tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18290216059101812372024-03-06T12:01:36.837-08:00Island life with Peter and ShelaghOur life on Vancouver Island, and some other destinations.Peter Kouwenhovenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10197113786491782884noreply@blogger.comBlogger111125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829021605910181237.post-67018087108967352942018-08-27T12:01:00.001-07:002018-08-27T18:27:19.333-07:00The Cowichan Valley Wine Festival<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;">On Friday August 24th the Cowichan Valley Wine Festival kicked off at the Shawnigan Lake School with all participating wineries present. Unfortunately we did not attend this event but we started the tour on Saturday full of energy! The cost for the two day festival was $15.00 per person and includes a passport and a wine glass each. The wine glass is your proof of purchase and the passport becomes an entry into a raffle for 13 bottles of wine! Shelagh had planned a route to take us most strategically through the valley so to limit fuel consumption. First up was Emandare Vineyard. <span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><a href="http://emandarevineyard.com">emandarevineyard.com</a></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><img id="id_a96_ab75_6ff7_b77f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UCANdqDj7DE/W4RKRBvuFpI/AAAAAAAARu4/UZsx9SswwCY4A_oJQnlX2qM2cj-xToaGQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_28e6_53b0_516a_7b1e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Wp9XV6Vkt4U/W4RKRh5-6RI/AAAAAAAARu8/tdVHj2n72G8NFN5s-sp795batxD66zFUgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_744e_152e_c85d_c2de" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HbLj7lA6a5A/W4RKRvshRXI/AAAAAAAARvA/l9t4Xh2z4Sow6gcsOtesnR4z6ubMSzWyQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br></span><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"></span><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;">This winery, run by a young couple, is a homey set-up and the product is excellent. Mike and Robin Nierychlo have that special drive and enthusiasm that is required to run a successful winery. We departed with a delicious bottle of their Rosé wine. Robin gave us our wine glasses and passport to take along to the participating wineries along our route. The reason for starting our tour at Emandare Winery is because they are closed on Sundays…</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"></span><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;">Next up was Unsworth Vineyards. <a href="http://unsworthvineyards.com"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;">unsworthvineyards.com</span></a> This beautiful property has a modern tasting room with patio and a very successful restaurant. At times the patio by the tasting room has a food truck serving up delicious bites to go with your choice of wine. Reservations are recommended for the restaurant. Unsworth Vineyards is located near Mill Bay and is at the most southern location on our route. We left Unsworth with two bottles of wine, a Sauvignette and a Gewürztraminer.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><img id="id_c73e_9e54_b185_19e5" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xKhmEHnoKEw/W4RKRsQHpKI/AAAAAAAARvE/OdZXnCCT-4cAYQ35TNb9cl0AHnFfMrfvACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_e34d_c65b_5bb9_4436" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XA3fWhbZb5c/W4RKR3xpklI/AAAAAAAARvI/A4tw8ngiPcYih2Y2NKDeSccJuyLPk_1EQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_bcfc_ea63_731a_848b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bMyOmG1fWMk/W4RKSuYTL_I/AAAAAAAARvQ/Qii8Ok22HOcBU5TLdVtb70RhsibhsFaowCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br></span><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"></span><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;">Then on to Venturi Schulze. <a href="http://venturischulze.com"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;">venturischulze.com</span></a> A proudly pure organic winery and balsamic vinegar producer. Giordano Venturi grew up in the Modena region of Italy and Marilyn Venturi (nee Schulze) was born in Queensland, Australia. We were hosted by their very knowledgeable and enthusiastic son in law and we tasted their wines and vinegars. Their prices were a bit beyond our budget so we decided to come back another time to buy some wine.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><img id="id_60c2_8bbc_d963_a726" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VA_nEcaRRYg/W4RKSuQ6M9I/AAAAAAAARvM/umx_ADb5f00DSnQToYd7BLuUuwGa1T9jACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br></span><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"></span><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;">On to Blue Grouse Estate Winery. <a href="http://bluegrouse.ca"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;">bluegrouse.ca</span></a> This winery is remarkable in its architecture and setting. The building is all steel, wood and concrete with demanding views over the vineyards. We enjoyed our wine tasting here and left with a nice bottle of Siegerrebe. A new wine for me, I had not heard of it before so now it is on the rack for a special occasion, like Saturday 3PM! They also offer a cheese and charcuterie platter to accompany your wine selection to enjoy outside on the patio, or if freshly shucked oysters are your thing then that is also available.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><img id="id_f4ca_a67f_d885_6402" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uqayg6Qf60Q/W4RKTZJDBxI/AAAAAAAARvc/nMBfTXMIddQriHqvvjjGmrl8M2s60u_9QCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_aa2d_68b2_48ab_ea22" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VOYwxgSasDs/W4RKTazghUI/AAAAAAAARvY/iJz7bbGIPj8Aj8EhbAe3heKU-n94GPhUQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_5113_f1f4_281c_68dc" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-deKU_dynHEU/W4RKTesJFTI/AAAAAAAARvU/4lx8QlKZIAwa-tj8A-Lyx4kXkGEiv5NEgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_56f3_6c76_8f3b_e101" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zVFwQVYzldw/W4RKUNBDVlI/AAAAAAAARvg/a2SU4S3iinw9VGh8ZxyyISysrnyXnrAqwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br></span><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"></span><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;">Then we left Blue Grouse for Rocky Creek Winery. <a href="http://rockycreekwinery.ca"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;">rockycreekwinery.ca</span></a> We love this place, having been there once before, we knew we would want to spend some time there. We got the car parked in a field full of cow pies and zigzagged to the backyard of the house that is home to Mark and Linda Holford, who left the oil industry rat race in Alberta for the peace and tranquility of the Cowichan valley to grow grapes and make wine. Their daughter Robin is studying the fine art of viticulture and hopefully she will continue the family estate. As we entered the back yard we saw that Scott McGill was entertaining with his unique style of guitar and vocals. We have heard and loved his music all through the summer months and it is a delight. We enjoyed our wine tasting and decided to buy a bottle of their TLC white wine paired with a cheese and cracker platter while sitting under the variegated maple tree listening to the music. Mark had two cooking demonstrations, one for a Tuna and Beurre Blanc dish and one for Marinated Prawns on a skillet. Both were super tasty! Both daughters Robin and Katherine have a wine named after them.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><img id="id_7ab6_44a8_83c2_f83a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LgjPhGGnypM/W4RKUB5gshI/AAAAAAAARvk/UB6IEZ-Aw3MXT78JJFj-FBKOPzU81fmfwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_825e_e2e1_82a0_3ed3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0lDAIPrKoYg/W4RKUVnTD2I/AAAAAAAARvo/CmtLdRL5iDIFGECYAw3rO_mzmkcP6B8HACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_4cf4_1585_6580_4779" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PR5md3cf8GY/W4RKUxGN8rI/AAAAAAAARvs/-4QBGSBU09UTxySYCuZkWuxWV9QIuWw2gCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_8b1_bd98_c9c3_303e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UhugggnWmjk/W4RKVVQPRRI/AAAAAAAARvw/6p2iakeremw4vjtu7k32Oeb0RJCt217oQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_8361_e571_6cbc_a5c7" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZpDVhtON8GI/W4RKWUD4hiI/AAAAAAAARv0/TzYNPJIcqdMuySV5LA_lN4J4CMYs95yDACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_2cfe_844d_7c38_ae22" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyphenhyphenIMtUvPMTqDwMSc0sp33aMZwZ04jjdMwBh-u0j3rvdukIs0tL39IS7OQ053xZMm3g7E0HeAqpefkWyDkfZ7lnAx3Zm4-g7WCA8LPFrabry93L8w2PeFRQO_UfHJ2X0FYnXWEbM8hv3ie/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_6e6_6b70_1bee_a48e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7QS92WoiB0Q/W4RKXFpQatI/AAAAAAAARwA/_--_4_Xw9vsLOM8zQD18QGKAclBV8xMrACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_2899_7bd6_dfe1_fd65" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ldheO3EE_5s/W4RKXABHT0I/AAAAAAAARv8/82_8iQDI6i4SQdXLBgI7D6KEQA6ZNDjqwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_4668_7fd6_69ba_9736" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Cv-sI2uQS4k/W4RKXhAG7OI/AAAAAAAARwE/QhQ7nHlm61MUepntPEAfHZlCKkqyWXsxQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br></span><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"></span><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;">Next on the list was Cherry Point winery, where complementary Paella and Sangria was on offer, but when we arrived both these offerings had been consumed. We vowed to return the next day to have a taste and continued on to Averill Creek Vineyard for our last stop of the day. <a href="http://averillcreek.ca"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;">averillcreek.ca</span></a> Their tasting sheet always changes and this day we decided on a Prevost to go with a pizza from VIPizza! <a href="http://vancouverislandpizza.com"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;">vancouverislandpizza.com</span></a> The pizza is always delicious and pairs perfectly with a nice Pinot Noir, Gris or Grigio. The views from the terrace are stunning and this was a great place to wind up the Saturday of our two day wine tasting adventure. We came home satiated and tired. We simmered a while on the back porch and slithered into bed for a good long sleep after a day of busy wine tasting. Hey, somebody has to do all the hard work right??</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><img id="id_bc3_1149_ba91_29c7" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-h9JDouHi2A8/W4RKX4Bph_I/AAAAAAAARwI/9t-IXxw3C8ohxnh11ui_1Jv-62lKadaWQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_f00e_2fb8_1d1d_2b93" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pU86PJXeSr4/W4RKYxz3HCI/AAAAAAAARwQ/T7cRWNbld_0D6nn5-Hvs1dpIFiR_5xv5QCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_6424_789f_eccd_abaa" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uTnb-O4AtBU/W4RKY40iSXI/AAAAAAAARwM/OW0e-0UNzb4pW79yfoglUzK805AleJDkACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_2975_d06f_3bd8_47ea" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kB3xqbTWTt0/W4RKZlNQTqI/AAAAAAAARwY/XphsIhUv2aMPLKsz7JhGCYyO3tFpwd0kwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br></span><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"></span><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;">Sunday morning dawned cool and cloudy. After a hearty breakfast of fruit and yoghurt we headed to Deol Estate Winery. <a href="http://deolestatewinery.com"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;">deolestatewinery.com</span></a> The proprietors started in the vine growing business in 1984 in the Okanagan and moved to the Cowichan valley in 1999. They purchased a 32 acre dairy farm and converted 18 acres to a vineyard with a selection of eight varieties of grapes. Six wines were on offer for tasting and the bar tender poured generously! We left with two bottles of delicious wine, a Marechal Foch and a Blanc de Noir. The property once had a nice old farm house but sadly it burned to the ground recently. Plans are in the works to build a new wine store. Currently the store is in the barn…</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><img id="id_df9f_968f_c3e5_cada" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fwogzoX2wLU/W4RKZkp98uI/AAAAAAAARwU/b3UeAUeUlbkhyze-bhtS0NY26rz3Ogt6gCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><br><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;">Cherry Point Vineyards was next on the list. <a href="http://cherrypointestatewines.com"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;">cherrypointestatewines.com</span></a> We had planned to go there on Saturday for the complementary Paella and Sangria but when we arrived there they had run out! So we decided to return the next day. So here we were and had a taste of their delicious wines. We already have two bottles of this estate on our rack so we did not purchase any this time. The Paella was tasty, but our friend Paul Jans' dish can not be bettered! We sat on the terrace enjoying this treat for a while and did some people watching. There is also a Bistro with an impressive menu.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><img id="id_954e_f459_71a9_5368" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tFmWSXZVl_8/W4RKZqtCqbI/AAAAAAAARwc/Q0774A4IsggEO_9ErqvN2akl7hl3A_kEgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_afe4_d1a4_5b25_d1e7" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_8eUfaPmwtg/W4RKadjYddI/AAAAAAAARwk/t7kN9-rGKfM9uLlOY7dvnBGKb4IlB_RhQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_654e_6908_dc1f_b6c6" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZQlHLfcAr_Q/W4RKaVRi3fI/AAAAAAAARwg/SdJyfyXP_CEEnM-r_cN4bvcA6QT7LekqQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_195_f7c3_2f06_6300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Bgek_gWKFCE/W4RKbGnlVSI/AAAAAAAARws/7cvBZ53qbRgB_frxg3NvQPDubbFXaPFawCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_2ac0_b263_14f0_eba3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-72og7AdtTxM/W4RKbItFxrI/AAAAAAAARwo/Q5YenTbOrREmdTgDd4rjtuS0u9AcKpo7wCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_b6a4_253c_f65e_8731" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ljCI6TL6I0o/W4RKbxbWtmI/AAAAAAAARw0/7WQU4l5Z2t4uwYpPAUTwxVli9d7t8JzggCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br></span><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"></span><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;">Next up was the Zanatta Winery and Restaurant. <a href="http://zanatta.ca"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;">zanatta.ca</span></a> Vignetti Zanatta purchased a dairy farm in the Glenora region of the Cowichan Valley. He then transformed the farm into a winery and was the first on Vancouver Island to do so. They produce bubbly wines as well as stills. We started with two bubbly wines, Glenora Fantasia Brut and Allegria Brut Rosé. The rosé was amazing with a nutty finish on the palate so we bought a bottle of that. Then also a white, Damasco, a blended wine of four varieties, light and easy, perfect for a hot afternoon on the porch… The restaurant has a home style menu that changes with the seasons and we plan to have a meal there someday. On their website, you can read about the history of the Zanatta family's involvement in creating the wine industry on Vancouver Island.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><img id="id_8b9b_a73e_d270_bf47" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TUQb7chX8QI/W4RKb3oAExI/AAAAAAAARww/7S1U9mEwqdA5FQAy2zz6Zf2-IqrlDdt4QCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_9784_b676_8162_5b7e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Xl3yxPixC74/W4RKb4m1Z4I/AAAAAAAARw4/eQXYsU69AakUPr_2FJh6eNG391H5zCDGACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_88e9_d43_af44_378d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xdNuBS0Sp4E/W4RKcrogwqI/AAAAAAAARxA/DZNYJ5k_uYMOM1XTCYQjhSxRKICqpQ5sQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_eb1e_ba3b_5429_488a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RxcVDqmrvoA/W4RKcl7Qe6I/AAAAAAAARw8/tO4X4yanKjQ-EoY_n1jY1tEiX9HBvsACACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br></span><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px;">With our passport all stamped, we submitted them at the Enrico Winery, now all we need to do is to win the 13 bottles of wine!</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"></span><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;">Finally to Enrico Winery. <a href="http://enricowinery.com"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;">enricowinery.com</span></a> A beautiful property with a tasting room and patio overlooking a pond with ducks and the vineyard. Their wines are good with some names taken from medieval times. Names like; Fair Maiden, Jousting Knights and Red Dragon. Four wines were on offer, all of them delicious and priced within our budget of between $20.00 and $30.00. Again we did not purchase any wine because we already have a couple of their wines on the rack and the rack holds only 24 bottles.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"></span><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;">Quite a few of the wineries also have a line of clothing for sale in the wine shop so you can get a tasting and get the tee shirt!</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><img id="id_72a6_fa91_c976_c9f8" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a6PRjH2obzk/W4Rm4DGzanI/AAAAAAAARyo/ukybw2lhQBsqrVfCPO6xHHz31LHLhIpnQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br></span>Here is the final haul of our weekend. Two bottles are missing; the TLC that we drank at Rocky Creek Winery while listening to Scott McGill sing, and the Prevost that we enjoyed with our pizza at Averill Creek Winery. Ten bottles in all, the wine rack is full and the Allegria Rosé is chilling in the fridge…</p> Peter Kouwenhovenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10197113786491782884noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829021605910181237.post-64780677801762488352018-07-19T14:50:00.001-07:002018-07-19T14:53:40.539-07:00Duncan DayLast Saturday was "Duncan Day". In addition to the usual Saturday market, there were the local downtown stores outside selling their wares at discounted prices. There was even a parade with a RCMP on horseback. It was a fantastic day with music food and crowds. It was a very busy affair and the weather was awesome... Enjoy the pictures!<div><br></div><div><img id="id_4361_1a48_706d_1f6f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2R8APQx6QhQ/W1EHkCLQ1AI/AAAAAAAARLw/V49oTnWQ57U8ZnL5rNns-bDt34Pok-LagCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">A little train track for the kids<br></span><br><img id="id_567a_1007_4d1a_67d9" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NnsHQaBRFpg/W1EHkCKV8yI/AAAAAAAARL0/N4PWHAc4Cto3GJfJNlpzJ8lBqRZwDDf0gCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_3421_a560_1d2b_3164" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4r6fSCPdrR0/W1EHkFBi0LI/AAAAAAAARL4/yWaGvCiswWMnPtH1JEcI1mBrgerwrfUWACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_a97b_1e17_d7a2_398d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wAiBx9xn_mM/W1EHkMQvPFI/AAAAAAAARL8/HPd1aEUK9rQ_iJgR-oMOpUExAy8d79xTACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_15c4_7dfd_cdef_1239" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dSAwViuRE6k/W1EHk6iGNCI/AAAAAAAARME/gxPPGE_hR3UcGFgaCY-4uEtIlna2jxUfwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_e646_2e5a_b146_fda8" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-blsHoqwOFvI/W1EHkxBLs4I/AAAAAAAARMA/2zZ80aw_MfQKhklqw-ZPFSnvBOL2NEgmgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_4169_3793_3bc6_3441" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fT3uSjXarcs/W1EHlJN2N_I/AAAAAAAARMI/Qi8fpWWf6TMtbiODKY6Bh46XrV7BFUF6wCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Many fire trucks and some happy kids along for the ride<br></span><br><img id="id_33f5_bedc_56df_f2a0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xToF2NYaq_c/W1EHltktwCI/AAAAAAAARMM/ak0P4IBIqHgnXfPRDHAw9vo8zorVr7OpgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_e79_fb27_1fe4_6c99" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D2FJmb19pkU/W1EHlhgSIhI/AAAAAAAARMQ/bGDMIsBlmoMoRcIp8_e7CgOaPrar7CVlACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_8eea_1550_f30b_1bac" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WvVK01-WUfk/W1EHmXmUrcI/AAAAAAAARMc/-MHHCK0hzyILZtODin_S6aZ4pg_4Xcu0wCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"></div><div>This is "Longevity John" a Duncan icon with half a beard! He has organized the "39 days of July" festival six years running. