Our transportation, accommodation, food and entertainment cost so far
June 17 ~Day #38
Budget to date
Spent today
Total to date
Daily average
Total
$3800
$6.27
$4906.69
$129.12
Miles by Road
Nautical Miles
Miles by Air
Miles by Train
Total Statute Miles
4917
3826
000
69
9385.9
Current Location: Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, British Columbia (BC)
Today’s Total Expenses: $6.27
Food: $6.27 Costco hot dogs
Vancouver Island is about 300 miles long and 60 miles wide so even though we were driving all day yesterday we have only explored a small section. Vicky’s sister-in-law ‘F’ was a sales rep for grocery products for many years and traveled the island extensively so she knows the area very well. Since Vicky’s brother had to work today, F offered to drive us around to explore some of the communities close to Nanaimo. I think she was trying to sell us on the idea of moving to the island because she made a point of showing us places where we could buy some nice properties.
We drove through Parksville and in Qualicum Beach stopped at an artsy store full of cute carvings, home made jams, jewelry and furniture. You know, the sort of store a man can check out and dismiss in about five minutes and a woman can wander around in for hours.
Since I was outnumbered I found myself a comfortable chair and just dozed a little while waiting for the girls to reappear.
Surprise, ‘F’ actually bought something – a plaque for a friend. Usually the women spend hours browsing – they call it shopping – and then never buy anything.
Cathedral Grove
Our next stop was Cathedral Grove on Hwy ##. This was the highway we took to Tofino yesterday but we didn’t have time to stop.
Cathedral Grove is one of Canada’s oldest pine forests containing trees up to 800 years old. These things are immense, over xxxft high and xxxft in circumference.
A forest fire swept through the area a few hundred years ago so there are not many of the 800 year old giants left but most of the others are over 400 years old and they are pretty big, too.
Little Mountain
On the way back to Nanaimo we took a short detour up to the top of Little Mountain. The road has one of the steepest grades I’ve ever seen. There are some spectacular houses all the way up to the top. I can’t image how they manage in the winter when the area gets some snow.
Goats On The Roof
One of the oddest sights you will ever see is at the Old Country Market in Coombs. This single storey log building has a grass roof and on the roof lives a family of goats.
The property has developed into quite a tourist attraction with various art, trinket and clothing stores taking advantage of the traffic the goats provide.
Canadian Costco
Supper was still several hours away so we stopped at a Costco for their famous Polish Sausage and drink deal. Except this was a Canadian Costco and for some reason they only have hot dogs – oh well it was still good and a good deal.
Banana Cream Pie
One of my favorite desserts is Banana Cream Pie and it just happens to be one of ‘F’s’ specialities. It was well worth the extra belt notch – thank’s ‘F’.
Our transportation, accommodation, food and entertainment cost so far
June 16 ~Day #37
Budget to date
Spent today
Total to date
Daily average
Total
$3700
$14.00
$4900.42
$132.44
Miles by Road
Nautical Miles
Miles by Air
Miles by Train
Total Statute Miles
4917
3826
000
69
9385.9
Current Location: Nanaimo, BC
Mileage: 258 (Nanaimo to Tofino and back) Total:
Today’s Total Expenses: $14.00
Food: $14.00
Discovering Vancouver Island
My brother and sister-in-law were both free today so we decided to spend the day by going all the way to the West Coast of Vancouver Island – all the way to Tofino.
It was a beautiful day for the drive and we packed a picnic lunch to take with us.
The 2 hour or so winding drive through forests, lakes and mountains was a treat in itself.
Ucluelet, BC
Our first stop was in the town of Ucluelet, a quaint little town with a few shops and a small aquarium.
Tofino, BC
Our next destination was Tofino where we stopped on a wide beach, perched ourselves on a sun-warmed log and had our lunch.
Geoff and I simply had to dip our toes in the Pacific Ocean as we were all the way on the West Coast of Vancouver Island. Where the water was really shallow it was fairly warm but as soon as we were ankle-deep – Yikes! – it was pretty chilly – for us, anyway.
Then we drove into the town of Tofino and wandered around for a while popping into touristy shops and art galleries.
Coulson Flying Tankers
On the way back R & F mentioned that the world’s largest flying tankers (http://www.martinmars.com/) were berthed right here on Vancouver Island, so we made a little detour hoping they would be visible.
Luckily they were there and it was quite a sight. It’s hard to imagine how these huge planes, filled with water, can even get into the air. But, apparently, they are used worldwide.
Ice Cream!
On our way back home we also stopped for some amazing ice cream at Whiskey Creek. If you happen to stop here for a cone, make sure you only ask for a single scoop. Trust me, it’s huge!
We each selected a different flavour – I believe they had about 40 flavours to choose from – and enjoyed our cones while soaking up some sunshine before heading back home.
