The Roost Vineyard Bistro and Farmhouse Bakery

We cycle out to the Roost for hubby's birthday lunch. I'm proud of myself as I conquer a fair sized hill in second gear. No Polkadot Jersey yet though. En route we stop to pick blackberries which grow so abundantly in the area, people consider them as garden pests.

The Roost offers two options, table service and full menu in the bistro and counter service for baked goods and drinks. We chose the former and are quickly seated. I ask for cranberry juice but the server comes back and says they won't have any for a few minutes, I ask for water instead (their loss). Hubby channels Rick Nelson and chooses the "Garden Party" pizza that comes topped with tomato sauce, mixed mushrooms caramelized onion, roasted garlic, mozzarella, Edam and fresh dill, $17.25. I order the soup & salad combo picking lentil tomato soup, spinach & berry salad and Russian Rye bread, $9.75. Everything is fresh, tasty and well presented. Total including tax and tip $32.60. Recommended.

The Roost Vineyard Bistro and Farmhouse Bakery
9100 East Saanich Road, North Saanich, BC
Open daily from 7 am - 8 pm

PS: Blackberry & Apple crisp with plain yogurt I made with the berries we picked.

BC Aviation Museum Open House

A superbly run open house with admission by donation and lots to see and do. I loved seeing seniors teaching kids how to use the flight simulators and teenaged volunteers helping with parking and other tasks that helped things go smoothly.

There was a fine collection of military vehicles, helicopters, planes of various types and eras, many interesting displays of all things aviation related.

This 1936 McLaughlin Buick Roadmaster Phaeton stole the show for me. It is one of three ever built. Coal magnate James Dunsmuir ordered them specially made for three of his nine daughters (he also had three sons). Eleanor Dunsmuir owned this particular car which was used to chauffeur President Franklin Delano Roosevelt on his official visit to Victoria in 1937. I believe he is the only sitting US President to visit Vancouver Island.

Island Mavins Vintage Market (sic)

Totally out of character, we randomly followed signs to a Vintage Market being held in a farmer's field.  We lined up and paid the $3 each admission charge and were given event bracelets that would allow readmission, should you need to put merchandise in your vehicle and then continue shopping. I score a Pyrex Crazy Daisy water pitcher, which I had never seen before, for $3 (selling on eBay for $33). It's interesting to find out the current selling prices for vintage wares we've got at home.

We enjoyed some lovely home baked cake and coffee served by these charming ladies at their delightfully presented stall. A jazz quintet called Mile Zero was setting up but the drummer arrived late so their gig got stalled out. Listening to the bass, clarinet, trombone and keyboard warming up, I'm sure they're an excellent band.

Mid Knife Crisis

When we bought a pair of gardening shears at a yard sale, we knew that they would need sharpening. My nearly 40-year-old Henckels chef knife and Wiss scissors were also long overdue. Searching for a local business, I found Mid Knife Crisis (MKC) mobile sharpening service, owned and operated by Anthony Dompierre out of Brentwood Bay. His slogan is "Never a Dull Moment!"

MKC is a regular at several of the peninsula's weekly markets. We meet up with Anthony at Oakland Community Centre's Sunset Market at 2827 Belmont Ave, Victoria and are immediately impressed with his professionalism and meticulousness. He took apart the shears to clean and sharpen them and did equally thorough work on the knife and scissors. Total including tax $30.

While we're waiting for Anthony to work his magic, we pick up boysenberries, artisanal olive and rosemary focaccia and Talonridge Honey from various vendors.

McGavin's Bread Basket

 As always with shopping, you have to know your prices to get the best deals. We were accustomed to sourcing bargains at Weston Bakery Outlet in Etobicoke, which has recently closed. The nearest thing I've found on the peninsula is McGavin's Bread Basket at 770 Bay Street, in Victoria.

