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Shawn and I decided to spend this summer's vacation in the Great Northwest - namely Vancouver, Orcas Island and Seattle! Shawn had been wanting to share with me his love for Seattle; my parents had strongly recommended Vancouver; and, well, we decided that a little bit of rest and relaxation in the San Juan Islands sounded good while we were so far from home! :) We flew into Seattle and drove to Vancouver that day. We stayed at the Granville Island Hotel on Vancouver's historic Granville Island. It was just a few steps outside our door to the Public Market, entertainment by street performers, artists and craftspeople working on and selling their wares. Did I mention that the hotel is a microbrewery as well? ;-P Anyway, Granville Island is located in the middle of Vancouver's best known urban waterways on the south side of Vancouver itself. We arrived on Canada Day, July 1st!
Small Image \| Large Image This giant stump is what is left of the giant red cedar that the king and queen of Denmark drove through. It is now at a rest stop.	Small Image \| Large Image Welcome to Granville Island!	Small Image \| Large Image DRE* under the sign	Small Image \| Large Image Have some wine! It will take the edge off after a five hour drive to Vancouver.	Small Image \| Large Image Who needs steak when you can have dungeness crab AND lobster?
Small Image \| Large Image Crab People!	Small Image \| Large Image Just like in Fort Lauderdale, you can take the Aquabus to cross over the waterways.	Small Image \| Large Image DRE* waiting for the Aquabus	Small Image \| Large Image Cool, old boat parked in the harbor	Small Image \| Large Image People in the Northwest seem to really enjoy thier sea kayaks. We saw a lot of them!
The Public Market on Granville Island can really only be rivaled by certain European farmer's markets. Shawn and I really both enjoyed it very much - especially the fact that they had a sort of food court. We visited each and every day while in Vancouver.
Small Image \| Large Image The sign for the Public Market on Granville Island	Small Image \| Large Image The market is open from 7 AM to 7 PM seven days a week!	Small Image \| Large Image Fruits	Small Image \| Large Image Today's catch	Small Image \| Large Image This is just to give you an impression of what ONE CORNER of the market offered.
Small Image \| Large Image The scent of the German food stand simply made my mouth water!	Small Image \| Large Image Any place with a sign that says, "Meat of the Day" is probably going to be good!	Small Image \| Large Image But it is only 8 AM. What can we have for breakfast here?	Small Image \| Large Image Gulash soup, Bratwurst and spicy mustard for breakfast! We are happy tourists!	Small Image \| Large Image Dessert from the French bakery
Small Image \| Large Image Meat! (Ignore my face print on the glass.)	Small Image \| Large Image Local, juicy and delicious cherries	Small Image \| Large Image Garlic, scallions, ginger, bell peppers, tomatoes...	Small Image \| Large Image Raspberries	Small Image \| Large Image Cheese of every kind imaginable!
Small Image \| Large Image It is Shawn's turn to drool over the meat case.	Small Image \| Large Image The fanciest pot pies ever! I mean where else have you seen scallop green curry pot pie?!	Small Image \| Large Image Marinades, dressings, sauces and butters	Small Image \| Large Image Warm apple pie	Small Image \| Large Image Cherries and berries
Small Image \| Large Image More cherries	Small Image \| Large Image Corn - This pic is for my father!	Small Image \| Large Image Marzipan - Check out the one that looks like a hedgehog!	Small Image \| Large Image Mushrooms	Small Image \| Large Image Shawn poses in front of the dungeness crab tank on his quest to eat as many as possible and get gout.
Fodor's recommended taking a stroll through the 1,000 acre Stanley Park to see the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Center and then some shopping. What they forgot to mention was the fact that this was a 6-mile stroll by the time that it was said and done. Whew! (We did, however, stop at a great little bakery downtown called Sen5es Bakery for some decadent and fancy sweets!)