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_b9fa_6437_1299_6b22" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bOAMHFG063M/W1EHmbxorhI/AAAAAAAARMY/DGeuJ-tKpboLbk82UGwEcNDxaRRG6UBpwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_da46_d2d_eab_23a6" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D3V0eqNgRNg/W1EHmZghilI/AAAAAAAARMU/BkuK_m7AmFEHabgTrNe0cVF5Bmjax5GbgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_77b4_8447_756_6a09" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7ul4ZG9bMfg/W1EHnB_wUtI/AAAAAAAARMg/PQGN4vpZCssZB4ov_nw0OvSeJqKXeKLTACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_c278_2817_cf09_5703" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UMrKU5cFwZQ/W1EHnPjhUBI/AAAAAAAARMk/3ExjLB8uzOQWHcJrMyZ3df3qgN0RfjP6wCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_4b5c_1c8c_3b8d_d35e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-94ZshoZZUcE/W1EHnWDiReI/AAAAAAAARMo/WmlBDCCuVHQ-lNuYckUlitq3khJNSKRLQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_1f82_8545_d33c_c410" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GZ3k3JdKLYg/W1EHn4W0wbI/AAAAAAAARMs/pnW-U-KXAFgtYBth642fHdMjfVx7jMkwQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_5b35_c776_c191_d4dd" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A_T-uOUD_AA/W1EHoRgypII/AAAAAAAARMw/vgMLbFh3oC4ta-otCbt5PF5Vwq7xrLa6gCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">The local Air Cadets have a great band<br></span><br><img id="id_796b_aadf_1fe2_48b8" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mWQ5B_Q662c/W1EHpbikOtI/AAAAAAAARM4/9el4STmDMEM6WHntkWq4TFPcmK_5_2rFACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_5a24_dba3_3f56_2d14" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WEBJt3Un-2A/W1EHpUB3yQI/AAAAAAAARM0/UGOAQHANWCskstlrOx_cV7-IgzdPN99CACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_eaac_45ce_c52a_47b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E4zXJlMxSbg/W1EHqHMHo-I/AAAAAAAARNE/_130JSHwVd4muWeowgvHdCv2AAFP_4j9wCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><img id="id_fdc3_73ce_89b2_bb9" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5xz0flmSRWM/W1EHqEHuCcI/AAAAAAAARNA/8LQh7koo2cQSxT080h2EAUANBoYp6iKXgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_a9d9_13d2_2538_42b2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-feuQ98noWeU/W1EHqCfbzNI/AAAAAAAARM8/SJJFMXCxycEYihdtEVad_jBtXcqZt_Q2gCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">The wine vendors at the market did a brisk business<br></span><br><img id="id_a5f0_7215_41b8_3c66" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hs5VZwQFxS8/W1EHqs02u9I/AAAAAAAARNI/YpOdcm87pqQVyxHGEURPir5kuAgyAOJbQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_ac24_243d_3d8_db50" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SMFsdfuaQYk/W1EHrfwj27I/AAAAAAAARNQ/QrzIz0waNFUVTGtqbCJpZrWgNsDv8LL-wCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Is that a stick shift?<br></span><br><img id="id_dd22_20d3_e6bc_d56c" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jGFAr-FgOoA/W1EHraeNTHI/AAAAAAAARNM/2prJTCqadtcn6lOq4cNvJgV07P-g_R14gCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Custom chopper<br></span><br><img id="id_42fd_b51a_358e_fc34" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SB4ee6va4wo/W1EHsP-753I/AAAAAAAARNY/9ZwUNchN6-M4Mv6oLyxTLXoyxZqJtqaWgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_46cf_d099_d4f3_9e85" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Sl087J6sPsQ/W1EHsIWhPMI/AAAAAAAARNU/tE5PSFud7ys3-uHdFVTINuBnwkJ0tceegCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_1b48_d085_5f46_b421" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FP6mcMbLoBE/W1EHsPR-HPI/AAAAAAAARNc/i_Soeaie5SsXedh2I4qmiJLXK-FWvSS1ACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_c4f0_b2ea_be97_779a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EQvmKo-b0nQ/W1EHspevNmI/AAAAAAAARNg/70eE3YQSjOYGf3jAB1z7VCdOn-_iNNEAACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">A magical moment for this little boy<br></span><br><img id="id_9b1f_8ee2_cf1e_e36b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RqxVE4-tZb4/W1EHslFnK1I/AAAAAAAARNk/jliXrO2aOEIWGahWhB3-nx9adT_Aq7NvwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"></div><div>A fashion show from all the local dress shops</div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><img id="id_9103_69a4_9516_fdd3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RTsjPha_ZNE/W1EHtUvCHCI/AAAAAAAARNo/e9AS4wBas7QjIE17SRF49uWASW7MUzcHACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">I love the Duncan city hall with its bell tower<br></span><br><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span><br><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span><br><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span><br><br></div>Peter Kouwenhovenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10197113786491782884noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829021605910181237.post-90212623898756657442018-05-22T11:05:00.001-07:002018-05-22T22:02:57.967-07:00Victoria Day Weekend<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;">What an amazing weekend we had, let's get started...</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"></span><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;">Saturday morning dawned sunny and warm so what better to do than go outside and play. First up; the Saturday Market in Duncan. Always a good time, with fresh organic produce and handy crafts. We came away with a bag of pea shoots to top off the pizza later for dinner. After sauntering through the market, mostly people watching we headed back to the car. The annual wooden boat show was on in Maple Bay so we went to take a look. Two old Chris Crafts, a converted tugboat and a handful of other yachts proudly displayed by their owners. I had a few nice chats with people while Shelagh tried her best on the wobbly docks, still a bit unsure on her feet after a knee injection treatment two days before. It sure would be nice to have a boat again some day, but the memories of the financial burden are still fresh in my mind...</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><img id="id_be20_b3d7_1e19_5f60" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F1tkUCwfpvQ/WwRbrkOotqI/AAAAAAAAQ-U/2JHFNXdRmkc0MHfqgcFfVPl4FenIusuoACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_85c1_4811_34ec_1084" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9eerKbWg_fw/WwRbrn2r6FI/AAAAAAAAQ-Y/A3PPTnd3q6wAzDLaVF2wqPGiCYLECZvMQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_34a_9380_77a0_a0f2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6jCLJfY3FxQ/WwRbr3DVWGI/AAAAAAAAQ-c/j6UAixt4I_E5Z5KdV8loa1jfCF2eyQkXQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_9a66_d99b_8ee7_9c5" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HsJ2cPIau-s/WwRbr6ROOAI/AAAAAAAAQ-g/1qsaDOP4Y78k5RuYwliMURqL-IbANNfRwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_fa5b_d6d0_ea0e_a18f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--uENDUxl1qg/WwRbtLmuNDI/AAAAAAAAQ-k/qeGKMuaqG0AKA46-dYATPSXvNsM5qM2dQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br></span><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"></span><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;">Then it was time to go and experience something new; WAM is an annual festival in the Cowichan Valley it stands for Wine Art Music. Some of the local wineries offer tastings and there are food trucks, artists and musicians all there to entertain you. We first went to the Averill Creek Winery and tasted five of their wines. We chose a nice bottle of Pinot Noir to have on the patio along with lunch from the food truck "Taco Revolution". Three tacos for me and two for Shelagh. Meanwhile the Smiley Band was playing music from Jamaica and Zimbabwe. Tafa and Amy Matamba sang and had some help from a stand up base player who moved here from Montréal to do some farming. A couple of other musicians joined them for a few songs. We wiled away some time enjoying the wine, the music and the magnificent view. You can read more about Tafa and Amy on their website; <a href="http://www.zmsociety.com"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;">www.zmsociety.com</span></a> They bought some land here in the valley and are hard at work growing organic food for purchase. They also have gardening plots for rent.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><br></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"></span><img id="id_4edf_65e6_2ad4_73b6" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZPWidDUciko/WwRbtBdeGgI/AAAAAAAAQ-o/Z_pZclqY9sUNeLTWFqMOHB0ITTize0K7ACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_78af_d071_b48_bb63" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bU_hGXGP2bw/WwRbtBuOP1I/AAAAAAAAQ-s/JD68Qsm0peENCxT1-scPOQeHzTSgiQvYACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_b4ed_9dbf_ab86_43e4" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-59L9zgyk9Fo/WwRbtpuQXZI/AAAAAAAAQ-w/QbnJY6y1j2MxLNjNjYZydMzTwBzSAAqLQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_1d9a_cfc7_7c01_5222" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZXUB7cM7eBU/WwRbtzrno_I/AAAAAAAAQ-0/Sf50yezoFkEw76DDJjEADTVpU9-tOujiQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_f3c8_c9f_2867_3f7a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QPHWI_C0W3Q/WwRbuO2NFlI/AAAAAAAAQ-8/wBHxXvIxn4ImK9mJkaV5LKn3DHYsq_CMwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_dbce_268b_30fa_fc4" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s1YMhHni8SM/WwRbuOMRQHI/AAAAAAAAQ-4/TSUHCrpF_tkmmsfX3pD9ZX6EZRCssFJxgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_7c73_ae4_1c0d_4974" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--Pm-sC1_Vgo/WwRbu-NGYuI/AAAAAAAAQ_E/0qcpb8Krb_IgmJdwy_4cl263lpX47zUWgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_41c0_d0b_7c19_5431" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--VLcDNx0znY/WwRbu1FMU3I/AAAAAAAAQ_A/TlujWhDENq80jlKoQav052Ekuh54wRe4ACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;">Then it was time to go to the Blue Grouse Estate Winery to sample their wines. Tastings here cost $5.00 but that will be applied to your wine purchase should you choose to do so. We bought a nice bottle of Quill red wine and a couple of glasses of Rosé to enjoy outside while listening to Scott McGill and Steve Holmberg playing guitars and singing Scotts own songs. On Sunday they will be playing at the Rocky Creek Winery and we have decided to go there for some more of their music.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><br></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"></span><img id="id_79d0_81e1_f2f8_8ee1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bgR6OveKy2I/WwRbvK1GTbI/AAAAAAAAQ_I/d84PHLbGe9EFDUigceCZ2tx_nurU5VN_QCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_75d3_1724_3712_b9fe" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jZDvJaMOWW8/WwRbvV3260I/AAAAAAAAQ_M/dl9x8Qne3QQwFh6-HYZUy3T942K71tR0gCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_76b5_76f3_7f8e_ed3f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ChN1-7Q28vo/WwRbv8PXQ0I/AAAAAAAAQ_Q/zb6T6IxR_PQDtMWEIyKyyBxq7q1LmEOawCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_22e9_c8b4_9be7_23f9" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nP1Xs_jes5Q/WwRbw5E9TCI/AAAAAAAAQ_Y/QCtnqS9Tkgw1Xi-rbY822piT5v0apVFOgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_f8de_a0c1_a821_c2c8" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ym3kspDisp0/WwRbwwgOtqI/AAAAAAAAQ_U/w5dS0xcnJqM7MnLoEGitG8t4VirAMcPtQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_45d7_9945_c220_b504" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BjLbUF7VdU8/WwRbx7ZgffI/AAAAAAAAQ_c/zaCsyiIocLkOvD6vDzmNRYRjL9wjtLe7ACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_261b_add9_603e_d0ba" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EyHiZ-OyI9I/WwRbx-ORRLI/AAAAAAAAQ_g/bDbFYl21FNY4LI3cyO05DGp_bj-JBbxmwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_21e0_f9e7_2e5b_cb6" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e3oa_VV8ZaY/WwRbyiCIQHI/AAAAAAAAQ_k/FdrQyWN-IqofZuAWrz1OUc8GKl9LFP4agCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_61e6_88d0_73ed_9ae8" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QkvBDHXZRpk/WwRby_10-zI/AAAAAAAAQ_o/aN9hkHReV1EEFJaEDfwEfAHozeaj7uScQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_a0d2_242f_23f9_a434" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zfHDiskAAwE/WwRby-2VwaI/AAAAAAAAQ_s/LxrYy-kQKbga4sjlqYQnnIVdxBwnx__JwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;">The Rocky Creek Winery is a cozy place with a big ambitious heart. The wine tasting was fun and we met a nice couple from Victoria. They went on a cross country trip from Toronto and ran out of money in Victoria, they then decided to stay there and have lived there ever since. We bought a bottle of wine and a couple of glasses of wine to have with our picnic lunch, the food truck from Farms Gate provided some chicken skewers and we had some crackers with tomatoes and pea shoots with us to nibble on. Sitting in the shade of a beautiful variegated maple tree we listened to the music and watched an artist paint a Tuscan scene.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><br></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"></span><img id="id_e42_71b_2f77_d437" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R1-35_6As7s/WwRby7LUFjI/AAAAAAAAQ_w/aEUQhPlp2BMSjCXfca7x5xlTHOhxEuz1gCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_ce3c_1581_1d9e_2981" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xrzBPaxXUaU/WwRbzpXZ9yI/AAAAAAAAQ_0/dlMmsJaL6i8QTbUSm1qvV8lSyTHmNZckQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_a4d4_4c2e_d871_811f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-apwqQmjyoiI/WwRbz_hbB5I/AAAAAAAAQ_4/sSBw7cWYKRI09_QpO_kUG-1RER7Ay9TXQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_f5f5_2e0d_69bc_f9c2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xUS-RNH4yWA/WwRbzwke1HI/AAAAAAAAQ_8/1udoqkTckwwHmEkYab5I0jkEXW9Jk97CgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_46f9_471b_ec43_5f2d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UUrW9UyhPs0/WwRb0Hkd0eI/AAAAAAAARAA/ZDWdk7R2zT0A5YpAXqXvrQTSkvw3fUhZQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_b2b_9829_57b7_761d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LNEcNFKYRKo/WwRb0iqsABI/AAAAAAAARAE/h_mJWil3YKsD7Ra6knRTrkWp8jsA6OeKQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_6a49_92b5_e698_fc87" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R9NiFs7jZJw/WwRb00z6FwI/AAAAAAAARAM/xBRI41cFqdshJaPfW7VVwsOPwCu146ApACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_7a92_d645_8e72_2d5f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Iyo5ozPRpOg/WwRb03BeHeI/AAAAAAAARAI/6DlhMgX1ez8iGxniCjRTNlARZvIbQ-4YQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_ca6c_37da_a212_19da" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0W07bddVgc4/WwRb1ztzcMI/AAAAAAAARAQ/nGoXNZF7Szg2PwZ47TUb4v3_jOJnM4oCwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;">At the Cherry Point Vineyards the mood was more Spanish, with robust wines and excellent 14 year old, oak barrel aged Port. The tasting was fun and informative. They also have a bistro with an impressive menu, we will have to come back here on a less busy week day to try the food. Wonderful jazz music was playing, but it was quite busy so we did not stay long, did buy another bottle of wine for our rack though.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><br></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"></span><img id="id_9b8e_547f_9a85_8e63" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zE3evlswkmw/WwRb1xTeBkI/AAAAAAAARAU/R4uUM3-JA1sb-aSIVd8_AqDaEaE5AZH-gCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_20d0_202c_5a6c_c298" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z_MYe7KANzQ/WwRb1_ZTrFI/AAAAAAAARAY/Incu35bZP_AOyC2ygMlNVtFema5RfWSagCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_7b6e_d85f_dbd6_a6ef" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BxoqcSXhwhc/WwRb2eARyTI/AAAAAAAARAc/pOaoC1o5pLIXeIlHtHdc64gPL_a2ry0bgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;">Then on to the Damali Lavender & Winery. The wines were interesting with lavender added to the fermentation process. Large lavender fields lie next to the vines, in a few weeks they will be in bloom, so we'll have to return for some picture taking. Our wine collection is growing... </span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><br></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"></span><img id="id_c961_4c3b_4fd6_71d8" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eVtLw5DEbaA/WwRb24CNzOI/AAAAAAAARAg/lcq7AsKwcBsby9Nsz4jJ25vY20ZzTLOcgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_be39_fc39_bed5_48bf" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-67C-uRD2AxM/WwRb3Qv2w4I/AAAAAAAARAk/BmSsxpLuyBYf0q_3DH9S9O3wYHerXyo4ACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_c783_9f87_4f88_5f38" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ksY96FJ5Cow/WwRb4c9rNNI/AAAAAAAARAs/GW4O8d7z7hokpuReJo3zW-wvuq6jRZFYwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_8a29_c1a8_17ff_84aa" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MosvnH2U-dw/WwRb4ciN4GI/AAAAAAAARAo/AK8leYavctAOcOND3DoEkBN7ijn6bbY5ACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_f4a2_8a30_4699_2122" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l_8zI50KI4Q/WwRb5E0mFtI/AAAAAAAARA0/ix2o51pC4Bw7nnJ4x2uMvEjiPcj98O3iACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;">Finally to the Enrico Winery. They were hoppin' busy but we stuck it out on the sundeck under an umbrella. We sampled their tasting menu and selected a nice Pinot Noir to take home. We managed to visit six of the seven participating wineries over the two days. Over the summer months we will revisit them and stay longer, bring a picnic lunch and take in the ambience. The temperate climate in the Cowichan valley is best for growing Pinot, Foch and Gewürztraminer grapes so the selection leans to wines made from these. Some wineries add touches of other fruits to create wines that have a little note of their own. Very creative and fun. We feel like we're on a fantastic holiday living here in Canada's Provence, it's like winning the lottery...</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><img id="id_a20_5175_ec70_4808" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0yODRsVdcjo/WwRb5N2V-HI/AAAAAAAARAw/zEkOjjDRXq4vUMGbRSa-HQEytap7tvVcACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_8d8f_6535_7bff_e2e6" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XpFM2fxoBwk/WwRb5HeqbDI/AAAAAAAARA4/_MTnPgkrwIwJ6uNL646gpx1mKXNoskO0QCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br></span><br></p> Peter Kouwenhovenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10197113786491782884noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829021605910181237.post-39047089917870829962018-04-14T17:39:00.001-07:002018-04-14T17:51:27.726-07:00Another fine day of Island LifeWith coffee and breakfast down our necks we decided to head to the Saturday Market in Duncan, you can read all about this weekly phenomenon in my post from March 10th, 2018. We picked up some nice pork-apple-sage sausages, some pea shoots (tastes like alfalfa) to put on top of our pizza tomorrow and a family sized steak and mushroom pie along with a hot pepperoni stick. Also a home made bar of goats milk soap to try...