Archive for the ‘Our Travels’ Category
Degustation lunch at The Loose Box
For the first time we went to The Loose Box for a Degustation lunch. It was my birthday and felt very special. The meal was just amazing. Each one of the eight courses was a taste sensation. My favourite was the Le Confit de Canard au poivre. You will have to check out the menu link to get the translation. http://www.loosebox.com.au/cms/default.asp. We also had the matching French wines to go with each course. After all that wine it was lucky that we were staying in the Loose Boxes chalets. These are tastefully decorated in the French theme. Thank you to every one at the Loose Box for the great day.
Wine Tasting Canadian Style
We have arrived in the Okanagan Valley with many reports on the great wineries in this region of Canada. Before we left we had heard that Canadian wine wasn’t the best. So therefore we have been surprised by their quality.
The most famous style of Canadian wine is ice wine. This occurs when grapes are left on the vine and they freeze. Hardy souls pick the grapes in the middle of the night. They must be hardy because for the grapes to freeze the temperature has to be -5 to -1 degrees Celsius. The wine is very sweet and syrupy, and perfect as a dessert wine. We got to try is in the Banff Grapes Wine Bar and Mission Hill Winery in Kelowna. It goes well with lemon deserts and blue cheeses.
There’s a bear in there?
Well not yet there isn’t. We have been in the Rocky Mountains for six days and we have seen some wildlife. Small mammals are quite common, particularly squirrels. The Golden Mantled Ground Squirrels are pretty much tame and very used to people. Other creatures such as marmots, mountain goats and elk are a bit shyer. All these animals are great but they are not the one we are really after – the Grizzly Bear.
We have lots of stories of bear encounters, bears chasing bike riders, one bear that wouldn’t move off the trail and bers eating grain on the railway line. But as yet there is no bear in there.
Lake Louise, Rocky Mountains, Canada
Lake Louise
Everyone has seen photos of Lake Louise – a glacial lake in the milky aqua colouring surrounded by tall mountains and a large hotel on the edge of the lake. That’s where we are, in the Chateaux Lake Louise. 16,000 people come here every day. The average stay is only twenty minutes. We are lucky with our two night stay.
Seafood in Vancouver
Being on the Western Coast of Canada and so close to the Pacific Ocean, Vancouver has a spectacular array of seafood available. The specialty of course is Salmon. For those in Australia, we have two sorts of fish called salmon. Australian Salmon which is not the same species and in my opinion suitable for cat food. The other sort is Atlantic Salmon farmed in Tasmania.
Vancouver however has so many types of salmon, I can’t begin to name them here. Some interesting ones are the sockeye salmon and white salmon. We saw many different types in the Granville Markets. Last night we decided on a taste test. We headed for The Fish House in Stanley Markets, a beautiful setting for dinner. Our choices were Sockeye Salmon in maple syrup (how Canadian), Wild Salmon, prawns and scallops and Prawns flambayed in ouzo. Mike, being a fish connoisseur (or so he thinks so) thought it was the best fish he had ever tasted. My wild salmon was spectacular. Deb’s prawns were not only tasty but quite the performance.
We were thankfully talked into a Okanagan Buttermilk Pie for desert – yum. Thanks to the staff at the Fish House. We had a great time.
Doggy friendly Vancouver
Never have we been to such a pet friendly city. First we saw specially sculptured doggy fountain on the waterfront. Then the Fairmont Vancouver Hotel has two Labradors that live in and around the hotel. Eight year old Mavis arrived at the hotel in 2003. She lives on the Fairmont Gold Floor with one of the staff members. When we arrived she was having a “sickie” and had to go to the vet. Beau, the male four year old Labrador, came to the Fairmont in 2007. He lives with one of the concierges. Fairmont patrons can take the dogs for a walk during the day. We did book Beau for a walk on Saturday but he was also having a sickie. (Are these Australian dogs?) These are Fairmont dogs so Mavis has a Louis Vuitton collar and Beau’s is straight from the Gucci shop. But this morning at 8:00am, both dogs have returned to work and ready for the challenge. Loaded up with doggie treats and doggy poo bags, we walked them for an hour, along the Vancouver waterfront seawall. Beau knows every piece of green grass along the way and set himself a challenge - to kill all the grass along the way by lifting his leg onto it. But not only does the Fairmont Vancouver have its own dogs, it actually lets other dogs stay here as well. They also let cats stay as well. This is an extract from the Fairmont Vancouver Hotel In room dining service booklet. Fairmont Pet Menu Furrrst Course Doggy “Bison Meatloaf” (2 muffins) Made with locally sources, hormone free meats. Farm fresh produce and organic whole grains and herbs. These muffins are loved by even the most particular dogs!! It’s a completely balanced, vet approved meal suitable for the pooches with sensitive tummies. Succulent Salmon Stew for Cats A natural, wholesome meal for the discerning feline. Ideal for cats of all life stages, this hearty stew is made of the highest quality ingredients, including salmon and veggies like zucchini, pumpkin and carrots. Purrfect Fun (one selection from three choices) Wild Salmon Jerky Very high in protein and essential Omega-3 fatty acids, these gourmet wild salmon jerky strips are “purfectly” wholesome. Stop, drop and drool (two selections from three choices) Organic Beef Granola Bars Handcrafted in BC, these super-healthy, protein-rich snacks are worthy of your big dog! Certified organic extra lean beef, whole oats, eggs, fresh veggies and apples. Eco-friendly Turtle Made from safe, durable and eco-friendly fabric and fill created from post-consumer recycled plastic bottles, it not only diverts waste from going to your landfill but also uses eighth times less energy than producing fabric from virgin fibrers. Fresh and nutritional treats specially selected by Mavis, Beau and their friends. 
Avon River rapids
Last weekend we went to Bells Rapids to check out the water levels of the Avon River, ready for the Avon Descent on 1st and 2nd August. Lots of skis and kayaks were out practising in the high water conditions. Fine weather has dropped the water level to almost perfect paddling conditions.
Good luck to everyone who will be braving the cold mornings and chilly water.
The trip continues
Our trip researching for another installment in the HEMA guide and atlas series continues. We have done the Kingsford Smith Mail Run and we are now doing the Warlu Way.
Dalwallinu
Day One of our trip up north finds us in Dalwallinu. Mike is running around shooting the wheat fields at magic hour. The colours at this time of day epitomise rural Australia.
Debonair Hair
One of the great experiences of the Napier Art Deco Festival, was having our hair done in the style of the era. Amy and Michelle from Debonair Doos were weaving their magic on the foreshore under a gazebo. They are a “mobile vintage glamour salon”. Helen and I took our bottle of bubbles and really enjoyed the experience. Amy and Michelle did our hair with pin curls and finger waves. Mike even had the slick down with Brylcreem.
Amy is a milliner in New Zealand with an amazing array of uniquely designed hats.