Irish Settlers Memorial Charlottetown PEI

When we visited PEI in February 2010, we had a chance to do lots of walking and quite by accident stumbled onto the Irish Settlers Memorial.

The memorial reads as follows:

“The Irish Settlers Memorial honours over ten thousand early immigrants to this island. The granite Celtic cross symbolizes both Ireland and Christianity. The circular terrace embraces thirty-two flagstones. Distinctive relics imported from each of the counties where the settlers had originated. The Memorial faces the harbour at Three Tides, where the Immigrants entered upon their new lives.

The Celtic Heritage Assoc. for P.E.I. –  Canada Day 2001.”

Barry's family came to the Island about 1800 from Ireland, so it was a great to find this monument. Life for Irish immigrants couldn't have been easy - and from the family research I have done, they left their families and encountered many challenges trying to begin a new life in Canada, including fighting stereotypes about the Irish. I hope the descendants of those families are not only tolerant of new Canadians, but accepting as well - remembering the struggle of those who came to PEI to make a better life.

Barry at Three Tides Harbour

McLure Wildfire Monument

The summer of 2003 in BC has been dubbed the 'Summer of Fire' - one of the most catastrophic in British Columbia’s recorded history. Due to an extended drought in the southern half of the province, forest firefighters faced conditions never seen before. Lightning strikes, human carelessness and arson all contributed to igniting nearly 2,500 fires involving more than 10,000 firefighters and support personnel - and burning more than 265,000 hectares at a cost of $375 million.

While the fires in Kelowna certainly were devasting for the amount of property and possessions that were lost, I believe the fire in the McLure/Barriere area was even more devasting. Not only did these communities lose property and possessions, the Tolko Mill at Louis Creek was totally destroyed - and was never rebuilt, resulting in a lose of employment for many.

Barry was in Barriere with the team when the call came for everyone to leave as the fire was raging out of control. For those called to work the fire, it was a lengthy stay - but at least they had a home to go to when it was all over.

On our return trip from Jasper, we stopped at the McLure Wildfire Monument. It was thought provoking to stand where fire had raged - leaving nothing in its path - but not extinguishing the sense of community found in the small, rural towns of McLure, Barriere and Louis Creek.

The McLure Wildfire Monument Society created the Wildfire Dragon Monument Site and Spirit Square to permanently recognize all those who fought in the fire, helped in the aftermath, and joined hands to rebuild - and what a tribute it is.

The Golden Mile and Naramata - Day Two

Day two of our winery tour started out at NK’MIP Cellars - the first aboriginal-owned and operated vineyard and winery in North America. While the wine was exceptional, I really enjoyed the storyboards recounting this history of the vineyard and the artwork that was displayed throughout the winery.



From Spirit Ridge and NK’MIP, we headed into Osoyoos to find a little place called 'Dolci' that was highly recommended as a place to go for breakfast. Mandy wasn't wrong - Dolci's was fresh and the outdoor patio was surrounded by plants of every type - flowers, herbs, vegetables.

After a little shopping (there were great homemade preserves there), a latte and a delicious omelette, we made our way out of Osoyoos and headed up to our first stop of the day, Cassini Cellars - home of 'Mama Mia'!

We tasted several wines there, and I found that I am starting to develop a taste for red wine - as long as they aren't oaked!!

 

From Cassini Cellars, we continued up the valley, stopping at a cute little quilt store before heading to Okanagan Falls and a visit to Tickleberries. You can't stop there without trying at least a small piece of fudge or having an ice cream cone. 

  I also had a chance to add a photo to our 'Little Book of Big Things' album when I spotted an oversize adirondack chair outside. Patti F took the photo - I sure felt like Edith Ann from Laugh In (I think I just dated myself - although I might have only been 8 when I saw that show lol)

From Okanagan Falls, we headed over to Naramata - our mission - check out Blasted Church Winery and Poplar Grove Cheese. We headed to Blasted Church first -what a fun place! The wine labels alone make you want to drink the wine - which is also very good.  At the entrance to the vineyard, there is a church pew and the sign made us laugh!

From Blasted Church we headed to Poplar Grove - where they have a new wine tasting lounge - and have a separate place to try out the cheese. And what cheese!! Harvest Moon,  Double Cream Camembert , Naramata Bench Blue - all are rich and creamy - the blue has been brine salted, not dry salted, giving it no internal blue veining. It has a hint of salt, and becomes slightly runny with age. If you like something stronger, try the tiger blue! You can't go wrong with taking any one of them home!

Our last stop before heading home was a fortunate coincidence - one of Patti F.'s favorite wines is Red Stiletto, made  by Ruby Blues Winery and we happened to pass the winery on our way back down the road from Poplar Grove. We didn't expect to find Red Stiletto - but thought it would be fun to see what the winery was like.

