June 28-July 1 Viva Vancouver!

We awoke late on Wednesday to discover that our friend Judie's townhome has a spectacular view overlooking one of the few beaches on Vancouver Island.  At low tide, Nance and Judie took walks on the wet sand. Nance's feet have been hurting on this trip, and the beach walks helped. 

Judie's hospitality was just wonderful.  She gave us great food, shared her friendly foxy dog Kitzu, and was a tourguide.  Her son and wife came Saturday and we really enjoyed their company too.

The amazing coincidence of this trip is that the 2012 Healey Rendezvous was centered at the Tigh na Mara resort in Parksville.  OK, being in Parksville where Judie lives is coincidence enough -- but the the Tigh na Mara resort is only 100 yards from her home.  So, we could easily take a short walk along the beach and mingle with either old friends or old Healey friends.  The other Sullivans from Belen and Bill Lawrence from Albuquerque were also staying at the Tigh na Mara.  There were about 60 Healeys on hand from all around Canada and the States.

On Thursday we toured with the Healeys in the rain (yes, it does rain here -- a lot.  Our side curtains, pitiful wiper and towels got lots of use on this trip).  We drove north to Comox, home of a Canadian Air Force aircraft museum.  We learned about famous Canadian milirary aircraft like the Argus, Buffalo, and Canuck.  They have a project to restore a WWII Spitfire to flying condition.  The airframe looks great but has a ways to go.  Beautiful work, with aluminum formed by hand using an English Wheel.

Judie, enjoying her own tour of Parksville

Judie came with us to the banquet on Thursday night.  The food and fellowship was all outstanding.  We particularly enjoyed dining with a couple from Alberta who won an award for their beautiful Nash Healey.

Our Healey friends left on Friday but Nance and I stayed to visit with Judie and go on down to Victoria for Canada Day. 

Judie took us on tour of highlights around Parksville on Friday.  Shopping at a mini mallwith a grass roof inhabited and trimmed by goats was unusual.  This was followed by a walk through a rain forest.  Although it was raining at the time, most of the rain was intercepted by a canopy created by the enormous Douglas fir and Cedar trees in this forest.  The oldest trees in here are 800 years old.  It was an amazing experience, with a little mud thrown in to cool off our feet.


Cedar trunk, big enough for two

After a great evening talking to Judie and her family, we packed up the Healey on Saturday and went south to Victoria.  We were able to get a reservation on-line at the old Huntindon Hotel in downtown Victoria.  It is walking distance from the downtown marina and Parliment building.  Great location and very comfortable.  There were many festivities downtown preparing for Canada Day on Sunday.  We enjoyed live music and a street fair. 

It was hard to leave this celebration, but Nance wanted to go north to Butchart Gardens.  We left Sunday AM for Butchart, about a 45 minute drive toward Sidney to the north. 

I can't imagine adding to all the superlatives that have been written about Butchart Gardens. It is simply an international treasure.  You don't need to be a gardiner to appreciate it. It is just plain beautiful and beautifully done.  Don't miss it.

Our legs were starting to give out and we reluctantly left to catch the ferry from Sidney to Anacourtes, WA, ending our foray into British Columbia.  It was a long ferry ride through the San Juan Islands.  It included a stop at Friday Harbor and cruises past Orcas Island and a host of others.  It was nearly dark when we finally disembarked and dragged ourselves to a very comfortable Holiday Inn Express on WA Route 20.  Our next adventure would be a long drive through the Cascade Mountains looming before us.


Marina at Victoria, facing the Empress Hotel.

I have not mentioned the Healey.  Let me say she has been wonderful!  She is running well and feels mighty comfortable.  I have added a quart of oil or two, but all is well and we are half way there.  I hope this continues, it is still a long way from Albuquerque.