<div><br></div><div>Then Shelagh had found a new little park for us to visit near Mill Bay. Mill Bay Nature Community Park is located just north of Mill Bay. At about 7.25 acres in size it's not a big park, but the views of the bay are amazing. There are some nice trails carved through the park and we sure found another great spot for picnics when the weather warms up. The pictures don't really do it justice but I think they'll give you an idea of the beauty here.</div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_2457_6569_cd70_9d98" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uWoTCkLkkvQ/WtKfMVI2fGI/AAAAAAAAQWU/fXHx9VcxOMUe0QywHy8qn_5iJ6_kAawlgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_8e52_d5ee_e068_b157" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ePMtIAPLLcE/WtKfMijP3TI/AAAAAAAAQWY/fk95efOLXiQrhUWefV6l42KAZklhKFceQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_1fef_3b3_d832_b544" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qahwB83dNKs/WtKfMiy0E6I/AAAAAAAAQWc/67W6iNAVTJAIZu6XV5kb_DqpUjT89ZS9gCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_c79_48cd_4ad8_133e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0NxV-bI-bpc/WtKfMgwVWbI/AAAAAAAAQWg/jn43yEVu8P8sEn-fBP_pYkkGHuMhhc3lgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_bdb2_4cb4_dec8_7105" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ifJQ9pLKA1Q/WtKfNOsOrPI/AAAAAAAAQWk/ewJjZZTx_BUI9E0QmDMKBINjCPaNU1kAQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_3e3e_170e_eb6a_4d08" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lvXKF0uAf0c/WtKfNQKUVwI/AAAAAAAAQWo/YE0w0aIkdpcrt9rPPnCuKc7qM0MmuI2vwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_52c2_8b9_a79a_32d7" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9x5daN6TWq8/WtKfN-n8JDI/AAAAAAAAQWs/bV4KIDftV5EMqosQGecV2jECEn5V9HzNACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br>People leave these painted rocks in parks. It gets some folks all riled up, I don't see the harm in it.<br><img id="id_c3d1_665d_a667_bb66" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jAu-_uXl5vU/WtKfOZCxEpI/AAAAAAAAQWw/22kRUnKSwgUD9381u_w2PWJguX6Z4SYfQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_eb27_31a2_7f95_bf91" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hhRasrdxitM/WtKfO_7ifLI/AAAAAAAAQW0/6PlghuqIxn8Ti4FUtIMbQKJUvd32J9ZaACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><br></div><div>On our way home Shelagh remembered the annual Maple Bay Rowing Club regatta was happening today on Quamichan Lake, so we went to have a look. These long narrow boats would keep me upright for all of about two seconds, and I would be in the water. The rowers were mostly teen-aged men and women and having a very good time on the water. The event is much larger than I imagined with many rowing clubs participating. By now we were hungry so we went to our local Vietnamese Mom and Pop shop for a couple of spicy beef Bahn Mi subs to go...</div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_87c4_3142_657_3e67" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JQ1RnBrm0mg/WtKfPXmotEI/AAAAAAAAQW4/2g6auzd4N74P3B0n3-YScBaGC4VuV8xrwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_477f_f7b0_1471_48af" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UcWUS-ortDw/WtKfP8IXHjI/AAAAAAAAQW8/xrlZm4lZjsMpuZznTMJ6ydalpfUjeG9zQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_5b9c_2c9_9153_fec8" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7div4WjCQcs/WtKfQZ4xZVI/AAAAAAAAQXA/RUnupIeEqz0JD-FcM8ubwpeiX3cZ6c9bwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_e6bd_9be0_2b2f_f929" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uk0EKEgviJs/WtKfQ5ks_JI/AAAAAAAAQXE/CZDnGOE_24wFLuhoVJjyug78uWW99WAKwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_b219_1416_85f1_839f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OmVhP1DGrdo/WtKfRyO2FJI/AAAAAAAAQXM/qdjP95MTyJ4yX8aD8sl_xB8sAbVhnzqZACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_aeff_8cc2_693e_bb79" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-91SMQp0bJtc/WtKfSTvPSrI/AAAAAAAAQXQ/1wDnLOJ66dcoJkLLNzqbsIJS-8n4ZFn2ACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_ee50_78cd_ca71_1a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8ckbfFeAgXk/WtKfSy4jGpI/AAAAAAAAQXU/OLatOfKG-n8t173_de-MSxN4xV3z7zSYwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><br></div><div><br></div><div>Another great day...</div>Peter Kouwenhovenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10197113786491782884noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829021605910181237.post-75352320493524162152018-04-04T21:53:00.001-07:002018-04-07T09:46:23.075-07:00Easter in Duncan<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;">We were expecting Chris, son #2, to join us for Easter weekend. He was supposed to arrive on March 29th but got scheduled for work at the last minute, so we would not be seeing him until some time on Friday. A bit of a disappointment but that's the way it is sometimes. He managed to get off work sooner than expected and was at the Tsawwassen ferry terminal making the 11:00 ferry, better than anticipated. He had some errands to do in Victoria so we figured he would arrive here at around 15:00. When the doorbell rang, and we could see his head through the door window, Shelagh went to open the door. And there, crouching down out of sight, was Liam, son #1. Liam was on a special armed forces task in Resolute Bay and was supposed to be going home to Yellowknife. And now here he was along with his son Bailey! What a wonderful surprise! A house full of family. They had all brought bedding so we had nothing to worry about. Air mattresses were already downstairs, just in case, so sleeping arrangements were not an issue. Bailey spent a couple of days with his mother in Nanaimo but joined us on Sunday for the rest of the weekend.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"></span><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><br><br><img id="id_9bfd_2145_94ec_eb3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gP4viIqUNTI/WsWrv63zojI/AAAAAAAAQTw/JBALDYL7sWEEL9s3-GMZbGhd_nH1Jk6fQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_ec81_4eb4_8306_939e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kVB9h-5FzfM/WsWrv_fTe1I/AAAAAAAAQT8/482VxXAFB1ktVL3hzYl-OF0xD9FaEBE1ACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br>The Kinsol Trestle.<br><img id="id_e519_492e_31a8_1cb0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5wDtBEFt-JM/WsWrvyi4hzI/AAAAAAAAQT4/pZishEhmz4I0km05glzUoi45if3VS8TfACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br>At the Maple Bay Dock.<br><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;">The weekend was wonderful with lots of catching up and day trips. Good lunches and dinners. We took our boys to see the Kinsol Trestle and Maple Bay, treated them to lunch at the Ship Yard Pub and walked the trail at Sandy Pool in Cowichan River Provincial Park.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><br></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"></span><img id="id_55a6_ad96_30a0_d53f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z_OEclryEGg/WsWrv5_fq2I/AAAAAAAAQT0/S8ckT6enxxkx6_1oGofWxAz6Lkllhbl8QCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_29bc_315f_24ee_e44e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Qq5QQxJEZ-g/WsWrwjBL4DI/AAAAAAAAQUA/9ca3Y3OAXzgXyJyVT8poL6YtUZin__plwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;">Fellow blogger and fb friend Teresa Johannesma Wood was in Duncan with her husband, Derek, and daughter Cassia. We had hoped to get together but with so many things to do, it did not happen. They will be back in town later in the year and we will manage to meet them then. On her fb page, Teresa shared a new microbrewery in town so we went to check it out the next day. Small Block Brewing Co. is located just south of Duncan on the Trans Canada Highway. Liam had a couple of growlers to fill, booze is crazy expensive in his hometown of Yellowknife. We all got a flight of their beers and ordered pizza from the V.I. Pizza trailer parked outside the pub. Delicious Neapolitan style pizza from a wood-fired pizza oven. We highly recommend the beer and the pizza! The brewpub is child-friendly and will have its official opening in June. They also plan to have a menu with delicious food, and an outside patio for the warmer days.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><br></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"></span><img id="id_411e_3365_a517_3075" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PifbI5lZoug/WsWrw3qYHZI/AAAAAAAAQUE/LASRdqJZC1gbLRQfjVT2VOjIlOM_zo72QCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_f7a3_cb51_f89b_2915" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YiD5HMgZW-I/WsWrxfThNhI/AAAAAAAAQUI/zBPLU8dcgzodi5GLmFmedvgCVY4ruFZvQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_4ca0_7edf_c3a8_b31b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lDZ1O440uRs/WsWrxxENMwI/AAAAAAAAQUM/y2953XgD4ck4Xha6DwA9AhZCGtJ3ukE6wCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_9e69_45ee_1c18_405c" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5Ka3By7J6u8/WsWryevS9pI/AAAAAAAAQUQ/QuP1wYbkvfkR2ltXXV8SdKJtp-vo6bpdwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_5d46_f1c5_2703_a660" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P3c_Efhfgbc/WsWryxSeo9I/AAAAAAAAQUU/JV_j9M2T0Rwy0USWXh6rfY_hDg89jK1HgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;">Chris had to go back to Surrey on Sunday after dinner and we took Bailey back to the University of Victoria on Monday afternoon, Liam had a flight booked on Wednesday to Yellowknife via Calgary. A lot of busy people in our lives... We now are back to normal, whatever that is, and it's a bit quiet in the house. Tomorrow we tidy up and go back to our routine here in the "Warm Land". This weekend will be busy with operation "Feed the Freezer". I will make a big pot of Chilli con Carne, Spaghetti sauce, Hamburger patties and Burritos and the leftover ham will go into a pot of pea soup. These young men sure empty a freezer quickly!</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><img id="id_66d9_96b2_5b14_eab2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mZb-z1Uo0bE/WsWrzvn5v1I/AAAAAAAAQUY/5C1B59K0wvI6AyWMUKpOxcY0WbdlBrZJACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_e9aa_8836_853a_5a11" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t2mY3FBXB1c/WsWrz1Y-cQI/AAAAAAAAQUc/hjInPqGEy7cLa1qxqFh_20Mt3qU9odiGwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_6aa_3ad7_ee0f_5e47" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vW3unnRpUHI/WsWrz5GblvI/AAAAAAAAQUg/PYn57XOIqtQJ2yXWn0D1xlRbCocjniJ7gCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_43ef_16b9_967b_1a9b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ytRM_uF31xY/WsWr0IzkupI/AAAAAAAAQUk/-4cfPrN3lHs6cfUlk8_OzjkXnVE0_UjkACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br></span>66 Mile Trestle in Cowichan River Provincial Park.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"></span><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;">I hope your Easter was full of fun with friends and family as well...</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><img id="id_220e_a26e_a931_a5a9" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KN19UyeP4RE/WsWr0KrwSuI/AAAAAAAAQUo/xPuUQavOZO4m-e1zKifVI67wtfsdPHwkgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">A simple but fortifying meal.</span></p> Peter Kouwenhovenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10197113786491782884noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829021605910181237.post-52548630557510764882018-03-10T15:47:00.001-08:002018-03-10T16:55:51.972-08:00The Duncan Saturday Market<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;">Every Saturday, with the exception of two weeks during the holiday season, we have the market in Duncan. During the summer months as many as 150 vendors can be seen here selling their wares. Mostly organic produce, but also hand made crafts, wine and spirits, breads and baked goods, jams and chutneys, oils, vinegars, salsas and free range organic meats and eggs. There is even a masage therapist!</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><img id="id_38c_49e8_e206_79ee" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6gcRwag-BWU/WqRuffpRvqI/AAAAAAAAQRE/QHIvti10b6Qj5h2mMhxUClH6RDFjAJ2bQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br>We see plenty of people enjoying the food here.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><br><img id="id_9a_155_8128_bac3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9on9WSLyZAM/WqRuffj9XxI/AAAAAAAAQRI/QkKpJfUDqMY7SnpOkvZIzrUxsZtDWJHmgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br>Brenda makes delicious marmalade and chutney.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><br><img id="id_a457_219_d91a_36ca" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TKDz2cHuJ0k/WqRufQPaUcI/AAAAAAAAQRA/q12Y9qtLnOEUZfFqUD-GewjY7qxF1GY1QCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br>Next week we'll try the tacos!</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><br><img id="id_fee1_bb38_c30d_e77b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n5dPeIx3aM0/WqRuffxlDkI/AAAAAAAAQRM/3K9DMCHrXzwEbmTZNJHlbHjS2nNiHpSLQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br>These two were dancing up a storm.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"></span><br></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;">The market is a riot of colour and music and well worth a visit. Most vendors will take a credit card as payment, but cash is king here and so much easier. Some very colourful characters sell their crafts here, I'm trying to take their photographs but haven't been able to just yet.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><img id="id_641c_4f76_51de_fcd7" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2gleRQZ5lm8/WqRugL1jC8I/AAAAAAAAQRQ/bZlolJykWR48nv3J1UxaPnjJ3q2n5qQtwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_4527_1633_7491_5dfe" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gOQowj6vZKQ/WqRug64q5rI/AAAAAAAAQRU/3T5O9c3nSOg9zVf8eJ1IhKKr95u0uWAKACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_306b_d355_f05d_6f7a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RkZxDcT0IIs/WqRuhADyrDI/AAAAAAAAQRY/lti32T9aGBEdIAulq3aY4e3pkA2S8U5ZgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_c10d_cf29_237e_c34f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9HGbjaqOgpM/WqRuhQZgFyI/AAAAAAAAQRg/6cg7SzXY-1E1VBwaLHpSK48Ay3fCyRnpACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;">Typically you'll find at least three musicians serenading the crowd. On the bandstand usually a small group performs, and along the fringes of the market some solo troubadours entertain. It's easy to wile away a couple of hours here and enjoy some of the great eats that are on offer from the food trucks. When the weather warms up a bit more we'll spend more time here and just take in the ambience...</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><img id="id_eb5f_c7a7_e3c7_574f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3PYvgO9rD3g/WqRuhZZRMuI/AAAAAAAAQRc/WXC2o3sLTLQWi4DJkCN9Vej3tr_nXbRQQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_7fb2_2402_2e27_b3a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9SyDw9J7Ah0/WqRuhuEEHmI/AAAAAAAAQRk/YBgbsUdUkGsq__DN3KxtIZpQzRl9s-tqACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_782c_131d_503a_78e3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sPRmBnlpA8g/WqRuh_oXolI/AAAAAAAAQRo/0GGL6nKPmhkL4JGMmzhWFjCXCF7vPJssACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br>Ampersand Distilling makes excellent Gin. We'll have to try their Vodka too.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><br><img id="id_e2c4_ad40_1043_5a9a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o3yt1X_ESrI/WqRuiX0lYcI/AAAAAAAAQRw/P090YDRj1yEo9KPrtqpitsnb3okmVyTDQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_bb0_b585_d682_fc7c" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A6hfSR-MdVk/WqRuiw_5baI/AAAAAAAAQRs/QecmBHYMj0IWjyplHevIEgEMGDiSpk7PACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br></span><br></p> Peter Kouwenhovenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10197113786491782884noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829021605910181237.post-79417277178689242462018-03-07T15:54:00.001-08:002018-03-07T15:54:39.263-08:00Sandy PoolIn Cowichan River Provincial Park you'll find Sandy Pool. A great place for a nature walk and a picnic. There is a loop trail that takes about 20 minutes to walk. Next time we'll walk it twice, once clockwise and once counter-clockwise, this way we'll see the beauty twice from different angles. The trail needs some repairs in places but I'm sure that will happen in the spring. There is a wide trail that goes straight to the river and I assume that it can be used to launch a fishing dory. The small parking lot can accommodate a dozen cars, so if you plan to go here I'd do it on a weekday and leave the weekends to the crowds... The trail has some trip hazards, so if you want to look at something pretty it would be wise to stop walking or you may end up doing a face plant! Here are some pictures, enjoy...<div><br></div><div><img id="id_db42_95c7_4f02_4daf" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5bR07W-PDF0/WqB7pQlwA6I/AAAAAAAAQPQ/z_p4EbaxJyIThyUj7lW9dyzhUplNHu2KwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">A lush green rain forest</span></div><div><br><img id="id_10da_3ee_24e7_2b30" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EGLVdDxUniE/WqB7pmLRgRI/AAAAAAAAQPY/HKue-agg5Z0xd0RvCV_sXqUBmxp2irWQgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_ac9a_2ede_fb49_5f25" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b9DvzdVlvUY/WqB7pY4ZKNI/AAAAAAAAQPI/cyLuCraosxQ1TFyxQlubgP3WAFkCzDG9gCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_d4ec_36d2_2f26_8f6d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TdO2lq72usc/WqB7prMtvjI/AAAAAAAAQPM/51fZesOGhRAKkJPudKqprDhFEXMxB6Y_gCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Some repair needed<br></span><br><img id="id_e964_4762_2b34_aaa5" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7J9IaTKAaac/WqB7qmnVrpI/AAAAAAAAQPU/c2gqP2IbyaMHkJJUiwjr8EHVuLBPj00XACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">You can work on your fly fishing skills here<br></span><br><img id="id_c1b3_c431_e853_9248" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QZi8Cau1kJo/WqB7rCFpfnI/AAAAAAAAQPc/_kPv5ovrsRYdNrEoeiFeddwlLSK5Eh1zQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Tranquil beauty<br></span><br><img id="id_3489_829d_967b_70ea" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qkyjwSJj1zs/WqB7viRSTFI/AAAAAAAAQPg/JhR1Yps2RTwZBYofNo-v0qjDT_HrMEguwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Shelagh would never make into this beast<br></span><br></div>Peter Kouwenhovenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10197113786491782884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829021605910181237.post-6840712522096932192018-03-02T17:22:00.017-08:002018-03-06T15:36:43.965-08:00LandscapingA few weeks ago we scouted out two landscaping companies in the area and asked them to submit a quote for the work we had outlined for them. No grass, 2cm. crushed rock on the sides of the house, 2cm. round river rock for a backyard sitting and lounging area and perimeter beds with slow-growing evergreens and perennials. Some distance was to be left between plantings in the backyard for us to play with and to plant some annuals every spring. Also to install a privacy fence on the property line in the backyard. The company, "Living Stones", was first on the scene and a very nice Dutch Friesian fellow named Deen showed up to take measurements and to discuss our wants and needs. He has immigrated to Canada just six years ago and loves it here. Then the other company came over, "Apex Landscaping and Irrigation", and the owner named Randy walked through the mud with us while making sketches and also discussed our wants and needs.
