Afterword

This has been a brilliant trip that took over eighteen months to plan. We did and saw things that before were just bucket list wishes. We reacquainted ourselves with relatives and met new ones. Bill was able to get answers regarding his O'Donnell lineage but a few questions were raised too so more research required. We wish to thank all the O'Donnells for making us so welcome but particularly Kim & Gary, Gail & Reiza, Mark & Rosheen, Dot and Darlene all of whom provided us with accommodation and trips out. Finally our thoughts are with Bill's late great Uncle Tom  whose exploits as a seventeen year old started all this.

Hopefully one day we can repay by showing an O'Donnell or two around the UK

The journey home

Saturday 5th August 2017

Today we leave Canada and as we had to make changes in our mode of transport we were concerned that we had to keep all our ducks in a row as there wasn't much room to manoeuvre, or so we thought. The ferry has a different schedule on Saturday and you can't prebook, its first come first serve and we needed to get this ferry to allow us to check in the car. With this in mind we left about 09:00 so as to be in pole position. However when we arrived there were some cars waiting and a ferry was just arriving. We caught this and left Fulford Harbour at 09:15 arriving at Swartz Bay just about 09:45. We filled the car up with fuel then deposited it at the car hire depot. We went into the departure lounge expecting to wait until 16:36 for our flight but Bill spoke to one of the check in ladies and she said she could get us on an earlier flight. So at 13:45 we boarded a Bombardier Q400 aircraft for the twelve minute flight to Vancouver. So now we were where we needed to be with plenty of time to spare. We had a decent meal for we knew our next one would be of the plastic variety. Our flight was listed on the displays with the gate number so we walked down there and waited. At 18:10 we boarded a Boing 777-300ER and at 19:03, about ten minutes late it took off. It was a long tiring flight, neither of us got any sleep. We touched down about 12 noon British Summer Time ( 4:00 am Vancouver time) we cleared all the formalities and made our way to the bus station to catch the Oxford bus. It was a busy bus and didn't clear Heathrow until 2:00pm  We arrived at Oxford at 3:00 pm where our friend Pete Jackson collected us and bought us home totally shattered having been up for twenty two hours.

The Fulford Harbour to Swartz Bay ferry

The Bombardier Q400 Island hopper

Boeing 777-300 ER 

The Oxford bound coach

Salt Spring Island BC

Monday 31st July 2017

The avid readers of this this blog will realise I jumped a date. Today is the real 31st July. We prepared all our luggage ready for the trip and did it in such a away the cases were balanced in weight ready for the flight home. We spent the rest of the morning in Dot's garden then after lunch she drove us to the airport to collect our car. It was easier to collect it here as this is where we'll return it to next Saturday. We said our goodbyes to Dot and thanked her for a lovely weekend then went and found our car hire firm. It was such an easy procedure and within twenty minutes we'd done the paperwork, walked to car park and found our car. We loaded it up and set off for Swartz Bay to catch the ferry to Salt Spring Island. We purchased our ticket drove to our lane and waited. At 3:00 pm we set off on the Skeena Queen to Fulford Harbour. We arrived and drove up the hill to the church where we were to meet Darlene O'Donnell who would show us the way to the her windmill. On the way up the hill I thought the car was a bit sluggish, when we stopped and I smelled a funny smell then I realised why, the hand brake doesn't automatically disengage as my own car does. Oops. Darlene drove up and met us and took us into her home and after a brief chat we went to the windmill and it's stunning view. Having sorted ourselves out we then took a trip into Ganges were we purchased some provisions, had a meal and returned home. We sat on the deck watching the sun go down and was joined by Darlene. She is such an interesting person to listen to and can trace her ancestry back to first generation Canadians. After Darlene left we sat a little while longer in these splendid surroundings.

Tuesday 1st August 2017

We were awake early so we made tea and just sat on the deck. Later Val prepared breakfast with eggs that couldn't be fresher, Darlene keeps chickens on her small holding adjacent to the windmill. Again this meal was taken on the deck. We just sat enjoyed the peace and quiet and the sunshine and before we knew it, it was lunch time. I don't know what happened to elevenses. After lunch we went for a drive, first to Drummond Park which is the other side of the water to where we are staying. Here is a memorial bench to Bill's late cousin Tim O'Donnell, husband of Darlene.  Bill took a picture of the bench and of the view it affords while sitting on it, right across the harbour to the windmill. We then drove down to the harbour proper to have look at the quaint little shops there and also to familiarise ourselves of the procedure when we leave on Saturday. It was lovely walking around and in one or two shops it was like stepping back to the 1960's. 

