Utterly Transported

This year marks the eighth year we have been married, thus the eighth anniversary of my living in British Columbia. Last month I was remembering how fun it was when I used to come visit Mr. O'M when we were long distance dating. I would come into town and he would have everything planned, squiring me around to show me the sights.

Usually we go away for our anniversary but this year we elected to stay in town and simply go out for dinner. Thus, I gave Mr. O'M a project. I told him that although I usually am the planner and have oodles of fun doing so...this time it was up to him. I wanted him to plan a date like he did during our courtship. It was so much fun in the weeks leading up to our anniversary, wondering where he would decide to go.

Here is the 1st Hint!

I truly did not have a clue what to guess. We kept passing roads that led to places I "supposed" we might go to. When we turned onto the highway that led to Capilano I really could not begin to guess. We climbed further and further up a moutain...into residential areas until we reached GROUSE MOUNTAIN! I squealed in delight!

The Skating Rink

The day had been a clear, sunny day. We left the parking lot behind and climbed 3,000 feet into the air. We were suddenly transported into a winter wonderland. It truly felt otherworldy. The snow was softly falling and the sky was a purple grey. There was a silky silence punctuated by laughs and whispers of delight as people's shoes made crinkling sounds in the snow.

Amazing City Views From The Sky Car

Altitudes Bistro in the Chalet




Interior of the Bistro

Seafood Chowder

Starter Salad

There is a fine dining restaurant also located in the chalet. It was closed for a private function that evening. That was fine with us as we had always intended to dine in the Bistro. Our starters were so good and the cold air had accelerated our appetites to such an extent that I forgot to take pictures of our meals. I had BBQ chicken which was excellent and Mr. O'M had the Grindburger which was also quite good.

The Grouse Grind is the name of a hiking trek up Grouse Mountain. It is a badge of honor for many to have done the Grind in good time.

View of the Trees and City Lights from the Bistro

These were beyond doubt the best vantage points I have ever had of Vancouver. We were directly above the Lion's Gate bridge. We could also see 5 brightly colored Olympic rings out on the water. It was also mesmerizing to watch how the weather behaved. You were actually able to "see" the wind in a way. For a moment the breeze would move clouds over and the lights would disappear and then the wind would move the clouds to another area and lights would blink up again. We were fortunate to have mostly clear conditions. It was wonderful!

Picture of Early Ski Bunnies

A Darling Picture of Children Skiing

Antique Skis

The chalet is beautiful and full of interesting things to look at. It has a store where there is Grouse Mountain related merchandise for sale. There is also a Theatre where there are shows you can watch. During the day there are some Grizzly bears that were rescued when they were orphaned as cubs and it is possible to see them as well.

Chalet Pillar With Ski and Snowboard Relief Carving

Zipline

It is also possible to zipline over the amazing tree canopy on Grouse Mountain for those who it appeals to. I'm sure this would make someone's heart race almost as much as mine did when I realized Mr. O'M had come up with such an adventurous, romantic date for our anniversary.

You can see Grouse Mountain's lights from almost anywhere you are in Vancouver or the Lower Mainland at night. Even driving into the city, you can usually see them gleaming. Whenever I see that track of lights I will think of our anniversary and when we were on top of the world!

ZZZZzzzzzzzzz

The weather has turned. Oh it is still marvelously sunny out. Yet, the air has an autumn crispness to it. A chill that demands one put on a sweater, and makes breath appear as smoke in the night air.






The forecast says the rains are coming. Normally we would have entered monsoon season by now. My cocooning instincts are starting to emerge. I want to curl up with a good book and hot beverage in hand.


There is a lot of this taking place:

I have to admit that Miss Po isn't that only one taking cat naps!

Meet Me In Mukilteo

Today I wanted to "take" you to one of my very favorite places. We took a weekend trip down to Mukilteo in August and had a very relaxing time.

The Silver Cloud Inn - I Love It

Mukilteo is approximately 20 minutes away from Seattle in good traffic. We are fond of staying here. It is much cheaper to stay here than it is in downtown Seattle and it is a seaside. We have stayed in Mukilteo and then gone into Seattle to watch the Mariners play baseball or to go to the Woodland Park Zoo. http://www.zoo.org/

Jacuzzi and Fireplace

Our room had a jacuzzi. The rooms are well designed because the hotel allows you to open up the windows. The blinds can be shut from the bottom up so that you can have privacy and block the breeze at night, but still have the sound of the waves. I however, opted to jacuzzi in my bathing suit during the day and people watch. Sitting watching the scenery whilst relaxing in the frothing tub, while the ocean breeze swept over me was a life highlight. I am very grateful to have experienced it.

Our Room Was the Top Left Corner

This room vantage point allowed us to see the ferry dock, the patio of the restaurant next door and the pier out back of the hotel. It was truly a people and scenery watching paradise!