Much to our surprise - and Patti's delight - the winery had brought out a few more cases of Red Stiletto - and there were a few bottles available for purchase. It really was a fortunate coincidence! With the bottles of Red Stiletto tucked safely away in the trunk, we headed for home with our treasures - wine, cheese and memories of a fun 36 hours exploring the wineries of the Golden Mile and Naramata!

  

The Golden Mile and Naramata Bench Wineries - Day 1

When it comes to Okanagan wineries, there are so many choices that it would be impossible  to visit them all  - but this weekend, I joined 5 other women and we managed to visit 8 wineries, 3 great restaurants, a new resort and and one of my favorite cheese makers!

We headed out from Armstrong early Sunday morning - first stop - The Jammery for breakfast. I had the 1/2 eggs bennie corned beef - and while it was okay - I was disappointed that it was sliced deli corned beef. I know to ask next time!

From there we headed non-stop to the area between Oliver and Osoyoos - and our first winery, Burrowing Owl.  For wine tasting, the cost is a minimum $2 donation which goes directly to the Burrowing Owl Conservation Society of British Columbia (BOCS of BC). I tried several wines and purchased some to take home, including a 2010 Pinot Gris.

From tasting wine, we headed to the restaurant for lunch. Instead of a large lunch, we ordered small plates and some also opted to try the soup.  The soup was an asparagus corn soup - creamy with a few niblets and good flavour. It went well with the artisan bread. For the small plate, I ordered the Pork Rilletes which was very good. Rillettes is a similar to pate made with shredded pork and used as as spread - in this case on a fresh baguette, served with small dill pickles and a spiced fruit marmalade.

And although we were full - we all managed to make room for dessert - Patti F. and I shared the Chocolate Pate with Expresso Shortbread - which was heavenly. The others shared the 40 Creek Rye Whiskey Baba and the Dark Chocolate Hazelnut and Mascarpone Semifreddo - all were delicious! From there, we made our way to the observation area of the winery - and took in the sights before heading to our next winery.

Next stop - Silver Sage Winery. Silver Sage Winery was established by Anna and Victor Manola. Set on the bank of Oxbow Creek, which meanders gently through the Manola’s vineyard, Silver Sage Winery offers a picturesque view of the surrounding mountains and countryside and a patented wine - Sage Grand Reserve.

Those who know me know that I am pretty adamant that I don't like red wine, or dry wine and really prefer anything sweet and fuity - but a visit to Silver Sage started to change my opinion about red wines. Tasting several - 'The Passion', Sunset and several delicious dessert wines, including one that included hot peppers. They were all special in their own way and several made it into the car - won't say which - but picked up a couple of nice gifts!

Down the road from Silver Sage is Stoneboat Vineyards, a family owned and operated artisan wine producer on Lower Black Sage Bench.

The wines were very good - especially the dessert wines - different than the what the previous two wineries offered. I loved the Verglas 2009 - a beautiful wine that will be perfect for an evening with family and friends.

A wrong turn ended up being a right turn for us - leaving Stoneboat Vineyard, we turned left instead of right, and ended up a Le Vieux Pin winery. Their goal is to make wines that capture the essence of French winemaking tradition, wine that are elegant and focused, with great intensity of fruit.

It was here Patti F. discovered a great wine - one that will only taste better by the time her 60th B'Day arrives - and she now has a bottle put away for that special occassion.

Our last stop for the day before heading to Spirit Ridge was Road 13, located across the valley from the other wineries we had visited.

The staff at Road 13 are great - and a place that has a minature daschund named 'Fil' as one of their 'weinery' dogs really can't be beat! A small daschund can be found following the tractor on every wine label and the staff gave me a fridge magnet when they heard I had a mini at home too!

I was 'wined out' but enjoyed checking out the new tasting lounge, storyboards and watching the others enjoying the Road 13 wines which they did!

Road 13 was the last winery for the day - from there we headed directly to Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort and Spa for dinner and a relaxing evening.

The accomodation at Spirit Ridge was outstanding - and I would highly recommend it. Although it might be a little pricey for a couple, between the six of us sharing 3 bedrooms (each with its own bathroom and tv) the cost, including tax was $66.00 pp - very reasonable for the deck, full kitchen, living room, dining room, washer/dryer - and the view.

Don't forget your swimsuit like I did - there are two swimming pools, hot tubs, lounge chairs and a spa too! After enjoying one of our wine purchases along with a cheese platter and great hummus from room service, we headed to the restaurant for dinner.