We left Fulford Harbour and drove into Ganges. Ganges is named after HMS Ganges the last sailing ship of the Royal Navy to patrol these waters between 1857 and 1861. In Centennial Park there is a cairn and a bench made from the captain's gig to commemorate the fact. We also discovered the Salt Spring war memorial is located here too. We had lovely walk around this town visiting the market and one or two shops before sitting on a bench in the park. Today was more humid so the heat was a bit oppressive.  We then discovered the Tree House Cafe and went in for a cold drink but the food being brought out looked so appetising we decided to stay for dinner. We then returned to the car and drove back to the windmill. We sat on the deck with a drink and just caught a glimpse of a seal before it dived underwater. Hopefully it'll come back for a photo op. 

Wednesday 2nd August 2017

Another lazy morning, our seal turned up again but it's obviously camera shy for no sooner had he made his appearance he disappeared back into the torpid depths in search of fish. We spent all morning just lazing around the windmill. In the afternoon, Tina the wife of Darlene's son, Bill's cousin Keith came and met us. Together we all drove to the Salt Spring cheese factory where sheep and goats cheese is made. After a few samples we drove back to Fulford dropped Tina off and the remaining three went to Burgoyne Bay to see the welcome totem poles which Darlene, because she can trace her ancestry back to the natives, had the privilege to unveil last year. It was a beautiful spot overlooked by Mount Maxwell. We followed the dirt tracks back to the highway and drove to Ganges where we had dinner on the deck of Moby's pub overlooking Oyster Bay. After we'd eaten we went up to a park to see the bay from a better vantage point. Then back to the windmill where we relaxed watching a beautiful sunset. It's been another wonderful day with temperatures up in the low 30's

Thursday 3rd August 2017

Sat on the deck watching the haze burn off the harbour while we eat our breakfast looks like another hot day is in the offing. No sign of the seal this morning. We were expecting visitors in the afternoon so we decided to go for a drive and explore more of the island. We headed out through Ganges to Vesuvius Point then onto Southey Point which is a bit of a misnomer for its the most northerly point of the island. We then headed back south and managed to find the cheese farm on the south east part of the island. We went there not for the cheese but the wonderful ice cream they dish up. We then returned to the windmill and awaited our company. Trish, Bills cousin arrived with Darlene and soon after Trish's daughter, Amanda, and her husband Glenn turned up. It was lovely meeting them all. Trish after 22 years. They stayed a while and after the obligatory photo shoot they returned to their homes. We sat on the deck enjoying the solitude when we saw two seals swimming in the harbour, again they didn't want to be photographed and dived deeper into the sea. 

Friday 4th August 2017

Our last full day on Salt Spring Island, indeed Canada as a whole. Another lovely day by 10:00 am it was already 20 degrees. We sat on the deck watching the cormorants perch on the poles in the harbour drying their wings. Then we decided to go for a drive. This time we opted to go up the east side of the island. Not sure how high we climbed but the the temperature at Ganges, which is sea level was 27 degrees at the top of the hills in the north of the island it dropped to 22. We arrived back in Ganges and discovered the Oystercatcher bar where we sat on the deck for a meal. It was an interesting location for not only did we overlook the marina with all its luxury boats but we were also at the end of the "runway" for Harbour Air float planes. Watching them take off and land was fascinating. We then drove back to the windmill and sat on the deck when we were joined by another of Bill's cousins Keith, Darlene's son and his daughter Carmen. Again it was lovely just chatting about different things. Another photo shoot and they said their goodbyes.

The view from Tim's bench in Drummond Park

Shopping Canadian style bags

With Darlene in front of one of the welcome totem poles

Taken from the windmill 

Ganges marina

Victoria BC

Friday 28 July 2017.