Small Image \| Large Image Shawn departing Granville Island	Small Image \| Large Image Looking over the Granville Island harbor	Small Image \| Large Image On the bridge on the way to Vancouver	Small Image \| Large Image DRE* on the bridge	Small Image \| Large Image Granville Island from the bridge
Small Image \| Large Image These next pics are from the Vancouver Lookout! Harbour Centre Tower.	Small Image \| Large Image We are 50 stories (approximately 553 feet) over the harbor.	Small Image \| Large Image Cruise ship	Small Image \| Large Image On a clear day, you can see Vancouver Island and Mount Baker in Washington State	Small Image \| Large Image Another small harbor
Small Image \| Large Image Nearing the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club	Small Image \| Large Image Vancouver skyline	Small Image \| Large Image Shawn leads the way!	Small Image \| Large Image Shawn in front of Inukshuk, an ancient symbol of Inuit culture traditionally used as a landmark and navigation aid. This grey granite statue represents a human form with outstretched arms and is a well-known symbol in Canada of northern hospitality and friendship.	Small Image \| Large Image Pretty flowers in Stanley Park
Small Image \| Large Image REAL Canadian geese in Stanley Park!	Small Image \| Large Image DRE* suggested alternate methods of transportation.	Small Image \| Large Image Those benches look good. My feet are tired.	Small Image \| Large Image Under the pier	Small Image \| Large Image At the Chinese Cultural Center in Chinatown
The Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Center is actually located in Stanley Park. Lines were horrific because it was the weekend, and the weather was nice. My favorites were the sea otters and the beluga whales. From the aquarium,. we walked to the totem poles and back (to catch a taxi cab back to the hotel).
Small Image \| Large Image The Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Center	Small Image \| Large Image DRE* at the entrance to the aquarium	Small Image \| Large Image Our first orca sighting!	Small Image \| Large Image I am not quite sure what a butterfly exhibit has to do with fish.	Small Image \| Large Image It was not as good as the butterfly exhibit in Montreal.
Small Image \| Large Image The aquarium had beluga whales and even a beluga whale show.	Small Image \| Large Image The beluga whales look so amazing in the blue water.	Small Image \| Large Image Hello!	Small Image \| Large Image These sea otters are holding hands! How insanely cute!	Small Image \| Large Image This is a stoic harbor seal.
Small Image \| Large Image Two harbor seals swimming around	Small Image \| Large Image Underneath a shark!	Small Image \| Large Image Underwater life in British Columbia	Small Image \| Large Image DRE* and Shawn walking through the woods	Small Image \| Large Image Big trees
Small Image \| Large Image Leaves	Small Image \| Large Image British Columbia's native groups refer to themselves as the First Nations.	Small Image \| Large Image These totem poles were all carved in the latter half of the 20th century by First Natins artists.	Small Image \| Large Image The styles represent a cross section of British Columbia's native groups.	Small Image \| Large Image The combination of carved animals, birds, fish, and mythological creatures represents the clan history.
Vikram Vij is the proprietor of Vij's, Vancouver's most innovative Indian restaurant. He uses local ingredients and Western ideas to create exciting takes on the cuisines of the subcontinent. None of the dishes are what I would call traditional, but the delicious aroma from the Indian spices just will not allow you to walk by.
Small Image \| Large Image Cheers!	Small Image \| Large Image Mutton kebobs with masala curry		Small Image \| Large Image Bon appetit!	Small Image \| Large Image Dessert
Fodor's recommended a Native American restaurant called Liliget Feast House. The restaurant is supposedly one of the few places in the world serving the original Northwest Coast First Nations cuisine. I hope that it stays that way. The buffalo smokies (i.e. sausages) and venison strips were chewy. I could not help but think that the Native Americans did not have dinner salads and mashed potatoes. Where were the steamed fern shoots, bannock break and baked sweet potatoes with hazelnuts that Fodor's promised us? To top it all off, the First Nations have started their own vineyard. Their wine called NK'MIP (pronounced incameep) was absolute swill and impossible to finish. I wish I had two more hands so that I could give this restaurant including the ambience, food and service four thumbs down.
		Small Image \| Large Image Shawn looks over the feast.
We sat outside at the Granville Island Hotel on our last evening - actually having a heavy snack/dessert to make up for the meal at the Liliget Feast House.
Small Image \| Large Image The Granville Island Hotel		Small Image \| Large Image Shawn enjoyed some dessert, and I had a lovely cheese plate.		Small Image \| Large Image We sat on the deck and enjoyed the cool breeze.
On July 4th, it was time to leave Vancouver and head to Orcas Island in the San Juan Islands. Orcas Island is about a 75 minute ferry ride from Anacortes, which lies almost between Seattle and Vancouver. Orcas Island is the largest of the San Juan Islands. Spanish explorers set foot here in 1791, and the island is named for their ship - not for the black and white whales as most tourists purport.