Staring Contest

Mr. O'M found this crab on the beach during our walk one morning.

Sunset View of the Ferry Disembarking

To the bottom left of the picture you can see the patio of Ivar's restaurant. The ferry arrives and departs regularly to Whidbey Island providing convenient transportation for those wishing to explore that island.

Fishing Off the Pier

One of my favorite aspects of this hotel is that there is always something to watch. The pier itself is very entertaining. One night I could see lights moving to and fro beneath the water. A few minutes later heads popped up revealing scuba divers. We learnt it is a popular spot for divers. We could see why when we spotted sealife for ourselves. We saw large purple starfish, neon orange octopus and different varieties of jellyfish.

It was a rare moment when there was not some kind of fishing taking place on the hotel or ferry piers. Some people come to collect clams and mussels. Others seems to pry barnacles off the posts. I was enchanted by the amounts of different races and ages of people who come to fish. Obvious stranges would show up and eventaully introduce themselves and share the experience.

The couple on the left in this picture seemed very sweet. She was obviously new to the whole fishing experience and her partner was helping her. The man on the right was an old hand and he would periodically jump in and help them. Her boyfriend or husband eventually caught the largest fish we saw caught. It was very flat and big and after asking around at the hotel I found out that it was a Flounder, a very good catch indeed!

The Mukilteo Lighthouse

Isn't it a beautiful design. I took a fancy to this old-fashioned triangle alarm system. The lighthouse started in 1906 and was filled with oil and had to be winded like clockwork every 3 hours. Thus, it was a big deal when they converted to electricitity in 1927.

Now the buildings are used for the US Coast Guard. The lighthouse itself is still operational though. It uses a 2 seconds on, 3 seconds off system which is individual to Mukilteo itself.

Lighthouse Beach

There is a beautiful very long stretch of beach, with a terrific walking path. You can see a dog in this picture swimming out to get a stick that his owner was throwing to him. He was such a nice dog. Above the ferry is a kite flying. Behind the rocks were play areas where daycamps had children, families were picnicking and people were bringing ornate kites to fly.

Arnie's

When Ed and I drove into Mukilteo we could not believe it when we saw a parking lot where our favorite restaurant used to be. We were so shocked we even asked the hotel clerk if we were mistaken about the location, we were so desiring it not to be true. Alas, Buzz's is gone forever. The good news is that we have found Arnie's.

Mr. O'M loves fish and chips. I do too, but I am not the life-long afficianado that he is. Also to be considered is the fact that we live in a coastal city that offers many restaurants that do fish and chips mighty well. So, I do not say this lightly: Mr. O'M said that this was the best fish and chips he has ever had. Enough said.

Puleeeeeezzzz Come to Vancouver!!!!

One day we were driving around for lunch and we saw this place and decided to try it thinking it would be a glorified Subway. It is much nicer inside than it looks from the outside. It has very comfortable booths and tables although take-out is offered also.

We liked it so much we came back the next day. This is a genius restaurant concept. The menu board is amazing as it offers about 75 options. It is guaranteed to satisfy both the starving male, female and children in your family.

Mr. O'M went for the gourmet burgers. There is every kind of burger you could imagine. Beef patties with your regular bacon and cheese, or pineapple, egg, peppers, bbq pork etc... I had to try the wraps. The first time I had a steak with blue cheese theme. The second time I had a Californian with avacado, chicken and chock full of vegetables. There is seafood, vegetarian options. Curly fries if you don't feel like regular fries. Chowder and soup if you feel like something more comforting.

Their condiment selection leaves nothing to be desired. The drink selection is self-serve and not only do they offer pop but they have an iced-tea machine with a full selection of iced-teas. They also have a cooler of specialty drinks.

As someone who is basically "grossed out" by fast food (though I do indulge sometimes) this restaurant hit my reflexes just right. I sincerely hope they come to where we live.

I can't wait to go back to Mukilteo!

Ready, Set, Action!

I need to play a bit of catch-up with you. Lately I have had the energy of an amoeba. Thus, I haven't posted in a while. This last cycle has been particularly vicious one, but I am starting to feel more like myself again.


I hadn't felt well enough to leave the house in a long time so Friday was very special because I got to go OUT! I celebrated by taking Ruby on the Skytrain for the first time and everything went swimmingly. BC Transit has done a great job on making the Skytrain (BC's subway system) completely available for those who use wheelchairs or scooters.



I spent the day in Vancouver and then later ended up in Burnaby. Here are some pictures:

A Square with Walls of Fountains

Very peaceful place to read or have a cup of tea.

A Building I Liked With

a Pretty Fire Escape

Eagle Clutching a Fish




Tampopo Says To Support Your Local Cupcake Shop

(and she prefers Coconut Buttercream Frosting, thanks for asking)






Now, This is Advertising!