After our Canadian breakfast of blueberry pancakes, maple syrup and bacon Mark and Rocheen drove us to the Twassasen ferry terminal where we boarded the Spriit of Vancouver Island which took on the hour and half journey through the Strait of Georgia and around the Gulf Islands to Swartz Bay, Vancouver Island. It was a lovely crossing but it did lean a bit when it went through Active Pass causing the cases to slide across the deck. We disembarked and my cousin Dot O'Donnell was there to meet us and drive us to her home, which was our base when we visited Canada twenty two years ago. After catching up with all the family news Dot took us for a drive. First to a promenade that overlooked the cruise terminal as there were three magnificent ships in port and being lined up together they made a fantastic sight. We then drove to Mount Tolmie which offers spectacular views across the city of Victoria. On this journey we drove past the start of the trans Canadian highway, Highway one. This is depicted by a sign stating 0 mile. Certainly a different type of road here than the six lane highway we drove on back in Alberta.

Saturday 29 July 2017

Today we had a lovely relaxing day just sitting in the garden soaking up the sunshine. In the afternoon the family from Victoria arrived for dinner, there was Dot's son Bruce, her daughter Kresta with her husband Lance and their two sons Alex and Nolan and Dot's sister in law, my cousin, Peggy. With the exception of Nolan who is too young, the last time we were all together was twenty two years ago. It was a lovely family meal an after we'd eaten we watched the DVD of our last visit in which Alex was a babe in arms. The family then went their separate ways and we turned in.

Sunday 31 July 2017,

Another glorious day with the temperature in the mid to high 20's. Again we just relaxed and sat in the garden. After lunch we went to a nearby supermarket to get a few provisions for our trip tomorrow and next door was a Canadian Tire store which Bill had spoken about yesterday with Bruce and Lance so we decided to go in and have a look around. For the purposes of the Brits reading this Canadian Tire is a cross between  Halfords and Homebase with a pinch of Lakeland. It was really good walking round. We came back, soaked up a bit more vitamin D then got ready to go out for a meal. As the local we asked Dot to choose and she took us to a wonderful restaurant called The Fireside Grill, its name doesn't do it justice and makes it sound like a Berni Inn. It is in fact a magnificent Elizabethan style building and part of the interior is like a large dining hall of that period. The service and food was brilliant with enormous portions. Dot and Val had a cheese and cold meat platter, there was so much there we came away with a doggy bag. Something second nature to a Canadian but a bit alien to a Brit but we wasn't going to waste it. Dot drove us home and we started preparing our onward but final stage to Salt Spring Island tomorrow.

The view from the ferry

Yet another view from the ferry

And yet another view from the ferry

Dot, Val and Bill outside the Fireside Grill

The Fireside Grill restaurant 

Vancouver

Tuesday 25th July 2017

Today we took a trip to Vancouver. We were taken to the equivalent of an underground station with a pre paid Compass travel card (like London's Oyster card) and sent on our way. We arrived at Waterfront station, Vancouver's main terminus and stepped outside. The first place we found which pleased Bill no end was the RCMP shop. Needless to say we didn't leave empty handed. We then walked around to Canada Place where the hop on hop off city tour buses operate from. There were two choices and we opted for the one using the San Francisco trolley bus. There are two tours, green and red. The green takes you up through Stanley Park The other through the city. We opted to do the green first and made our way up to the park which is Vancouver's first, largest, and most beloved urban park. we entered the park and shortly after we arrived we alighted the trolley and exchanged our mode of transport for a horse and carriage for a more in depth trip around the park. 

Designated a national  historic site of Canada, Stanley Park  is a magnificent green oasis in the midst of the heavily built urban landscape of Vancouver. 

We explored as much as we could on an hour's carriage ride of the  400-hectare natural West Coast rainforest and enjoyed the scenic views of water, mountains, sky, and majestic trees along Stanley Park's famous Seawall. There are miles of trails, beautiful beaches, local wildlife, great eats, natural, cultural and historical landmarks, along with many other adventures. The park offers a wide range of unforgettable experiences for all ages and interests, including Canada’s largest aquarium which we didn't go in but did have lunch there. After lunch we returned to the trolley and drove back down the Canada Place and changed to the Red Line and did the city tour.

This tour took us though this city pointing out interesting buildings and sites. It was our intention to get off at the Vancouver City Police Museum but time ran out so we decided to call it a day and remain on the tour to the end and return home. 

We arrived at Waterfront station where we had a bit of an issue, Val tapped her Compass card and was admitted into the underground system and kept walking thinking Bill was right behind her. Bill tapped his card and was refused access as his card had insufficient funds and needed topping up. By this time Val is out of sight. Fortunately the necessary machine was nearby and with the assistance of a local Bill managed to top up and get through. He joined an anxious and visibly upset Val on the platform. We caught the next train to Richmond where Rosheen met us. We drove home and sat in the garden and were joined by a family of raccoons passing through and humming birds using the feeder. It was certainly a full day.

