Canada, Tofino, BC – the wild Pacific, temperate rainforest and goats on the roof

The tag line for British Columbia is “BBC” – standing for Beautiful British Columbia. For once this is not a superlative but a truism. I’d forgotten how gorgeous it is and having just spent three days in Tofino – the very west of Vancouver Island which itself is the west of Canada – well suffice to say the sunsets are always fab.

We stayed at Pacific Sands Lodge right on the beach where the temperate rainforest meets the ocean – reminds me a bit of the Margaret River area which may be why I like it so much. Here’s what I can see from my deck.

And here is the rainforest as well as the town of Coombs – and yes those are goats on the roof.

And of course we tasted a few excellent cocktails – as you do – including my favourite “the Caesar” (a Canadian Take on Bloody Mary but with Clamato juice) and a horseradish infused vodka. Yum

Canada, BC, Chemainus

Having a great time staying at my friend Marjory’s beautiful house in Chemainus, BC. I was relaxed the moment I walked through the door.

And yes, we may have the Big Pineapple in Australia but Duncan, BC can certainly compete with its very own “Big Hockey Stick” don’t you think??

Marjory’s place and the big hockey stick

USA, Alaska – After some more scenic cruising – flew on a spectacular 90 minute seaplane journey.

Cruising in Alaska

Views from our seaplane in Alert Bay BC. Quattoon waterfalls

Yes it is small but a seaplane is a perfect way to view Northern BC

Cruise now over. Looking forward to reunion with my old Hong Kong Bank of Canada mates in Vancouver and next stop is Chemainus and Tofino on Vancouver Island. 

USA, Alaska – Seabourn Sojourn – looking at it. And views from the portholes

Whenever you are on a cruise it is great to look back at your ship from various spots but I also enjoy the sudden porthole views you catch as you move around the ship. 

USA and Canada – All things native Alaska and Canada

Managed to see a lot of native and traditional indigenous art and culture in both Alaska and British Columbia. These totem poles are very old but still great pieces of art and they stand about 20 feet high. 

Totem poles – very old ones

And here are some nightmarish masks to keep away marauders and unwelcome visitors – not to mention providing a few nightmares. 

And below are some much friendlier welcomes from two Mounties on Prince Rupert Island, BC. 

USA, Alaska, Glaciers – who knew ice could be so fascinating and beautiful?

You might think a day cruising around two glaciers (Holgate Glacier and the Kenai Fjords) might be boring but you’d be wrong. It was mesmerising and I never got tired of just staring and staring.

Hope you agree?

Glaciers at Holgate and Kenai Fjords

Braving the Alaskan summer and holding a crystal clear piece of glacier ice

Ice on the Ocean – pretty cool

USA – Small town Alaska – loads of character And so much nicer than the usual cruise ship towns

I can see why people come to Alaska for two years and stay for 20, especially when they go to places like Haines and Wrangell and Sitka – the smaller towns (some with a permpop of 2500) with loads of history (gold, fur, fishing and a slug of Russian ownership too). Maybe not so delightful in the Winter! Try a cruise that takes in some of these smaller places. 

Wrangell, Alaska

Haines, Alaska

Sitka, Alaska

Or you get places like this – too many ships in the sea! 

USA – Juneau, Alaska – and some whales

Only intermittent wifi as we are very remote but the scenery is so stunning I spend hours just staring out of my veranda or the observation deck. Alaska is a must see destination for everyone especially the out of the way towns and glacial fjords. 

The walk below was to see bears but we saw none:( Didn’t matter too much as scenery was great and I keep getting confused about whichbears to run from and which to shout at!

Where are those pesky bears???

Museum in Juneau well worth a visit

And then we went whale watching and saw one orca and one humpback- super close by. 

USA – Now where? Alaska of course.

Just started a 14 day trip to Alaska and Northern British. Columbia. So far scenery is moody and brooding and I’ve seen a seal’s  flipper! However have a later excursion looking for bears and whales so am hopeful to get that on camera. 

First stop were the glacial fjords at Holgate and Aialik. 

Glaciers in the Indian Islands

And before we set off I visited Seward which was the port of departure and is known for its murals.  

Murals in Seward, Alaska



Canada – Victoria, BC

Great first couple of days visiting my dear friends Daphne and Mark and their cute Havanese dog Monte in Victoria.

Coming in to land I knew it was going to be a special visit – the view from the plane was perfect. 

Coming in to land at Victoria , BC airport

Daphne and Mark have a boat called “Three’s Enough” (long story!) and they kindly took me out for a day and night (it has two bedrooms!) on it. Here is the boat and crew (excluded me as I’m not really crew material but I make a great passenger!) – including Monte of course. 

Three’s Company plus Mark, Daphne and Monte

First stop Salt Spring Island where my vision was boggled at the Farmers’ Market by rainbow stalk kale, red and orange carrots and garlic-scapes (plus cute guy with amusing t shirt). 


Salt Spring Island Farmers’ Market

And then to top it all we had a wonderful dinner at the Relaise and Chateau restaurant- Hastings House. Last time I visited was with Trudy and Alan back in the mid 90s. It is still as good as I remembered and idyllically situated on a hill by the waterfront. 

The track to Hastings House, a sample dish and Daphne, Mark and I having a great time