Small Image \| Large Image Welcome to Washington State Ferries Anacortes Terminal!	Small Image \| Large Image Souvenirs from Granville Island's Public Market: goat cheese with black truffles and pepper salami.	Small Image \| Large Image Mmmmm! Nothing says 'perfect' like goat cheese, black truffles, French bread and pepper salami!	Small Image \| Large Image Anacortes	Small Image \| Large Image Shawn in Anacortes stretching his legs after the drive from Vancouver
Small Image \| Large Image Leaving Anacortes	Small Image \| Large Image DRE* waves goodbye to Anacortes!	Small Image \| Large Image We took our rental car with us.	Small Image \| Large Image	Small Image \| Large Image DRE* on the ferry
Small Image \| Large Image The Brigadier	Small Image \| Large Image One of the many islands in the San Juan Islands	Small Image \| Large Image	Small Image \| Large Image	Small Image \| Large Image Check out the cedar trees!
Small Image \| Large Image	Small Image \| Large Image \| Video Shawn on the ferry. Check out the video!	Small Image \| Large Image	Small Image \| Large Image DRE* on the ferry	Small Image \| Large Image Shawn on the ferry
Shawn and I stayed at Rosario Resort and Spa on Orcas Island. The center of the resort is Robert Moran's mansion. The shipping magnate built it in 1906, when he was told he had but one year more to live. Interestingly, Moran outlived his doctor’s prognosis and enjoyed quite a long life of relaxation in this unique, natural setting.
Small Image \| Large Image \| Video Check out the video of these seagulls on the roof, which is covered with six tons of copper sheeting!	Small Image \| Large Image The foundation for the 54-room Rosario mansion is cut into solid rock, 16 feet deep!	Small Image \| Large Image Tiffany chandelier in Rosario mansion	Small Image \| Large Image Stained glass window imported from Brussels	Small Image \| Large Image Rosario bell
Small Image \| Large Image Shawn relaxes in the Mahogany-paneled bar.	Small Image \| Large Image Pinot noir and filet mignon...Yummy!	Small Image \| Large Image Shawn had a delicious New York strip steak.	Small Image \| Large Image In the evenings, deer were everywhere.	Small Image \| Large Image Deer grazing
Small Image \| Large Image The marina, general store and fuel pier	Small Image \| Large Image Houses surrounded by cedars look down on the marina	Small Image \| Large Image The marina, rock jetty, seaplane dock and flag pole	Small Image \| Large Image The marina and the general store	Small Image \| Large Image DRE* on the fuel pier at the resort
Small Image \| Large Image Shawn is sitting upon one of the mansion's concrete walls with the bay behind him.	Small Image \| Large Image Some boats moored at buoys rather than in the marina. They looked gorgeous floating in the bay.	Small Image \| Large Image Shawn outside at Rosario's	Small Image \| Large Image Rosario mansion from the water. The nearby 5,000 acres of land were donated to the state of Washington by Moran and became Moran State Park.	Small Image \| Large Image Moran sold Rosario mansion to Donald Rheem for $50,000 in 1938. Rheem ended up investing over $11 million in the estate in 20 years until it was turned into a resort.
After enjoying a wonderful morning getting massages and body wraps in the spa, we went on a whale watching expedition. The weather was not optimum, but the local pod (J Pod) was about 40 minutes by boat from the resort. We caught the pod (on film) while they were feeding on salmon. The males circle around the salmon, and the females and young stay in the middle and feed. Only when the females and young are done do the males eat. As a result, the males die first in times when there are no salmon. Also, the whale watchers are not allowed to get within 100 feet of the feeding animals or disturb them in any way. Another interesting fact we learned was that the Native Americas do not refer to these magnificent giants as 'killer whales'. Aside from orcas, we also saw bald eagles, harbor seals and porpoises on our wet trip.
Small Image \| Large Image \| Video Orca head peaking out! Check out the video of the orcas feeding!	Small Image \| Large Image Two fins and an eye!	Small Image \| Large Image One fin and one tail = two fish!	Small Image \| Large Image The males slap their tales against the surface of the water to scare the salmon into the feeding area.	Small Image \| Large Image Huge fin!
Small Image \| Large Image Don't be scared! Orcas don't eat humans.	Small Image \| Large Image Two Orcas gracefully swimming away	Small Image \| Large Image Two going under	Small Image \| Large Image A tail, a fin and another whale watching boat	Small Image \| Large Image This pic gives you an idea about the weather and about how far away we are from the orcas.
