That George Vancouver from King's Lynn, he got about a bit…
- Thread starter MikeO
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- bmw x5 british colombia
10th September 2025
I've booked a late checkout today. I wake at around 07:30, do my usual mental exercises with the NYT and eventually get up and showered at around 09:30.
It's a beautiful morning — about 19 °C, but with a brisk breeze…
This is a lovely hotel — well beyond my usual range, but I used up some booking.com credits to bring the price down a tad…
I roll my stuff downstairs to the car, then return for a late breakfast in the hotel's restaurant…
Salmon & feta omelette, with sautéed potatoes and sourdough toast, together with a flat white — delicious…
I'm soon negotiating my way through Vancouver's urban sprawl towards Horseshoe Bay. Like most large cities, it's mired in roadworks, and the irritatingly-voiced BMW GPS assistant keeps having the vapours because I've changed roads due to a road closure. I researched the system last night — and that voice is the only one available in English…
I'm driving the reciprocal of when I arrived — the centre lane is directional, depending on which of the rush hours you are in…
I drive over the spectacular Lion's Gate Bridge…
…and afterwards start heading up the coast…
I stop for fuel just before the ferry port (thinking — rightly it seems — that fuel will be more expensive on the island), and put about 50 litres of turbo-nutter bastard in the tank. Or rather, a very polite gas station employee did it for me, also cleaning the windscreen and earning three Loonies as a thank-you…
Last tankful — 37.9mpg (31.5mpg US).
I follow Myrtle's directions and soon arrive at the Ferry Terminal…
Everything worked as it should — the bar code in my phone gets scanned, and I'm directed to Lane Four…
Myrtle has a fit and warns me that we are approaching a ferry…
I switch her off.
Boarding is efficient — takes me back to when I was posted in the Hebrides — and travelled via Caledonian MacBrayne… *shudder*
We climb two decks from the car deck, and the ferry departs on the dot…
This dog is just a rebel…
It's quite breezy on the upper deck…
Although some are taking it completely in their stride…
Vancouver on the horizon…
Just for a giggle, I put Nanaimo as a destination in Waze, and watch it try to make sense of it…
I sit at a little desk thing below decks — where they are (rightly) very strict about what you can plug into the mains power. I was quite surprised that there was no Wi-Fi available — although I had good 5G coverage for most of the trip…
The crossing takes a couple of hours, after which I drive out into the town of Nanaimo, on Vancouver Island…
As I drive to my hotel (in Port Alberni), I decide to stop at a Tim's for some sustenance…
Chicken Parmesan flatbread pizza…
It's a petrol station and general store — and I manage to find some gifts to take home with me (if I can get them in the luggage)
I drove past this, and had to turn around and come back…
I turn inland towards Port Alberni…
It's quite late now (for me driving, that is)…
…and I'm glad to get to the hotel without any interactions with local fauna (I saw a deer grazing at the side of the road)…
I arrive at the Best Western, and I'm efficiently checked in. I notice that they have a restaurant and bar. The former doesn't interest me, but the latter does…
More later…
I've booked a late checkout today. I wake at around 07:30, do my usual mental exercises with the NYT and eventually get up and showered at around 09:30.
It's a beautiful morning — about 19 °C, but with a brisk breeze…
This is a lovely hotel — well beyond my usual range, but I used up some booking.com credits to bring the price down a tad…
I roll my stuff downstairs to the car, then return for a late breakfast in the hotel's restaurant…
Salmon & feta omelette, with sautéed potatoes and sourdough toast, together with a flat white — delicious…
I'm soon negotiating my way through Vancouver's urban sprawl towards Horseshoe Bay. Like most large cities, it's mired in roadworks, and the irritatingly-voiced BMW GPS assistant keeps having the vapours because I've changed roads due to a road closure. I researched the system last night — and that voice is the only one available in English…
I'm driving the reciprocal of when I arrived — the centre lane is directional, depending on which of the rush hours you are in…
I drive over the spectacular Lion's Gate Bridge…
…and afterwards start heading up the coast…
I stop for fuel just before the ferry port (thinking — rightly it seems — that fuel will be more expensive on the island), and put about 50 litres of turbo-nutter bastard in the tank. Or rather, a very polite gas station employee did it for me, also cleaning the windscreen and earning three Loonies as a thank-you…
Last tankful — 37.9mpg (31.5mpg US).
I follow Myrtle's directions and soon arrive at the Ferry Terminal…
Everything worked as it should — the bar code in my phone gets scanned, and I'm directed to Lane Four…
Myrtle has a fit and warns me that we are approaching a ferry…
I switch her off.
