Friends with Beautiful homes!

Our good friend Joe J. picked us at the Vancouver Harbor on Saturday, May 10 and we went to his home on Howe Sound, Lion’s Bay for a few days.  He has a lovely home (has owned with many years with his late partner Edith) which he has remodeled.  The view of the sound and distant mountains is breathtaking.  He also has many types of plants, some of which were starting to bloom and a very nice hot tub with a view. 

After 3 days of good fellowship, food and views, Joe drove us across the US/Canada border and over the mountains (it was a 9 hour day, but supposed to be half that!) to Leavenworth, WA.  We went Highway 20, through the North Cascades NP, which is closed in winter and there was still plenty of snow. 

There the 3 of us visited with 2 other good friends, Joe and Sheri R.  They have a very large home (again with a great view) which they have used as a B and B.  Three more days were spent relaxing, swimming, hiking and playing a fun dominoes game called Mexican Train.  Of course there was plenty of food and drink. 

Joe J. and Joe and Sheri R.  are what we call “snow birds.”  So we have gotten to know them when they come to stay in So CA in the winter.  All three are quintessential “hosts” with the most.  After our return home, we have told everyone that the second week visiting with them  was even better than the cruise!  It is wonderful to have good friends to share quality time with. 

We have been home since May 17; we missed the heat spell here (107 degrees one day!!).  Our granddaughters are coming next week, so we are really looking forward to that.  Happy Memorial Day to everyone.

Cruise to BC

Another week on the Crown Princess (5/3-10) from LA to Vancouver, WA went very well.  We only got off in two ports of call:  San Francisco (always love this city) and Victoria, BC.  Even Cheryl got up at 6:00 a.m. to see the entrance into San Francisco Harbor, under the Golden Gate Bridge.  It was fantastic and the sunrise on the bridge gave it a “golden” glow.  

In SF we walked the pier area, Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf and had the obligatory clam chowder in a bread bowl.  It was a perfect day; sunshine and comfortable temperatures.  Even with Cheryl still nursing her broken little toe and Jim as always with ambulatory issues, we managed a couple of miles and enjoyed it immensely. 

Back on ship, Jim used the jacuzzi on deck 17 and we watched the Gold Princess leave the harbor.  Our exit from the harbor, later with the lights on in the city was again beautiful.  Sorry for the lack of focus.

After a day at sea, the weather turned, and it was rainy and cold in Astoria, OR, so we decided to stay on board.   We hope to get back to this area, because it looked lovely and everyone who has been there recommends a visit.

Next, on our last day, we docked at Victoria, BC.  Since we have been here a few times before, we decided to try a new area.  It was walking distance to Fisherman’s Wharf and the floating houses.  Although it was chilly, the sun was shining and the flowers were all in bloom; amazing colors.  The floating houses also are very brightly painted and we enjoyed the Salmon fish and chips at Barb’s.

We got off the ship at Vancouver, BC.  The next week we visited with friends in BC and Washington state, more on my next post.