We arrived two weeks ago after having spent a lovely Christmas in Calgary with Meg and Mike. They slept over both Christmas Eve and Night, leaving Boxing Day. We had tickets to see Broadway Across Canada's Beauty and the Beast so didn't leave Calgary until December 28th. The show was fantastic so well worth the delay.
We arrived late Wednesday so rushed out to get groceries then walked to Christie's for supper. We sat out in their covered patio listening to the rain beating down on its canvas. It was like camping! We enjoyed a small plate of Louisiana wings then I had a tasty salmon filet sandwich while Glen enjoyed their excellent fish and chips.
We hit the driving range the next to warm up for golf. We have ancient clubs in Victoria so we must get used to them each time we're forced to use them (I do not drag our 'good' clubs to the condo unless we're driving). We golfed three times at The Ridge, a par 3 course that challenges all who attempt it. I averaged 2 pars each session with 3 on my birthday while Glen went from no pars to two on January 5th so was happy he'd improved.
We also did some letterboxing, a hobby that appeals to us both. I've mentioned it before as a type of treasure hunt where the prize is a hand-carved stamp which you record in your logbook then leave for the next person to discover. Glen loves the hunt while I do the stamping and recording. It works out as a nice way to explore places where you'd not likely go. Like Ogden Point.
Another facet we found because of letterboxing was Mt. Douglas Park. On our way to golf, we always pass through this park and remark how we should check it out 'one day'. After 8 years, that day was now. The box, hidden in the rainforest on the way up to the Mt. Douglas (700 feet) viewpoint, was our excuse to explore. I had jotted down the clues but in my haste had omitted what turned out to be pivotal information. On our first attempt, we came close but didn't find the box. We did climb the 'mountain' and had a wonderful view of Victoria seeing as far as the harbour and as close as our summer golf course, Mt. Douglas. It also offered an excellent view of Cordova Bay.
Our second attempt was to happen after playing a round of golf at The Ridge. This was not to be for as we drove through the park, the water pump in the van seized causing the serpentine belt to melt then break. We called BCAA and within 20 minutes were towed to our regular service centre. It turns out our driver was a former Edmontonian who attended Vic Comp. He was taking a course in web design but really wanted to be a graphic novel artist.
Our breakdown occurred on the penultimate day of our holidays and even though the service centre felt they'd have it fixed that day, we worried the infamous 'island time' would mean canceling our flight back to Calgary. To take our minds off this, we played World of Warcraft. I had given Glen an upgrade for Christmas as his avatar had reached the highest level in the original game. That afternoon, we marched through the Dark Portal into Outland and at the same time joined a guild, Noble Gases, begun by a friend of ours. A welcomed call from the service centre ended our play and we picked up the van just as the centre closed.
Our third attempt of the Mt. Douglas Park letterbox happened the following day. After reading the actual clues, Glen was determined to find the box. We found the trails easily enough and the box was where it was supposed to be. It was called 'Serpent in a Trap' but when we went to remove the box, the 'serpent' collapsed. After 8 years, the log had rotted through. I duly recorded the stamp and we re-hid the box.
Another facet of Victoria life is socializing. We have very good neighbours, Ray and Cynthia, so 'first footed' (Hogmanay) with them, bringing a plate of home-baked goodies. We toasted the new year with hopes it would be less tumultuous than 2011. On January 2nd, we went out with our friends, Diane and Tony, and had a great dinner at Smuggler's Cove. Glen had their steak & kidney pie, Diane and Tony had lamb souvlaki, and I had a pesto halibut wrap which was delicious.
On the 4th, we headed 'up island' to Chemainus, a quaint little town famous for the murals painted on the walls of the downtown buildings. We were to meet friends who drove down from Qualicum Beach. Glen has known Murray for over 25 years but I'd only met him once and never his wife, Yvonne. We had a delightful lunch at Willow Street Cafe. Originally a masonic hall and then a bank, the breakfast/lunch cafe, in its present form, began in 2006. Located in the centre of town, it was an ideal meeting place. Glen had a chicken & Swiss sandwich with a tossed salad while I had the Willow Street Special of sliced turkey (real turkey breast), provolone cheese, and roasted peppers. I also sampled one of three homemade soups, tomato parmesan which was excellent. Yvonne shared my taste in sandwiches but had black bean soup which she proclaimed tasty. We washed it down with Spyhopper, my favourite Vancouver Island Brewery beer.
For my birthday, we went to the Marina Restaurant in Oak Bay and yes, we've been there before but for a celebratory dinner, you can't beat it. I turned 60 so it was a night to celebrate and I do love watching the sailboats bobbing beside the marinas. We began with oysters and beer, then I had a delicious farm-raised chicken breast while Glen had beef tenderloin. He ordered creme brulee for dessert while I had Monte Cristo coffee. Our waitress who knew it was my birthday brought me a complimentary plate of three chocolate truffles. They were very rich so I ate two; Glen swallowed the third.
As is our tradition when flying from Victoria, we arrived at the airport early to have dinner at the White Spot. Glen swears they make the best burgers. Period. Also one of the better plates of fries. We both indulged in the latter while Glen had a special BBQ burger and I had a veggie sandwich with provolone cheese. It is always difficult leaving the island but until retirement happens, these jaunts will be short but sweet.
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