Boarding is efficient — takes me back to when I was posted in the Hebrides — and travelled via Caledonian MacBrayne… *shudder*
We climb two decks from the car deck, and the ferry departs on the dot…
This dog is just a rebel…
It's quite breezy on the upper deck…
Although some are taking it completely in their stride…
Vancouver on the horizon…
Just for a giggle, I put Nanaimo as a destination in Waze, and watch it try to make sense of it…
I sit at a little desk thing below decks — where they are (rightly) very strict about what you can plug into the mains power. I was quite surprised that there was no Wi-Fi available — although I had good 5G coverage for most of the trip…
The crossing takes a couple of hours, after which I drive out into the town of Nanaimo, on Vancouver Island…
As I drive to my hotel (in Port Alberni), I decide to stop at a Tim's for some sustenance…
Chicken Parmesan flatbread pizza…
It's a petrol station and general store — and I manage to find some gifts to take home with me (if I can get them in the luggage)
I drove past this, and had to turn around and come back…
I turn inland towards Port Alberni…
It's quite late now (for me driving, that is)…
…and I'm glad to get to the hotel without any interactions with local fauna (I saw a deer grazing at the side of the road)…
I arrive at the Best Western, and I'm efficiently checked in. I notice that they have a restaurant and bar. The former doesn't interest me, but the latter does…
More later…
10th September 2025 (Cont)
Nothing much to report — had a couple of pints of Labatt Blue…
…and a chat with Tina, the bar-tender. She's going to Carlisle with a friend next May to walk Hadrian's Wall…
I'm not a lover of hoppy beers — but they do sometimes have good names…
Nothing much to report — had a couple of pints of Labatt Blue…
…and a chat with Tina, the bar-tender. She's going to Carlisle with a friend next May to walk Hadrian's Wall…
I'm not a lover of hoppy beers — but they do sometimes have good names…
tequila then?
11th September 2025
I sleep very well, and, after abluting, roll my worldly goods down to the car, which sits unmolested in a largely empty car park on a dank, grey day — it's about 11 °C…
Apart from Myrtle's irritating voice, I've come to like this car. It's comfortable, powerful, holds the road well — even in “Comfort” mode — and is remarkably fuel efficient for a four litre AWD bus…
I lock the car and come back into the hotel, to their restaurant, “Stamps”…
Aha! That sounds good…
…and it was good. Very good — breakfast of astronauts…
The delightful Pauline, a Canadian of Italian descent, tells me she secretly can't stand Tim Horton's coffee, and always goes to Starbucks — heresy for a Canuck, surely?
She's a lot of fun, and — as the restaurant isn't too busy, spends a little while chatting to me about my trip. She also supplies:
…HP Sauce!
She tells me that she makes her own HP sauce at home — I get the impression that she's quite an accomplished chef…
After paying my (very reasonable) bill and tipping well, I say farewell to Pauline and wander back out to the car.
Initially, Myrtle guides me through the outskirts of Port Alberni, heading towards the main north/south highway…
I drop into Walmart to pick up a couple of dog toys — one for Harry and one for Bonnie, my dog sitter Vikki's dog. It has become a habit for Bonnie to get some token of appreciation for putting up with Harry for an extended period…
I'm soon heading north through cool pine forests — the sun's out, as forecast, and the day is beginning to warm up…
Pretty soon, Myrtle puts me on the main highway north which, whilst efficient, isn't the prettiest route…
…so, ignoring her protestations, I turn off at the splendidly named Fanny Bay, and follow the coastal road. This is the Fanny Bay Inn…
It's a pretty spot…
…where, according to the signs, they farm oysters…
The blackberry bushes at this lay-by are loaded with ripe fruit…
Mural on the wall of the Canadian Legion…
It's a really pleasant drive, save for Myrtle's continual entreaties to go a different route. The temperature has climbed to around 22 °C…
Soon I'm at Campbell River. I go to the check-in desk and apologise for being so very early (it's 12:15), but I'm checked in immediately. I take the luggage trolley up to my third-floor room…
…then park the car and start uploading pics. I get a text from Jorge (Rubber Cow), who I was due to meet tomorrow afternoon in Langley, on the mainland — he's not going to be able to make it…
Poo — we were both looking forward to meeting up…
Can't be helped — we agree to have a chat this evening…
Whilst uploading today's pics from my phone, I notice what I initially think is a hair or scratch by the lens…
Well, shit…
Thankfully, I have AppleCare with damage cover. I make an appointment in a week's time to take it in to the Apple Store in Norwich to get it fixed.
In hindsight, I probably should have avoided opening the Apple Store site. And looking at the iPhone 17 Pro Max. And pre-ordering one…
Jorge and I have a chat and set the world to rights — these things happen. We now have to work out how I can get the litre of Havana Rum I've been carrying about, to him…
After we spoke, I took a drive into town…
…it's a beautiful evening.
