When you are on Vancouver Island you need to get out on the water.  There are lots of ways to do that.  You can rent a boat, charter a guide, take a 3-hour sail, ride the BC Ferries, go whale watching etc.  The more you do, the more you will see.  Here is a video that will give you an idea of some of what you can see.  Enjoy.

Warmland Eats - Go To Genoa Bay Cafe

When we find ourselves in the “Warm Land” aka the Cowichan Valley and our stomachs are saying that it is time to eat – we like Genoa Bay. This is a picture-perfect spot to enjoy some of the best food on Vancouver Island. Take the Trunk Road east from Duncan to Maple Bay, then turn right for 8 more clicks to tiny Genoa Bay. Leaving Maple Bay the road passes through bucolic farmland and is tucked under the steep treed slopes of Mt. Tzuhalem. The farms are dotted with huge chunks of rock that have obviously left their perch for greener pastures. The boats in the marina greet us as we round the last corner. At the top of the marina ramp is the Genoa Bay Cafe, a quaint, rustic looking, weathered clapboard structure at "Mile 0". The bistro style restaurant is perched at the water’s edge in a tranquil and picturesque setting. It seats 40 inside and another 30 on the deck hanging over the water.
Stacey Johnson the GM greeted us with a warm smile and escorted us to the best table where we enjoyed the view while waiting for our friends. On arrival they were greeted with hugs and handshakes from Gord Rumley the Manager. These friends introduced us to the Genoa Bay Cafe and they've been bringing guests there for a couple of years. It looked like old home week as they entered.

Stacey was our waiter and he outlined several specials of the day. We all chose dishes from the main menu, and Ron enjoyed a delicious starter of Seafood Chowder packed with a bounty of local seafood. While waiting for our meals we were treated to a plate of their signature Calamari, lightly battered, very tender and super tasty. Three of us opted for the excellent battered halibut Fish and Chips. The fries are hand-cut daily from fresh Kennebec potatoes, the very best for making fries. Linda thoroughly enjoyed her 2 Egg Breakfast and loved the maple glazed bacon. Neighbouring diners tucked into equally delicious looking food. Simple food using fresh local ingredients pleasingly presented and mouth watering leave customers happy and coming back. At the Genoa Bay Cafe you will always find top-notch cuisine served in a casual environment. You can also come by boat, but be sure to come. Otherwise you will never know what you are missing! Relax, unwind, enjoy and you will be back. View more pictures at our Facebook Page.

UVic Basketball Playoffs Friday night Down but Not Out!

Last night there was bad Karma in the McKinnon Gym. Maybe it was my feeble attempt at a Calgary put down in my last post. It could have been the cheerleaders who could easily distract the players with there attention getting antics. Or it could have been that annoying photographer with his camera in the teams face on almost every shot. Whatever the cause, it was a mirror image of the season final. They were six points up most of the fourth quarter until they "let" Calgary go on a 10-0 run. They were up by one at the half, rather than down one as in the last game. It just didn't work. So close yet so far. So, they must win the next two games. To do that they will have to play better. The UVic team are good outside shooters but they did not set up good outside shots. Calgary seemed quicker and it was tough for UVic to get inside. Calgary got inside all night. So....go Uvic go..and good luck. I will stay away for the next two games in case it was my Karma....enjoy the game photos by going to our Facebook Page.

UVic Basketball Playoffs start Friday night at 7:00 pm

Over the 30 years that I have lived in Victoria, there has been one constant....sports provided by UVic athletes is top notch. We attended the final game of the year and it was a barn burner...Uvic came from behind to win in an exciting finish that left their opponents with only fouling to try and get the ball back. Tied very late in the game, the stars took control with three pointers and never looked back. It was the best entertainment deal in town. My 9 year old granddaughter just started playing basketball and she was thrilled with the game. The are starting playoffs this weekend with games Friday night, Saturday and Sunday if needed against Calgary. No problem, the C in Calgary means "Choke". Easy to say for an ex Edmontonian! For more photos go to our Facebook page.

Its that time again - Be A Tourist In Your Own Hometown

Go to their web site

The 2012 Victoria Tea Festival

Hosted in the tea capital of Canada, the Victoria Tea Festival had its inception in 2007 with 200 people attending the one-day event. Now in its sixth year and having experienced phenomenal growth, the event has grown to two days and established itself as the largest public tea exhibition in North America with over 3300 people in attendance and over 40 exhibitors.

The event was created with a three-fold purpose: to support the tea industry, to create a destination event for the city of Victoria, and to be a signature fundraiser for Camosun College Child Care Services. Created and run 100% by a volunteer organizing committee and over two hundred event volunteers annually, the festival has emerged as a premier event to which people travel from afar just to take it in!

The 2012 Tea Festival was packed while we were there and the sites, sounds, tastes and colors were amazing which you will see if you go to our facebook pictorial. Visit the Tea Festival web site for more information.