Passa Tempo Restaurant is a great place to spend time with friends - beautiful view from the balcony - plus great staff (ask for Mandy - she will ensure your time there is memorable) and good food. I had the house salad - very fresh, light citrus dressing, followed by the Salmon with Risotto Cakes - it was a good choice. The best choice - the Mini Chocolate Creme Brulee!

Mandy recommended the 'Mamma Mia' wine - and it was a good pick - so good, we added Cassini Cellars to our list of wineries to visit on the way home!

After relaxing on the balcony, enjoying the view from the lounge - we headed back to our home away from home - to sleep and dream of all the wines we tried and the ones waiting for us tomorrow!



Prince Edward Island - Cedar Dunes Provincial Park

We have been really busy since coming back from Grenada - I guess when you take a month's holidays -you have to make it up!!

Anyways, I was organizing some pictures and came across the ones from our trip to Prince Edward Island in February/March 2010 and thought I would share them. That trip was amazing - mostly because of the scenery - the vivid blue sky, red sand and white snow was spectacular - I recommend a visit to Prince Edward Island in the winter - just not in stormy weather! 

Cedar Dunes Provincial Park located along the scenic North Cape Coastal Drive in the West Point area of PEI. Cedar Dunes is famous for beautiful beaches that stretch for miles and as you can see, they are picturesque in the winter too!

Back at home...

Was just going through our photos of Grenada to scrapbook  and realized I still have lots I can blog about - so stay tuned!

Getting back into our routine finally - but anxious to start scrapping our trip. Also took some pics from my trip last weekeng to Seattle - and ones from our Cuba trip - and ones from Vancouver Island last fall...

So many memories and photos to blog - better get busy!!

The long ride home...

Up at 4 to catch out 6am flight from Grenada to Barbados. As Barry doesn't do bagels, he enjoyed a lovely chicken snack for breakfast.

Barry with his pink chicken snack box and his tourist shirt - he was trying to 'blend'!

From Barbados, we travelled to Dallas - and caught our connection in time for the flight to Vancouver. We noticed how great the weather is here, can hardly wait to see how the spring flowers are doing at home!

We are catching the noon flight to Kelowna on Wednesday (today) and right now, due to the winds, the flight is delayed. But hopefully the wind will be in our favor heading east, and we will make up some time.

Anxious to see everyone - but already missing the sunshine and 35 C temperatures. 

Last day....

We got up bright and early and headed into Grand Anse. We had a few last minute things to do - and a few places to go before heading to the beach for our last beach day.

The beach wasn't crowded - got our favorite spot and settled in. A little swim, read my last book (almost finished), chatted with some people from England and watched a local craftsman make a basket for us to take home.

After the beach, we went back to the apartment to finish packing and shower, before heading out for our last dinner. Barry made reservations so we could sit on the beach and enjoy the sounds of the waves one last time - for now!

After dinner, we headed back, said our goodbyes to Alan & Janet (our neighbours from the UK) and our goodbyes to our host, Yvonne.

Not sure if we are excited to go home or worried we will sleep through the alarm and miss our flight - but we stayed up late and only ended up with about 3 hours sleep....

Now the long flights home...

View of Grand Anse Beach

Last Sunday...

We headed out to the beach first thing - as we had to be in Beaulieu at 2:45pm to meet Leah.

We headed back to Morne Rouge - and relaxed in one of our favorite spots. Stanley even had a chance to work on his tan - although he forgot his swimsuit - and there is no nude bathing in Grenada - so we found him a leaf!

Later we headed to Beaulieu and on to Happy Hill, where we attended a community gathering celebrating the beginning of  an initiative between the Royal Grenada Police and the residents of Happy Hill. It was well organized and featured some young singers and the Royal Grenada Police Band - and finished off with some local sweets and other snacks.

It was really fun - and we had an opportunity to meet several residents of Happy Hill, as well as some of the invited guests. The former Prime Minister even dropped in!

Then it was time to head back to our apartment and do a little packing so we didn't have so much to do on Monday.

New friends - Jeanne and Everest Pascal and Leah's Grandma, Miss Yvonne.

Can't believe our time is almost up - it has gone so fast. Tomorrow is our last beach day - and last chance to snap some photos.

There is a golf course....

For a all the golfers out there, we decided that before we left, we better check out the golf course. It is located in St.George's - but not in plain site. We found the road - and after a few minutes, arrived at the golf course.

It was a bit soggy due to the large amount of rain that fell the last few days - but I have to say I was pleasantly surprised.

There are no power carts, which is fine  - as you come into the parking lot, there is a small lean-to, and out of it sprung 5 young men, all offering to be our caddy. And it is only a 9-hole, so it wouldn’t be too bad.

If you want to play 18 – you just play it twice – like the Royal York! There is a nice clubhouse and a great view from their deck. If you decide you want to play though, you might want to book and early tee time – it was already pretty muggy there at 11am.