I find a Queseda Burrito & Taco shop, where they make me a spicy chicken Big-Ass Burrito…
It's the size of a small infant
Oddly — had no trouble eating it…
Bummer about Jorge not being able to make it, but otherwise, good day…
I sleep very well, and, after abluting, roll my worldly goods down to the car, which sits unmolested in a largely empty car park on a dank, grey day — it's about 11 °C…
Apart from Myrtle's irritating voice, I've come to like this car. It's comfortable, powerful, holds the road well — even in “Comfort” mode — and is remarkably fuel efficient for a four litre AWD bus…
I lock the car and come back into the hotel, to their restaurant, “Stamps”…
Aha! That sounds good…
…and it was good. Very good — breakfast of astronauts…
The delightful Pauline, a Canadian of Italian descent, tells me she secretly can't stand Tim Horton's coffee, and always goes to Starbucks — heresy for a Canuck, surely?
She's a lot of fun, and — as the restaurant isn't too busy, spends a little while chatting to me about my trip. She also supplies:
…HP Sauce!
She tells me that she makes her own HP sauce at home — I get the impression that she's quite an accomplished chef…
After paying my (very reasonable) bill and tipping well, I say farewell to Pauline and wander back out to the car.
Initially, Myrtle guides me through the outskirts of Port Alberni, heading towards the main north/south highway…
I drop into Walmart to pick up a couple of dog toys — one for Harry and one for Bonnie, my dog sitter Vikki's dog. It has become a habit for Bonnie to get some token of appreciation for putting up with Harry for an extended period…
I'm soon heading north through cool pine forests — the sun's out, as forecast, and the day is beginning to warm up…
Pretty soon, Myrtle puts me on the main highway north which, whilst efficient, isn't the prettiest route…
…so, ignoring her protestations, I turn off at the splendidly named Fanny Bay, and follow the coastal road. This is the Fanny Bay Inn…
It's a pretty spot…
…where, according to the signs, they farm oysters…
The blackberry bushes at this lay-by are loaded with ripe fruit…
Mural on the wall of the Canadian Legion…
It's a really pleasant drive, save for Myrtle's continual entreaties to go a different route. The temperature has climbed to around 22 °C…
Soon I'm at Campbell River. I go to the check-in desk and apologise for being so very early (it's 12:15), but I'm checked in immediately. I take the luggage trolley up to my third-floor room…
…then park the car and start uploading pics. I get a text from Jorge (Rubber Cow), who I was due to meet tomorrow afternoon in Langley, on the mainland — he's not going to be able to make it…
Poo — we were both looking forward to meeting up…
Can't be helped — we agree to have a chat this evening…
Whilst uploading today's pics from my phone, I notice what I initially think is a hair or scratch by the lens…
Well, shit…
Thankfully, I have AppleCare with damage cover. I make an appointment in a week's time to take it in to the Apple Store in Norwich to get it fixed.
In hindsight, I probably should have avoided opening the Apple Store site. And looking at the iPhone 17 Pro Max. And pre-ordering one…
Jorge and I have a chat and set the world to rights — these things happen. We now have to work out how I can get the litre of Havana Rum I've been carrying about, to him…
After we spoke, I took a drive into town…
…it's a beautiful evening.
I find a Queseda Burrito & Taco shop, where they make me a spicy chicken Big-Ass Burrito…
It's the size of a small infant
Oddly — had no trouble eating it…
Bummer about Jorge not being able to make it, but otherwise, good day…
12th September 2025
I sleep well, and am up and showered by about 09:00. I wheel my stuff out to the car, then set off south towards Nanaimo, where my ferry back to the mainland departs at 14:25.
It's a cool 13 °C morning, with a high overcast. I take Highway 19a, the Coastal Highway…
I like Vancouver Island. It has a different feel to the mainland — in fact I'm reminded very much of New Zealand, though thankfully with none of the casual racism I encountered there…
I skipped the complimentary breakfast at the hotel, deciding to stop at a diner on the way.
Unfortunately, they are hard to find — even Myrtle can't find anywhere which isn't built into a petrol station…
I spot this old gent — points available for make/model/year…
…and outside Union Bay Post Office — this beauty…
I tire of Myrtle's constant entreaties to turn onto the more efficient Highway Nine, and turn towards it, to see this old rocker roaring ahead — it sounded loud (but pretty good)…
Of course, as soon as I'm on the highway, I'm immediately mired in slow moving traffic…
It eventually clears — just after a set of traffic lights — no other reason for 10 minutes delay…
I pull over and stop at an A&W drive-through and buy a bacon & egg muffin and some coffee…
One of the things that make this feel a bit like NZ, is the artwork on things, like this traffic-light control cabinet. Loads of similar public utilities are similarly adorned…
I'm on a mission to deliver a litre of Havana Rum I've brought from Gatwick to Jorge. He's managed to find a friend of a friend — Gina — who works in Nanaimo, and who's willing to hold it until he can get it closer to home…
After a series of texts, I meet up with the lovely Gina, and the baton is passed…
It's less than an hour until my ferry departs, so I set Myrtle the task of finding the ferry port…
…where the delightful Christine scans the code on my iPhone, and wishes me a good trip…
After a little wait in Lane Four, we are waved onto the same ferry I arrived on…
…although this time, I'm put right up at the front slot…
Lots of bikes aboard — in fact, bikes have been very evident everywhere I've travelled since arrival — far more than in Toronto in June…
Poo — I sit down in one of the desk spaces, singularly fail to get my iPad to connect to my iPhone's 5G signal, and sort out today's pics…
The two hours or so of sailing time passes quickly, and we're soon arriving at Horseshoe Bay…
By the time we disembark, it's just after 17:00 — and the peak of Vancouver's rush-hour…
My hotel is in Langley — the other side of Vancouver — so I just relax and finish listening to The Brief History of the World in 47 Borders — thoroughly recommended…
Bridge — first pic of one today!