You'd have to really do a major shop to make it worthwhile driving there from Sidney, but combining it with other errands makes sense. Just like at Weston Bakery, the selection can vary quite a bit from day to day. We score Dempsters 100% Whole Grain loaves, some light rye and packages of 24 whole wheat thin buns for $1.64 each. When you buy ten items you get one free and I also got a loyalty card stamped

Melinda's Biscotti

A biscotti factory in a business park may not be the obvious choice for brunch but then again Melinda Cownden is not your average entrepreneur. Her success story is a remarkable one. She started selling her biscotti to family and friends, moved on to local coffee shops and then expanded to grocery stores. Demand grew so much she and husband Alun Hodgson started up this commercial production bakery and added a cafe at the front. She writes, "Dreams are built on hard work and dedication and the team at Melinda's Biscotti is happy she never gave up."

I try the Green Goddess Bennie (pictured here) - avocado, poached eggs, pesto hollandaise on an English muffin - with hashbrowns on the side, $12.95. Not an obvious flavour combo but truly delicious. Hubby opts for the Breakfast Burrito which is packed with veggies, scrambled eggs and cheese, $9.25, and is equally tasty.   Add two bottomless cups of coffee, tax, tip and special deal on a six-pack of assorted biscotti = $40. Recommended.

Melinda's Biscotti
101, 10134 McDonald Park Rd, North Saanich, BC
Open Monday to Friday 7:00 - 16:00, Saturday 8:00 - 15:00, closed Sunday. For breakfast, lunch, coffee and biscotti.

Flight Path Cycle Ride

We cycled up to Hospital Hill and spotted two shopping bags with notes attached, one saying free zucchini and the other free cucumbers.  I take the last two zucchini and leave a note thanking the generous gardener.

There are many folks out riding and walking the Flight Path today, including a guy who points out a pair of osprey calling to each other from the treetops.

It's interesting to watch Air Canada, WestJet, small aircraft and helicopters taking off and landing while biking around Victoria International Airport. We stop at Patricia Bay to watch egrets and herons fishing and complete one and a third circuits (about 12k or 7.5 miles) before heading off to brunch at Melinda's Biscotti (see next post).

Fords & Friends Car Show at Heritage Acres

We set off at about 8:20 am on our Brompton bikes for the approximately 10 km ride south on the Lochside Trail to Heritage Acres. The going is easy with few surprises, other than rabbits crossing the path.

The Early Ford V8 Club #109 Victoria hosted its 38th annual show and shine event at this ideally located venue, just off Highway 17 and the Lochside Trail.  We pay $5 each and the gate ticket collector mentions that the number of cars registered is slightly lower than in previous years as there was another show being held locally the same day.  But we were not disappointed.

Grouped amongst the trees in front of the heritage buildings were a range of vehicles from Model Ts to drag racers to muscle cars. We pick up coffee for a dollar from the Lion's Club food truck and chat with various folk.  Food options at these events are usually limited to hot dogs and burgers so we'd packed our own lunch.

Heritage Acres is owned and operated by the Saanich Historical Artifact Society (SHAS) and houses marvelous exhibits of domestic, commercial and agricultural items collected and donated by local families. Seeing spinning wheels, shoemaking lasts and milk bottles on display made me realize what interesting "artifacts" I've got at home. Hubby is taken with the array of tools and machinery in the society's workshop and asks the familiar question, "Where was it made?" multiple times. 

While looking at the models in the Hatch Tramcar Shed, I hear local band Rukus strike up Brown Eyed Girl and my feet start moving. Some older ladies beckon me to join them dancing on the grass in front of the stage and we keep the groove going through several oldies covers. 

A big hit with the kids at Heritage Acres are rides around the park provided by Vancouver Island Model Engineers (VIME) on their miniature trains.  There are so many different models chugging along that it's difficult to count them, but I'm estimating about eight were running today. Rides are by donation and the wait lines were long so I'm sure they will agree that they've benefitted from the car show which has attracted folks of all ages to the site. 

The Dragonfly Cafe

This homey cafe is a little off the beaten track and well worth seeking out.  With seating inside and out, you can make yourself comfy with a hot or cold beverage while you wait for a tasty panini to arrive hot off the grill.