Small Image \| Large Image Bye bye, Orca!	Small Image \| Large Image Englarge this pic to see the tiny white dot sitting on top of the tree in the middle. That is a blad eagle!		Small Image \| Large Image Here is another bald eagle sitting on the rocks checking us out!	Small Image \| Large Image You can even see the bald eagle's white feet if you enlarge this pic!
For our last evening on Orcas Island, we wanted to do something special for dinner (and to warm up again from the cold and rainy whale watching expedition). We selected the Inn at Ship Bay and were treated to what Shawn and I agreed was the BEST meal of our entire trip! Their dining room offered a seasonal menu that predominently feature fresh locally farmed products including herbs from their very own herb garden. All of their foods, breads, and desserts are created in-house, and the wine list was impressive and (unbelievably) reasonably priced. We also enjoyed the BEST pinot noir of our trip here as well. It was a Ken Wright Cellars Nysa Vineyard 2003 Pinot Noir.
Small Image \| Large Image Although the restaurant was very, very classy, the dress code was still what the concierge called 'Northwestern casual'.	Small Image \| Large Image DRE* savored a golden and Chioggia beet salad with fresh goat cheese, candied walnuts and citrus dressing. Magnificent!	Small Image \| Large Image Shawn started with prawns in a savory saffron broth! Mmmm!	Small Image \| Large Image For her entree, DRE* had a grass fed beef filet and potato puree with a black currant red wine sauce. Delicious!	Small Image \| Large Image Shawn opted for the New York strip in a Zinfandel reduction with morel mushrooms. Yummy!
	Small Image \| Large Image DRE* finished with a lemon creme tartlet but the real treat was the lovely Tokaji straight from Hungary.	Small Image \| Large Image Shawn devoured the warm flourless chocolate cake with pistachio anglaise and vanilla bean ice cream.	Small Image \| Large Image Next time, we agreed that we are staying at the Inn at Ship Bay.
On July 6th, we took the ferry from Orcas Island back to Anacortes and then drove back to Seattle. We checked in with the concierge to make our Seattle dinner reservations for the three evenings and then headed out for the one most recommended to us by friends and colleagues. The restaurant is called Wild Ginger and is located in downtown Seattle. The ambience of the restaurant is more like a cool club with high ceilings, lots of mahogany, Asian art, three separate bars, a satay bar and even an upstairs with a view to the downstairs. The Southeast Asian fare heralds from Cantonese to Vietnamese to Thai, Korean and even Indonesian dishes. We would highly recommend this restaurant.
Small Image \| Large Image Cheers! Here is to our first night in Seattle, Szechuan green beans, lamb bumbu, and scallops!	Small Image \| Large Image I am not sure whether Shawn is focusing on the dungeness crab cakes or something else...		Small Image \| Large Image The duck looked too good to miss, and Shawn happily ordered it and enjoyed it after our original selections arrived.	Small Image \| Large Image The Alsatian Muscat was a crisp and delicious choice for the Asian-inspired cuisine.
Pike's Market is one of the places in Seattle that you must visit. It has tons of fresh food stands and kitschy shops that you can spend hours exploring.
Small Image \| Large Image Entrance to Pike's Market.	Small Image \| Large Image DRE* in front of "Rachel" the famous pig.	Small Image \| Large Image Rows of fresh vegetables.	Small Image \| Large Image DRE* expressing her undying love of Heineken!	Small Image \| Large Image Pile of fresh dungeness crab.
Small Image \| Large Image Bunches of lavendar.	Small Image \| Large Image Olives, mushrooms & peppers.	Small Image \| Large Image Shrimp sandwiched between king & dungeness crab.	Small Image \| Large Image Writhing mass of crayfish.	Small Image \| Large Image Uli's famous sausage.
Small Image \| Large Image Lobster tails, shrimp, scallops and king crab legs.	Small Image \| Large Image Berries and grapes.	Small Image \| Large Image Lunch at Pike's Market. Tuna salad sandwich, hummus & pitas and caesar salad.	Small Image \| Large Image It's cheese!	Small Image \| Large Image More cheese.
Small Image \| Large Image Cheese curds.	Small Image \| Large Image Yet more cheese.		Small Image \| Large Image Can you tell that DRE* loves cheese?	Small Image \| Large Image Artistic drain work on old building on Post Alley.