I'm on the Trans Canada Highway for a while — which has a High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane…
Interestingly, it has signs saying “Motorcycles OK”, but — new in my experience — also allows Electrical Vehicles (EVs) to use it. A clear demonstration of Canada's desire to “green” the nation wherever possible…
Beautifully elegant suspension bridge…
This guy was enthusiastically waving a Palestinian flag to commuters, who were responding with their car horns…
Eventually, I arrive at my hotel, and I'm efficiently checked in. I'm here for two nights, so unpack a bit. I go back to the petrol station down the road and, after filling the car up·, buy a sandwich and something to drink.
I upload today's pics, which takes a while as the Wi-Fi speed is quite slow (I get spoilt by über-fast uploads in most hotels). I eat my sandwich, and haven't the energy to write up the journal, so watch some rubbish on YouTube instead.
*The car did 35.4mpg (29.4mpUSg) on the last tankful.
I sleep well, and am up and showered by about 09:00. I wheel my stuff out to the car, then set off south towards Nanaimo, where my ferry back to the mainland departs at 14:25.
It's a cool 13 °C morning, with a high overcast. I take Highway 19a, the Coastal Highway…
I like Vancouver Island. It has a different feel to the mainland — in fact I'm reminded very much of New Zealand, though thankfully with none of the casual racism I encountered there…
I skipped the complimentary breakfast at the hotel, deciding to stop at a diner on the way.
Unfortunately, they are hard to find — even Myrtle can't find anywhere which isn't built into a petrol station…
I spot this old gent — points available for make/model/year…
…and outside Union Bay Post Office — this beauty…
I tire of Myrtle's constant entreaties to turn onto the more efficient Highway Nine, and turn towards it, to see this old rocker roaring ahead — it sounded loud (but pretty good)…
Of course, as soon as I'm on the highway, I'm immediately mired in slow moving traffic…
It eventually clears — just after a set of traffic lights — no other reason for 10 minutes delay…
I pull over and stop at an A&W drive-through and buy a bacon & egg muffin and some coffee…
One of the things that make this feel a bit like NZ, is the artwork on things, like this traffic-light control cabinet. Loads of similar public utilities are similarly adorned…
I'm on a mission to deliver a litre of Havana Rum I've brought from Gatwick to Jorge. He's managed to find a friend of a friend — Gina — who works in Nanaimo, and who's willing to hold it until he can get it closer to home…
After a series of texts, I meet up with the lovely Gina, and the baton is passed…
It's less than an hour until my ferry departs, so I set Myrtle the task of finding the ferry port…
…where the delightful Christine scans the code on my iPhone, and wishes me a good trip…
After a little wait in Lane Four, we are waved onto the same ferry I arrived on…
…although this time, I'm put right up at the front slot…
Lots of bikes aboard — in fact, bikes have been very evident everywhere I've travelled since arrival — far more than in Toronto in June…
Poo — I sit down in one of the desk spaces, singularly fail to get my iPad to connect to my iPhone's 5G signal, and sort out today's pics…
The two hours or so of sailing time passes quickly, and we're soon arriving at Horseshoe Bay…
By the time we disembark, it's just after 17:00 — and the peak of Vancouver's rush-hour…
My hotel is in Langley — the other side of Vancouver — so I just relax and finish listening to The Brief History of the World in 47 Borders — thoroughly recommended…
Bridge — first pic of one today!
I'm on the Trans Canada Highway for a while — which has a High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane…
Interestingly, it has signs saying “Motorcycles OK”, but — new in my experience — also allows Electrical Vehicles (EVs) to use it. A clear demonstration of Canada's desire to “green” the nation wherever possible…
Beautifully elegant suspension bridge…
This guy was enthusiastically waving a Palestinian flag to commuters, who were responding with their car horns…
Eventually, I arrive at my hotel, and I'm efficiently checked in. I'm here for two nights, so unpack a bit. I go back to the petrol station down the road and, after filling the car up·, buy a sandwich and something to drink.