<br />
<img alt="" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IIWJuQ1fQr4/Wpn63qQ-NNI/AAAAAAAAQJM/stEbN9j-SAEnI6StoqiKw7prRd_vmqQ8gCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" /><br />
The back yard before.<br />
<img alt="" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z2kp1C3ReXo/Wpn65dQ6d1I/AAAAAAAAQJQ/Fu3zJUB6r2cTK8BAzwbgVko2SIbdqiwKQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" /><br />
The front yard before.<br />
A few days went by and the quotes came in via e-mail, and we decided to go with Apex Landscaping and Irrigation. Work was to commence in a few days. This being "the Island" I was wondering if "a few days" was the same as "mañana" in Mexico... But, much to my surprise a couple of workers showed up two days later and started putzing about the backyard...<br />
<img alt="" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XzrcCl03ZzY/Wpn7XIroStI/AAAAAAAAQJU/x7sxQN3bSpk7whzPj9K3NxdDLSCrb3AlwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" /><br />
After some measuring, they found the stake that indicates the property line and soon picks and shovels were produced along with fence posts, panels and concrete. The transformation had begun! Kristen and Sean worked hard and got the back fence installed on day one. Over the next few days, my assumption of who was in charge proved wrong. Kristen is the boss and Sean was there to help. She is a powerhouse and handles heavy earth moving machinery like a pro, it's so nice to see that gender equality is moving forward...<br />
<img alt="" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eXnxYQ_Di10/Wpn795zM1TI/AAAAAAAAQKA/seZ55MMSrlI-pHc2FsDhuoG9NWjCMC-zQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" /><img alt="" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HifV9uaX4WU/Wpn7-4UEsWI/AAAAAAAAQKE/iNSVhRZSGXswPUxm4nvT9LWj2YjSLGDtgCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" /><img alt="" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cuGmfdbYNdA/Wpn7_2CJA0I/AAAAAAAAQKI/70UCPMfUUiQe7V5XfcX_91Z8gMRKsQlIwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" /><img alt="" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dHxEgPl46d8/Wpn8A3uwLHI/AAAAAAAAQKM/8C5xmWLgihk2oDAPCStSk0OwMmAb-83PgCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" /><br />
The back fence is up, a few days later the supports were removed.<br />
With the rear fence in place, the time had come to concentrate on the right-hand side of the house. A few truckloads of crushed rock were placed on top of gardening cloth. A 10 cm. thick layer of this stuff will make walking to the backyard easy and it will keep the area free of weeds and messy mud. The left-hand side of the house will get the same treatment once the building is done of the house next door. With the tradespeople still working on that house, whatever landscaping gets done there will be destroyed, so we will wait a month or so.<br />
<img alt="" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_U5ivFGySL8/Wpn8K2xPhTI/AAAAAAAAQKU/_-ykr2gw16Y8g3GDMBZPc6m6MzkW55CSACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" /><img alt="" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YOU4yKhINLw/Wpn8LrjIarI/AAAAAAAAQKc/1CqE9P5yMVAiIOCh74NWN6J0RCf-NcKvwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" /><br />
Construction has started on the house next door.<br />
Then trenches were doug with the big backhoe for the installation of the irrigation system. With global warming and all, we thought it would be a good idea to have underground water lines and drip hoses installed all around the planted areas. The drip hoses are perforated at 12" intervals and will water the beds at set times controlled by a computerized timer that can be programmed via wifi from a tablet or smart phone. The wifi connectivity is an option, and we might consider that at a later date, meanwhile all the controls are on the master panel outside. This system will also make it worry free for us in case we want to go on a holiday in the warm, dry months.<br />
<img alt="" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nx1hRG3lFFw/Wpn8saxSb4I/AAAAAAAAQKs/QynJHm6KWDcz3zJkaXXql8C6TZESvnavACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" /><br />
These green boxes house the irrigation solenoids etc.<br />
<img alt="" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GxIyyAL_cMo/Wpn8tYp9lyI/AAAAAAAAQKw/vOJvYOjhKEAd6BVxdhhgRFFEep_Y1zkKwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" /><br />
Kristen, ever so carefully, moving earth in tight places.<br />
<img alt="" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ICmes93BIpY/Wpn8ujCmTuI/AAAAAAAAQK0/DnNjgAem7-QfCv6K4VXe_ijFxuhTawALgCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" /><img alt="" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-k28nw7f51dE/Wpn8vruDfnI/AAAAAAAAQK4/MrOYhFu3hycOcIHp6hIJR1Ydl-i_N-r0gCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" /><br />
The main water lines installed, and the right side path is complete.<br />
<img alt="" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ePMRkfjlvmA/Wpn9zVadIrI/AAAAAAAAQLg/F4bVosEvNcwtDoQw27in_WzdVKB3M_nNACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" /><img alt="" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HozCbIpifGI/Wpn90YgTnVI/AAAAAAAAQLk/WdE-RGSuEv0hhff6kMrvSDt2M07sg2JTgCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" /><img alt="" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Lt9SRTtIGqU/Wpn91Qz-_sI/AAAAAAAAQLo/HqNSasFfPksA03fCrV-vtmOMFXU38xtTwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" /><img alt="" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-urtJHn0YbYY/Wpn92f0l0dI/AAAAAAAAQLs/mPUK3EWgcQowkDQNWWmRa275qlzeiGfegCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" /><br />
With the main water lines installed it was time to build the flower beds. About eight cubic metres of very good quality, and very smelly, garden soil was brought in along with large rocks and smaller cobbles to make the final phase look good. Once the soil was in place, Mugo Pines, grasses and Azaleas were added, along with a nice Magnolia in the front where the garden has a western exposure. The backyard, on the east, has Rhododendrons, Hostas and Azaleas. We will add more plants and ornaments over time as we see fit. We have to let the garden grow a bit before we do more, to prevent over crowding. It will take a few seasons to come together.<br />
<img alt="" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FrFGTUtKWhA/Wpn99sUrhCI/AAAAAAAAQLw/cCaEQCe4tJsDeU-n0jQjN3ymT-vbyOzHwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" /><img alt="" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fEqy54oUOzw/Wpn9-jTMTaI/AAAAAAAAQL0/P1Z9Yj98yGEb3-P9Fvo2aKW6eoUIKZFyACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" /><img alt="" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vJ3Np3ghnPE/Wpn9_gNbnUI/AAAAAAAAQL4/OmXp5a2uy2o8_LoNYwTm5yt4oY3xyV-DwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" /><img alt="" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_i1mxtoFjHg/Wpn-AqHHJyI/AAAAAAAAQL8/NQOz0QvkfiMHbU2SFKITd_Amcsu3AhGcwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" /><br />
Once all the planting was done, the irrigation guy returned and installed the drip hoses. Every plant got its own little water line from the drip hose, a great system. We can add more of these at a later date. With the drip hoses in place it was now time to cover the whole affair with bark mulch. A 10 cm. layer covers the planted areas to keep in moisture and to keep the weeds at bay. The final result looks awesome, and many of our neighbours stop here to have a look at the transformation. All in all, I feel we got great value for the money. We wait now to finish the left side of the house and for the installation of two black aluminum gates...<br />
<img alt="" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U7_LC3ZTn64/Wps9VmhxqiI/AAAAAAAAQM0/1XTh7CGVWoUonJLI9zwSucGwsvLo94ppQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" /><br />
We need to find a nice big piece of driftwood...<br />
<img alt="" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Vbf0SXtWMFk/Wps9XPkeNpI/AAAAAAAAQM4/-ahgQZTMChUDE44Gjw6G8x48GgbJivjfwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" /><br />
In a few years it will look much more mature.<br />
<img alt="" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wrJv7Ft2Mh8/Wps9YQkf0ZI/AAAAAAAAQM8/JdBO5nOJvOk2NDh5g_JUlotP1oUYdKf5wCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" /><img alt="" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eN9y7MY49CY/Wps9ZtgUG0I/AAAAAAAAQNA/ToD3tUm3fXMnnKSqjOOvNOQtJW81Kmz_gCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" /><br />
The back yard, the Hostas not yet visible.<br />
<img alt="" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xxnown7njcQ/Wps9a_DZdiI/AAAAAAAAQNE/uNhl6jAud7cFkbytdDwdbMr8d0CPNbIoACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" /><br />
Our covered deck, ready for morning coffee and tea.Peter Kouwenhovenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10197113786491782884noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829021605910181237.post-62995015855695440342018-02-08T17:30:00.008-08:002018-02-08T18:14:02.699-08:00Mount Tzouhalem<p>We were off this sunny morning to look at some of the work done by a landscaping company that has quoted on designing and installing our garden. The townhouse complex is located nearby Mount Tzouhalem in North Cowichan and Shelagh thought it would be a fine day for a hike up the hill. The gardening job looked great so we have hired Apex Landscaping to get the job done here at home. I hope they'll get started soon and don't have too much of a mañana outlook on life...
</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lTo7eD8Yf0A/Wnz-MvTVjUI/AAAAAAAAQBg/Rp2aMhx7dN0HbjkVpvUAyTgw9mT8EmuzQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7_2p_onD5js/Wnz-OUGCI4I/AAAAAAAAQBk/AWX75eZVA-UbiS21TsK4OFJ6niz7HMJZQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LdAEDrAmAoA/Wnz-PxdXZuI/AAAAAAAAQBo/B0MrremNkGUwMqi5Mv-E-AFgodEOPBcWwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""></p>
<p>A hunter has taken out some frustration on this sign...</p>
<p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-01WtkVKLVRk/Wnz-RVVdi8I/AAAAAAAAQBs/ty12qt6rBfwdndTEfatOVhhOGmWtNXeZwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p>
<p>We parked the car at the base of the trailhead in a neighbourhood called "the Properties" in North Cowichan. Very posh homes here with stunning views. The hike is pretty much straight up to the top from where the view of Cowichan Bay is breathtaking. I am surprised that with Shelagh's dodgy knees and my dodgy hip we made it to the cliffs to take in the view. A little bit farther stands a large Christian cross. The original wooden cross was placed by local Catholic churches in the 1970s and it was replaced more than once due to weathering and vandalism. It was finally replaced with a metal one in the 1980s by the Knights of Columbus. We did not make it all the way to the cross, we will attempt that on our second climb up.</p>
<p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PB0LoS6Oy8g/Wnz-q-HTlTI/AAAAAAAAQB8/-RjbnxBLHEA9dMJtucguUOePu_xvTcdIgCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m3q2Q8k25PE/Wnz-swl9pAI/AAAAAAAAQCA/EMbbmxBZjtUeTsMViMpbOMLlPgfIgZpTQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-crKdtzigsxE/Wnz-uqoUkzI/AAAAAAAAQCE/ydmycKezsLMLQ0IPNOuyR2Ap9NX4QMF7gCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hzAHd0bkfbQ/Wnz-wi0WIFI/AAAAAAAAQCM/XxesX-WXixAhilXPSwljMPIUZcUQeM4RQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5xRuhEANPT8/Wnz-zMJdKdI/AAAAAAAAQCU/XY3X7lPtI60F1c1Owp2HfnCcCYj9plKPACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lVAt7U2s9T0/Wnz_FsUWuQI/AAAAAAAAQCg/998rNfI8tJ8I7hVivaafqZaQ_F5_2wXKQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p>
<p>Just shy of the summit.</p>
<p>Along the walk, we met a young couple from San Francisco who were traveling up the coast. It's so nice to see twenty-somethings hike up the mountain with no effort. Aging sucks! About halfway up there is a spot to practice your rock stacking skills. Many cairns and some inukshuks have been built here. Great fun for young and old alike. The walk down was a bit harder on the joints and when we got back to the car both of us were a bit wobbly. Shelagh has gone for X-rays of her knees and we are waiting to hear if she'll qualify for knee replacement surgery. Our next hike will be on more level ground...</p>
<p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zaPt36_wkXM/Wnz-ABnGQII/AAAAAAAAQBY/GnUP8R5yQC4-QoBic4x3pZxuRmyyhg0dACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aBj64hKHwYY/Wnz-Cjv-jlI/AAAAAAAAQBc/ZJdprG68oEg_7wYsCkv87xHr1aKwhVUtwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p>
<p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t8cTCjblyrA/Wnz-9a9EcLI/AAAAAAAAQCY/iXUbo6AEZawLYQj2IcqzCLjhgJP0oxryACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uM48tfWu4Ok/Wnz-_DjPlYI/AAAAAAAAQCc/1NsLKCvvY0co-bBNxqhJoGKrekFzzma-wCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p>
<p></p>
Peter Kouwenhovenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10197113786491782884noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829021605910181237.post-20633945469451831442018-02-02T16:23:00.007-08:002018-02-04T08:45:50.626-08:00Skutz Falls<p>About a 15 minute drive west of Duncan, in the beautiful Cowichan River Provincial Park is Skutz Falls. A perfect picnic spot in the spring, summer and fall. And a year round destination for hikers, campers and equestrians. At this time of year, with the rain fall and the start of the spring run off, the river is flowing at capacity and the roar is very loud. We followed the trail for a while but we were soon turned around because of the wet and soggy conditions. There were also some trees down crossing the trail, so our one hour walk was cut a bit short. Still, we enjoyed looking at the roaring river and I marked the spot on our GPS so we will be able to find the place easier next time. The signage is sparse. At the spot that I would go to for a picnic, a salmon ladder has been constructed to help the fish get to their spawning beds. We look forward to warmer days so we can enjoy this area with some lunch and a little glass of vino...</p>
<p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tMhaXNi9hr8/WnZGuoOiNGI/AAAAAAAAPrk/E1UZ9GUCIz8jeDJzRN993Zlflpf-DFSfACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FWtSW3JkfZ8/WnZGv8W5Y6I/AAAAAAAAPro/BCYWi_8tyqYKJjoXsixmohPYWZU8cdQ4wCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_dc4d9LAkcM/WnZGxI3zxJI/AAAAAAAAPrs/LZ-QSLIkUxcRUmq5Y4C4eVclq7RQOtU1wCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""></p>
<p>The salmon ladder. It is very noisy here at this time.</p>
<p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TNYKR7s-FG0/WnZGyAY9j1I/AAAAAAAAPrw/ldKtQKKjbZQrb9gPe78eG59VtSCkv6D1ACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""></p>
Peter Kouwenhovenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10197113786491782884noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829021605910181237.post-92111143930867006832018-01-30T15:06:00.005-08:002018-01-30T15:30:56.989-08:00Stoney Hill Regional Park<p>Tuesday, January 30th, dawned sunny and beautiful. A perfect day for a walk in the park. We had made an attempt a week ago to hike Stoney Hill Regional Park but had to turn away because our local Search and Rescue Technicians were doing an exercise in the park and had taken up whatever was left of the parking area. So today was the day for it and when we arrived at the trailhead there was only one car parked up.</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AVfPJBCDw5Y/WnD-LRv-w5I/AAAAAAAAN5E/EYkbTbMI8_AlDIdncXnWpdQSRlMjLOEfQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wwERcUt9Qjc/WnD9HzQ06XI/AAAAAAAAN34/WOyQ_DyqxYgzdNs67gMEoPf17c3oc5bzQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FPAWk0Kjd5w/WnD9Js2dczI/AAAAAAAAN38/RQNpZFXaEPQyoYsitMYimq-NlG1JzYcXQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p><p>The trail has many little rivers running on it.</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sMoUMvuem-o/WnD9ZjXnarI/AAAAAAAAN4E/wG2C4_spOx06gJSlCqrXU1LkU8VZJNnrgCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p><p>Stoney Hill Regional Park is located in the Municipality of North Cowichan near Sansum Narrows across from Salt Spring Island. The park has spectacular views of Salt Spring Island and the surrounding area with a scenic approximately 3.2 km return loop trail from the parking lot. A public road leads from Genoa Bay Road to a parking lot and trailhead. The trail is best hiked in the summer months because with all the wet weather we have had there were a lot of muddy and swamped areas. Some barely passable, but we made it the entire way albeit with some difficulty. I got home with two soaked shoes and socks and Shelagh did not fare much better. The hike took us one hour and forty minutes and on a scale of one to ten I give it a difficulty rating of seven. Shelagh suffered quite a bit with her bad knees and only fell down once. She was a real trooper.</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QyOfOMjhEd4/WnD9kFeOP1I/AAAAAAAAN4I/7Vtbfe3-eAsiiOaeLaDTXVX8NyHoRzqFgCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jY7uOa2seTc/WnD9l0qd1aI/AAAAAAAAN4M/DATqOLhXrtQ_vOd2ctrmZBqbog1htBRXACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zUaWJQpcpTM/WnD9n6gTM3I/AAAAAAAAN4U/z4lWInNs0nA5KbkAedpPs6hJjwfRsSHhwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RH0mIPi8x3U/WnD9pcAfjzI/AAAAAAAAN4c/N217TZWKSxk1OIEk7f2NFIcNsNjWeEOEQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p><p>Keeping back a bit here, there are no railings.</p><p>The draw of the park is the awesome views of Sansum Narrows and Salt Spring Island. With the sun shining the sights were amazing. We are so lucky to have places like this just a few minutes drive from home. Hopefully, over the summer months, there will be significant improvements made to the trail. We highly recommend this park, but make sure you wear good hiking shoes and a walking stick or two would help. Also, if you want to look at something pretty, stop walking first because you will get tripped up! I hope you will enjoy the pictures, I made many stops to take them...