Space Needle/Seattle Center
Small Image \| Large Image The Space Needle.	Small Image \| Large Image	Small Image \| Large Image	Small Image \| Large Image DRE* at the top of the Space Needle.	Small Image \| Large Image Shawn on top of the Space Needle.
Small Image \| Large Image	Small Image \| Large Image Looking over the skyline.	Small Image \| Large Image Sea plane landing in the bay.	Small Image \| Large Image Panorama from the top of the Space Needle.	Small Image \| Large Image Panorama from the top of the Space Needle.
Small Image \| Large Image Panorama from the top of the Space Needle.	Small Image \| Large Image I'm taking a picture of you...	Small Image \| Large Image ... and I'm taking one of you too.	Small Image \| Large Image Experience Music Project	Small Image \| Large Image
Our second evening in Seattle, we enjoyed dinner at Tom Douglas' restaurant near Pike Place Market named Etta's Seafood after his daughter, Loretta. Shawn had wanted to visit a seafood restaurant in the Northwest, and I was very pleased with the cheese plate. The only drawback was the view of the vagrants loitering in Victor Steinbrueck Park across the street.
Small Image \| Large Image This was the best cheese plate of our trip - complete with Macrona almonds, dates, dried figs, fresh apples and, of course, cheese!	Small Image \| Large Image Shawn had a shrimp satay starter.	Small Image \| Large Image As a main course, I had a Thai-inspired chicken salad. The sauce was delicious and fresh!	Small Image \| Large Image Shawn had dungeness crab cakes (again) but this time they were served with a salsa verde!	Small Image \| Large Image Mmmm...apple tart with cinnamon ice cream!
Since the weather was not going to allow us a day outdoors, we decided to explore Uwajimaya, one of the West Coast's largest Japanese grocery and gift markets (though it also sells items from many other places in Asia). We also enjoyed the busy food court, which offered sushi, Japanese bento-box meals, Chinese stir-fry combos, Korean barbecue, Hawaiian dishes, Vietnamese spring rolls, and an assortment of jellied milk drinks and teas. In fact, I treated Shawn to his first buddle tea here!
Small Image \| Large Image This is the best looking baby bok choy I have ever seen.	Small Image \| Large Image	Small Image \| Large Image	Small Image \| Large Image	Small Image \| Large Image
Small Image \| Large Image	Small Image \| Large Image	Small Image \| Large Image	Small Image \| Large Image	Small Image \| Large Image The Seattle Asian Art Museum was a bust. Closed for renovations until 2006! :-(
For our last evening before we had to leave the Great Northwest, Shawn and I put on our fancy clothes and wandered down to Cafe Campagne, which overlooks Pike Place Market. The ambience and food strongly reminded me of France, and although the ingredients were local, the dishes were perfectly simple and French. Every bite was delicious, and we would definitely recommend Cafe Campagne highly as well.
Small Image \| Large Image Ahhh...cheese! This Shea 2003 Pinot Noir was quite good, too!	Small Image \| Large Image The most heavenly haricot vert salad with shallots and thick-cut bacon! Yummy!	Small Image \| Large Image Tasty, fresh salad with goat cheese toasts!	Small Image \| Large Image Shawn enjoyed the trout almondine.	Small Image \| Large Image DRE* had chicken with a roasted garlic au jus. Simple and delightful!

Shawn and I decided to spend this summer's vacation in the Great Northwest - namely Vancouver, Orcas Island and Seattle! Shawn had been wanting to share with me his love for Seattle; my parents had strongly recommended Vancouver; and, well, we decided that a little bit of rest and relaxation in the San Juan Islands sounded good while we were so far from home! :) We flew into Seattle and drove to Vancouver that day. We stayed at the Granville Island Hotel on Vancouver's historic Granville Island. It was just a few steps outside our door to the Public Market, entertainment by street performers, artists and craftspeople working on and selling their wares. Did I mention that the hotel is a microbrewery as well? ;-P Anyway, Granville Island is located in the middle of Vancouver's best known urban waterways on the south side of Vancouver itself. We arrived on Canada Day, July 1st!