I upload today's pics, which takes a while as the Wi-Fi speed is quite slow (I get spoilt by über-fast uploads in most hotels). I eat my sandwich, and haven't the energy to write up the journal, so watch some rubbish on YouTube instead.
*The car did 35.4mpg (29.4mpUSg) on the last tankful.
13th September 2025
I sleep — oddly. I woke several times, once for long enough to complete most of the NYT puzzles, before falling back asleep. Eventually, I surface at around 10:00…
I have a plan today, but first — breakfast…
I follow Myrtle's directions to The Roadrunner Diner, which I discovered when googling good breakfast cafés during my occasional bouts of insomnia…
It's a great little eatery, with a diverse clientele…
I sit at the counter and peruse the menu. Hmm, — Something Bigger sounds good…
They have HP sauce
It soon arrives, piping hot — three eggs over-easy, bacon, sausage, sautéed spuds and sourdough toast…
It's delicious…
Sated, I walk back out to the car and get Myrtle to steer me towards Langley Air Museum…
Traffic is chaotic…
It soon becomes apparent that they are holding an Air Festival today. Great! I park near the entrance to the airport, then stroll over. A polite young air cadet tells me that the entrance to the festival — which I can see people enjoying 50 metres away — isn't here. In fact, it will involve me walking down to the next road, along there for a bit and then doing the same distance once inside the wire…
Okay.
I snap a quick pic of this DC3 on the forty-minute walk…
Once inside the wire, there's the same distance to cover. The mad thing is — admission is free — there's no need to funnel everyone through this way…
Eventually, we're in — my iPhone thinks it's been stolen — it's never seen this many steps…
Let's see what's on the menu…
I can't remember being more underwhelmed…
Comically tiny, but fantastically manoeuvrable Pitts Special…
Always have time to picture an amphibian — this one's a 1977 Cessna 185…
By the way, Jane — and anyone else that's not interested in aeroplanes — you might want to go and stick the kettle on…
Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) had a helo here — and a recruiting stand…
Pretty little VAN RV-6 home built — VAN owners seem to have a good community, judging by the markings…
This just screams Short Takeoff & Landing (STOL) by its design…
It's a Zenith 750 — unfortunately, the owner was just leaving for lunch. It seemed unusual to have a tricycle landing gear, rather than a tail dragger. He explained that the tailplane has an inverted aerofoil and that, as soon as he got 100% power, the nose wheel came off the ground. It takes off in 100 feet…
Lots of weird little aircraft here…
Very pretty little amphibian — an Icon A5…
1990 Mooney M20K, showing its age…
Partially built Glasair Sportsman 2+2…
More like the typical STOL layout — but with a four-bladed prop…
Industrial drones…
…and their command post…
Beautifully restored 1961 Piper Colt…
…and next to it, this Fleet 80 Canuck, from 1941. It's fabric covered, and it has had a complete restoration…
We're starting to see the museum aircraft now — this venerable old fire-bomber started its life in the Canadian Navy, and became a fire bomber when it retired…
Like all the exhibits the museum is forced to keep outside, the years haven't been kind to it…
Always happy to see a Harvard…
This Sopwith Pup is a flying replica…
CF-33(?) — anyway, a Canadian T-33, essentially…
I knew it! They've got a Link Trainer…
This one's operational, and they're letting kids fly it…
At first glance, I thought this was a Beaver — then I realised it was a biplane. It's a Jacobs L-6MB…
They have a Lysander — regular readers may recall I saw one flying at Duxford recently…
Out through the door (made from an engine intake), and into a small compound crammed with more exhibits…
There are loads of children queuing up to sit in the Snowbirds' cockpit…
…the Vampire isn't nearly as popular…
Now here's an interesting aircraft — not sure if I have seen one in the flesh before — Handley Page Hampden…
It'll not win any beauty contests — it was the aircraft that Guy Gibson, of Dambusters fame, started his WWII bombing career in…
OK — the sun's out now, and it's 27 °C — I'm going to make tracks…
There are always distractions…
Beautiful Boeing Stearman…
…and whilst we're on the subject of beauty — how about this…
This youngster has dyed her hair grey and tried to blend in…
Can't remember when I last saw one of these — beautifully elegant car…
I walk over towards the airport buildings and straight out to the road — 20 metres from where I've parked. I get in, tell Myrtle to take me home, and set the AC to Pluto whilst I drive.