</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2wnQ5u-SLFg/WnD94PzDuYI/AAAAAAAAN4g/NvzBh0AuCZ0h_XqhYbro1bdOZhsWIUxZgCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rfsO5opZNCk/WnD95tIno9I/AAAAAAAAN4k/CG8FZ6OoGDQBa-he7hDyHdLRIz7Ys68BwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""></p><p>Beautiful arbutus trees.</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--ypVOZ_dPUE/WnD97MXVE7I/AAAAAAAAN4o/B_cXZOzN41ISP32utoGQdQKU-ZVV8v4bACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HPA-Lz9tE18/WnD99a4M5_I/AAAAAAAAN4s/lUOuMqNns50JDbuM9ZrCjsGQaM5dMuMoQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""></p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8iHXBnAcZ8Y/WnD9-sf3mAI/AAAAAAAAN4w/TTj10Nx7j1EtSDdF8rBKQy2hx_ydWmJ9wCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZIq63vOmUCY/WnD-AALyW7I/AAAAAAAAN40/yaa0DFw9RK46S_FDczYFia6gJ9vfJ1abACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--h1YAh2JUKY/WnD-BSAUC0I/AAAAAAAAN44/LiT5lE-ko4cU5ZkayFFrQAan4nnvwxKewCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m0YrgvfctNo/WnD-CVUk4VI/AAAAAAAAN48/cthZ8og37c0dlGLY6NXGjQU2wIkK9-eLQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p><p>This little guy was very patient with me.</p></p>Peter Kouwenhovenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10197113786491782884noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829021605910181237.post-20904618235980684292018-01-14T16:11:00.001-08:002018-01-14T16:11:30.923-08:00The Kinsol Trestle<p>Sunday was a beautiful sunny day so we went to play outside. We decided to drive to the Kinsol Trestle. Located just north of Shawnigan Lake, the trestle is the largest in the Commonwealth measuring 44 meters high and 187 meters long. The trestle was part of the railway built in 1911 by the Canadian Northern Pacific Railway, and was used to transport timber from Vancouver Island. When the lumber industry took a beating in the 1970s the railway line was abandoned and the trestle was left to rot. The last train crossed the trestle in 1979.</p><p><br><p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_WM9W-MS7oiWNxjpEvlctMG8MI62PUlRESIHIERjGHjnQM59A_tsJefvCDuQDlBna-5Il_o__DTpBiEg18LzDc-Vh8QVznv13TIMQeQLNjgzoF1WmYe5eufhD8kfIpe9zgSjvlZr1PGle/" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ihoPiZ9hxh8/Wlvw5FRT-MI/AAAAAAAAN2s/zlw88USOpdsSzYl6MYpAncFHupuqgthEwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UzvHnGASnz0/Wlvw6DSG2UI/AAAAAAAAN2w/7gxqS_a_bogQxzzkldq6Vqyt0__pjppgACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaDAS2dUiWSLnUCOh9VQQN4EVdEiIZgE5fshbOwVBK_2K0RrSKuBXg2PDNO5knhU32uV5GR9-XorEdAfAafv9qflz_jA3HMaCvbmViphE33UO1TZ2y6KgZ_zpUZpJLVW1LakynZbXToZ7r/" alt=""><br></p><p>In 2007 a campaign was started to save the trestle. Money was donated by many generous people and the Provincial Government also kicked in a few bucks. The trestle re-opened in 2011 and is now, once again, in use by many people on a daily basis. The structure is amazing and well worth a visit. It is open to hikers, bikers and equestrians.</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n32S30kQ7kI/WlvxRrtMZNI/AAAAAAAAN24/XlM8PwyjuLE4saRJGtEzBz__-NdjzA3EACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H6UYBbCg5Nk/WlvxTUo-AUI/AAAAAAAAN28/tUBSaiybyrQb15uZ4WCMyWDTRQLlb9ZgQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-abdqicI6tb8/WlvxUXsA4tI/AAAAAAAAN3A/C1sqxmO0HbkV6-20bapLr_-fJC-bHrPHACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidlsH-LYZxAWFtzO6PW7oZfyviS1iWf80jxoA-V_wM3NLcbhYCnavKMvsk0ha-vud1WVZrPgix0VZctgPZbseJCgFzEJdMNuvgNpeEt1vCkeRqZZQcWEElDTw-6wqmMFM8O5rP5FHwAkC3/" alt=""><br></p><p>The Kinsol Trestle is part of the Cowichan Valley Trail, which is part of the Trans Canada Trail. The Trans Canada Trail will be the world's longest when completed. It will cross the entire country from east to west to north, at this time some 24000 kilometres have been completed...</p></p>Peter Kouwenhovenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10197113786491782884noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829021605910181237.post-78311692020677109552018-01-09T11:51:00.007-08:002018-01-09T19:59:20.863-08:00The house is getting homier<p>After the hustle and bustle of Christmas we got into a bit of a slow down. There had been so much on the go in the last three months that we suddenly felt like some time to recuperate. We slowed down and got onto "Island Time". There is no rush to get things done in the next few days. So we got a bit lazy and relaxed, but in the meantime we were discussing where some of our wall decorations could find a new home. We also had a wonderful visit with our friends Victor and Shirley who were visiting family in the valley for Christmas. We lived just 20 minutes apart on the mainland and never got together much, but here we are on the island and we meet up. Let's hope this will be a new trend.</p>
<p><br>
</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j4uHvdWQFpg/WlUdeJIM3eI/AAAAAAAANyc/dr36s1KG5gwTNDWE5bPPDMkivQasr2wlACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p>
<p>The view from the great room.</p>
<p>New Year's Eve was quiet and easy. We went into town to walk around and see the lights. Some had already been taken down. Next year we'll do a better job of showing them off as well as the show in Ladysmith, which is amazing. Back home to the comfort of a warm house to count off the last hours of the year. We weren't even sure if we would make it 'till midnight, but we managed it by pouring one more glass of wine. That'll do the trick because we can't spill wine down the sink, we'd rather see blood spilled! Once into January we got serious and started bringing art upstairs from the spare bedroom.</p>
<p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ztUmTkVqSmo/WlUdyzgwtcI/AAAAAAAANyk/L_J87QF1kBA1wt1eIluXgJsXnqvq1hJDACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2CUN__ULjA4/WlUdzyqFYmI/AAAAAAAANyo/iL8IGTo6w6cvMqQRbwQOnG0Q0c83HuLZQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p>
<p>Down town Duncan on New Years Eve.</p>
<p>The master bedroom took on a Venetian look, and the hallway bath room became Parisian. And the great room is taking on a complete character of its own. The wait now is for the furniture we bought in Langford last week. A new sofa and love seat for the living room and a small couch for the den. The current leather sofa and love seat will go down stairs to the media room where it was supposed to go. Delivery is anywhere from three to five weeks from the purchase date, so that is still in the works.</p>
<p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GmNyM79sZlg/WlUeINPN0MI/AAAAAAAANys/W09K4p0Y7pUVTGPgnMU4Q00AttKJzIxLwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NN5li2eOUEA/WlUeJZzq4tI/AAAAAAAANyw/SSh13VkjxW4ozz8fWnu-jSiAlH5edhe6wCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_vjpyUAU51k/WlUeKrvopUI/AAAAAAAANy0/348hGTwUIME9fmWnlN4EYyxDEElHKXZygCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p>
<p>Some furniture choices.</p>
<p>Our new kitchen is working out great. I have had a few days in there cooking up a storm and the freezer is now well stocked with many meals. The turkey carcass yielded an excellent stock that I used for a big pot of pea soup. We have also taken up making our own pizza again, delicious! The new stove does an excellent job with the pizza stone in place and the convection roast setting at 500°F. A pizza cooks in nine minutes! We also made a large batch of wontons and Char Siu pork for our Wor Wonton Soup, along with a batch of Korean spiced meatballs.</p>
<p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kmYiBmzU1LQ/WlUeyEZlXgI/AAAAAAAANy8/RZg-OsCKupsnGBlWhdCp88N_cavO9PazQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VlBZnWDfKoc/WlUezM6ntbI/AAAAAAAANzA/eDO8CtmMRy0rs2PcR_p26yBbRS3PZI05gCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-M7F1iG9SVRU/WlUe0GR3rfI/AAAAAAAANzE/k3nnphYhTDUyJHb_4C36jvpLs0uie5l0QCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNLwrh4wouc0T6bpxxE2PI8fiJDxQP7aXmfE2GcDs27V1TyC0qGjfYG-RyXCflbCx7ne8Ed29mewdWs4d5c-37YU1ptu2xPV7HLFpIVtNVOscmdeQeSFZJ0PtLjS4s96TLlSxd-0G976O-/" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1m93iz14FUg/WlUe2E-VmUI/AAAAAAAANzM/6JP49MkWVqAzsgtwaQU8qK1BjOZKdtCCQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y9tZ_5zY-zE/WlUe3zo0laI/AAAAAAAANzQ/Adbu2dTOiHIO8LIE-np5Oq7zJiYJF5OMgCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p>
<p>Home made pizza, wontons, Wor Wonton Soup and Spicey Korean meatballs with a stirfry on rice.</p>
<p>Last Friday we were in Victoria for a while. Shelagh had an appointment with a specialist so we made a day of it. Found the Dutch store and stocked up on Senseo Coffee and Indonesian spices and had a lovely lunch at Milestones on the harbour front. Delicious food and generous portions. After all that we forgot to use our Milestones gift card that we got a year ago for Christmas. So we will just have to go back sometime.</p>
<p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pdnmofHEluU/WlUfblcuXbI/AAAAAAAANzc/Wfg6-u_XFq0LVQQIqbTKHAxoBQB_q099ACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z_lDfdPcnMc/WlUfctT8wVI/AAAAAAAANzg/-gp2EAdMME4pIF-3ZI1Ldfku0LgyIe4sACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9ZVPWQHmyw4/WlUfdt71whI/AAAAAAAANzk/zJR4z_oWyy8m9mSbwEHm7PC7iJHpHEwbgCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0PEAmipNGkE/WlUfehkFouI/AAAAAAAANzo/V6Izne70hHAyb3Q0AsR_4SL88rgmm8FHQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YAZvZnBdN3s/WlUff7gCNjI/AAAAAAAANzs/lDZcOX5duQAzBmtxmPagNS12_H0m2ftGgCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""></p>
<p>Honestly, I was smiling here.</p>
<p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6FcHQURXWlo/WlUfhFJl5aI/AAAAAAAANzw/i9XnzMpLYpsIskIvAJYcghjnbrfxeQhlgCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p>
<p>A fun day in Victoria and a delicious lunch at Milestones.</p>
<p>We have had a few requests for pictures of the house, but we're not ready to share any yet, patience is a virtue, I will post pictures when the house is all done...</p>
<p></p>
Peter Kouwenhovenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10197113786491782884noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829021605910181237.post-23161128375339788362017-12-26T21:37:00.006-08:002017-12-26T21:56:14.085-08:00Our first Island Christmas<p>December 23rd dawned bright, sunny and cold at -7°C. It is Saturday so we went to the market to get some more snacks and things for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Chris will be here tonight and we want to be ready. We bought a Dutch almond cake, but struck out on the other things on our list. This can happen at the Saturday Market where the same products are not always available. So we went on to the Old Farmers Market on the Trans Canada Highway for some veggies and to the super market for some more snack food.</p><p>Then Shelagh helped me find her a Christmas present. I tend to buy her things that don't work out, so she gets to pick, then I buy and wrap, then on Christmas morning she opens her presents and acts surprised! Everybody wins...</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bSDglmDbGgk/WkMyA1M-dfI/AAAAAAAANus/kLXCMY4bt-ADjlZojTVfKP9yAWj8IVsOQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jLMGPLAPqhI/WkMyCOZq0SI/AAAAAAAANuw/Aw-R9PI66KUeWu6mkzeMO_2Aog9Z3IcGwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""></p><p>The new kitchen, ready for its first workout...</p><p><p>We got home and settled in to a couple of episodes of "Suits" on Netflix. A great series that we started watching a couple of weeks ago at our air B&B. We had just finished the second show when the phone rang. It was Chris, he was in Duncan quite a bit earlier than expected. He managed to re-schedule his ferry reservation. He was at the local Jysk store where he bought an air mattress, as ordered, and wanted an escort to the house from the store because his "smart" phone would not boot up google maps! All too happy to oblige we headed out to the store to learn that his car would not start! As it turned out the car ran out of gas just as he turned off the ignition... At 35 years old one would expect a person not to run out of gas... But as I recall I married ex wife number two at that age, so no harm done!!! We went to the local gas station and got a jerry can full, juiced up his car and the whole thing became history pretty quickly. We had a wonderful evening with Chilli con Carne for dinner and some wine and beer. Chris was tired from a heavy Christmas dinner party with the Seaforth Highlanders Armoury the night before, so after dinner and a beer he called it a night and became our first house guest. On Sunday we took him on a tour of the surrounding area.</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Yp2Nw1ho0CE/WkM1B4OduZI/AAAAAAAANwA/EQtRsxwpguI2s0IhOmoXDLvz0EcbCG87QCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p><p>Sunday dawned overcast but not snowing. Shelagh prepared a delicious breakfast of ham and eggs baked in a muffin tin with some cheese, parsley and Hollandaise sauce. For someone who hates to cook, she did great. After some coffee and tea we headed out the door to show Chris the coastline of the Cowichan Valley. Starting in Mill Bay then northbound through Cowichan Bay, Maple Bay, Crofton, Chemainus and Ladysmith. He understood right away why we chose this valley as our new home. It being Christmas eve day most of the towns were quiet and most shops closed, but it was still wonderful to see the towns. We came home and I made some ham and cheese buns for lunch, the rest of the day we spent relaxing before the mayhem of Christmas day was upon us.</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AeUy5l_oPR0/WkMygyJZh7I/AAAAAAAANu0/Gp2zmzXfpqITcwebxQNJG1Xdr7189d5bQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_Yk_l8MspOM/WkMyj9X0zHI/AAAAAAAANvA/xoinQq-uugswHJeyT1uE1Koj57RL3pN4ACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p><p>These were delicious!</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NRtLpYR-F7Q/WkMy3fj6TxI/AAAAAAAANvE/qQitzpzxkzQFzALB4B9YZkBYfpCst9iFwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p><p>Even on a cold grey day Maple Bay is amazing.</p><p>Christmas morning came lazily, we slept in 'till 08:00 and we waited with coffee for Chris to get his butt out of bed, he came upstairs at about 09:30 saying that he had been up for ages playing his online game "Destiny 2". Well, bacon and eggs were made, showers were taken and we got into the business of Christmas morning. We relaxed and chatted the morning away. Nobody seemed interested in opening presents, that did not happen 'til the afternoon. After a lunch of snacks and junk food we got into the spirit and ripped the wrapping. We were all properly spoiled.</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WeJ48QkrEt8/WkMzHyRMMEI/AAAAAAAANvM/cGNmHrBA8DcKpz0QqzD6p8dlLiCgvdhgwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tAD1kXAko4I/WkMzLfH9mEI/AAAAAAAANvQ/KhYl8bqIwzsyLYe3JZPDrFl5xwTOY3-UACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iIq5ZLhtAf8/WkMzS4BHd6I/AAAAAAAANvc/ujpuBZPj0dA21IgUNAfWYIn7ibJuMQbxACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wi6LUbtD3jQ/WkMzWdZeiqI/AAAAAAAANvg/dLf3hj3WHwkMUuC0a7ohVSUgQ9H91L8eACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p><p>For Chris five Vimy Ridge commemorative coins and a camping stove, for Shelagh new slippers and for me a solid maple carving board.</p><p>Then I got onto the business of cooking dinner. It's not easy for me to cook turkey, I don't like turkey, I find it totally tasteless and boring, but it got done in our new oven which has a probe system to make sure the bird is cooked properly. The instructions for the oven said to insert the probe in the thickest part of the breast, but reality suggests that the thigh would be a better place for temperature monitoring. This is the problem with turkey, when the white meat is perfect the dark meat is under cooked. Next time, if there is one, I will cut the turkey into parts and cook the dark meat longer than the white. Still, dinner was great and there were lots of leftovers.</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BNSCNv3FyZA/WkMz5dVf2tI/AAAAAAAANvo/07q4jx_RFj4gpn6X8okS7xRYfruVPwjNwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p><p>Boxing day, who came up with that name? We were all a bit done with extravagant breakfasts so Shelagh just cut up some apples and bananas for us to munch on. I got the turkey all cut up for sandwiches and the dark meat went back into the oven to cook some more. Then all the bones went into a large pot to make stock. Eventually that will become a hearty pea soup. We spent the day being lazy. I made turkey sandwiches for lunch. And, then just like that, it was time for Chris to go home. He had a good time here, next time he'll find the house more done up, with pictures on the walls. A job that we will now start in earnest. We had left over turkey dinner, and I must admit that we're both quite turkeyed out. There is still more but it will go into the freezer for another day...</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MVKrgQ0xb6s/WkMz_pOnn6I/AAAAAAAANvs/MC4r-s_TZjsLQVYMoivDK43ZQxyWIF1cgCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eCFh8tZoaJY/WkM0B_mWl6I/AAAAAAAANvw/xi_dAnR0IzgzJ7VXBQrkseTfUzIPuHMkwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p><p>Chris texted at 21:30 "Home now", good boy!</p><p>That wrapped up Christmas, not our best or prettiest, but despite the moving chaos it turned out not bad at all. We hope yours was awesome!</p></p>Peter Kouwenhovenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10197113786491782884noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829021605910181237.post-35555158292087322432017-12-21T12:46:00.007-08:002017-12-21T22:47:28.209-08:00A week without internet<p>This post is a bit of a tome so pour yourself a glass of wine...
