We had a great visit with Geoff, Melissa, Elijah, and Miles. We did several things every day and so there was no time to sit and write a blog posting. Thank heavens I record events via my photos or I'd never have remembered what we did.
On Sunday, July 17th, we realized our Denver family would arrive the next day. For some reason, we had it in our minds they were coming on Tuesday. We quickly cleaned house and set up beds in preparation. Monday morning before we headed out to golf, Geoff texted me to say their plane was broken and there was a chance they'd miss the ferry to Victoria. We were devastated and our golf score was a reflection of how we felt.
However, the plane was soon fixed and they were off on their adventure. The only change in plans was Geoff, et al, could not see Pike Place Market when they landed in Seattle, Washington. They did have lunch at Anthony's which began Geoff's quest to eat fish/seafood each day. At 2:30, they boarded the Victoria Clipper for the 3 hour trip to Victoria.
With all our chores done by five, we left for the ferry so we could see it dock. It was such a relief to see the family disembark. They went through customs then we were off to the White Spot for supper. Who knew that Monday nights were the busiest at the Fort Street location? The maitre'd let us pre-order as they readied a table for us. It had been a long day for the grandkids but they perked up a bit when they saw their meals arrive in a cardboard pirate ship.
Melissa enjoys letterboxing and had carved her own stamp to hide at Craigdarroch Castle so that was the first item on the agenda on Tuesday. It was a chilly morning and the boys didn't have jackets (it's hard to pack for 17 ºC when one is used to 30ºC) but a brisk walk to the castle kept them warm. I started out wearing shorts but had to return to get my long pants. When Glen and I reached the condo, there was a young stag munching the plants in our garden.
After a successful letterbox planting, we walked to Government House to see the ducks. Turtles also sunned in the pond but what fascinated Miles and Elijah were the rubber duckies in the rose garden fountain. Glen loves the rockery behind the house as it boasts fantastic views of the Straits. I like it because there are lots of flowers to photograph.
In the afternoon, we headed down to the fish market to procure seafood for our supper. We went first to Fisherman's Wharf but their selection was minimal and they seemed more interested in serving lunch than fish. So while Grampy and the boys played at a park, Geoff, Melissa and I headed to Finest at Sea where we bought 5 pounds of mussels and 2 dozen small BC oysters. There were some tasty sockeye fillets in the display that tempted us until we spotted some fishermen unloading whole, dressed salmon from a bin.
"I want one of those," I told the man at the counter, pointing out the window. He scurried out to return with a beautiful sockeye.
We feasted that evening (Melissa had steak). Elijah and Miles love seafood but NOT raw oysters. Miles' face when he ate one was something to behold. Glen thought I had bought too many mussels but all were eaten with gusto.
The next day, Geoff et al met Melissa's friend for 'second' breakfast while Glen and I hit the driving range (stopping at our butcher on the way home to buy a leg of lamb). That afternoon we bought some jackets for the kids and Salt Spring Island goat cheese.
All I can say this family knows how to eat and we enjoyed some tasty meals. Melissa made her famous onion dip and a wonderful Italian sausage spaghetti meal and yes, Geoff did have seafood every day.
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