Overnighter to Harrison Hot Springs Resort

Last fall I drove through Harrison Hot Springs on my way to Sasquatch Provincial Park. It looked like a fun place to visit, so last week I returned for an overnight mini-vacation.  This resort town is hopping in the summer with water sports on Harrison Lake.  But this time of year it's a quiet spot with a more laid back atmosphere

One end of the village is anchored by the luxurious Harrison Hot Springs Resort and Spa. I walked down and lots of people were enjoying their spa experience and walking around in fluffy white robes. I chose to stay in the less pretentious (and expensive) Spa Motel. That's it with the red roof on the left. It was 50's style, but the room was clean and fresh. I would go back.

The weather was overcast with sprinkles for my whole stay, but that didn't stop me from walking the village from end to end. Even this time of year, there were lots of restaurants and shops open.

After checking my options, I chose the Old Settler Pub.  The settler may have been old, but the pub is new log construction. I love pubs. It was prawn night, a dozen in garlic butter for $4.99. I added wings, a salad, and Sleeman's Honey Brown for a special treat.

The next morning I went to a coffee shop called Muddy Waters. I got a coffee and one of their homemade chewy granola bars (it was divine) to go. I took it down to the benches along the shore of Harrison Lake. That was a nice end to a relaxing overnighter. -- Margy

What's Wrong?

What's wrong with these pictures?


There are days in Hole in the Wall when the winds blow at gale force. In January 2007 the winds were so bad they blew down hundreds if not thousands of trees around Powell Lake. The Hole in the Wall wasn't spared. The trees in John's back bay were uprooted and leveled.

But on days like this, things can be so calm that the reflections in the water looks like the real thing, only upside down. So what's wrong with these pictures? Nothing, not a thing. -- Margy

Eagle Encounter

Living up the lake, we spend lots of time watching the birds that come to visit. One day last spring, a Bald Eagle landed on one of our floating stumps. What a photographic opportunity. And he stayed quite a while letting us view him through the front sliding glass door.
We often see eagles flying overhead, or in the tall trees surrounding Hole in the Wall. But this was the first time we had one land so close. Of course, a Bald Eagle is easy to identify. But for some of the other birds, I use the Bird Songs Bible that Wayne got me for Christmas. It's a great reference book including clips of bird songs for those you can hear but not see. -- Margy

Little Red Caboose Cafe in Blaine, WA

Thursday was a day off for me.  I took Wayne to the Vancouver Boat Show for Off the Grid presentations then took my time getting back to Bellingham. My first stop was the Peace Arch International Park, a free zone between the Canadian and U.S. border crossings.

After clearing customs, I stopped in Blaine, Washington. After strolling around the marina and looking at boats, I got hungry. I drove down Blaine's main drag, aptly named Peace Arch Portal Way, and found a cute little cafe in a remodeled caboose.

Not only is the Little Red Caboose Cafe cute, it has great food.  It's family owned by Dave and Susan Smith. They are open for breakfast with traditional combos and early morning sandwiches, and lunch with sandwiches (including Philly cheese steak) and salads. Or just stop by for a latte inside or on the patio.

I opted for a wrap. Sorry, I was so hungry I took a bite before taking the picture.  But that lets you see how good it looks inside and out.

I love trains.  I love good food. I can't think of a better way to combine both into a fantastic treat.

Do you have any special family owned restaurants or shops that you love to visit? I'd love to hear about them. -- Margy

Happy Anniversary to Us

On February 11, 2008, Wayne and I immigrated to Canada. We passed this very spot in Peace Arch International Park to meet with a Canadian immigration officer at the border crossing.  I can only speak for myself, but I know Wayne has similar feelings. We love our adopted country and home in Powell River, BC.

"Children of a Common Mother."  I've always felt that about Canada and the States. I was born and raised in Southern California, but both sides of my family came to the U.S. via Canada. My father's family immigrated from England and settled near Montreal. My great grandfather on my mother's side came through Montreal from Ireland during the potato famine. However, both families chose to move to the States, and ultimately to Southern California.  I guess that was a good thing for me.

I've always felt moving to Canada was like coming home. Many summers my mom and dad would bring me to British Columbia camping. I may have even passed through Powell River way back then.  But when Wayne and I landed our Piper Arrow at the Powell River Airport back in 2000, we both knew we'd found home.

Have you ever found someplace you knew was perfect for you? It's such a wonderful feeling. -- Margy

Peace Arch Provincial Park

I pass through the joint US and Canadian Peace Arch International Park heading north and south from my Powell River home to visit my mother in Bellingham south of the border.  Every time I'm reminded that I have my feet firmly planted in two countries.


The United States is my birth country. And that's where I was headed yesterday, passing the Peace Arch monument.


Canada is my adopted country and I love living here.  On the Canadian side, the monument's motto is "Brethren Dwelling Together in Unity."


Even though we I have our differences, we have many commonalities. As the border officer said, welcome home. Yes, even though my real home is in Powell River, BC, the US will remain home to me. -- Margy

Debris Field

The water in Powell Lake is high after winter rains and the water level is up and rising higher with each storm.

Sticks, twigs, branches and whole logs have been washed from the shore and are floating in profusion all over the lake. The Hole in the Wall seems to attract this floating debris field. It will enter early in the morning and then float back out later in the day.

Some of the debris gets caught behind our log booms. We haul out stove-size chunks, kindling and small, thin logs that can be cut up to burn. The large logs we encourage to leave to find a shoreline home elsewhere.

Or to continue their journey towards the Shinglemill Marina and dam at the lower end of the lake. You have to keep your eyes open boating this time of year. A chunk of wood would just love to get lodged in our dual prop. -- Margy