Sunday, July 11, 2010

Day 30- Tofino to Victoria

This day was scheduled to be a very busy day with many sites to see on our journey from Tofino across  and down Vancouver Island to Victoria. Ultimately, short stops were made at various places and Kathy and George and Linda and Roger didn't make it to the Northwest Morgan Club pig roast.
The morning had usual costal fog and a bit of danpness in the air, when we actually were ready to depart on time. If I don't blog in the AM, I seem to be able to make it on time.
First we did the above group photo with Winston, Fred a neighbor dog who comes to play with Winston, and the group. Also a photo of Olivia, the owner and her staff.
 Once we were away from the coast, the sky turned blue and warmer. A stop at the site of the Martin Mars fire bomber site (run by Coulson), was very interesting. A few stayed for the tour and a few of us ate Mars Bars   http://www.martinmars.com/

Our next stop was at Goats on the Roof, a clever way, allegedly for a certain group of motorcyclists to launder their money. Indeed there were goats on the roof, and some very dangerous looking weeds on the roofs of the buildings. To me, it looks like a disaster waiting to happen. I suspect their fire insurance costs quite a bit. Here we had the largest single ice cream cones I have ever seen. Having just eaten a Mars bar, I opted for the sugar free carmel crunch, as if that would make any difference at this point.  I couldn't get the goats to cooperate for  picture taking, but you can see it on the web site.  http://www.oldcountrymarket.com/

The next stop was driving through Chaminus, a beautifully done town with murals painted on the walls. Groveland could use with some sprucing up like this. http://www.chemainus.com/arts/murals/index.htm . Fearful of not getting to the party on time, unfortunately we only drove through, and didn't stop to walk around,.
A quick stop at Bristol Motors, a guy kind of place, was done. Here the owner restores Morgans and other cars, and had every type of tool you could imagine, according to Philip. The Antique Car Club members were there as well, so it was fun to talk to them.
Then on to the traffic getting into Victoria to our delightful hotel,with a beautiful view
View from our room into the inner harbor
A quick cleanup then on back through the Victoria traffic to the Mog Northwest Club BBQ at Kit and Joanne's lovely estate and great pig roast. We thoroughly enjoyed this outing as well as seeing previous MOAer's Bill and Marv.

One of the Peking to Paris run Rolls Royce' was there along with their owners. The woman was talking about having to wear a chadoor as they go through Iran, otherwise their car may be stoned. Women, appreciate your freedoms.
Ken did the presentation of the plaque and thank yous to Kit and Joanne.
And as we returned to the view from our room, toward the Empress Hotel , we must say it was another wonderful day on MOA.