The Fountain

I first thought this was really ugly, but by the 3rd

time I passed it it had really grown on me.

Dinosaur Head Fossil

Beautiful Floral Display, Taller Than Me

Skytrain Station

(Open Air with buskers, vendors...)

Vancouver Has a Lot of Fountains

& I Heart Water

Group of 7 Style Eagle

A Very Charming Window

When I was on the skytrain I was watching out the window and we were passing over an industrial area. I watched the various warehouses pass by. Suddenly I did a double take. The back of one of the warehouses looked like a gorgeous brick apartment with quaint window boxes filled with red geraniums. Down below was a street scene and the parking lot looked like a neighbourhood.

All of the sudden it clicked. Of course! It was a movie set. When Mr. O'M worked down town we were used to seeing movie sets. We still see the signs for them all over and occasionally see them when we are driving, it just took me by surprise in that context, looking down over one. I wished I had my camera out so I could have taken one of that particular set. It looked so picturesque!

Trolling For a Great Meal

It is likely that you won't be seeing any negative reviews on this site. It isn't that we haven't experienced ho hum meals or pitiful customer service.





However due to my physical circumstances, I spend a large part of life devoted to using my energies fighting pain. Thus, in my lesisure time I really prefer to focus mainly on the positive. Therefore, I intend to be only sharing my favorites with you.





Today's destination is somewhere truly special. Mr. O' M has been going there since he was 7 years old and it is truly a testament to the owners greatness that it has maintained it's quality and is still as enjoyable. It is a bit of a drive for us as it is located in Horseshoe Bay, but actually the drive is part of the fun! Welcome to Trolls...

Trolls Exterior-Summer Patio Seating

Trolls is located very close to the ferry terminal in Horseshoe Bay. It is nice to watch the ferries come and go as you eat your meal. It is also wonderfully convenient to catch a bite if you are taking a ferry. You can park your car in line and just walk down to the restaurant and have a meal before you sail over to your destination.

Truly Incredible Plate of Fish and Chips

I went through a period where I could not have battered or deep fried foods and I had to abstain from the fish and chips for a couple of years. Thus, I had ample opportunity to sample the many other choices on the Trolls menu. I was never disappointed. Of course their seafood dishes shine but they also have wraps, meat and pasta plates, soup, salads and even a tasty jambalaya that are delightful. Thankfully I am now able to have the fish and chips again as it is truly one of the best that exists.

Two Old Men Chatting and A Nod to the Ferries

The decor is really fun and there are a lot of references to local culture. There is a beautiful First Nations canoe hanging from the ceiling. It is worth it to take a little walk around and see all the little treasures and art tucked away.

Portraits in the Bathroom

The restaurant is full of these charicature portraits of family (Joe Troll opened the restaurant in 1946 and it is still family run) and friends of the establishment. It has been enjoyable as a long time patron to see the number of these portraits grow.

Wooden Kayak on Car Parked Out Front

There is a parking lot out back and street parking out front. There are times when Horseshoe Bay gets really busy and it can be a challenge to find a parking spot. However, all that is required is patience. We usually just circle the block 3 or 4 times and that is all it takes for someone to be moving out of their spot.

There are handicapped spots out front. I am unable to conveniently fit my motorized scooter inside the restaurant. However, both the restaurant and bathroom are fine for those who use a traditional wheelchair or walk with a cane (which is what I do when we go). It it a bit of a squeeze for wheelchairs but both the staff and patrons are always jovial and will accomodatingly help to move chairs a few inches out of the way etc...

There are always neat things to see. I had never seen a wooden kayak like the one in the picture above, until I spotted it on top of a car parked in front of Trolls.

Sewell's Marina

Across the street from Trolls is a beautiful Park, the Boathouse restaurant and this marina. There is a lot to see so it is nice to take a walk after you have eaten. On occasion Mr. O' M and I have rented a boat from the marina and taken a drive on the ocean. Try to go earlier in the day if you are planning this activity as the scenery is incredible and you will have a larger pick of boats.

The Park Across the Street





The Island House

As I mentioned previously, it is a bit of a drive out to Horseshoe Bay but it is so worth it. You can take the Freeway, but at least one way of the drive treat yourself to the Marine Drive Highway. There are so many fantastic houses and views to see along this route. We enjoyed seeing this go from a bare island to a frame to a completed residence.

Cargo Ship

If you enjoy taking pictures, make sure to bring along your camera when you take the Marine Drive. There is a stop with a small pull-off (watch for traffic as it is on a corner and the lanes are not divided) that offers the most unbelievable view of Vancouver and the ocean.

I have enjoyed going to Trolls for lunch, late lunches and dinners...getting to experience the views in different lights.