After checking out the course, we headed up the road towards the Grenada Craft Village. It is a great idea – much like a Farmers’ Market, but a building with small spaces inside for artisans to display theirproducts. It is a good idea, as several of the artisans are from other parts of Grenada.  Their shops were set up very nicely, and there were several that we hadn’t seen yet – they aren’t set up where the cruise ship passengers usually are. There was a potter, soap and oils, spices for cooking, painters – and a great seamstress.  She is Grenadian, but spend several years in London -  she had beautiful summer skirts, tops and dresses – all cotton and linen – if you go as soon as you arrive, she will make whatever you see to your size before you leave. She even had a wedding dress – and as much as you might not think so – it was beautiful – and the bodice was made of coconut fibers!

From there, we took a drive to Happy Hill – we heard from a Calgary family about a great snorkeling place – and we wanted to check it out. It was nice – black sand, calm waters – and in a protected area. Maybe we will try it out on Monday.

One of the commercial complexes on the way into St.Georges from Happy Hill

On the way back, we taped the drive through St.Georges and the drive out to the airport so that you can have a look when we come home.  We had to check on the parking etc. for the beginning of our flight home on Tuesday. You might find it interesting – it will give you an idea of what we see most days. We have done a couple of videos to show you all when we get home!

After checking out the airport, we came back to the apartment for a short break before heading up to Victoria for the St.Mark’s Sunset City Food Festival – which happens the last Saturday of the month. Unfortunately, when we arrived, they had delayed the set up due to the rainstorm – and it was still pouring rain when we got there. But we talked to several people and had a look at their menu boards. Reasonably priced – and not just fish – there was beef, pork, chicken, fish, goat, rabbit, vegie choices – plus desserts. I was finally able to try conkie, which is a dessert made of pumpkin, spices, coconut and corn – it was really good.

We said our goodbyes and headed back down Island. Barry thought it was quite the adventure – there were some rock and mudslides on the road due to the downpour – so he had to dodge those obstacles as well as the buses!

Heading to the beach tomorrow – and then back to Happy Hill. We have been invited to a community event – it should be fun!

Kayaking 101... & a trip to Hog Island

Today we kayaked for the first time - we booked a 4 hour tour with Spice Kayaking located in Clarke Court, just around the corner from us.

We were looking forward to it - and our experience with Kim & Joe - made it more than we thought it would be. They are from South Africa via London, and have only been living here for 4 months, but had so many great hints to give us that we need to stay another month to enjoy it all.

They know a lot about Grenada, and after giving us a crash course in Kayaking, took us out in the bay and gave us a tour of the coast.

We saw two more shipwrecks - both Cuba ships that were originally here to bring in supplies to build the airport at Point Salinas, but once the 1983 Revolution began, they were rumored to be carrying munitions to aid the rebels. When the US stepped in, they sunk the two ships. The most interesting part of the story wasn't so much the rebellion, but that these ships were made from concrete.

We continued along the coast, looking at the mangroves and learning about their part in keeping the coastline clean - they do a lot of work - and when Mother Nature is left alone - they keep the coastline water crystal clear. It was beautiful.

We then headed to Hog Island - where there is a great beach and the famous 'Roger's Bar'. There were only 6 of us on the island when we arrived - it is a popular place for locals and 'yachties' to gather on the weekend - Sunday there is live music - and lots of fun. There is a beautiful sandy beach and on the south side of the Island, some decent snorkelling.

We had lunch on Hog Island - Kim makes homemade grainy bread - and put together delicious sandwiches - and having lived in London, no wussy French's mustard on our ham sandwiches - just a lovely hot English mustard! Cookies, watermelon, coke and rum punch rounded out the menu.

While there, a catamaran arrived, as did a water taxi. The catamaran brought about 17 people from a cruise ship for a 'Lobster and Champagne Lunch' where a local prepared fresh lobster on the grill. The water taxi brought a family, who we soon discovered were from Sylvan Lake Alberta. They are here for 2 months - and they have come for the last 5 years with their 4 children. There were also 5 boats flying the Maple Leaf - Joe and Kim started calling it 'Canada Bay'. They were saying there is a couple from Newfoundland who have been here for several months - she is quite popular at the marina potlucks as she makes chocolate cake on their boat to bring to the weekly Saturday night potlucks! We Canadians do like our desserts!

After lunch, and some more socializing, we headed out in the kayaks again - this time, the water was a bit choppy, but we managed just fine and arrived back at the Marina safe and sound. We really liked the 'sit on top' kayaks - and it was great to try kayaking in a protected bay - and several times it was shallow enough to see through the clear water to the bottom - which was reassuring too!

We will be kayaking again - not quite sure where or when - but we will be!