Small Image \| Large Image This giant stump is what is left of the giant red cedar that the king and queen of Denmark drove through. It is now at a rest stop.	Small Image \| Large Image Welcome to Granville Island!	Small Image \| Large Image DRE* under the sign	Small Image \| Large Image Have some wine! It will take the edge off after a five hour drive to Vancouver.	Small Image \| Large Image Who needs steak when you can have dungeness crab AND lobster?
Small Image \| Large Image Crab People!	Small Image \| Large Image Just like in Fort Lauderdale, you can take the Aquabus to cross over the waterways.	Small Image \| Large Image DRE* waiting for the Aquabus	Small Image \| Large Image Cool, old boat parked in the harbor	Small Image \| Large Image People in the Northwest seem to really enjoy thier sea kayaks. We saw a lot of them!
The Public Market on Granville Island can really only be rivaled by certain European farmer's markets. Shawn and I really both enjoyed it very much - especially the fact that they had a sort of food court. We visited each and every day while in Vancouver.
Small Image \| Large Image The sign for the Public Market on Granville Island	Small Image \| Large Image The market is open from 7 AM to 7 PM seven days a week!	Small Image \| Large Image Fruits	Small Image \| Large Image Today's catch	Small Image \| Large Image This is just to give you an impression of what ONE CORNER of the market offered.
Small Image \| Large Image The scent of the German food stand simply made my mouth water!	Small Image \| Large Image Any place with a sign that says, "Meat of the Day" is probably going to be good!	Small Image \| Large Image But it is only 8 AM. What can we have for breakfast here?	Small Image \| Large Image Gulash soup, Bratwurst and spicy mustard for breakfast! We are happy tourists!	Small Image \| Large Image Dessert from the French bakery
Small Image \| Large Image Meat! (Ignore my face print on the glass.)	Small Image \| Large Image Local, juicy and delicious cherries	Small Image \| Large Image Garlic, scallions, ginger, bell peppers, tomatoes...	Small Image \| Large Image Raspberries	Small Image \| Large Image Cheese of every kind imaginable!
Small Image \| Large Image It is Shawn's turn to drool over the meat case.	Small Image \| Large Image The fanciest pot pies ever! I mean where else have you seen scallop green curry pot pie?!	Small Image \| Large Image Marinades, dressings, sauces and butters	Small Image \| Large Image Warm apple pie	Small Image \| Large Image Cherries and berries
Small Image \| Large Image More cherries	Small Image \| Large Image Corn - This pic is for my father!	Small Image \| Large Image Marzipan - Check out the one that looks like a hedgehog!	Small Image \| Large Image Mushrooms	Small Image \| Large Image Shawn poses in front of the dungeness crab tank on his quest to eat as many as possible and get gout.
Fodor's recommended taking a stroll through the 1,000 acre Stanley Park to see the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Center and then some shopping. What they forgot to mention was the fact that this was a 6-mile stroll by the time that it was said and done. Whew! (We did, however, stop at a great little bakery downtown called Sen5es Bakery for some decadent and fancy sweets!)
Small Image \| Large Image Shawn departing Granville Island	Small Image \| Large Image Looking over the Granville Island harbor	Small Image \| Large Image On the bridge on the way to Vancouver	Small Image \| Large Image DRE* on the bridge	Small Image \| Large Image Granville Island from the bridge
Small Image \| Large Image These next pics are from the Vancouver Lookout! Harbour Centre Tower.	Small Image \| Large Image We are 50 stories (approximately 553 feet) over the harbor.	Small Image \| Large Image Cruise ship	Small Image \| Large Image On a clear day, you can see Vancouver Island and Mount Baker in Washington State	Small Image \| Large Image Another small harbor
Small Image \| Large Image Nearing the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club	Small Image \| Large Image Vancouver skyline	Small Image \| Large Image Shawn leads the way!	Small Image \| Large Image Shawn in front of Inukshuk, an ancient symbol of Inuit culture traditionally used as a landmark and navigation aid. This grey granite statue represents a human form with outstretched arms and is a well-known symbol in Canada of northern hospitality and friendship.	Small Image \| Large Image Pretty flowers in Stanley Park
Small Image \| Large Image REAL Canadian geese in Stanley Park!	Small Image \| Large Image DRE* suggested alternate methods of transportation.	Small Image \| Large Image Those benches look good. My feet are tired.	Small Image \| Large Image Under the pier	Small Image \| Large Image At the Chinese Cultural Center in Chinatown
The Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Center is actually located in Stanley Park. Lines were horrific because it was the weekend, and the weather was nice. My favorites were the sea otters and the beluga whales. From the aquarium,. we walked to the totem poles and back (to catch a taxi cab back to the hotel).
