A tale of two halves – not such an impressive morning but afternoon was better. Started off thinking we’d have breakfast in the Pike Street Market. Tried the first restaurant and was eventually led to a table. Began to think we’d been put in part of the room with no server but, again eventually, a man said he’d be with us soon. Another 10 minutes and he asked us what we wanted to drink. By the time he appeared with our drinks we’d given up and were walking out. Was he bothered – no. Then walked around the market but could find nowhere that had any tables so gave up and started walking along a main road, still looking. The decided to get the trolley tour and have something in Pioneer Square. The tour was the Emerald City trolley tour and was – well let’s just say amateur hour. Seemed to be run totally by misfits and senior citizens. If Victoria Wood had seen it she’d have made a wonderful sketch. Paul and I were in stitches. Anyway, got off in Pioneer Square, went into a restaurant where there would be a 20 minute wait so eventually ended up in an Irish bar. By that time I really was too hungry so didn’t really appreciate it but at least I got a cup of tea. 

We then went down to the harbour and booked on a harbour cruise – an hour’s wait so managed to fit in a beer. The cruise was fine and the weather beautiful. We then went back to the Red Robin for another beer and some pretzels and cheese and beer dip. Now I needed something sweet so caught the trolley (another long wait) to the other side of town to buy some coconut cream pie which is supposed to be amazing. I’ll let you know if it lived up to it’s reputation tomorrow. 

Now it’s repacking ready for the train!!

A travelling day today so up and about early. Had a very smooth journey – drove to Victoria , dropped off the luggage, then drove to Avis and dropped off the car before wandering back to the ferry terminal, having a coffee on the way. The American immigration is in Victoria but I felt really sorry for the poor guys as their computers were really playing up and they had to get us all through before the ferry was due to leave and we were a little late getting underway. 

Lovely crossing although the captain did worry me as he recommended that everyone take the free travel pills being offered as it was going to be rough!

Beautiful day in Seattle but no-one warned me there were hills in Seattle – it’s as bad as San Fransisco! Walked down to the harbour for a late lunch, and then went on the Seattle Wheel. Don’t know why I do these things to myself! I was terrified although I must have hidden it well as the nice man gave us an extra turn free!

Then walked to the Space Needle (with only one full day here trying to do as much as possible). Very interesting.

By then I was exhausted so we got the monorail which took us halfway back to the hotel and then walked the rest of the way back (managed a quick beer on the way).

Definitely needed our crampons.

Started off the day well – a wild peacock in the middle of the road. Then we went back to Momma’s Kitchen for another of their fantastic breakfasts. Paul spent the entire time looking at the roof of the house over the road and trying to work out what kind of bird was there. It turned out to be a plastic bag! We then walked along the boardwalk and I took a pic of what I hoped was a seal but turned out to be a buoy! Think we’re getting a little over zealous about spotting wildlife! We then walked along Whiffen Spit, a long narrow piece of land opposite to where we’re staying where we saw some bald eagles enjoying the thermals.

This afternoon we spent some time sitting outside drinking beer and looking for more wildlife before starting our packing. Marilyn who owns this cabin had said that Eagles always do a flying show over our cabin about 5.30pm so we went back outside to watch and we saw 3 bald eagles flying around. I was hoping I might see one of them dive into the sea and come up with a fish but no such luck I’m afraid.

Driving around East Sooke you come across wonderful street names. Who wouldn’t love to live in Seagirt Road or Timberdoodle Road?

Well it’s off on the ferry to Seattle tomorrow. Goodbye Vancouver Island.

Very exciting day today. Started off by using the park and ride into Victoria from Sooke (and yes, I do know I need to get out more if I thought this was exciting!). So interesting to see the outer suburbs that you never see while driving round in your hire car. The first thing we did when we arrived (after the obligatory coffee and cake) was a whale tour on a zodiac. We did this last time too but it never disappoints. Saw a pod of transitory orcas with a very small one learning how to catch his dinner. This little one showed off to us and did a role poly!  These orcas eat meat and not fish which you would think would be a bit limiting when they live in the sea but they seem to do ok on it! On the way back I got soaked right through and felt a little queasy as the sea was beginning to get a bit choppy but we did stop to see some seals which took my mind off it for a few minutes.

When I took off the flotation suit although I was soaked I was relieved to see that no-one else could see that my skirt was sopping wet. We immediately went to Millstones next door and had some refreshment – both food and drink! Then we were off to the IMAX cinema to see a film about the American National parks – very interesting and showed me more places I’ll be visiting when I win the lottery.

Then it was the bus back to the pub where we picked up the car. What a good idea to put the park and ride outside a pub! As we drove back to the cottage there was a lovely deer beside the road but once we went passed Paul looked in his mirror and said a very young one had stopped in the middle of the road. A woman came the other way and slowed right down which was lucky as another one “Tiggered” across the road, followed by the older one and then all three “Tiggered” back. Very funny. 

Just seen the otter who,was too shy to come out of the water for a pic, and another seal.

Only one more day on the island – I’ll be heartbroken to leave!