BBQ and Trivial Pursuit
The perfect day was topped off by a lovely BBQ, some great conversation and a roaring game of Trivial Pursuit.
We played the girls against the guys and it was a very close game. We all did very well but okay, okay – the guys won.
Many thanks to my brother and sister-in-law for a wonderful day.
Our transportation, accommodation, food and entertainment cost so far
June 15 ~Day #36
Budget to date
Spent today
Total to date
Daily average
Total
$3600
$39.90
$4886.42
$135.73
Miles by Road
Nautical Miles
Miles by Air
Miles by Train
Total Statute Miles
4917
3826
000
69
9385.9
Current Location: Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, BC
Early Start
Our train to Nanaimo left Victoria at 8am this morning so we had to be up and packed much earlier than we had been doing lately.
VIA Rail Station
It was a short $11 cab ride to the train station which turned out to be just a tiny ticket booth on the platform. We had pre-booked our tickets online and they were waiting for us when we arrived.
The train is just two carriages with a built in engine. More like a subway car than a train but very comfortable with lots of leg room. Way more comfortable than any airplane.
Vancouver Island Scenery
We had been told that this was a very scenic trip and we pictured traveling through the mountains and along the coast. But I’m afraid our imagination was a little more vivid than the reality.
It is a pleasant trip but a lot of it is through fairly dense forest and there is not a lot to see. It is certainly the most economical way to do the trip, at $39.90 (CDN) for both of us it is less than the cost of gas.
Vicky’s Brothers House
Vicky’s sister-in-law “F” was at the station to meet us and took us on a short tour of Nanaimo and to where Vicky’s brother “R” works.
Then we went on to their house. Vicky had been there before but I never had. I had a mental picture of what it was like but it was no where near the reality.
They live in a subdivision of custom houses built around a man made lake. Their lot backs on to the lake and F is an avid gardener so the landscaping is spectacular.
Friends For Dinner
We finished the day with a wonderful dinner on the patio overlooking the lake. R & F had invited some neighbor friends and there was lots of interesting conversation over several bottles of wine.
Our transportation, accommodation, food and entertainment cost so far
June 13 ~Day #34
Budget to date
Spent today
Total to date
Daily average
Total
$3400
$130.44
$4752.38
$139.77
Miles by Road
Nautical Miles
Miles by Air
Miles by Train
Total Statute Miles
4917
3012 + 814 = 3826
000
000
9316.9
Current Location: Victoria, BC
I have been backwards and forwards across the US and Canada many times but I never made it to Vancouver Island. I was really looking forward to visiting Victoria as Vicky has always said such good things about it – I was not disappointed.
At Sea
But I’m getting ahead of myself we still had most of the day at sea. I don’t know why Holland America scheduled things the way they did but we were not due to arrive in Victoria until 4pm – and then leave at 10pm.
I suspect it has more to do with corporate profits than anything else but I’ll get into that in more depth when I do a wrap up of our cruising experience later this week.
Docking
We have always been asleep when arriving at the previous ports but this time we were able to be on deck to marvel at the process.
We used to have a 27’ sailboat which I docked many times but I cannot imagine bringing this monster in as gently as our pilot did to the dock in Victoria.
The dock ends in a parking lot and from our vantage point on deck nine forward it appeared that we were going to stop in one of the spots reserved for the tour buses. But after we disembarked it was clear we had a good ten feet to spare. Not bad for a ship this size.
Victoria – First Impressions
This is a beautiful city and it is really too bad most of the passengers will not get a chance to experience it. By the time we got off the ship and into downtown it was almost 5pm and the shops and street vendors were closing.
We spend a very enjoyable couple of hours looking around the harbour and the main downtown area before heading back to the ship to grab a quick supper and our bags.
Disembarking
The cruise actually ends tomorrow back in Seattle but since our personal next stop is at Vicky’s brother in Nanaimo we are leaving the ship here in Victoria.
Going through Canadian Customs was very easy and we were soon in a taxi headed for our hotel. We had pre-booked two nights at the Red Lion Inn through CheapO stay and got a good rate of $60 a night for an efficiency unit including all taxes – that’s Canadian dollars so we will convert it for our expenses chart.
The Liquor Store
Booze is not a big part of our lives but we do enjoy a drink once in a while. We refused to pay the exorbitant prices aboard ship so had been teetotal for two weeks. The Red Lion Inn has a liquor store attached so we grabbed a six pack of hard cider to quench our thirst.
Tomorrow in Victoria
Unlike our fellow passengers we will have the opportunity to spend the whole day exploring Victoria before we catch the train to Nanaimo on Tuesday. If my first impressions are anything to go by this looks like it will be the best port on the voyage.