Interesting day — it would have been so much better without the marathon walk to get here, though…
I sleep — oddly. I woke several times, once for long enough to complete most of the NYT puzzles, before falling back asleep. Eventually, I surface at around 10:00…
I have a plan today, but first — breakfast…
I follow Myrtle's directions to The Roadrunner Diner, which I discovered when googling good breakfast cafés during my occasional bouts of insomnia…
It's a great little eatery, with a diverse clientele…
I sit at the counter and peruse the menu. Hmm, — Something Bigger sounds good…
They have HP sauce
It soon arrives, piping hot — three eggs over-easy, bacon, sausage, sautéed spuds and sourdough toast…
It's delicious…
Sated, I walk back out to the car and get Myrtle to steer me towards Langley Air Museum…
Traffic is chaotic…
It soon becomes apparent that they are holding an Air Festival today. Great! I park near the entrance to the airport, then stroll over. A polite young air cadet tells me that the entrance to the festival — which I can see people enjoying 50 metres away — isn't here. In fact, it will involve me walking down to the next road, along there for a bit and then doing the same distance once inside the wire…
Okay.
I snap a quick pic of this DC3 on the forty-minute walk…
Once inside the wire, there's the same distance to cover. The mad thing is — admission is free — there's no need to funnel everyone through this way…
Eventually, we're in — my iPhone thinks it's been stolen — it's never seen this many steps…
Let's see what's on the menu…
I can't remember being more underwhelmed…
Comically tiny, but fantastically manoeuvrable Pitts Special…
Always have time to picture an amphibian — this one's a 1977 Cessna 185…
By the way, Jane — and anyone else that's not interested in aeroplanes — you might want to go and stick the kettle on…
Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) had a helo here — and a recruiting stand…
Pretty little VAN RV-6 home built — VAN owners seem to have a good community, judging by the markings…
This just screams Short Takeoff & Landing (STOL) by its design…
It's a Zenith 750 — unfortunately, the owner was just leaving for lunch. It seemed unusual to have a tricycle landing gear, rather than a tail dragger. He explained that the tailplane has an inverted aerofoil and that, as soon as he got 100% power, the nose wheel came off the ground. It takes off in 100 feet…
Lots of weird little aircraft here…
Very pretty little amphibian — an Icon A5…
1990 Mooney M20K, showing its age…
Partially built Glasair Sportsman 2+2…
More like the typical STOL layout — but with a four-bladed prop…
Industrial drones…
…and their command post…
Beautifully restored 1961 Piper Colt…
…and next to it, this Fleet 80 Canuck, from 1941. It's fabric covered, and it has had a complete restoration…
We're starting to see the museum aircraft now — this venerable old fire-bomber started its life in the Canadian Navy, and became a fire bomber when it retired…
Like all the exhibits the museum is forced to keep outside, the years haven't been kind to it…
Always happy to see a Harvard…
This Sopwith Pup is a flying replica…
CF-33(?) — anyway, a Canadian T-33, essentially…
I knew it! They've got a Link Trainer…
This one's operational, and they're letting kids fly it…
At first glance, I thought this was a Beaver — then I realised it was a biplane. It's a Jacobs L-6MB…
They have a Lysander — regular readers may recall I saw one flying at Duxford recently…
Out through the door (made from an engine intake), and into a small compound crammed with more exhibits…
There are loads of children queuing up to sit in the Snowbirds' cockpit…
…the Vampire isn't nearly as popular…
Now here's an interesting aircraft — not sure if I have seen one in the flesh before — Handley Page Hampden…
It'll not win any beauty contests — it was the aircraft that Guy Gibson, of Dambusters fame, started his WWII bombing career in…
OK — the sun's out now, and it's 27 °C — I'm going to make tracks…
There are always distractions…
Beautiful Boeing Stearman…
…and whilst we're on the subject of beauty — how about this…
This youngster has dyed her hair grey and tried to blend in…
Can't remember when I last saw one of these — beautifully elegant car…
I walk over towards the airport buildings and straight out to the road — 20 metres from where I've parked. I get in, tell Myrtle to take me home, and set the AC to Pluto whilst I drive.
Interesting day — it would have been so much better without the marathon walk to get here, though…
Still no barns? Do they have a HP sauce factory in Canada, or is it imported with a bilingual label?
Great stuff, keep it coming.
Great stuff, keep it coming.
The funny thing is — Canadians tend to look after their outbuildings, so there have been few that I would consider worthy of a stop. The other sad truth is that it is easy to stop and take a pic when on a bike — far less so in a car.
Looks like the HP Sauce is made in Toronto…
14th September 2025
A good night's sleep — did Wordle in two for the second day on the trot…
I look out of the window to see someone has declared autumn during the night. There's a heavy overcast and, although dry at the moment, it has rained during the night…
I dress and roll my luggage out to the car. MUST remember to refuel it before giving it back to Avis on Tuesday…
But first — breakfast…
I'm happy to find myself at the counter of the Roadrunner again. Think I'll try the Philly Steak Benny this morning...