</p><p><br></p>
<p>On Tuesday December 12th we met at the house with our builder and our realtor for a final inspection and to create a list of deficiencies. It was so nice to see the house all finished, even bug screens had been installed. Mr. Parhar, the land developer and builder, gave us an organized tour of the house pointing out all the features included in the construction. The house looks wonderful, and only a couple of things needed some adjustment. After we walked through we were told that over time we will find that certain things can do with some tweaking and we were to let him know right away so things would be to our complete satisfaction. Everybody at the Parhar Group has been very helpful with our questions and concerns over the last two months finalizing this construction.</p>
<p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iyaSLFzpsAU/Wjym5b2NmpI/AAAAAAAANrc/dA4DhyTaRpI2Xom3h0v5o7qd_RbzZiuUgCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nsbr4XBG4KE/Wjym6oXDnxI/AAAAAAAANrg/FZKGWteOKZQG9XZbIshuEBCV1LRD1DUKwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YHdqy1qkOFY/Wjym7n5mfVI/AAAAAAAANrk/u7yal-u66XEhpVHib9pdmJULPIFuffWygCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qoMax9vYxOY/Wjym8vxuS9I/AAAAAAAANro/HrGtmuIfkMcK2VvTNOgnOsAMPjA1I2c3gCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-awce0_261Ms/Wjym9zWDLpI/AAAAAAAANrs/SqXreK1kxpoA5Zo82Gx_9K0nArll5WZAACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p><p>The Somenos Marsh is a great place to take some time out and look at the wild life...</p>
<p>We went back to our B&B feeling completely content in the knowledge that this would be our best home ever! Our notary public informed us that all the paperwork was in place and there was no need to do any more checking around and the final monies could be paid out to the builder. We gave the go ahead and the next day we were informed by David, our realtor, that possession had been granted a day early. We went to the house and were given the keys. This came as a great surprise, and it was so much appreciated because we had quite a few balls to juggle. We took over a car load of artwork from the B&B and started shifting things over bit by bit. We bought a vacuum cleaner and started a deep clean of the carpets and floors, also the walls and window frames were given a good going over. There is always a lot of dust with new construction, this will continue for a while and is to be expected. Besides, the house isn't clean until Shelagh says it is!</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aeXL2j524Kw/Wjyn-8cpMWI/AAAAAAAANr0/Qr4ZE18GCQ8w7_rYbaI0p4J2c2VHrk7nACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oDPwesW97gg/WjyoBvu2HbI/AAAAAAAANr4/THcD2dtTwY8xvD9OzH9aMy-n4XZlWym0gCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CLaM60d7K04/WjyoF7n12BI/AAAAAAAANr8/PdEgpDd_u5kutZabQ24r_FD6mzyXRX-9gCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p><p>Our Cube-It was delivered on time and we found it in perfect condition.</p>
<p>With the help of Sherri, the customer service representative at the Parhar group, we were able to hire a plumber and a gas fitter to hook up our kitchen. We were also provided with a phone number to a company that supplies labourers by the hour. We needed somebody to help us unload our container. Trevor came over on Saturday at 10:00 for four hours to help us unload and disperse our belongings throughout the house as we saw fit. He has worked as a professional mover for 13 years and can maneuver a piece of furniture through the house with great precision. His help was paramount in getting our furniture moved in efficiently. Within two hours the cube was empty and we were ready to shuffle some stuff into place. After that he helped me with the assembly of some of my IKEA Sten shelving in the garage so that I could get this space organized. By 13:15 I said so long to Trevor and we gave him a generous tip for his efforts. I could now concentrate on getting the garage in shape so the car can be out of the elements.</p>
<p>Meanwhile Shelagh went off to the Saturday market and stocked up on some of the things we have become quite fond of, sausages and meat pies etc. She also got our cell phone topped up. Once that was accomplished she got busy emptying boxes of kitchen stuff and got the cupboards and drawers organized. The kitchen will go through a few changes over time while she fine tunes the location of everything. So far it all looks very good with all my cooking stuff in places that make perfect sense. Bedtime was upon us and sleep came easy...</p>
<p>Sunday morning dawned with a slight nasal congestion and the fear of a cold setting in... Too much stress, we must take more breaks and slow down a bit, we are not young puppies anymore. After coffee and breakfast we got started unpacking some boxes. Soon I felt that Shelagh was more in control of this part, so I went to the basement to get the wine room sorted. I built the IKEA "Sten" shelves (bought these some 25 years ago) and got the room organized. The new wine room, or the cave as I like to call it, is much bigger than the previous one and I now have room for a large work surface to do my thing. Sadly I do not have a sink, or the possibility of installing one, so that will take a little getting used to. The downstairs bathroom will suffice. In the afternoon I got three wines started without any problem. So life is good. We went to the market and stocked up on veggies, then put our feet up and relaxed...</p>
<p>On Monday the unpacking continued. At times it became a bit overwhelming, so much stuff! We had sold off and donated a lot of things, but still the knick knacks and travel souvenirs kept coming. We have a very large closet in the basement where some of these things will have to be stored for the time being. Then, after six months or so, we will take a look at what has not yet found a new home and get rid of that. Late morning the Cube-it truck showed up and loaded the empty container and drove off. There was nothing to sign or do...</p>
<p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wyX7e3n9g3U/WjypAXbmD_I/AAAAAAAANsU/17nK27FTZvolFl7pSfkjiZ0m9aa8PKdXwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Tvr8PSrqDI4/WjypDtWk9VI/AAAAAAAANsY/jjAtVR5Zn-c6l4qr-RdsTJo0CawlB2vMgCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TKrQIHzMCww/WjypHWGjBUI/AAAAAAAANsc/50Jf_Go-vjAccVprNdYFAO0wR7YFZDk1wCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p>
<p>We made a trip to the municipal hall of North Cowichan to get some answers to questions like garbage and recycling pick up dates, property tax payment options and the like. A very helpful lady gave us printed copies of all the info we needed. We can now get rid of a pile of styrofoam packaging that surrounded our appliances. And a lot of cardboard, newsprint and plastic.</p>
<p>On Tuesday morning Shelagh was out of bed first, went to the window and said, "Oh my goodness! Peter take a look at this!" I got up and looked out to see five inches of snow on the ground and more coming down. We'll have a "Snow Day" and stay at home. Lots to do here... At about noon the snow turned to rain it became a typical west coast slush fest. When the rain became serious we went out to run some errands, the fridge was empty and that's not good. We also stopped at the Thunderbird Motel to check our e-mails etc. Our iPads still know their wifi password so that worked out well. This is when we noticed that our old Telus ISP was still billing us for service to the old house, so off we went to the local Telus store to have that problem solved. Nothing but excitement. Shelagh has been on the phone at length with Telus, mostly on hold, to close the old account, they are incredibly unorganized, the left hand knows not what the right hand is doing... Then to the store for a small grocery shop, some chicken, broccoli and mayo... (A life lived without mayo is a life half lived). And to the liquor store to buy some wine. I made a nice chicken curry with broccoli and rice and we have left overs for another dinner.</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4F201-JgexQ/Wjyp4JQO5pI/AAAAAAAANsk/BL2vB1sVRR46_5ineYwAd-FkuDz-q7e-wCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8EniIGCT3IU/Wjyp6J6nybI/AAAAAAAANss/9AIgaVxju5kTSKjxvbNBSF-QaH21dxi2wCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vBMyXYs-Is4/Wjyp7W6h5rI/AAAAAAAANsw/7armWhrLZsUF8Sg6K4SKSFMvJk_M74CNQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p>
<p>Wednesday started at 07:15. We had to be ready for a carpenter to install the mirror for the downstairs bathroom, two weeks earlier he had broken the original one. He was done in no time and as he was preparing to leave I asked him if he knew an electrician. He did, and he called his friend who would be able to hook up our dishwasher late afternoon the same day, we now have a dishwasher before Christmas! We will have him come back some day to install some dimmer switches etc.</p>
<p>We had a day of running errands and got some bills paid, then out for a nice lunch at our favourite pizza place, "Pizza Prima Strada" in Cobble Hill. We had some meatballs from the antipasti menu and ordered a spicy pizza, delicious, Shelagh has left overs… When we got back home I got busy downstairs to assemble our home theatre system. We bought new speaker cables, a slightly heavier gauge, to carry the sound better. Our old speakers still pack a punch! Shelagh got her closet reorganized with some new portable storage units. Slowly but surely the place is taking shape... </p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5dx33t5weW0/WjyqQ16d2jI/AAAAAAAANs0/Y5s2ibrxNgU_Meaj9hU-1ZtI0d3f-EM8ACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p>
<p>Thursday up at the unChristian hour of 06:15 to be ready for Adrian, the Telus wifi installer. We showed him where I had set-up the televisions and after some chin scratching he went to work. We heard some sawing noises and goings on, but left him alone to do his thing. Not even two hours later he was done and ready to show us the set-up. Everything was in place. He set us up with new components and we are now on the latest and greatest fibre optic system available. The internet connection is blazing fast. We are happy campers. I made a simple lunch of tomato soup and crackers with cheese, and now we're off to do a major grocery shop.</p>
Peter Kouwenhovenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10197113786491782884noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829021605910181237.post-50369204005314391182017-12-09T10:41:00.006-08:002017-12-09T13:16:34.418-08:00A busy week<p>Our first week in Duncan has been a busy one. When you move to a new home, after 20 years, a lot of things require up-dating. Address changes on driver's licenses, passports and the Canada Revenue Agency all had to be made. Luckily the Governments on both the Federal and Provincial levels are well represented in town. We made quick work of the changes, but we did learn that they close mid-day for one hour to have lunch! This is Island time!</p>
<p>On Saturday at the market we came upon a vendor selling fresh organic sprouts, we tasted some and went home with a couple of his wraps and Asian dipping sauce. Lunch was sussed.</p>
<p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_WJYrk4i_sM/WixPvfd0FrI/AAAAAAAANo4/P4JM3MLERxs2iyrvb3ticGGSK51kDv-_wCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8Y2MeKd7guo/WixPxJFq93I/AAAAAAAANo8/KV88Y0Xpt9AF5ooMmH52NmN4hrYUJj9ZgCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p>
<p>The Mexican food truck will get a workout soon.</p>
<p>Then we had to buy a set of kitchen appliances. We did some comparing on line and came to the conclusion the the Home Depot would be the best store to place our order. We chose the Frigidaire Professional line and ordered a fridge, gas range, dishwasher and hood fan capable of removing 600 cfm of air. At least 400 cfm is required for a gas range, so we're good. Then we chose LG for a washer and dryer combo. Both units have a steam feature good for reducing allergens and other nasty things. It was a good day for the Home Depot!</p>
<p>Just south of town on Highway 1 we found a grocery store called "Old Farm Market". We have shopped there twice now and the produce is beautiful, local and affordable. They also have a well stocked deli and bakery. We will be regulars there. Next door is a butcher that we will check out once we have moved into our new home. In town there is also a fish monger that we will check out. It would be nice to shop at the big stores just for non perishables and keep our shopping with the local merchants as much as possible.</p>
<p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-chpQotZiaEA/WixQFyb3tOI/AAAAAAAANpA/_b4tTp_Ps8Qo3ninZi_-EMg4JwiheqrwACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEide4HB8TX_pHJqqNVyvRmyGo5YjgyvuVNgHZBBl2NwnXi6UO9yRj0uk-WM0lb_W3kjT-JouEwAyoSU8XvoHNh2HFJn6DetjVUIHaC1Cnjg04A4RkREKK537IefZi2dXCZNjStTFeOz5aza/" alt=""><br></p>
<p>Saturdays is market day and we will go to the market to sniff out some home made deals like sausages, meat balls and bread. In the summer the market is very well stocked with home grown organic veggies. Speaking of organic, we stumbled upon a store next door to the Brick Furniture store that sells 100% organic products. From soup to nuts, they have it all, even bamboo underwear. Outside they display an array of "Inglorious" veggies at $1.00 per pound! If you plan on making a large pot or chilli or spaghetti sauce, these organic miss-fits will be perfect!</p>
<p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v8iWy6gy7Ys/WixQuyRL1GI/AAAAAAAANpM/Xu19PyVorMQOATS4z0A5QD6VOcAlMjTIACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qY-ZpsrU4o8/WixQwWid5rI/AAAAAAAANpQ/st8cWgBgzwA3N02WyfEqkS7DNEZMmDHjQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a2hx-w4JG3s/WixQ1x394AI/AAAAAAAANpU/S0e8NbW4yGUyM75oDGCSwWA-bdXCFh_KgCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p>
<p>As you can see, we're moving right in! Today we're out for a walk, followed by a visit to the market. The sun is shining and life could not be better! At the market we found a beautiful olive bread loaf, pork and apple sausages with sage, steak and mushroom meat pies, Korean meat balls and some freshly made shrimp and asparagus ravioli. We also stopped at the big grocery store for some rice and olive oil. We're set for the week, our next shop will be to stock-up our new kitchen.</p>
<p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O957v3zH9Ok/WixRKkS5-PI/AAAAAAAANpc/XEQl4_qedrodUEz5yfDM8CaaQBexriHHwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p>
<p>Oh and here's number one son, Liam saying hi to the Governer General in Yellowknife.</p>
<p></p>
Peter Kouwenhovenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10197113786491782884noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829021605910181237.post-45741411948506067292017-12-01T21:08:00.021-08:002017-12-09T10:39:43.709-08:00Wrapping things up<p>The home we just sold has two beautiful maple trees, but this part will not be missed.</p>
<p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TpdGLGNaHHg/WiMk08r5-NI/AAAAAAAANmI/uu3iwdIQhmsJM_b-f70e90LsOXGqYQFVwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7EiYrknWCww/WiMk4lU1ikI/AAAAAAAANmM/6qV8kEBYC50Q35cSJq4KJ7i_OaVOFY9CwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p>
<p>We had three garage sales and cleared around $700.00! A perfect little stash to fund the ferry travel and moving expences. Our dining room set did not sell so it will stay with us a while longer. Maybe we'll try to sell it on the Island, there may be more interest here in country style furniture.
</p>
<p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MDSBadudLag/WiMk_GI3WDI/AAAAAAAANmQ/mQ_mLOGORDoMhONlf4JMg842RBSqOq3eQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p>
<p>I love my Toro blower/vac. It mulches too.</p>
<p>We had rented a container from a company located in Scarborough, Ontario called Cube-It. The cube measures 8x8x16 ft. It is supposed to be able to contain the furnishings of a typical one bedroom appartment. Now our house has three bedrooms, but we had wittled the contents down to just one bedroom, so I figured the size of this container would be fine... When the contaier was delivered it did look rather small, but once inside it felt quite a bit bigger, we were up for a challenge. The full three dimensions would have to be put to good use. And we packed this thing, with the help of our good friend Stuart and number two son Chris, all the way to the rafters. Everything minus some garden decorations made it into the box, the garden decor was happily taken by our neighbours who promisced to distribute them with other interested parties.</p>
<p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FEIbv2J8LMQ/WiMl3UuNpII/AAAAAAAANmY/i6qkWInYAsEVMAB98ij8TOzri2rN2M5cwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhocy_6jK7Cf64bcDsVRKEJeH164QaxmGfpgIaBxl_wcInjL-1IClaidhajC7qhLXBiP4DiXAc1192igJ8M3-KIwDI2s8HFrg3m1lMuB-loXoBUuDqkVvD0eXPWmJZPx_q0nPd2tOEqVcq7/" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3EdHkQ79QJc/WiMmFsfB4yI/AAAAAAAANmg/G7sf2qCzAD4YfP-AdtIx_MoT4PGU0U5NACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p>
<p>On the Cubi-It website they list the load limit of the container at 7500 lbs. and we were trying to figure out just what exactly resembles 7500lbs. Neither of us really had a clue, but 7500 lbs. is a lot of weight, about 3.5 metric tonnes. So we packed it up without a problem. We stuffed the last 10% of the cube with bits and bobs. I will have to open the doors very slowly in two weeks because anything may come flying out of there. Hard hats may be required!</p>
<p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-10omfaSdbso/WiMm-BmFdRI/AAAAAAAANm4/FR00SneokaQyFkYXDLqpyvvkgGsRDluYgCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p>
<p>Quite a tight load!</p>
<p>This Friday morning the truck retuned to pick up the container. He positioned the truck expertly and had the forks in place five minutes later. Shelagh went off to vacuum something while I watched to see if the thing had become too heavy. The box lifted up as if it was empty! Seriously, I carried most of the boxes, all very heavy, into that thing. It blew me away that it seemed to be no effort at all for this rig. Talking to the driver, after he had his load secured, I asked him about the 7500 lb. limit and he smiled, "Actually the limit is 10000 lbs. but we want people to be careful when loading these things". The pick up was done in less than ten minutes, and now our focus was on the car...</p>
<p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TxJHINXwsfA/WiMmrQvbEqI/AAAAAAAANms/ghSmMmvwjDEZdq7IVa1GWUgvkM_nQvURgCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dI6cPWdBx3A/WiMmvAbji5I/AAAAAAAANmw/Ru3pJ0_jlOsrPD6R9Lk2AZDgLxAbhgSPQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p>
<p>There are some items that we did not want in the container, original paintings, some stereo equipment, our flat sceen television sets and rented electronics from our internet service provider. Also copious amounts of wine, clothing and personal treasures. Our car is small, a KIA Soul, but it has inner bigness, it is tall and boxy, some people call it ugly but I see a neatly designed car, very cool. With the back seats dropped down the interior becomes cavernous, and even Shelagh was amazed that everything made its way into the space behind our seats. I must admit that Shelagh's feet were slightly elevated by some items but that actually ended up adding to her comfort once properly distributed.</p>
<p>Our car fully stuffed, container picked up, final deep cleaning completed. We recieved a call from our notary, with the news that the money of the sale of our home had cleared, and that we could come over anytime to pick up the residue of funds that make up the difference between the sale of our old house and the purchase of our new house. (How's that for a sentence?) We locked up the house for the last time after one more walk through. We have lived here for 20 years, but we were both ready to move on, this house had served us well, and we hope the new owners will be very happy there.</p>
<p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a1q3BG1u3uw/WiMnZW2a9gI/AAAAAAAANnA/ejSE2LzzEpkkzvzmjeJxKXU7fr_XdiR8wCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p>
<p>From this...</p>
<p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gwhKvU2bcFs/WiMnmjituhI/AAAAAAAANnE/BMyhjxk8u38jlsl5cj7mEBXCc4dO4nY9gCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p>
<p>To this... (Notice also the difference between a professional camera and a point and shoot!)</p>
<p>The paperwork went on for quite a while, lots of signatures were required, all to do with the new home purchase. Finally all that was done and we headed to the bank to deposit our cheque. Straight into the new investment account where our financial guru will do his magic, minus some $$$ for making the new house a home. Now we were totally free, and homeless. We headed for the Tsawwassen ferry terminal for our 15:15 sailing to Nanaimo. We had a two hour wait for our ship, so we went to the little mall in the parking lot and ate a lovely Mexican lunch from one of the stalls in the food court. This mall is worth a visit! Cool shops full of touristy things and great food too. After lunch we went back to the car and hooked up Shelagh's iPad to the car's sound system and watched a rather bizarre movie called "the Circle" starring Tom Hanks. Time goes by quickly like that and soon we had to pause the movie and get boarded. Once comfy in our seats we finished the movie sharing earbuds.</p>
<p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hJ6ndV9DN0I/WiMoPj1tYQI/AAAAAAAANnQ/QwODJw5NVA4B3_B4qcW8LVKZR192M5UrQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p>
<p>Just boarded and ready for the two hour crossing.</p>
<p>The crossing was blustery in places with plenty of rain and wind but we arrived at Duke Point without any problems. Then the 45 minute drive to the air B&B in driving rain on a very puddly highway was a bit treacherous, but going a little slower made it better. The air B&B is cozy and comfy. We caught up on e-mails and messages and enjoyed a glass of wine with lasagna delivered to our door. Sleep came easy...</p>
Peter Kouwenhovenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10197113786491782884noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829021605910181237.post-3864040487761784762017-10-29T17:34:00.041-07:002017-10-30T22:17:03.218-07:00One more trip to the Island before the final move...<p>We had to cross the straight one more time to choose the quartz countertops for the kitchen. We happily obliged and booked the ferry to Duke Point for 10:15 last Friday. The crossing went smoothly untill we neared Duke Point. The ship encountered a large fleet of gillnetters fishing at the approach to the ferry terminal. Our captain stopped the ship, giving the fishermen time to corral their nets 'till there was a safe passage for the ferry to make landfall. We dissemberked a few minutes late and that's okay, everybody needs to make a living... We drove south to our new house to meet with Reena, our contact and go to person at the building site. We arrived slightly late at 13:15 and we were greeted by Reena and Kevan the painter, who had already finished painting the exterior of the house and was now doing prep work on the interior.</p>
<p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jvDqZst6Qgs/WfeaM9FbZpI/AAAAAAAANhs/kXk1bPyXYFUlSym5NiSMQ4NfEb27-Ot-QCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-grHDlSG7bys/WfeaOgGI-QI/AAAAAAAANhw/C0z6PnTsb7UHDSQaJffMHc1O86h-S9w_gCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8SDVvJyTIx0/WfeaQHJ9kVI/AAAAAAAANh0/HYvVXpqljiYMbkM1I6Vlc4MxwXLxRj8VgCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""></p>
<p>The exterior all painted.</p>
<p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2b8wuiwQ81w/WfeaRwaO4UI/AAAAAAAANh4/5zmep-bp-i0YzYNUV6C4Hm_uZ1_8RKmlQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""></p>
<p>A little mishap, a new window is on order.</p>
<p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--VJANJgBgwY/WfeaTqSEd9I/AAAAAAAANh8/ewwYp4DHARAC_eGG7iE85dPQiAVEcDu5wCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p>
<p>The exterior colours look great! And the house is coming along nicely. The inside space looks even better than the first time we saw it. The great room with the living room, dining room and kitchen is going to be a fantastic gathering place. I am now doing research on kitchen appliances and where to get them and have them delivered and installed on time. Food preparation is a big thing in our house. Once we have moved in Shelagh will start the transformation process, turning this place from a house into a home. Over the winter months we will design and build the garden. We don't want any grass, so it will become a low maintenance California style landscape that needs little watering. Our climate is changing and less watering is a good thing.
