. Qualicum has a strong belief in heritage preservation and their antique shops, galleries and the museum are definitely worth a stop.
Campbell River, another seaside town, is known as Canada's Salmon Fishing Capital. On a visit to the Marina, this came as no surprise; from the pier we saw masses of masts. Campbell River is also acknowledged as one of the top five scuba diving destinations in the world because of its exceptional underwater visibility, diversity of sea life and wreck sites.
"As Wild as You Like!" is a Campbell River slogan. Between skiing Mount Washington and diving the Strait of Georgia, this appears to be an apt slogan. There are trails meandering through lush forests that are worth exploring where the sounds of wildlife are a song in your ear. From the beach we watched cruise ships, freighters, barges, sailboats, yachts and the ferry to Quadra Island travel through Discovery Passage. There is a Maritime Museum with a collection of more than 500 artifacts, some dating back 2,000 years. There is also the John Hart Dam operating at upper Campbell Lake.
Traveling the road to Gold River is also well worth the effort. It is considered 'The Cave Capital of Canada'. There are many miles of caves to be found in the area for both the novice and the more adventuresome.
The West Coast Trail follows the contours of the rugged west coast of Vancouver Island and is one of Ucluelet's main attractions. Rainforests meet pristine beaches and there is a panoramic view of Barkley Sound and the Broken Islands of Pacific Rim National Park. Lighthouse Park is another attraction where, on a slightly foggy day, you may hear the lighthouse warning boaters to be aware of the rocky and treacherous shoreline. The rugged shoreline, as seen from the walking trails, is typical of much of B.C.'s coastline. During winter storms the breakers can be as high as 20 feet. Ucluelet is popular for whale watching expeditions and each spring celebrates the migration of 20,000 gray whales.
Long Beach has a quite different shoreline with miles of sweeping white sand. When we were there, the surf was high and surfers were enjoying the excitement of catching a wave. There are many warnings to surfers and others to never turn your back on the ocean and to be especially careful around water's edge.
We also stopped at Cathedral Grove Provincial Park located at Cameron Lake. The park is a preserved section of lush old-growth forest; many trees are 800 or more years old. Walking among these giats, we marveled at their beauty, endurance, resiliency and the power of nature.
Victoria, B.C.'s capital, known as the City of Gardens, is a perfect place to visit any time of the year. Butchard Gardens is a particularly beautiful place to tour as are the Parliament Buildings.
We took time to explore the Inner Harbour, Old Town, Chinatown, James Bay, Fisherman's Wharf and Beacon Hill Park, all within Victoria's downtown core. This can be done either on foot, by double-decker bus, horse-drawn carriage or boat tours. Victoria is home to several exceptional museums and heritage buildings.
Other attractions include the Undersea Gardens, the Wax Museum, the Butterfly Garden, Craigdarroch Castle, Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse, Canada's first west coast lighthouse.
There are many other great places to visit on Vancouver Island; one could spend months exploring it.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Summary of His Sins - My First Fiction Book
"His Sins" is a three generation family saga. It is about how the actions of one member of a family can be felt, and continue to be felt, by future generations.
Part I - Alexander and Janet - Alexander, at eighteen years of age, is determined to leave the mine; a mine that is killing his father. At 38 years old, his father is already coughing up phlegm and coal dust. Alexander's anger becomes intensified with the eventual early death of his father and the stillborn birth of his first born child causing yet another delay in his ability to leave the mine. He finally manages, along with Janet, to leave their mining community in Scotland for a new world where they believe that the streets are lined with gold. In the Peace River District of Canada, he finds that riches are not everywhere as he had thought. Realizing that disappointment and bad luck has continued to follow and haunt him wherever he has traveled, he takes his anger and bitterness out on his family.
Part II - Elsa, Alexander and Janet's daughter, was conceived on a night when Alexander, while in a drunken state, had taken Janet without thought for the pain he was inflicting upon her. She is loved by neither father nor mother. As a result she grows up where loneliness is her constant companion becoming the one who bears the brunt of her parents' frustration and anger. Because of the lack of love shown by her parents, elsa is completely lacking in self-esteem placing her in a vulnerable position. As a result she marries a man, much like her father, who is happy to have a wife that can be so easily controlled. And while raising seven children, she remains completely under his thumb, fearful and intimidated.
Part III - Sarah Ann is the second child of Elsa and Peter. She is spirited, spunky and determined. Watching her father's treatment of her mother, she quickly resolves to never allow herself to be treated in such a way by any man, ever.
As she grows older, appearing to be unscathed by her parents' dysfunctional relationship, she happily dates telling all that marriage doesn't interest her. Until she meets Adam! It is then she realizes that her family history has had an affect upon her as well. As Adam becomes more serious, she discovers that her issues of "trust" and especially "commitment" are problems she will have to overcome if she doesn't want to lose Adam forever. Will she be able to overcome them?
"His Sins" is a story about families and relationships; about what the results can be of one person's actions on another. It is also a story about the power of the human personality and how adversity can be overcome with strength and determination. Although it tells of bitterness and resentment, it also speaks of love.
