Ralph & Linda's Travels: #48 Aug 2014 Summer around Vancouver

In our RV we have travelled over 15,000 km since December 2013. In the Suzuki we have driven another 14,000 km as we toured from our RV park bases. It is now time to stay still and catch up with ourselves for a few months.

We are in Peace Arch RV Park in South Surrey. It is a quiet park in a convenient location for our family and activities. There is a lovely garden area and a tall lighthouse welcomes guests.

When we downsized from our townhouse we stored a few pieces of special furniture and many boxes of photos. We were ready to give up “stuff”; however, giving up my garden was difficult. That was my quiet place that evolved as I learned how easily plants grow here in the green west coast.

Kari has always been my gardening partner. We soon found a day to go plant shopping and personalized our outdoor space.

In August we dealt with a few RV issues and made a trip to Camping World in Burlington, WA. They have so many temptations and new ideas for improving/changing RVs, inside and out. Before we started RVing we heard so much about the store and now we know why. There are many ideas that have been modified to suit the RV equipment and lifestyle.

Ralph and I have been part of a Supper Club for nearly 15 years. Seven of us, Paul and Marg, Bob and Sue, Cathy and ourselves meet every month or two and share friendship and supper. The host couple prepare the main course, one couple the appetizer, another the salad and another the dessert. There is no pressure to be fancy or extravagant – M&M/Costco frozen food works as well as homemade.

We were the last participants to retire. Now it is challenging to find everyone home at the same time. Thursday, August 7th we finally gathered at our RV and enjoyed the fabulous summer weather and caught up with everyone’s activities. The friendship is very special and enduring.

When Ralph worked at Pacific Coach Lines we became friends with Al and Gail who also worked there. They started their full time RV lifestyle a few weeks before us last year. We have shared our new experiences – good and bad – via email and Skype. July 1st they setup in Peace Arch RV Park based on our recommendation. When we arrived August 1st we quickly found their site and shared a beer/wine. It was a pleasure to have friends so close and easy to visit.

Al and Gail hosted a potluck and invited many former co-workers. We had a great time catching up. One guest, Jay, brought Ralph a new friend, Stanley. He joins Inuksuk, (Nooky for short) the polar bear from a PCL Christmas party and my Rainbow Bright dragon from Dave and Kari on Mother’s Day.

Ralph and I have always enjoyed the PNE and usually attend on the free admission day. We don’t go on rides but we enjoy the exhibits, shopping and food. People watching provides endless entertainment. The “Superdogs” are an annual favorite. The new host is not nearly as entertaining as Herb was for many years but the dogs and owners bring out smiles and cheers from everyone.

“Thunder Drums of China” were amazing. The sound and feel of the huge drums sent shivers down my spine. It could be felt everywhere in the Coliseum.

I have always collected seashells and had them in storage. Al used my shells and his considerable creative talents and voila we have the soothing sound of trickling water complete with mist.

At night we enjoy the glow of the shells.

In the early 20th century Steveston was a small fishing village. The small refers to the size of the community not the volume of fish caught. It was a major fishing port with many canneries. Now it is part of Richmond and a major dock for modern fishing boats.

Granville Island Pier is also a dock for commercial fishermen. We have dealt with Steve Johansen for many years and really enjoy his catch. This tuna on the BBQ is our all time favorite fish.