The place is buzzing with conversation and the wait staff are earning their pay…
Well, that'll probably do — it was delicious…
I pay my bill with some of the last of my Canadian dollars — tipping well. I walk back out to the car and, as I put it into reverse, the rear wiper starts running. I've had it switched on in 'delay wipe' mode, but I like the logic within the algorithm that says, “He's reversing — let's give him the best view” — in fact, Myrtle's ghastly-sounding voice is about the only thing I dislike about the car…
I then think back to yesterday — to an era where BMW knew how to design an elegant car…
…and conclude that those days are gone forever…
Well, it's pissing down. Good job Jorge aborted his trip — this would have been miserable to ride through. I'm flying out on Tuesday afternoon, and I've booked a room at the Radisson Blue at the airport tonight and tomorrow. I have no plan…
I stop at a Pets Mart and spend the last of my Canadian dollars on a collar and lead for Harry — and a toy each for him and Bonnie, then decide to head to the hotel.
On the way, I spot some old soldiers in a dealer's lot, and do a U-Turn to have a better look at them…
By the look of it, he's got a soft spot for convertibles — I have the same affliction…
By far my favourite is the third one…
Look at that chrome…
…and the wings…
Beautiful…
I rejoin my route, much to Myrtle's relief…
I play a game of “try to get a pic without the wipers in shot” — and am surprisingly successful…
Having finished John Elledge's A Brief History of the World in 47 Borders, I have downloaded and listening to another of his books — written with Tom Phillips — Conspiracy: A History of Bollocks Theories, and How Not to Fall for Them- and I'm thoroughly enjoying it…
I arrive at the hotel. I'm ridiculously early to check in, but Rhea, the receptionist, finds me a room that's ready, so I borrow the luggage cart and take everything out of the car, and up to my third-floor room…
I then unpack everything and work out how I'm going to pack things for the flight home. I have bought a few gifts that are reasonably fragile, so I wrap them in (clean) tee shirts etc, and manage to jam everything I need to into my checked bag suspiciously easily. I just need to put my wash kit in there on Tuesday, and it's ready. I keep looking around the room for a pile of stuff I've forgotten, but — no — it seems I've cracked it first go…
I'm not keen on this artwork above the headboard — I've probably been watching too much of The Last of Us…
More later…
A good night's sleep — did Wordle in two for the second day on the trot…
I look out of the window to see someone has declared autumn during the night. There's a heavy overcast and, although dry at the moment, it has rained during the night…
I dress and roll my luggage out to the car. MUST remember to refuel it before giving it back to Avis on Tuesday…
But first — breakfast…
I'm happy to find myself at the counter of the Roadrunner again. Think I'll try the Philly Steak Benny this morning...
The place is buzzing with conversation and the wait staff are earning their pay…
Well, that'll probably do
— it was delicious…
I pay my bill with some of the last of my Canadian dollars — tipping well. I walk back out to the car and, as I put it into reverse, the rear wiper starts running. I've had it switched on in 'delay wipe' mode, but I like the logic within the algorithm that says, “He's reversing — let's give him the best view” — in fact, Myrtle's ghastly-sounding voice is about the only thing I dislike about the car…
I then think back to yesterday — to an era where BMW knew how to design an elegant car…
…and conclude that those days are gone forever…
Well, it's pissing down. Good job Jorge aborted his trip — this would have been miserable to ride through. I'm flying out on Tuesday afternoon, and I've booked a room at the Radisson Blue at the airport tonight and tomorrow. I have no plan…
I stop at a Pets Mart and spend the last of my Canadian dollars on a collar and lead for Harry — and a toy each for him and Bonnie, then decide to head to the hotel.
On the way, I spot some old soldiers in a dealer's lot, and do a U-Turn to have a better look at them…
By the look of it, he's got a soft spot for convertibles — I have the same affliction…
By far my favourite is the third one…
Look at that chrome…
…and the wings…
Beautiful…
I rejoin my route, much to Myrtle's relief…
I play a game of “try to get a pic without the wipers in shot” — and am surprisingly successful…
Having finished John Elledge's A Brief History of the World in 47 Borders, I have downloaded and listening to another of his books — written with Tom Phillips — Conspiracy: A History of Bollocks Theories, and How Not to Fall for Them- and I'm thoroughly enjoying it…
I arrive at the hotel. I'm ridiculously early to check in, but Rhea, the receptionist, finds me a room that's ready, so I borrow the luggage cart and take everything out of the car, and up to my third-floor room…
I then unpack everything and work out how I'm going to pack things for the flight home. I have bought a few gifts that are reasonably fragile, so I wrap them in (clean) tee shirts etc, and manage to jam everything I need to into my checked bag suspiciously easily. I just need to put my wash kit in there on Tuesday, and it's ready. I keep looking around the room for a pile of stuff I've forgotten, but — no — it seems I've cracked it first go…
I'm not keen on this artwork above the headboard — I've probably been watching too much of The Last of Us…
More later…
Their serving suggestion is wrong, HP sauce is made for a bacon or sausage sandwiches.The funny thing is — Canadians tend to look after their outbuildings, so there have been few that I would consider worthy of a stop. The other sad truth is that it is easy to stop and take a pic when on a bike — far less so in a car.