</p>
<p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aTj495kTNlM/Wfeau4ppuOI/AAAAAAAANiE/5JkFQwT9fmANrcsidfx2ZJug0Z7ExQvewCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""></p>
<p>The kitchen.</p>
<p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G1vHV_gNlPM/WfeawZQsuiI/AAAAAAAANiI/_Qw_6Uxzfg4wutHv6V-zVZjWdgK-grTbQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p>
<p>Reena lent us two sample books with quartz pieces to peruse. We had brought our paint chips, carpet sample and other bits and bobs to place against the stone squares. The choices are endless, but after some checking with tile suppliers and kitchen cupboard manufacturers we came to a decision. We e-mailed Reena our choice for the kitchen counters and that was our job done for the day. All this running around the Cowichan Valley made us hungry and after our visit with the kitchen cupboard people we stopped for lunch in Cobble Hill for a delicious pizza and a locally crafted beer at Pizza Prima Strada. A truly Neapolitan style pizza experience. They also have two restaurants in Victoria...</p>
<p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XONrpyAWc_A/Wfea4702uvI/AAAAAAAANiM/WlqS0q__vfsD28JWO6stcJOibzr9xSbbQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p>
<p>Mighty fine pizza.</p>
<p>After lunch we headed for our motel room at the Thunderbird Motor Inn. This motel is great! Clean rooms at an affordable rate, and since we are now repeat customers we got a discount! Wonderful, and Rita the receptionist was lovely as always. We got checked in and nestelled into our room with a glass of Pino Grigio. Earlier in the week we had booked an airbnb in Duncan for the first two weeks of December. The sale of our house in Langley completes on December 2nd and the purchase of our house in Duncan completes on December 15th. We will be homeless for two weeks, so we booked this suite in town to bridge the gap. I invited the landlady of the airbnb to our motel room for a meet and great and a glass of vino. She showed up at 17:00 for a chat, but had no time for a glass of wine. Her mother is in hospital and she was rushed off her feet. A very nice woman, the kind that makes you feel right at home. I'm sure we will have a happy two weeks at her home while we wait for ours to be completed.</p>
<p>We were peckish by now so we figured fish and chips from Salty's was in order. Shelagh phoned in the order and I went to pick it up. Salty's is a franchise fish and chip restaurant and there is one in Cloverdale near our home that we have never tried. We are really impressed with the one in Duncan. The staff is friendly and professional, they move like a well lubed machine and the food is great. We especially like the haddock. Shelagh ordered a two piece fish and chips to share (plenty of food for the both of us) a small coleslaw and their home made tartar sauce. Ten minutes later I went out to pick it up. They have autographed portraits of various "Coronation Street" actors on the wall, a British soap opera we have been watching for decades. Bellies full, minds racing, sleep came well for me but a little slower for Shelagh, who tends to worry excessively...</p>
<p>The next morning we slept in 'til 08:00 and after coffee and a shower we were ready to go back to the building site to return the quartz samples. The house had been unlocked by the tradesmen working across the street so we could leave the samples in our house for Reena to retrieve. Our return ferry was booked for 15:15 so we had some time to kill. We thought it would be a good idea to go to the Saturday Market in town where local farmers and artisans sell their wares. We had some great chats with the vendors as they welcomed us to the area after they learned that we had bought a house in their hood. Some are at the market 50 weeks per year, and some take the cold months off, usually the farmers, naturally. But some sausage and piemakers are there all the time. I saw a wood working artist who had awesome chopping boards and I have my eye on a rather large piece...</p>
<p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dXGPLD9dY_Q/WfebNagQuDI/AAAAAAAANiQ/FB3JLbK8sk4vhjBIg0MyQzpsfvO1oytoQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eHU1vLEzlnA/WfebOWXJTKI/AAAAAAAANic/cRtBdN97yk44fQtFCRdY0M6Yt4UniOuaQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-d4Pa1U32dl4/WfebQMOq98I/AAAAAAAANig/7ihGw5ZhsRUEE98zCvBx5HTo9Mvy3KxBQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YudaP5XULYM/WfebRQPQNTI/AAAAAAAANik/gOwMssHLdLI72_vr_tdfFJZpzXpFBc3TQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1nk1EVd-Drk/WfebSya141I/AAAAAAAANio/LoGtZF578gEqKOPi6vwXDGDsavwUutEWQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p>
<p>These pictures of the market were taken last month.</p>
<p>After the market we decided to go back to Cowichan River Park to see the fall foliage on the trees. The park has mostly evergreens so there was not much colour, but the river was running beautifully. I had hoped to see some salmon running, but there were none to be seen, we were prabably a few weeks late... The park will be one of our favourite places to go to for a picnic in most seasons, even on the warmish winter days. Leaving the park we went on the slow road to Duke Point. First to Maple Bay where we will spend many days taking in the views with a picnic, then on to Chemainus for a light lunch at the local Burrito stand. All along highway 1A up along the coast to the town of Ladysmith for a one hour marvel at the views, sat on a park bench enjoying some wine... Goodness me, how lucky we are to be retired and to live in such an incredibly beautiful place on this earth...<br></p>
<p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ADcxqYy8Q2A/WfebhZY1owI/AAAAAAAANis/CsO08P36jokv6nkqTg-MsVQffnDqAMZAwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""></p>
<p>Maple Bay.</p>
<p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eaJaoXl9KV8/Wfebi9r53-I/AAAAAAAANiw/YOAHRW9vGScoNd6aaeJqBhyw5_dUdiIcQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""></p>
<p>Chemainus.</p>
<p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XpSimZcFq7s/WfebkgCNPEI/AAAAAAAANi0/rtCFRbHK1WEVpHxSU2qGmZRq8Q3pt74CQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r80qsKArb7g/WfebmVeR1FI/AAAAAAAANi4/8ou-aShY__YBUh9v5Qh3hKz2arwnH-G9wCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""></p>
<p>Transfer Beach Park in Ladysmith.</p>
<p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6lNK_ytOQGk/Wfebn1YQA-I/AAAAAAAANi8/_Y69xDT_S-4A0hNmjCRChithkyUpKUcOQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p>
<p>We drove north to Duke Point and we waited in line to board our ship back to Tsawwassen. Ahead of us a rented Ford Transit van, one of three, packed with men from Nanaimo who were on their way to Seattle to watch a football game. The Seattle Seahawks against the Houston Texans. They were having a lot of fun, there were foot balls flying through the parking lot and some Tequila was being shared. All good fun. Each venicle had a designated driver and all was well in the world. We hope they made it through customs allright... The trip home was uneventful and we got home to a simple dinner of soup and rotisserie chichen sandwiches on cheesy buns. Sleep came early and well deserved.</p>
<p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iJRNUUEWw68/Wfeb1tkfuiI/AAAAAAAANjE/YzxabjTES_E-UlRtoS23ure_4dLPdXLZQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""></p>
<p>The view from Duke Point Terminal.</p>
<p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qlRpqO4k5D4/Wfeb3PIIhcI/AAAAAAAANjI/z2p4tEKxsjgkEtw-mjvgGQXXeH1mSgcwwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Twxhydp4ai8/Wfeb4ly6XqI/AAAAAAAANjM/ZuUeDLh_v4kjb42l7XbGGsvh3_lCPc8jACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p>
<p>Arriving at Tsawwassen Terminal.</p>
<p>Now the time has come to really get packing and sorting. This move has to be seamless and as stress free as possible. If that is even possible... There will be some wine involved!</p>
Peter Kouwenhovenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10197113786491782884noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829021605910181237.post-53339097075355955642017-10-19T10:21:00.012-07:002017-10-20T08:53:04.323-07:00Trimmimg the Fat<p>Well, with the old house sold and the new house bought there is only one thing to do. Sell all that stuff you don't want to move! We got organized and had the first of three garage sales. Saturday was a hum dinger and we sold a lot of our bits and bobs that we just no longer need. A lot of cook books and travel books, some novels and Christmas decorations. Then as the day progressed we started adding more stuff.</p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhut8FCpaG7zSxk3PaoVF2ZZvgepvUmFy__DxPWFjvtGCzxPoBAanBxjEtexLq3wYIpH4QkfpeALaw9k3xcLC4TcxDQhwzUIOR3Fv9wkDCDLVJwgv4WwC4n3mRcJisCa59SA1A7aZizTAZ8/" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JKDdRPz1xGU/Wek5u29nk6I/AAAAAAAANhA/o8jOMOXsm7s36JosLWcI34amvkunONpYQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p>
<p>Shelagh, aka Miss Moneybags...</p>
<p>We told people to come back tomorrow for more new stuff. Our nine year old patio furniture set fetched $250.00! And the lady who bought it came back on Sunday to pick it up, then she saw some of the new stuff we added and bought a bunch more! We met a lot of interesting people, a couple who have lived many years on Vancouver Island chatted for quite a while about the beauty of the place. We have much exploring to do. And a guy who has travelled all over North America as a musician playing gigs from Mexico to Yellowknife. He gave us a CD that has his own creations on it and left with a scented oil burner, complete with about a dozen scents, for which he paid four US dollars! As he walked off I realized that we should have traded the CD for the oil burner but he did not seem the type. But our largest clientele were our own neighbours. They shopped our garage down like experts. The next Saturday without rain in the forecast will be our third, and final, garage sale. Whatever is left after that will go to the local hospice society outlet.</p>
<p>It was nice to have a visit from our friends Hans, and Stuart & Cindy. Hans walked off with my old iMac and some tiki torches. And Stuart offered us his utility trailer with a car equipped with a trailer hitch. That will come in handy for the run to the dump with old stuff that just can't be put to another use. We will miss our friends here, but we're not going far. Plus the new house has four bedrooms and three bathrooms! Some good visits will happen.</p>
<p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iBQeuOh-UPE/Wek5_wiLJeI/AAAAAAAANhE/aUA9jMBJdrsJ2hH41WamVgx5TavbPTvLQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yF5z_dE78fs/Wek6Awd2-OI/AAAAAAAANhI/FwVx83glj1AXkV_EgwIrKmIQCuwMAmRQQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p>
<p>I posted our dining room suite for sale on Craigslist and got some interest the next day, a lady in poor health and hospitalized wanted to buy it for her grandson. A Christmas present. After some back and forth and some exchange of information it became clear that I was being phished! I won't go into details about how I was being conned, but rest assured, I completely lost it! But this is when Shelagh becomes the calm and collected one and she spent many hours on the phone dealing with officials and getting our accounts protected against sheisters like this. I guess we'll keep our diningroom suite unless someone shows up with cash in hand, even then, there's a lot of counterfeit out there, especially American money... Be like Fox Mulder, the guy from the X Files, and trust no one... That is not my nature though, so I will have to leave matters like this to Shelagh, who has spent many years working with the RCMP and knows when to become suspicious.</p>
<p>I'm looking forward now to getting our last garage sale done and then the packing will begin. Fun days ahead...</p>
Peter Kouwenhovenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10197113786491782884noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829021605910181237.post-27421386230100394232017-10-13T11:19:00.010-07:002017-10-13T11:53:49.033-07:00The deed is done!<p>Up earlier than normal. Got showered and packed up the car. Ate some fruit and drove the two blocks over to the Remax office to meet up with David. We decided to follow him in our own car because we needed to get to Duke Point for the ferry at 11.45, one hour before the sailing.</p>
<p>The house we were to see is number 25 and the door was open for us... Upon entering the house, there is a den to the right perfect for my solo time with music. Then onto the master bedroom with ensuite on the left, then a full bathroom followed by a spacious great room with a vaulted ceiling, we always wanted a vaulted ceiling...</p>
<p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sAPq4QOHuUs/WeEJDkhmFOI/AAAAAAAANf4/cfp3xhyyXtMn2Ybq6SxIQpiIq-zdOiP-QCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p>
<p>Then downstairs a full basement with three bedrooms, a bathroom and a large media room. Also a utility room perfect for my winemaking hobby. "I thought we were downsizing?" Said Shelagh. "Four bedrooms is easier for resale!" Said I. So we came to the conclusion that this was the place, our final home before the crispy kennel. A small front yard and a small back yard which we will landscape with zero grass! Flagstone patio with perennial shrubs and river rocks. We'll do that over the winter months. Possession is December 15th so we will be homeless for only two weeks... Now the challenge of moving and two weeks storage begins...</p>
<p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x-fRf8eOhv0/WeEKV2QffZI/AAAAAAAANgE/geRH05x22FA5ezj6mnChksBwxxKe9pSrQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p>
<p>By Tuesday we have to submit our choices for exterior and interior paint colours, that will be Sunday's homework, after that we need to choose a stone kitchen counter top. Thank goodness Shelagh has a great eye for interior design...</p>
<p>We drove the slow road to Duke Point while David prepared the documents for our offer. That's all done electronically these days. By the time we got home the documents were in our e-mail. We signed them digitally and fired them back to him. We beat out another offer because we could come in with a no subject offer, it always pays off to sell first, then buy...</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-K4XNqdbmITg/WeEKqyvqpvI/AAAAAAAANgI/-bzvzo1Bvb0kQOrVTJSTEI-u6LgKkGS0QCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p>
<p>The coastal drive is so nice along highway 1A through all the little towns that soon will become our playground...</p>
<p>Now we're getting ready for our first moving sale Saturday from 09:00 'till 14:00. If you live near us, please stop by and buy some of our stuff!</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iMqpgCHNY54/WeEKx45o5MI/AAAAAAAANgM/-dxhdAW9s6UhFngWFHoX_o81JW-gxm1UgCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p><p>This is what these neighbourhoods typically end up looking like...</p>
Peter Kouwenhovenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10197113786491782884noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829021605910181237.post-5291550912820731372017-10-09T17:32:00.021-07:002017-10-11T22:49:19.094-07:00Off farther north<p>Just to be sure we decided to have a look farther up Island to see what could be had within our budget. So we packed the dog in his crate and drove the two hour treck from Duncan to Courtenay and Comox. Downtown Courtenay is wonderful, the high street peppered with high end shops selling anything from beautiful furniture to fashion and designer boutiques with prices for the rich and famous. Many delicious eateries offering a miriad of tastes from all over the globe. A little Mecca. But as we drove around the neighbouring areas, including Comox, we found our budget sadly lacking. Typically free standing homes start at around the $650000.00 mark and going up weekly. Add that to the fact that this area is an hour and a half drive north of Nanaimo, the nearest link to the lower mainland.</p>
<p>Casey had a ball, so many new smells to sniff and so many new people to get acquainted with. He is a very grown up dog, even when a young poodle type thing wanted him for lunch, he just stood there and looked at him as if to say, "You are some special kind of stupid eh?" We found a few beautiful areas in this part of Vancouver Island, but they are way beyond what we want to spend on our final home.</p>
<p>We drove the fast route up there along highway 19, and decided to drive the slow route back to Duncan along highway 19A, the original Island Highway. So nice along the coast through all the quaint little towns. Vancouver Island is a gem to be enjoyed whenever you can... Once we got back to our house-sit I took Casey for a walk and then we settled into the house, had some dinner and relaxed, while we waited for David, our realtor, to get back to us with news about the two properties we were hoping to deal on.</p>
<p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xWEFjBw2McY/Wd6d3vpMyXI/AAAAAAAANeo/ZB7iwBmMYZctlkCX7FVOlKPcLdJsQQuogCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p>
<p>Property number four...</p>
<p>The annoying part of this is that while their properties were listed for sale, they were not ready to build on because they had not yet filed their plans with the land title people in Victoria. How can you possibly put a building plot up for sale when you can't build on it yet! Frustrating to say the least... David had put in a request for more info on the properties we were interested in, but that was slow going. To get a property through the land title office could take up to four weeks. Our house is sold, we need action soon. The next day we were still none the wiser so I dicided that we needed a distraction and planned a visit to Cowichan River Provincial Park.</p>
<p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Sa8OIhIgls8/Wd6eUEnxpGI/AAAAAAAANes/2nHsYBnbi_Q4mRXlj2JMYPjTiRkhx0JuwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""></p>
<p>The Cowichan River</p>
<p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iEsIWX5yytg/Wd6eV-ljGVI/AAAAAAAANew/cqPCCP7AnEcFDElco04KQnXQF5LBIQbmgCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3y7McIegwKE/Wd6eXhkBrCI/AAAAAAAANe0/iTs_fbzTAnoBSsCSDEDIpVHuSbdSRrNQACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vDofBuC7EJM/Wd6eZSKdm1I/AAAAAAAANe4/f8NqBsh39300av_zGyBBJ1S9rYuyYREPACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AlXXhtSW5tw/Wd6ebChauJI/AAAAAAAANfA/pu6NFD_S6uUwVCuysAT7LpUogcvmAViOgCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""></p>
<p>Taken from the old railway bridge.</p>
<p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--Ui0j_MXfow/Wd6ec7nIILI/AAAAAAAANfE/eQoj6f2q86UeIkuat35L7KPhI_Ez1lW_wCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p>
<p>Cowichan River Provincial Park is located west of Duncan. It has a few picnic areas and a campground. The scenery is amazing and there are some wonderful hiking trails. We wiled away a few hours here strolling through the greenery. Shelagh's arthritic knees are getting worse every day so a long walk was out of the question, but we are sure that we'll be back here many times for a picnic by the river's edge. One of our favoutite pasttimes in all seasons except winter.</p>
<p>On the way back to our house-sit we stopped by Keystone drive for another look. We both like this street, but if they can't start building for another month we'll not be able to make the dates work, frustrating... We decided to drive by yet another complex in the works on Gibbins road. It's slightly farther out of town and surprisingly way more quiet. The wheels in my brain began to churn... Quiet, backing onto a green belt with a walking trail, and by the state of construction I figured completion could happen end November to early December. We went home and I took the dog for his walk and, when home, talked about this third possibility.</p>