The emphasis here is quality ingredients and minimizing waste. There are plenty of veggie options and the daily specials don't disappoint. There is also an interesting selection of local items for sale including some stunning artwork by owner Tahirih Goffic.

The Dragonfly Cafe, #17, 2234 Harbour Rd, Sidney opens weekdays from 7:30 to 17:00 serving breakfast, lunch, coffee and freshly baked treats. Recommended.

Delivery Truck Downs Powerlines in Sidney

Sidney Fire chief Brett Mikkelsen inspects the corner of a building at Beacon Ave. and Second St. after a truck clipped a power line and dragged a section of the building down. (Hugo Wong/News Staff)

A tractor trailer delivering eggs clipped a low-hanging wire on Second St. in Sidney, tearing a section of the building down and closing traffic shortly before 10 a.m.

According to fire chief Brett Mikkelsen, the vehicle clipped the wire “quite forcefully,” because it pulled down a 6×6 that held the power lines in place. A parapet on the building is also at a 30-degree angle.

Mikkelsen praised the driver for staying in the vehicle while the wires were on the ground and sparking. Bystanders also kept a safe distance during the incident.

BC Hydro responded in about 20 minutes to cut the downed power lines.

“All things considered, it could have been much worse,” said Mikkelsen. “I’m just glad no one was injured.”

The power outage affected the nearby food and beverage retailers. Sidney Bakery was still serving customers with the lights off, and Beacon Cafe was serving free coffee to bystanders as they had no way to keep it hot.

The damaged corner of the building was near a natural gas meter and draw, so Mikkelsen said it was fortunate the meter was not damaged by debris while the wire was sparking, otherwise “it could have been a bit more involved than what we’re dealing with now.”

Mikkelsen said the sidewalk under the building is closed until the site is remediated. The fire department will work with the Town of Sidney engineering department to determine how to shore up the building and when the sidewalk underneath will re-open.

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reporter@peninsulanewsreview.com
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Peninsula Streams Society Creek Cleanup

I read an article in the local paper (link below) about the Peninsula Streams Society which mentioned they were looking for volunteers to help clean up local waterways.  An estimated eighty percent of the plastic in the ocean originates on land so this is vital work. Since we are both habitual litter pickers, we thought we'd give it a try. This evening, about a dozen of us met up at Reay Creek Park and spent time collecting trash and learning about the history of conservation in the area.  The creek runs from the east side of the airport to Bazan Bay which ultimately connects to the Pacific Ocean via the Strait of Juan de Fuca. In comparison, there was nowhere near the volume of garbage we had encountered in Toronto while participating in similar efforts, but we knew we'd made a difference nonetheless.  I spotted a European Wall Lizard which, as per its name, is an introduced species. Its effect on Vancouver Island's ecosystems is being monitored.

https://www.peninsulanewsreview.com/local-news/peninsula-streams-needs-volunteers/

You Couldn't Make This Up! #1

I made mushroom & herb omelets for lunch and found that we were nearly out of eggs. Knowing that many people keep a few chickens in this part of the world, I asked for recommendations on the Facebook buy & sell group. The first person that replied said she had two dozen for sale at $5 per box. I messaged her back to make arrangements to pick them up. Turns out she was just about to ride into town so offered to drop by the house. Perfect, I thought.

About 20 minutes later she pulls into my driveway in a British sports car convertible, driven by her husband who is our local town councilor, certifiable car nut, and organizer of the Torque Master Car Club's Auto Extravaganza Car Show. Hubby was in his glory.

Oh, and the eggs are from heritage breed chickens.

Yard Saling (sic)

I gathered up 6 notices about Yard Sales happening today, we mapped out a route and set off just before 9 o'clock. I'm a big Pyrex and Corelle collector and hit the jackpot with Crazy Daisy pattern bowls and plates at an estate sale where brother and sister were dealing with their mother's worldly goods and their own grief. 

At another stop, I score a gardening reference book and a delightful cup of apple cinnamon iced tea poured by a charming four-year-old. Luckily we also stumbled upon an additional 3 Targets Of Opportunity (TOO) which netted us a plant for the garden, a ratcheting wrench (aka a rat), an apple pie and freshly picked raspberries.