Small Image \| Large Image The Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Center	Small Image \| Large Image DRE* at the entrance to the aquarium	Small Image \| Large Image Our first orca sighting!	Small Image \| Large Image I am not quite sure what a butterfly exhibit has to do with fish.	Small Image \| Large Image It was not as good as the butterfly exhibit in Montreal.
Small Image \| Large Image The aquarium had beluga whales and even a beluga whale show.	Small Image \| Large Image The beluga whales look so amazing in the blue water.	Small Image \| Large Image Hello!	Small Image \| Large Image These sea otters are holding hands! How insanely cute!	Small Image \| Large Image This is a stoic harbor seal.
Small Image \| Large Image Two harbor seals swimming around	Small Image \| Large Image Underneath a shark!	Small Image \| Large Image Underwater life in British Columbia	Small Image \| Large Image DRE* and Shawn walking through the woods	Small Image \| Large Image Big trees
Small Image \| Large Image Leaves	Small Image \| Large Image British Columbia's native groups refer to themselves as the First Nations.	Small Image \| Large Image These totem poles were all carved in the latter half of the 20th century by First Natins artists.	Small Image \| Large Image The styles represent a cross section of British Columbia's native groups.	Small Image \| Large Image The combination of carved animals, birds, fish, and mythological creatures represents the clan history.
Vikram Vij is the proprietor of Vij's, Vancouver's most innovative Indian restaurant. He uses local ingredients and Western ideas to create exciting takes on the cuisines of the subcontinent. None of the dishes are what I would call traditional, but the delicious aroma from the Indian spices just will not allow you to walk by.
Small Image \| Large Image Cheers!	Small Image \| Large Image Mutton kebobs with masala curry		Small Image \| Large Image Bon appetit!	Small Image \| Large Image Dessert
Fodor's recommended a Native American restaurant called Liliget Feast House. The restaurant is supposedly one of the few places in the world serving the original Northwest Coast First Nations cuisine. I hope that it stays that way. The buffalo smokies (i.e. sausages) and venison strips were chewy. I could not help but think that the Native Americans did not have dinner salads and mashed potatoes. Where were the steamed fern shoots, bannock break and baked sweet potatoes with hazelnuts that Fodor's promised us? To top it all off, the First Nations have started their own vineyard. Their wine called NK'MIP (pronounced incameep) was absolute swill and impossible to finish. I wish I had two more hands so that I could give this restaurant including the ambience, food and service four thumbs down.
		Small Image \| Large Image Shawn looks over the feast.
We sat outside at the Granville Island Hotel on our last evening - actually having a heavy snack/dessert to make up for the meal at the Liliget Feast House.
Small Image \| Large Image The Granville Island Hotel		Small Image \| Large Image Shawn enjoyed some dessert, and I had a lovely cheese plate.		Small Image \| Large Image We sat on the deck and enjoyed the cool breeze.
On July 4th, it was time to leave Vancouver and head to Orcas Island in the San Juan Islands. Orcas Island is about a 75 minute ferry ride from Anacortes, which lies almost between Seattle and Vancouver. Orcas Island is the largest of the San Juan Islands. Spanish explorers set foot here in 1791, and the island is named for their ship - not for the black and white whales as most tourists purport.
Small Image \| Large Image Welcome to Washington State Ferries Anacortes Terminal!	Small Image \| Large Image Souvenirs from Granville Island's Public Market: goat cheese with black truffles and pepper salami.	Small Image \| Large Image Mmmmm! Nothing says 'perfect' like goat cheese, black truffles, French bread and pepper salami!	Small Image \| Large Image Anacortes	Small Image \| Large Image Shawn in Anacortes stretching his legs after the drive from Vancouver
Small Image \| Large Image Leaving Anacortes	Small Image \| Large Image DRE* waves goodbye to Anacortes!	Small Image \| Large Image We took our rental car with us.	Small Image \| Large Image	Small Image \| Large Image DRE* on the ferry
Small Image \| Large Image The Brigadier	Small Image \| Large Image One of the many islands in the San Juan Islands	Small Image \| Large Image	Small Image \| Large Image	Small Image \| Large Image Check out the cedar trees!
