Lives of the Rich and Famous - Saturday, July 31st

On Saturday we went to Craigdarruch Castle in Victoria. The house is 25,000 square feet. Can you imagine? Definately not for me. It was fascinating to walk through and learn about the family that built it and the era in which it was built.

Just a picture to show all the fancy wood work.

This piano was in the parlor if I remember correctly.

An alcove in the stairway.

Stained glass everywhere.

They had this great "I spy" game that we did with Matthew and Peter. What a great idea!! Matthew stayed focussed and calm the entire tour because he had to do the I spy game.

What a difference!!

Best Buds.

This piano we found on the fourth floor - where the dance hall was. I found that wierd because to me that is not the safest place to have people jumping around and dancing. Maybe I'm just too paranoid. The piano was open to visitors so both Aleana and Ethan took a turn on it.
Aleana's rendition of Fur Elise was so touching that it brought tears to Ethan's eyes.

I love pitchers and wash basins. Maybe someday I will buy one and display it somewhere.

That's for when I open my bed and breakfast :).

Another beautiful set.

I love this dress but I would hate to wear it.
Looks rather itchy.

This is the breakfast room - which obviously is different from the dining room.

It is positioned in such a way that the morning sun will stream through while people are eating.

Isn't this too cute? An antique high chair with a tin cup.

The boys looking interested and extra good - Amazing!!!

Posing Peter

All done!

Next, we walked about the Parliament Buildings.

I love this shot!!!

It was a wierd day weather wise.

We were not allowed in the structure because it was Saturday. If you really wanted to you could but you had to be part of a tour. Seeing how it was close to naptime we settled for just walking around.

Aleana focussed on teaching Peter to say "Totem Pole" on this trip. Everytime we saw one, we were sure to know - it was very exciting to see one you know!

Here's Peter admiring one up close - finally!!!

He also got to pet a horse - he loves horses!!!

A statue of the Queen. Aleana took this picture.

War Memorial

Interesting Car.

Our campsite at Goldstream Prov. Park.

Having a snack together.

That's all for today!!

Friday, July 30th

This is the day we left Green Point in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve for Goldstream Prov. Park near Victoria. This picture has a funny story. On our way we came across a teenage bear cub on the road right in front of our van. We had to brake for him and that startled him into a freeze. Eventually, he clamored on his way. In the mean time, I'm grabbing the camara, tossed it to Will who was the closest - who tossed it to Aleana who took this expert shot.

Can you see the bear? Didn't think so. Well, let me tell you, he was really cute.
This is Cathedral Grove near Port Alberni.

We stopped there for lunch - the parking was not the greatest. Side of the busy road - but it was shady and cool so no complaints.

Another view of our side of the road stop.

There were lots of deer in Goldstream.

More about the deer tomorrow.

Thursday, July 29th

It was not raining this morning so all of us headed down to Long Beach (10min. walk from our campground - Green Point). What fun we had exploring!!
Ethan on top of some rocks.

There were many many tidal pools to explore and each one had different creatures to admire.

That's me in the background and Matthew in the foreground.

We saw a crab in this pool. In five seconds he buried himself in the sand.

This is what we called finger algae. I love the bright green algae surrounding it.

Sea anemones. If you place your finger in there - it will grab it and actually hold onto it.

Lots of mussels everywhere and I'm not sure what the seafoam green creatures are but they were very interesting looking.

More of the seafoam creatures with the starfish.

An hour later this tidal pool was totally submerged.

This was a fort we found on top of the rocks we were exploring.
I did not go up there but the big kids did.

Inside the fort.

The view from the top.

The kids got brave about gently handling the starfish.

The suction cups are so cool!!!

By the fort the kids found wild strawberry plants.

It was surprisingly warm by the water. Looks cold but it was warmer than hanging out by our tent!!!

Lots of driftwood.

The transition from beach to land. It's quite wild.

Matthew found a fort.

More finds.

Thumbs up!

So prim and proper. I won't say how many shots that took.
Camara timers are nice.

The waves are soooo loud and calming at the same time.

More of bright and beautiful.

On the way back through the rain forest.

It rains three times as much there as it does here in the lower Mainland.

Never thought I would appreciate our rainfall numbers!!

A light house in Ucluelet.

This is how Peter went to sleep this afternoon.

The sun was out in Ucluelet!!!

Another cannon we found.

Some sea creatures in the aquarium by the water front there.

This is the aquarium. Small but kept the kids busy for 1.5 hours. Peter slept on my lap on the bench outside.

I love this picture.

In the aquarium.

A sea cucumber. I've never seen a red cucumber before but the shape is the same.