<p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A9XTTwuGjP0/Wd6fJRXNCiI/AAAAAAAANfQ/FAfs6N25G2MzUZVmGxH_Q1zcUc5aLFzuwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p>
<p>Could this be the one?</p>
<p>On Monday morning we packed up our stuff, did laundry and house cleaning, changed the bed and made everything ready for Sharon's return from Victoria. We left the house at about 14:00 and checked into our hotel. The Thunderbird Motor Inn is the place for us. We got a wonderful room at a wonderful price and had a glass of wine. Then we decided to fire off an e-mail to David to set up a viewing on Tuesday morning, he was right on it. We were ready to meet him Tuesday at 09:30 to take a look...</p>
<p></p>
Peter Kouwenhovenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10197113786491782884noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829021605910181237.post-83880836834836545982017-10-08T15:53:00.020-07:002017-10-10T08:24:17.464-07:00House hunting in the Cowichan Valley<p>We reached our hotel, the Thunderbird Motor Inn, in Duncan early at about 13:00, but the room was vacant and clean so we could check in right away. Rita, the receptionist who manages the hotel with her husband, is an absolute sweetheart with a smile that will charm anyone. We booked in for two nights. They had just installed new, super fast internet and it is blazing. We got our stuff into the room and regrouped for a bit. Shelagh was still a bit upset so we took it easy for a while. In the room I contacted Dean, our realtor in Langley and asked him to recommend a realtor to us in Duncan. We soon had the name and number of a realtor for our next search. I fired off an e-mail to David Lowes from Remax Duncan to let him know he had been recommended and that we would like to meet with him and get to know each other. Just then an interesting e-mail showed up in our inbox...</p>
<p>Sharon, who has Casey the Cairn Terrier, wanted to know if we could house sit for 11 weeks starting Christmas eve. This would coincide with our plans very well. If we were to choose to build a house here, we could live in Sharon's house while she snowbirds, and watch the progress of our home being built. Shelagh replied to her message saying that we just happened to be in town looking for our next home and that it would be so nice to meet up and give Casey a ruffle. Well, Sharon replied that she would be going to Victoria for Thanksgiving and that we would be welcome to stay at her house 'till Monday! The universe is working with us. Three nights in her house with Casey would be great and save us about $300.00! We gladly accepted. We phoned the lovely Rita at the hotel counter and she happily cancelled our second night at the hotel, after we officially cancelled this night with "hotels.com". We were all smiles and the woes of our Victoria experience faded a bit.</p>
<p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CUieWd-kDLY/Wdw9ruobIaI/AAAAAAAANdo/fDRNYNwBumM0PFkkDCgIyBOmL41a7ZmigCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p>
<p> Casey, such a sweet little guy...</p>
<p>By now we were hungry so we walked across the parking lot to the York St. Diner. This resaurant serves enormous plates, so it is a good idea to share a dinner, or you will bring plenty of it home. We ordered the Ukrainian plate complete with Pierogis, Sauerkraut, Kielbasa Sausage and Sour Cream. Delicious and one dinner was enough for two people.</p>
<p>We waddled back to the hotel room across the parking lot and settled in for the evening. David had replied to my e-mail and we were to meet at 09:00 at his office just two blocks away. We had some wine and relaxed, then to bed, sleep came quickly for me but Shelagh still struggled a bit through the night...</p>
<p>Up at 07:00 coffee on, check e-mails, shave and shower and ready to go. We were at David's office at 09:00 precisely and we chatted for about half an hour letting David know what we were looking for. New build, rancher, maximum 1500sqft, two or more bedrooms, two bathrooms, kitchen with stone countertops and a modern appliance package. Easy peasy. As usual inventory is low, but David had some properties to show us. First we went to a development called "Stone Village" it is a "Bare Land Strata" where there is a council elected who will regulate the way things go in the community, nothing new to us, we have lived in stratas for many years and we kind of like rules that people need to live by. But the development was a bit too high density, houses too close together and from experience in Walnut Grove, we concluded that this would become a problem place over time. However there was one unit on offer that was, for the price, almost too difficult to ignore, 2700sqft for $495000.00!</p>
<p>Then we went on to "Keystone" the final phase in a large neighbourhood called "Stone Manor Estates". This development is a bit more low density and no strata. We liked the last phase very much and told David to proceed on getting a detailed builders list as to what exactly is included in the final price. We also informed him that we might make a few additions to the plan, like adding a natural gas outlet at the patio for a barbecue and a 220 volt outlet for a hot tub and a gas outlet in the kitchen because I like to cook with gas. David took all these notes and we parted company at 11:00. Then on to Sharon's place to meet up and pick up the keys.</p>
<p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z__ddVRFLmM/Wdw-CWEqJNI/AAAAAAAANds/yUE1GBySfe8jxcuP1APHrurpCc3b-jfdgCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7x2g3_pRSgc/Wdw-DSzP90I/AAAAAAAANdw/9mTN2rsUpakS_iQmd6j_sIUzugcnuZHlQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p>
<p>The house we like and phase four called "Keystone" in "Stone Manor Estates".</p>
<p>Sharon was happy to see us again, it had been a couple of months, Casey remembered us right away and gave us lots of love. We left her house to return a few hours later after she had left for Victoria. In the meantime we returned to the construction sites and snooped around trying to figure out how we would manage in these new neighbourhoods. We came to the conclusion that a 2700sqft house would be much too big for us at this stage of our lives, even though it is a bargain, why would you live in a place that you would not use completely? So we nixed it. We will spend more money on a smaller place but it will be in a better setting... Hopefully we will build on lot #15...</p>
Peter Kouwenhovenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10197113786491782884noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829021605910181237.post-2237789277439932192017-10-05T15:49:00.016-07:002017-10-06T14:30:36.280-07:00Goodbye Victoria<p>The next day, Wednesday, Frank Chan, our realtor had a conference to attend, so we had the morning and early afternoon to ourselves. We planned a tour of the city visiting many buildings around town. The problem with the areas around downtown is that the buildings are old and in need of major upgrades. Most of the residenets in these buildings are not in favour of spending large sums of their savings on these upgrades, so the buildings fall into a state of disrepair. We have seen so many buildings that have a very posh address, but when inside all you see is old carpets, single pane windows, tired stucco and trashy design. It is a bit of a dissappointment. Also monthly strata fees in the older buildings are generally very high because of heat loss issues.</p>
<p>We were getting depressed, and returned to the hotel to regroup. Then we got a message from Frank, he was texting under the table during his conference, he was alerted to a new listing in a modern building in Langford. We agreed to meet him at the listing address later in the afternoon. When we arrived Frank was there ready to show us the place. It looked beautiful, nice design, wonderful condo with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, stone kitchen counters and all the mod-cons. We loved it and went to his office to write up an offer. We were there for nearly three hours going over the ins and outs of the contract. Frank added a clause the we would be able to get out of the deal if we did not like the reading material that is supposed to be supplied by the seller. Two years of strata minutes including AGM reports and a building depreciation report etc. Our offer was countered and we accepted the new price. Then we went back to the hotel to do our homework. We ordered a pizza to be delivered to our room, delicious by the way, and we did a lot of reading. I was on the depreciation report while Shelagh was reading the minutes. Then it became clear that there are serous problems in this building. The minutes were peppered with owner's complaints about excessive heat buildup from the geo thermal heating system. Geo thermal heating is an expensive system to install, but relatively cheap to run, the problem is that you also need ventilation. This building lacks that and the heat keeps coming. We decided to opt out of the deal. No problem for Frank, he is a seasoned realtor, a true proffessional with an incredible manner about him, so helpful and patient. We would recommend him to anyone looking for a home in the greater Victoria area.
</p>
<p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zqQmdJXqbYM/WdbC3Hc03cI/AAAAAAAANcg/f-KnZBrOK6Al7w9ldr44OvADwlqSNzyKACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p>
<p>This is the building we almost bought in. (Photo borrowed from Google maps)</p>
<p>Just a ten minute drive from this building is the beach at Esquimalt Lagoon...</p>
<p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PyMrQeuA7gc/WdbDw66XRgI/AAAAAAAANco/IeQmhrXJWZkZ5Ry4T7Zs0fEXOmL6UTaYACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-quZtc2679SI/WdbDzfwnJXI/AAAAAAAANcs/duTVKjenRXk97dSW-oWKqPdTqkcFtz8DwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MVvidvUIfz0/WdbD19iFDOI/AAAAAAAANcw/xer_DTI9f1I6bpt-rbK98Hs8GUghXgtegCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rQBvTDe4A0k/WdbD4g4l9LI/AAAAAAAANc0/BhIKEuhWwlQyawYxNutwj-qyC4CqJpiHACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p>
<p>The next morning we met with Frank in his office and snuffed the deal... Then we headed north to the Cowichan Valley to look for a home there. The search continues...</p>
<p>All this house hunting is a very emotional exercise. It is tiring going from one place to another feeling dissapointment at the state of the older buildings. Trying to stay positive through it all. It all became too much for Shelagh and as we said goodbye to Frank she started to cry, and cried all the way up the Malahat 'till we got to the turnoff to Cowichan Bay. "Let's go to Cowichan Bay" said Shelagh. I turned right and soon we were sitting on a bench, overlooking the bay eating leftover pizza and taking in the view... Slowly Shelagh calmed down and we talked about the previous couple of days. We decided that this has been a learning experience and that we will carry on and find our new home soon. With renewed hope we got to our hotel in Duncan and contacted Dean Hooseman, our friend and realtor in Langley to recommend us to a realtor here in Duncan. We will meet David Lowes tomorrow at 09:00 and get crackin'.</p>
<p>In the Cowichan Valley $500000.00 will get you a brand new house, in Victoria that budget will get you a dump...</p>
<p>Our hotel room in Victoria has two pictures on the wall, the first one is over the bed and the second one is over the sofa...</p>
<p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ncqjvkvx1GQ/WdbEWWWTTZI/AAAAAAAANc4/J0PMfSzLR54TJrnS5vlmxZkYhueQeR9EgCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f7f2qlKGWAQ/WdbEY5TS59I/AAAAAAAANc8/1TaDii-rcaM6kkAy5xDIaxd5DztQ9dPCACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p>
Peter Kouwenhovenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10197113786491782884noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829021605910181237.post-81361031460276185882017-10-02T21:52:00.010-07:002017-10-03T09:26:59.913-07:00A busy day<p>Up early at 06:30 (getting up before 07:00 is so uncivilized) only to realize the we should have gotten up at 06:00... Thankfully we had most of our stuff organized the day before so no worries. A quick shower and an apple with our coffee and we were ready to head to the Tsawwassen ferry terminal for our 09:00 sailing to Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island. We pulled into the terminal waiting area and got comfy for a half our wait. This is when the phone rang, it was Frank, our realtor in Victoria; his seminar for today was cancelled so he would be at our hotel at 11:30 to pick us up for a tour of the city and surrounding areas and to show us some condos he had lined up for us. We were really excited because we had planned just an afternoon by ourselves scouting the town. However that day by ourselves will now happen on Tuesday. The crossing is just an hour and thirty minutes and we were disembarking on schedule at 10:30. We drove southbound for Victoria but stopped first at the Golden Arches Supper Club for some egg McMuffins. When we arrived at the Ramada Victoria Hotel we walked up to the counter just to get a parking pass because check in is not 'til 15:00. Just as we were arranging this, Frank walked into the lobby and after some introductions and a general chat about the city we were on our way.</p>
<p>We headed north to Saanich and checked out a development where condos come on the market regularly and this is one area we will return to tomorrow on our day cruising through the area. Then up Mount Tolmie Park for a view over the city. Some pictures for you...</p>
<p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HYVX-ojiZow/WdOrYMJgWMI/AAAAAAAANbo/EFeXNbu8s88igpHicXZ32b7i6mXF7ZYMwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p>
<p>In Active Pass en route to Swartz Bay.</p>
<p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JTi7Zwwxtx0/WdOp1_e_2LI/AAAAAAAANbA/L5h1z3KRjE4UNWFDrl2TDcAlduB1zW1dgCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""></p>
<p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-axv-8I9ZIWA/WdOp46ZZVzI/AAAAAAAANbE/c8qygQ8pZbMat-Dy4VVrWyLTdTaLeB9JQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""></p>
<p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MEiXRxNODMU/WdOp6RKbq0I/AAAAAAAANbI/1xO6CyyF6TUbJI_Gs2TLbJoobSc7zDw4gCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""></p>
<p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Cts1M7vRYwg/WdOp7UhjsCI/AAAAAAAANbM/N97ItVRWA3o42NhCg4inzJTWn8YWqxzAQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""></p>
<p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LzpXC0oEbY0/WdOp8qcOsII/AAAAAAAANbQ/BFaAPa0tn6spGWTn21U8f4g3YBL7TZh-QCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""></p>
<p>On top of Mount Tolmie.</p>
<p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7hYoDbFi-dY/WdOp-nz9TZI/AAAAAAAANbY/kKHGTa8L-jY5g0JGkLzzC1KG0MHyaLGfACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p>
<p>We spent the next nine hours touring various neighbourhoods in the greater Victoria area and were treated to dinner at a restaurant that Frank co-owned with his sister. Such a generous, kind and patient man, who's aim is to get to know all about us over the next few days so that he will have a very clear image of what it is that we are looking for in our next home. For me it is peace and quiet, this may not be possible in or near the dowtown area, for both of us it is a newish and clean condo, both inside and in the common areas. A tall order for our budget, and it may not be possible. It might result in us looking for a home further north in the Cowichan Valley... Time will tell.</p>
<p>Like I do every morning, I start with coffee and Google News and learned about the horrible event that occured in Las Vegas... It's a sad world in which we live...</p>
Peter Kouwenhovenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10197113786491782884noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829021605910181237.post-59925978655280313132017-09-29T16:57:00.009-07:002017-09-29T18:27:15.639-07:00Big changes ahead<p>After an eight day house sit in Duncan we made the desision to move to Vancouver Island. But the big issue is <i>where</i><b style="font-style: italic;"> </b>on Vancouver Island. We are both a blend of urban and suburban people. Shelagh has lived in downtown Montréal, I have lived in downtown Toronto and Vancouver. Bust most of our lives have been lived in the suburbs. The suburbs provide you with a larger living space while unban living gives you a more vibrant community. Confusing eh? So what is it to be? An urban lifestyle with everything you need within walking distance or breathing room and a hot tub in the back yard... Time will tell... But first, a little more about our Duncan House sit.
</p>
<p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SM_6zSdSb_I/Wc7eWLAXvSI/AAAAAAAANZg/Y0bm_I1ggBgNOUckYHWNhc9uGv91cppbwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p>
<p>This is Casey, a Cairn Terrier cross, 13 years old and full of life and joy. We had the best time with him staying at his small cottage like home just off the main drag through town. Close to the Cowichan river where we took him for two walks daily to meet his many human and canine friends. He could stay home alone for about four hours at a time... After that he gets bored and might eat the furniture.</p>
<p>While we were with Casey we toured many local towns and little beaches including a day trip to Victoria where he was very much admired by locals and tourists alike. We also met a dear friend and collegue from a previous employer, who met with us in Duncan for lunch. It was great to catch up again and we will definitely reconnect in the months to come. Lorna and her husband Paul now live in beautiful Chemainus...</p>
<p>When we returnd home to Langley we listed our house and it sold within two weeks for slightly above the list price. The hunt for our new home begins now as we start purging the house of all that stuff one accumulates over a couple of decades. Thankfully we are good at purging our stuff, and we do it regularly bringing boxes of slightly, gently used things to the local "Hospice Society" thrift shop. So even if at times it seems a bit overwhelming, the task at hand is not a huge one. We are now in the process of putting together a moving sale which will take place next weekend on Saturday and Sunday.</p>
<p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yv72STb51CE/Wc7i4Y0zj8I/AAAAAAAANZs/cNukP8eKR1kFetSXNyP3bjOOoHcpB84zQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lOxG8BVDrhY/Wc7i5NRlm2I/AAAAAAAANZw/OfgFHLPDNAE_3ak-BsdzllZKY6Lk2jLpwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GLlvgMhdD8k/Wc7i54mJvNI/AAAAAAAANZ0/ldRY32ctex4dZC5KdHgGv5WGDnOo-oTIQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsJbjR07KmLBS9yffpFtXs0Gp-O2izYqUh3CbdS95k-e5JH8dsq47q5-njDV9diqvmTxmYrBcYh5LyGDi7qaHRZRz1GT9HccLX0axmjsy958VEFWEoOSmRY9Bx1uutxhEUfkXA8CPjeYK9/" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pqM8042TGDI/Wc7i7Oje1nI/AAAAAAAANZ8/4lzzAgwYodE6WBeCJr3RXEnx68YD5SHNwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6ug1u45HE3g/Wc7i72EEfBI/AAAAAAAANaA/tjcRFTHH1RksKEsihPpcEgGvM_IJvGGywCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IxOWjLvKGOM/Wc7i8Vw70eI/AAAAAAAANaE/ysD8vvn-riQAf8fD4BdpexQZJyiOzhpnACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p>
<p>Our home for the last 20 years was amazing. Shelagh's decorating sense made it look so nice and peaceful. But as the Lower Mainland swells with new arrivals, so do the roads and traffic is so congested and noisy it drives me out of my mind. Hopefully Vancouver Island will be a bit more tranquil. We will leave for Victoria on Monday for a four day stay and tour the town with a realtor who has spent his entire life there and knows the city like no other. It will be very exciting. If Victoria does not produce a house or condo to our liking, we will continue to the Cowichan Valley and look for a nice bungalow style house...</p>
<p>We will keep you posted...</p>
Peter Kouwenhovenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10197113786491782884noreply@blogger.com15