Looks like the HP Sauce is made in Toronto…
The Canadians seem to be very helpful and accommodating, have you met any jobsworths on this trip?
Their serving suggestion is wrong, HP sauce is made for a bacon or sausage sandwiches.
The Canadians seem to be very helpful and accommodating, have you met any jobsworths on this trip?
Actually, I've never been subject to, or witnessed, anything but politeness and consideration whilst here. It has been a breath of fresh air...
15th September 2025
I went out last night to find something to eat, and ended up at a Denny's…
…and had chicken and broccoli — with sautéed spuds, natch…
I slept like the dead, waking at just after 10:00 this morning…
I always like to keep the day before I travel free, so — although it was a sunny day and is now 21 °C — I just sorted personal admin out. I ventured out to a Tim Horton's for breakfast, then fuelled the car up for the last time, and cleared all the detritus out of it (Avis had done a sketchy job — the previous rental agreement was still in the centre console compartment).
The X5 has done really well — never any issues with connectivity with my iPhone (which both X6s were notoriously flaky at), and it has conveyed me comfortably and economically for a total of 2012 miles in two weeks, averaging 36.8mpg (30.67 US), which I think is pretty impressive for a four-litre AWD SUV…
At 15:30, I check in online for my flight, 24 hours in advance. As was the case on the outbound leg, the jet is completely rammed, so there won't be any opportunity to upgrade. At least I have an aisle seat this time…
My long-suffering mate Adrian will be meeting me at Gatwick on Wednesday morning — and I'll be picking up Harry from Vikki's house that afternoon…
In order to facilitate getting over the eight-hour jet lag, I have deliberately made appointments throughout the days on Thursday and Friday — not that Harry would give me any peace if he doesn't go out on schedule…
Hope you've enjoyed the trip — I certainly have…
I went out last night to find something to eat, and ended up at a Denny's…
…and had chicken and broccoli — with sautéed spuds, natch…
I slept like the dead, waking at just after 10:00 this morning…
I always like to keep the day before I travel free, so — although it was a sunny day and is now 21 °C — I just sorted personal admin out. I ventured out to a Tim Horton's for breakfast, then fuelled the car up for the last time, and cleared all the detritus out of it (Avis had done a sketchy job — the previous rental agreement was still in the centre console compartment).
The X5 has done really well — never any issues with connectivity with my iPhone (which both X6s were notoriously flaky at), and it has conveyed me comfortably and economically for a total of 2012 miles in two weeks, averaging 36.8mpg (30.67 US), which I think is pretty impressive for a four-litre AWD SUV…
At 15:30, I check in online for my flight, 24 hours in advance. As was the case on the outbound leg, the jet is completely rammed, so there won't be any opportunity to upgrade. At least I have an aisle seat this time…
My long-suffering mate Adrian will be meeting me at Gatwick on Wednesday morning — and I'll be picking up Harry from Vikki's house that afternoon…
In order to facilitate getting over the eight-hour jet lag, I have deliberately made appointments throughout the days on Thursday and Friday — not that Harry would give me any peace if he doesn't go out on schedule…
Hope you've enjoyed the trip — I certainly have…
15th September 2025 (Cont)
At about 18:30, feeling a little peckish, I decided to have a look at the restaurant on the ground floor of the hotel…
Which looked good, if a tad pricey…
I order a pint of Barnside Brewing Lager…
…and, inevitably, chicken Nachos — first nachos of the trip!
Both were excellent…
At about 18:30, feeling a little peckish, I decided to have a look at the restaurant on the ground floor of the hotel…
Which looked good, if a tad pricey…
I order a pint of Barnside Brewing Lager…
…and, inevitably, chicken Nachos — first nachos of the trip!
Both were excellent…
Great stuff as usual Mike, where we going next?
Gatwick
I am going to sound well thick here but do you have your MPG figures the wrong way round
As the US gallon is smaller
Or are you taking that into account and just missing a calc step out
As the US gallon is smaller
Or are you taking that into account and just missing a calc step out
If you take the same mileage and you divide it by more (smaller) gallons, you’ll get fewer miles per gallon, won’t you?
What a great story. Let me skip my chores for a while with a cup of coffee.
About 20 years ago my wife and I enjoyed a few of these roads driving the long way round from Calgary to Vancouver - enjoying a Chrysler 300 - then jumping on the Rocky Mountain train back to Calgary.
I still have a few relatives in Canada. One on Vancouver island.
About 20 years ago my wife and I enjoyed a few of these roads driving the long way round from Calgary to Vancouver - enjoying a Chrysler 300 - then jumping on the Rocky Mountain train back to Calgary.
I still have a few relatives in Canada. One on Vancouver island.
are you going to feed the BIG black squirrels , in Stanley Park ?
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