Wednesday 26th July 2017

Once again back to the city on the Sky Rail and again arrived at Waterfront. Here we took a walk back along the route taken by the city tour. We stopped at the steam clock for a photo op then made our way to the very well laid out Police Museum. After looking round we returned to the city along the water's edge looking at the magnificent cruise ships that were in the harbour. We came across the River Bus terminal so decided to take a trip across the harbour to Vancouver's north shore and visited the markets of Langdale Quay. This provides a beautiful view of Vancouver unfortunately there was a scruffy looking merchant ship right in the centre spoiling any decent photo. After we had lunch we sat and enjoyed the scenes then caught the sea bus back to Waterfront station and caught the Sky Rail back to Richmond. We sat in the garden enjoying the sunshine and later that evening we were joined by Sarah, Rocheen and Mark's daughter, who Bill had me fleetingly in London back in February. She also bought along her lovely little dogs. We sat and watched the DVD of our 1995 trip and in fact discovered Mark was there. Sarah left for her home in Surrey and another brilliant day ended.

Thursday 27 July 2017

Our last full day in Vancouver. Val did a little bit of dohbying and sorted out our luggage. For the next two journeys weight isn't too much of a problem but we wanted to pack up and see what the cases weighed in case we had to post any things home. We decided that Constables Mickey and Minnie of the RCMP needed to be posted so Rosheen drove us to a small shopping precinct where we parcelled them up and sent them on their way. We returned home and sat in the glorious sunshine until Mark returned home from work. We were then driven out to a small seaside resort of Steveston where we enjoyed a fish and chip dinner on the deck of a restaurant over the sea. We then returned home and relaxed. Tomorrow we leave the Canadian mainland and travel by ferry to Victoria, Vancouver Island.

Rose Garden Stanley Park

Val on the horse drawn carriage 

Totem poles Stanley Park

The steam clock in Gas Town Vancouver 

Rocky Mountaineer

Sunday 23rd July

Today we travel on the Rocky Mountaineer to Vancouver and whilst we were very excited we had some trepidation for there were a number of wild fires in the area and we wasn't sure if they would affect our trip. Also we were staying over in Kamloops which allegedly had become a tent city due to people being evacuated there because of the fires. Once again our worries were unfounded. 

Our taxi collected us from our hotel at 6:30 am and took us to the station where we had to check in for the Rocky Mountaineer. It was such an easy procedure for on arrival our luggage was taken from the taxi and we went and collected our boarding passes and luggage tags. Bill went placed the tags on the cases and left them with the staff. We waited in the station waiting room and was entertained by a young lady playing country music on the fiddle. The train arrived and were went to our designated carriage where there were seats on an observation deck up some stairs and a dining area below. The train set off and immediately a snack was served. Soon after we went downstairs to the dining area for a wonderful breakfast then back upstairs for our trip through the Rockies. We soon left Alberta and entered British Columbia so we gained another hour. The whole trip was through magnificent countryside, alongside rivers, lakes and woodlands. Bill could have taken photos every ten seconds but decided he wasn't going to witness this trip through a viewfinder so didn't take that many, only at designated "Kodak" spots. We arrived at Kamloops early evening and upon leaving the train were given our hotel room key, we were then bused to the hotel and upon entering our room there was our luggage waiting. In fact it wasn't a room it was another suite. As we had been fed well on the train we didn't need anymore to eat but did take a walk around the town. Most of the evacuees had been allowed to return home but there was some evidence in the town of the aid being provided for them including a concert in the park. We returned to our room and turned in ready for another early start. At 7:00 am The following morning we left our luggage in the room and went and boarded the bus back to the station ready to rejoin the train. The train left on time and again we were fed and watered well. In addition to the wonderful scenery we also saw plenty of wildlife including a black bear, bald eagles and ospreys. Throughout the trip the crew provided interesting comments about the places we were passing through. It was a really brilliant experience really professionally run and very slick. We arrived at Vancouver and had to wait before we could disembark when we did eventually get off we were greeted by Bill's cousin Mark and his wife Rosheen. After claiming our luggage we then drove to their house in Richmond just outside the city centre. We had met Rosheen before, 22 years ago, and then only fleetingly at a family BBQ and we've never met Mark so we a lovely evening just talking getting to know one another.