Part I - Alexander and Janet - Alexander, at eighteen years of age, is determined to leave the mine; a mine that is killing his father. At 38 years old, his father is already coughing up phlegm and coal dust. Alexander's anger becomes intensified with the eventual early death of his father and the stillborn birth of his first born child causing yet another delay in his ability to leave the mine. He finally manages, along with Janet, to leave their mining community in Scotland for a new world where they believe that the streets are lined with gold. In the Peace River District of Canada, he finds that riches are not everywhere as he had thought. Realizing that disappointment and bad luck has continued to follow and haunt him wherever he has traveled, he takes his anger and bitterness out on his family.
Part II - Elsa, Alexander and Janet's daughter, was conceived on a night when Alexander, while in a drunken state, had taken Janet without thought for the pain he was inflicting upon her. She is loved by neither father nor mother. As a result she grows up where loneliness is her constant companion becoming the one who bears the brunt of her parents' frustration and anger. Because of the lack of love shown by her parents, elsa is completely lacking in self-esteem placing her in a vulnerable position. As a result she marries a man, much like her father, who is happy to have a wife that can be so easily controlled. And while raising seven children, she remains completely under his thumb, fearful and intimidated.
Part III - Sarah Ann is the second child of Elsa and Peter. She is spirited, spunky and determined. Watching her father's treatment of her mother, she quickly resolves to never allow herself to be treated in such a way by any man, ever.
As she grows older, appearing to be unscathed by her parents' dysfunctional relationship, she happily dates telling all that marriage doesn't interest her. Until she meets Adam! It is then she realizes that her family history has had an affect upon her as well. As Adam becomes more serious, she discovers that her issues of "trust" and especially "commitment" are problems she will have to overcome if she doesn't want to lose Adam forever. Will she be able to overcome them?
"His Sins" is a story about families and relationships; about what the results can be of one person's actions on another. It is also a story about the power of the human personality and how adversity can be overcome with strength and determination. Although it tells of bitterness and resentment, it also speaks of love.
How to Avoid Feeling Overwhelmed When Selling Your Home and Moving to a New Location
There are many things to remember when selling your home. A check list is the best way to remember everything you will need to do when selling your home and moving to a new one.
The following are some of the things that will need to be done ahead of time:
- Phone the utility companies to shut off services on the home you are selling and set them up at your new address. These will include hydro, gas, telephone, cable and internet services.
- Cancel your house insurance for the old address and set it up for the new home.
- Change your address at as many places as possible before your move.
- Fill out a change of address form at the post office to direct all other mail to your new home.
- Register children, as soon as possible, at their new school.
Other things that will make the move go more smoothly:
- If possible have someone clean the old house after all furniture and boxes have been moved. It is worth the money it costs rather than having to go back yourself to do the job when you are trying to get settled into your new home.
- Have someone come and cut the grass - for the same reason.
- Check all appliances before moving to ensure that they are in good working order to avoid new purchaser dissatisfaction when you are trying to get settled in your new home.
- Have a rubbish collector pick up things like old paint and unwanted items and remove from the premises before your actual move date.
- Go on the assumption that most purchasers do not want anything left on the property even if you think they might be able to use it. Not wanting to take it with you yourself may be a good indication that they won't want it either.
- Try to get everything packed ahead of time so there is no last minute packing or going back for things.
- Consider pets when moving to a new home. A solution may be to put your pet into a kennel for a few days until things have settled down.
- Moving is also disruptive to young children. Grandparents or friends may be able to look after the young ones until the actual move has been accomplished. Young children who are crying because they're feeling stressed will make the move more difficult for the parents.
Moving is considered to be one of the most stressful things we have to deal with in our lives, next to divorce and bereavment.
The following are some of the things that will need to be done ahead of time:
- Phone the utility companies to shut off services on the home you are selling and set them up at your new address. These will include hydro, gas, telephone, cable and internet services.
- Cancel your house insurance for the old address and set it up for the new home.
- Change your address at as many places as possible before your move.
- Fill out a change of address form at the post office to direct all other mail to your new home.
- Register children, as soon as possible, at their new school.
Other things that will make the move go more smoothly:
- If possible have someone clean the old house after all furniture and boxes have been moved. It is worth the money it costs rather than having to go back yourself to do the job when you are trying to get settled into your new home.
- Have someone come and cut the grass - for the same reason.
- Check all appliances before moving to ensure that they are in good working order to avoid new purchaser dissatisfaction when you are trying to get settled in your new home.
- Have a rubbish collector pick up things like old paint and unwanted items and remove from the premises before your actual move date.
- Go on the assumption that most purchasers do not want anything left on the property even if you think they might be able to use it. Not wanting to take it with you yourself may be a good indication that they won't want it either.
- Try to get everything packed ahead of time so there is no last minute packing or going back for things.
- Consider pets when moving to a new home. A solution may be to put your pet into a kennel for a few days until things have settled down.
- Moving is also disruptive to young children. Grandparents or friends may be able to look after the young ones until the actual move has been accomplished. Young children who are crying because they're feeling stressed will make the move more difficult for the parents.
Moving is considered to be one of the most stressful things we have to deal with in our lives, next to divorce and bereavment.
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