Calif Bill wrote:


Been to Victoria a few times. Was just there a couple of months ago when we
started our drive to Alaska. High Tea at the Empress. Score big points
with the wife for that. We took the Ferry to Prince Rupert about 1970 and
have fished Campbell River. Figured I would take the boat up 21' with full
canvas and cruise the San Juans and Gulf islands staying at hotels and B&B's
for a week or two and then over to Ucluelet or up to the North end of the
Island. Nootka Sound and Kyuquot Sound.

If you're going to B&B it in the area, check out Hastings House at
Ganges.
I'll bet the rooms are pricey, but the also pricey restaurant is
*fabulous* (!), and one of the few truly formal 5-star dining
experiences to be found in the area. If you scored points for high tea
at the Empress, you'll score a few more for dinner and a room (or even
just dinner) at Hastings House. It's a very short walk to the hotel and
restaurant from the two main marinas.

If you arrange your schedule so that you're in Ganges on
Saturday....(and you *will* want to spend a day or so in Ganges to get
a complete Gulf Islands experience)...there's a Saturday market that is
very worthwhile. My wife loves Ganges, thrives on the Saturday market,
and we have a new hand-knitted wool throw rug in the galley this year
to prove it.

If you get a chance, haul your trailer over to Lund on the mainland and
launch there to explore Desolation Sound......(allow several days to
see Desolation Sound). But most people without unlimited amounts of
time won't try to cram the San Juans, the Gulf Islands, and Desolation
Sound into the same trip. That's like one of those excurisions that
take you to "Five European Countries in Seven Days!".....no thanks,
(IMO)