Our transportation, accommodation, food and entertainment cost so far
June 01~Day #22
Budget to date
Spent today
Total to date
Daily average
Total
$2200
$222.76
$2079.58
$94.52
Miles by Road
Nautical Miles
Miles by Air
Miles by Train
Total Miles
4917
At Sea
000
000
4917
Current Location: At Sea
Mileage: 000 Total:
Today’s Total Expenses: $222.76
Alaska Cruise Cost
Vicky did a nice long post yesterday but she didn’t say anything about the cost of the trip and how we are showing it on this blog.
As you might expect, the cost of your cabin is based on size and position. A suite with a balcony can cost a small fortune but if you settle for a small cabin on the lowest deck in the center of the ship (no windows) it can be much more reasonable. And guess what, the small cheap cabin goes to all the same places the expensive one does. You also get served the same food and the entertainment is also the same.
There are many ways to get the best deals on cruises which we’ll cover in our book but for this particular cruise the best price was $2895.92. This is not the advertised price; it is the total for both of us including port taxes.
Since the cruise is for 14 days that works out to $206.85 per day, all inclusive. That’s not too bad but quite a bit more expensive than the other two cruises we have booked for later on in this adventure.
The final port before we get back to Seattle is Victoria, BC, which is out next planned stop. Rather than travel back to Victoria from Seattle we have arranged to disembark in Victoria which means we will forfeit one night’s accommodation and one dinner and breakfast. So our actual cost is $2895.92 divided by 13 which is $222.76
Inside Passage – Overcast and drizzle
The Inside Passage between Vancouver and Vancouver Island has some spectacular views of the rugged Canadian wilderness – at least it would be if only the sun would come out. The sun teased us yesterday with a brief appearance as we left Seattle but has been absent ever since.
Internet Access – Sort Of
The cruise literature promises Internet access on the voyage and indeed a satellite connection is available while we sail. What they don’t mention is that the connection is very slow and the charge for using it is between 40 and 75 cents per minute plus a $3.95 activation fee.
Other Things They Don’t Want You To Know
OK there isn’t really a conspiracy of silence but there are a couple of things in the fine print that you need to be aware of when booking a cruise.
1/ The cruise line will likely put a hold on your credit card to cover any anticipated purchases. In our case Holland America is charging $60 per day per person which works out to $1680 for our 14 day cruise.
Of course if you don’t charge anything to your room that money will be released but you do need to have the room on your credit card or may not be allowed to board – check your fine print.
2/ You will automatically be charged $11 per day per person for gratuities. At the end of the cruise you can dispute this charge after you get your final bill and pay whatever you think is fair in gratuities but you do need to allow for it during the voyage.
Personally we believe in tipping for excellent service and do not think it should be automatic.
First Port Ketchikan, Alaska
The clocks go back 1 hour tonight and we dock in Ketchikan at 7am when we get our first look at Alaska.
Our transportation, accommodation, food and entertainment cost so far
May 26 ~ Day # 16
Budget to date
Spent today
Total to date
Daily average
Total
$1600
$15.70
$1505.07
$94.06
Our transportation, accommodation, food and entertainment cost so far
May 27 ~ Day # 17
Budget to date
Spent today
Total to date
Daily average
Total
$1700
$0.00
$1505.07
$88.53
Our transportation, accommodation, food and entertainment cost so far
May 28 ~ Day # 18
Budget to date
Spent today
Total to date
Daily average
Total
$1800
$0.00
$1505.07
83.61
Our transportation, accommodation, food and entertainment cost so far
May 29 ~ Day # 19
Budget to date
Spent today
Total to date
Daily average
Total
$1900
$22.93
$1528.00
$80.42
Our transportation, accommodation, food and entertainment cost so far
May 30 ~ Day # 20
Budget to date
Spent today
Total to date
Daily average
Total
$2000
$12.40
$1540.40
$77.02
Current Location: Chilliwack, BC
Mileage: 000 Total: 4617
For a few weeks now we won’t be doing any driving. We plan to leave our Jeep with Vicky’s sister while we take a two week cruise to Alaska.
We plan to leave the ship in Victoria BC and visit Vicky’s brother who lives in Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. I’m looking forward to this because although I’ve been to Vancouver a couple of times I never made it to the Island.
We’ve had a great week here in Chilliwack. Vicky got a chance to catch up with family and I got a chance to catch up with our posting.
We got a chance to see Bridal Veil Falls and Harrison Hot Springs today. Beautiful scenery even when the sky is overcast.
The small expense today was for ice cream which I paid in Canadian dollars and converted to US dollars to remain consistent with our other posts.
We’re all packed again and ready to start the next segment of our journey. We plan to take a Greyhound bus from Chilliwack to Seattle where we board the ship. The catch is the bus leaves here at 3am so we have to grab a cab at 2:30am. We’ll see how that goes and let you know tomorrow….
