After getting settled in the condo, we arranged to meet a friend of Melissa's, JoAnn and her family at the Northwest Deuce Days car show. Her parents-in-law have attended 4 of these (held every 3 years) and this was the biggest. Over 1500 cars, all older than 1950, and over 100,000 people attended. We took the bus down as parking would have been impossible and met JoAnne as they were checking out the other cars. Of course, we drooled over the yellow 1932 Ford her father-in-law had lovingly restored. Being a Deuce, it was a hot rod that had been modified. He had driven it from Nebraska at normal speeds. After chatting for an hour or so, we headed to the Bard and Banker for lunch. The last time we were in the building, it was a Christmas store so much had changed. I ordered calamari which was excellent and Glen had a grilled cheese sandwich. Glen enjoyed a couple of Hoyner Pilsners. I had one but much preferred Race Rocks Ale by the Lighthouse Brewery.
Geoff, Melissa, Elijah and Miles arrived August 1st for a week of fun (see my photos on Shutterfly) by the sea. The Victoria Clipper arrived at 6:00 pm so we planned going to the White Spot near our condo for supper. We even made reservations as on their last visit (see Fun with Family), dinner had been very late. Unfortunately, our wait at the White Spot was even longer. We think they didn't have enough cooks as their drink service was good. And, we weren't the only ones waiting. The kids kept busy colouring but everyone was a bit frazzled until our food finely arrived. We were very disappointed in our experience, especially since it was the first time we've had such poor service. Knowing they were at fault, they gave us a 10% discount--not enough, people!!
Geoff wanted to relax the next day so we did stuff around the condo like playing games (thanks, Meg and Mike for Dixit!!). We did go to Galey Farms to pick up strawberries and corn for supper. We got talked into buying a baker's dozen (13) which meant I had to find a big enough pot to cook it all. It was deliciously sweet.
Wednesday morning, we did a brief walk around the Inner Harbour and the Legislature grounds then headed to Butchart Gardens after lunch. We had reservations at the dining room and the manager called us to say there was a concert that night and parking would be tight. Geoff and Melissa had never seen the gardens in the summer and they are impressive. Melissa and I took oodles of photos and the boys had fun in their own way. Riding the carousel was a highlight for them. Supper was at 5:15 and we just finished doing the garden tour in time. We enjoyed a lovely dinner. Glen and Melissa had gnocchi and beef, Geoff, salmon, and I enjoyed Cowichan chicken. The kids ordered cheese pasta and the chef accommodated Miles desire for tomato pasta instead. We all left pleasantly stuffed.
Thursday morning, everyone was up early so the family could go kayaking. Glen's knee/hip problems meant he and I bowed out of this adventure. We were to meet them for second breakfast at 9:00. Victoria Kayak, located on Swift Street near the Canoe Brewpub, offered a sunrise tour of the Gorge and Inner Harbour. They learned how to paddle and also had a history lesson. We took the bus down and got photos of them paddling (see above photo). We then drove to Moka House, Shoal Point, for coffee and pastries. The butter tarts were very tasty! Since we were close to Fisherman's Wharf, we went there to feed the seals then bought some oysters and sablefish for supper at Finest at Sea.
Fridays have become beach day so we hauled beach mats, beach blanket, buckets, cameras, and chairs down to Willows Beach. The kids set up for castle building while Glen settled into his new camp chair. The low beach chairs have proven difficult for him to negotiate. Geoff made a beeline for the shore and quickly slipped off his sandals to paddle in the ocean. Later, Melissa and I joined him for a stroll along the shore where we saw geese, sanderlings, and a huge jellyfish. On our return, we spotted seals frolicking off shore.
We (and a good pound of sand) went home and changed into nicer clothes. Geoff wanted to treat us to lunch at the Marina restaurant in Oak Bay. We'd been before with the grandkids and had such a great time, we were up for repeating the experience. While we waited for a table, Melissa planted a letterbox stamp she had carved after being inspired by a First Nations sculpture nearby. We were seated in the corner of the restaurant so Geoff could gaze out to sea and I could look at the boats in the marina. As we dined, Miles spotted an otter at the end of a jetty and by the time we'd finished, three were cavorting in the rocks next to the restaurant.
Saturday, Melissa and Geoff headed downtown to shop and enjoy lunch together. We had fun playing with the boys. Sunday, Melissa had arranged to meet her "Auntie" Laurie in Sidney and invited us to tag along. We did the walk of sculptures which snakes along the Sidney waterfront then we went to the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea, a non-profit aquarium showcasing the creatures who live in the nearby ocean. It opened in 2009 with the blessing of the Coastal Salish natives and features everything from jellyfish to crabs. It evens has a touch pool where you can feel anemones and sea urchins.
As usual, we had lunch at the Rum Runner. The boys enjoyed burgers while Glen, Geoff and I had their shrimp and crab sandwich. So very good! Salad fixings are plate decor until you put them together. Afterwards, we walked around town looking at used bookstores until Glen and Geoff had had enough. Each grandson found an Asterix and Obelix to read on the plane home (I think they finished them by the time we got back to the condo).
Geoff and Melissa then took the bus downtown to have dinner and an evening together while we watch the Olympics. Their experience at the Bard and Banker was not good so after eating, they walked to the Churchill Pub and had a much more enjoyable experience.
Monday morning, we got them to the Clipper early so they would get good seats and said goodbye. We spent the next two days doing laundry and cleaning the condo but their visit was so worth the effort.
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