Trolls is truly a BC institution, one that I am proud to support. They get it right, year after year.

Trolls

6408 Bay Street West Vancouver

Telephone : 604-921-7755

Home Run

Setting Up For the Game

Do you enjoy baseball? It is a game that both Mr. O' M and I love to watch live. As far as playing it goes; I like it when I am up to bat but I am sadly lacking in the pitching and catching departments.

The picture above shows one of the places where I most like to enjoy a game. Can you guess where it is?

Super Mariner's Dogs

This picture provides a hint. Yes, it is Safeco Field in Seattle where the Mariner's play. This picture addresses part of the equation. Safeco field has an impressive array of concession stands. They offer just about any kind of food you could have a hankering for...from Asian cuisine to Mexican.

They offer a treat which I have not sampled called Garlic Fries. That is actually the name of the restaurant.

The smell of hot, buttery garlic pervades the field in a subtle, not overpowering way. Even if you had no intention of eating during the game (I can't imagine this as the concession stands are great!) the "Garlic Fry" phenomenon will get your salivary glands going.

I am not one who is normally mad about hot dogs. If you go to Safeco, don't get a normal dog. Splurge for a Super Mariner's Dog. It is without a doubt the best hot dog I have had in my life. Sometimes we will feel the urge to go to a baseball game and then realize it is largely due to the craving for one of these hot dogs.

A Packed House

Seattle is a city that supports it's baseball team. I was glad that the atmosphere was really nice. We were surrounded by families, groups of young people, older ones...and there wasn't any cursing or drunken behavior. It was people enjoying good old-fashioned sport.

The field has wonderful facilities for the disabled. Call their special needs line and they will hook you up. They provided me with a seat for Ruby, my scooter and a companion seat for Mr. O' M. The seats were fantastic, behind home plate. It's best to book early so as to get disabled access parking.

Pea Shoots, She Scores

The Stems of the Pea Plant

If someone had told me 2 years ago that at three o'clock in the morning I would find myself thinking of the left-over greens lying in my fridge... Yes, not the left-over piece of pizza, or those last oatmeal raisin cookies but a bowl of VEGETABLES...I would have never believed it!

Alas, that was before pea shoots completely captured my heart and taste buds. As of yet, I have been unable to find the actual plant at our markets and so I have been ordering the dish from our favorite Chinese restaurant.

The first time we were there in person I ordered pea shoots in garlic. It wasn't on the menu, but the woman understood what I meant and I was ecstatic to receive the piping hot dish in all of it's green glory.

Ever since then there has been a slight communication problem. I ask for pea shoots which causes a sort of confusion. I get a different employee each time and we dance around different pea words such as "vines", "tips", "stems", "leaves" until understanding is reached.

I find from my wanderings on the web that this is common. There doesn't seem to be a standard name for this dish in English. Some people prepare the stems, some the leaves (I like both). Regardless, the common understanding is that it is delicious.

It is one of the more expensive dishes to order in a Chinese restaurant. It can be pricier than some of the meat dishes. At first, this perplexed me because I read that the plant itself is not expensive to purchase at Asian markets.

However, I have now read that it is a seasonal plant and can be a difficult dish to prepare, being very easy to overcook or undercook. http://www.winterjade.com/delectation/archives/000048.html

I love this dish so much that sometimes I will eat it straight out of the container - cold. It actually tastes really wonderful that way. I think I hear some calling my name right now...

Road Trip

The Coquihalla Highway

We recently loaded up playlists on our I-pod and spent 2 weekends on the road back and forth to Kamloops attending a Convention there.

The first time I drove through Kamloops it wasn't in summer and my impression was that it was a very brown and dreary place. Many subsequent visits have proved how wrong that initial response was. I enjoy spending time there very much. The city is so nice and the people are grand.

The View from the Convention Centre

Just outside the doors is a nice section with benches where you can watch the river pass idly by underneath a bridge where beyond the mountains overlook. It is a beautiful site.

The Lush, Green View From Our Hotel Room

Despite the gorgeous, meandering river and the verdant vegetation (Kamloops means 'meeting of waters' in Shuswap) it is a semi-arid or desert-like area. This can make for some neat views also.

Sage Brush

(Tumble Weed when Dead-

I just love Tumble Weeds Do You?)

Flowering Cactus

Layers

The thing that always astounds me about the scenery in this region is that your eye can begin in front of you and then absorb what is just beyond and keep going, because there is always something more amazing to see in the layer ahead of you.

It was such a fantastic road trip because there was always so much to look at. Truly awe inspiring!

Personal Beer Tap

On a completely different note, we saw one of these in a restaurant and had never encountered one before. The lads who had ordered it said that it held about 10 glasses of beer and cost about $20 Cnd.