All this and home for tea by 11 a.m., gotta love it!

Lettuce Galore

Through local Facebook buy/sell/trade group I find a neighbour selling fresh baked bread. We ride our bikes a few blocks to purchase a loaf fresh out of the oven. "I like this game", I think.

Next, I read about a girl who is selling beets, lettuce, and peas from her garden to raise funds for her dance classes. Through her mom, I place an order and we drive out to the farm to pick it up. I gave her a bit extra as a donation, "from one dancer to another".  When I got home and started unpacking I began to think I had bought more lettuce than we could possibly use in time. I don't know many folk in town yet, so I thought I'd ask the bread lady. Turns out, the veggie girl is her granddaughter!

Hubby asks: "Isn't there such a thing as lettuce soup?"  Within a few minutes, I find a recipe for "pea, lettuce and mint soup" posted by the National Trust in the UK. Luckily, I had all the ingredients including fresh mint from my garden. It turned out surprisingly delicious!  I roasted the beets, put some in the freezer, and made a salad with some beet greens and lettuce too.

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/felbrigg-hall-gardens-and-estate/recipes/pea-lettuce-and-mint-soup

Hospital Hill

We ride our bikes along the trail next to Victoria International Airport (YYJ), known as "The Flight Path",  to Hospital Hill. During the Second World War, the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Station Patricia Bay medical facilities were located here. The "Lost Airmen of the Empire", is a poignant reminder that many lives were lost on Canadian soil related to wartime efforts. Sculptor Illion Gallant was commissioned to create this installation comprised of Cooper's Hawk inspired flight feathers made of Corten Steel. One hundred and seventy-seven airmen who lost their lives in training mishaps are memorialized on the feathers.

http://rusnakgallant.com/art/public-art/lost-airmen-of-the-empire/

Antique Truck Show at BC Forest Discovery Centre, Duncan

We take the ferry from Brentwood Bay to Mill Bay to avoid the busy traffic of Victoria. The crossing takes about 25 minutes and cost us about $30.

The BC Forestry Discovery Centre collects and preserves "artifacts relevant to coastal forestry, as well as educating the public about life, work and the environment in forest communities of coastal British Colombia.

With the price of admission ($16 adults, $14 seniors) you get unlimited rides on the steam train as well. http://bcforestdiscoverycentre.com/

Reconstruction of a mess hall in a forestry camp. 

We visited the Forestry Centre on this particular day, for the Antique Truck Show hosted by the Vancouver Island chapter of the American Historical Truck Society. It was a very relaxed and enjoyable gathering of various types of trucks from different eras. 

Rubbish

It's been many years since we've lived in a house and condo living had accustomed to putting out our refuse whenever we wanted. Finding no trash cans or bins on our property, we were a bit flummoxed about where to start. A quick visit to the Town of Sidney office armed us with various lists and schedules,  a blue box and some blue bags.

Here in Sidney, recycling is not so simple as putting out a blue box with paper, plastics, and glass all jumbled together. Paper goods, including cardboard, go out in large, sturdy blue carrier bags. Like the blue bins, these are returned to you for reuse. Glass must be put in a separate and labeled bin. Cans and plastics go in a third container. But that's just recycling! 

Garbage gets collected on a different day and yard waste gets picked up once a month. We purchased a garbage can at Home Hardware.  Instead of using a green bin, we've opted to feed our kitchen scraps to a behemoth Sun-Mar rotating 300-litre composter.  To recap there are six different categories of waste that get picked up on three different days. My fail-safe method is to copy my neighbours do.

Sidney By the Sea

On a clear day, looking east from Sidney Pier, across the Haro Strait and past the San Juan Islands, you can see the snowy peak of Mount Baker in Washington State, USA.

This Personal Flotation Device lending kiosk sums up the way of life here - part Lake Wobegon, part Mitford, and part Mayberry RFD. In Hogtown this stand would be tagged with graffiti, and the life jackets gone in a heartbeat.