First thing this morning I watched an otter having crab for breakfast as I got ready to go out for my breakfast! Think he enjoyed his as much as I enjoyed mine (although I had eggs, bacon and toast). That provided enough energy for us to walk along the river to the Sooke Potholes in the blazing sun. Just wish I’d taken a towel so that I could have paddled a bit.

After popping home for a beer (beer o’clock was apparently 2.30 today), we did another trail which took us through thick forest to Pike Point overlooking the Juan de Fuca Strait and the US. Saw at least 5 different Eagles – plenty of eagle poop in one bit so must have been a nest there somewhere but we couldn’t see it.

After a lovely meal at the 17 Mile pub we returned to our cabin to watch for more wildlife out on the deck.

On the move today but had to go and say farewell to the Eagles and the Flickers on the way. Only Junior was in (although Dad was in his usual tree across the beach and did fly over to make sure sonny boy was ok) but he did his best to keep us amused and very nearly took off again when he was exercising his wings. Surely he’s got to be flying soon? Left him to go,to visit the Flickers but they had gone. Not really surprised as the last time we were there they had almost climbed out of the nest. Did see an Anna’s Humming bird though and some baby birds being fed by Mum.

Next was down the 1 to Brentwood Bay and across to the Kinsole Trestle. This was built in the early nineteen hundreds to carry the train up the island and was very impressive. No trains now alas.

Finally we made our way to East Sooke, having a very welcome beer at the 17 mile pub – delicious. Apparently there were pubs every 2 miles from Sooke to Victoria so the horses (and riders) to have a welcome rest.

What a glorious day. The weather was perfect. As we’re moving on tomorrow we had a few thing to sort out this morning. I did some packing and tidying and Paul went to library to print some stuff off the computer – the girls in there are so helpful.

We then went to Beachcomber and spent a couple of hours there meeting various dogs and watching wildlife. We saw a couple of photogenic seals, the whole California Quail family. I managed to get good ones of the father as he counted the family as they fled to safety in the long grass but they run so fast it’s difficult to get the whole family. Mrs Eagle spent most of the time shouting for Dad who was nowhere to be seen but Junior did his best by exercising his wings and jumping up and down – don’t think it’ll be long before he takes off! Wish I could be there! I’ll just have to rely on Jeannie to send me pics!

On the way back to Qhalicum saw a fish in the middle of the road – still alive. Presume an Eagle had dropped it.

We then walked the length of the prom at Qualicum before having a delicious mac’ cheese at the Shady Rest with 2 beers – and it was only 3.30pm! Then it was a walk back to the car, a trip to the supermarket and finally a large vodka and tonic overlooking Parkesville beach. Looking forward to coming back!

Weather a lot better today and decided to explore a new trail Jeannie told us about yesterday. Right in the heart of Nanaimo we found a rainforest. Looked like it should have been in the Eden Project – amazing. 210 steps down to Departure Bay beach.

Then had a coffee on the harbour front before walking the trail at Pipers Lagoon and Neck Point park.

Finally had to pop in and see the Eagle family. They were a little fed up of performing but did manage to see mum bring in some more bedding and she and the baby sorted the nest out a little more.

Finally it was beer o’clock, 6pm today, at Lefty’s.

Not raining this morning so decided to return to see the Flickers. On the path saw a Waxwing, some sparrows and a humming bird. Spent over an hour watching the Flickers waiting for some grub to be delivered but eventually decided to go back to the car as it started to rain. We got soaked to the skin so,thought we’d better pop home to change before getting something to eat. Then the rain stopped and so we thought we’d just pop in for a quick look at the Eagles before heading home. Turned into quite some ‘look’ as the sun came out and Jeannie was there and people kept wandering over to discuss Eagles and dogs! Didn’t leave until just after 5pm. We hadn’t even had breakfast! Never mind – bacon and eggs tasted wonderful!

Unfortunately it also meant beer o’clock wasn’t until 5.30pm today. I’m not too sure how this happens – beer o’clock changes every day! On Monday it was just after 12 noon – perfect. Unfortunately it has got later during the week culminating with 5.30 today.  Do we keep skipping into different time zones I ask myself. I’ll let you know if it’s different again tomorrow.

Another incredible day. Started off by seeing two deer on the busy dual carriageway leading the north to the south of the island. Then an osprey flew over. Once we got to Jack Point the tide was partway in and saw 24 herons feeding. They are such elegant birds.  Also saw a brown headed cowbird which we’ve never seen before before spending over an hour watching two baby flickers waiting for their mum to return with some grub. She eventually did and that moment was certainly worth waiting for!

On the way from the park to central Nanaimo a Barred Owl flew over us. It was definitely beer o’clock after that and so we had a lovely meal at the Lighthouse and I had some Shocktop beer – definitely the nicest I’ve had since being here. While eating we watched a group of ladies set off in a outrigger canoe and realised Lynn was one of them – hadn’t realised she was in Canada!

Finished off the day with a trip to see the Eagles. Didn’t expect to see much after yesterday but once again they put on a show – Dad brought home a fish and left Mum to feed junior – as he’s at least as big as Mum you’d think he could feed himself by now! Definitely a male!