Small Image \| Large Image	Small Image \| Large Image \| Video Shawn on the ferry. Check out the video!	Small Image \| Large Image	Small Image \| Large Image DRE* on the ferry	Small Image \| Large Image Shawn on the ferry
Shawn and I stayed at Rosario Resort and Spa on Orcas Island. The center of the resort is Robert Moran's mansion. The shipping magnate built it in 1906, when he was told he had but one year more to live. Interestingly, Moran outlived his doctor’s prognosis and enjoyed quite a long life of relaxation in this unique, natural setting.
Small Image \| Large Image \| Video Check out the video of these seagulls on the roof, which is covered with six tons of copper sheeting!	Small Image \| Large Image The foundation for the 54-room Rosario mansion is cut into solid rock, 16 feet deep!	Small Image \| Large Image Tiffany chandelier in Rosario mansion	Small Image \| Large Image Stained glass window imported from Brussels	Small Image \| Large Image Rosario bell
Small Image \| Large Image Shawn relaxes in the Mahogany-paneled bar.	Small Image \| Large Image Pinot noir and filet mignon...Yummy!	Small Image \| Large Image Shawn had a delicious New York strip steak.	Small Image \| Large Image In the evenings, deer were everywhere.	Small Image \| Large Image Deer grazing
Small Image \| Large Image The marina, general store and fuel pier	Small Image \| Large Image Houses surrounded by cedars look down on the marina	Small Image \| Large Image The marina, rock jetty, seaplane dock and flag pole	Small Image \| Large Image The marina and the general store	Small Image \| Large Image DRE* on the fuel pier at the resort
Small Image \| Large Image Shawn is sitting upon one of the mansion's concrete walls with the bay behind him.	Small Image \| Large Image Some boats moored at buoys rather than in the marina. They looked gorgeous floating in the bay.	Small Image \| Large Image Shawn outside at Rosario's	Small Image \| Large Image Rosario mansion from the water. The nearby 5,000 acres of land were donated to the state of Washington by Moran and became Moran State Park.	Small Image \| Large Image Moran sold Rosario mansion to Donald Rheem for $50,000 in 1938. Rheem ended up investing over $11 million in the estate in 20 years until it was turned into a resort.
After enjoying a wonderful morning getting massages and body wraps in the spa, we went on a whale watching expedition. The weather was not optimum, but the local pod (J Pod) was about 40 minutes by boat from the resort. We caught the pod (on film) while they were feeding on salmon. The males circle around the salmon, and the females and young stay in the middle and feed. Only when the females and young are done do the males eat. As a result, the males die first in times when there are no salmon. Also, the whale watchers are not allowed to get within 100 feet of the feeding animals or disturb them in any way. Another interesting fact we learned was that the Native Americas do not refer to these magnificent giants as 'killer whales'. Aside from orcas, we also saw bald eagles, harbor seals and porpoises on our wet trip.
Small Image \| Large Image \| Video Orca head peaking out! Check out the video of the orcas feeding!	Small Image \| Large Image Two fins and an eye!	Small Image \| Large Image One fin and one tail = two fish!	Small Image \| Large Image The males slap their tales against the surface of the water to scare the salmon into the feeding area.	Small Image \| Large Image Huge fin!
Small Image \| Large Image Don't be scared! Orcas don't eat humans.	Small Image \| Large Image Two Orcas gracefully swimming away	Small Image \| Large Image Two going under	Small Image \| Large Image A tail, a fin and another whale watching boat	Small Image \| Large Image This pic gives you an idea about the weather and about how far away we are from the orcas.
Small Image \| Large Image Bye bye, Orca!	Small Image \| Large Image Englarge this pic to see the tiny white dot sitting on top of the tree in the middle. That is a blad eagle!		Small Image \| Large Image Here is another bald eagle sitting on the rocks checking us out!	Small Image \| Large Image You can even see the bald eagle's white feet if you enlarge this pic!
For our last evening on Orcas Island, we wanted to do something special for dinner (and to warm up again from the cold and rainy whale watching expedition). We selected the Inn at Ship Bay and were treated to what Shawn and I agreed was the BEST meal of our entire trip! Their dining room offered a seasonal menu that predominently feature fresh locally farmed products including herbs from their very own herb garden. All of their foods, breads, and desserts are created in-house, and the wine list was impressive and (unbelievably) reasonably priced. We also enjoyed the BEST pinot noir of our trip here as well. It was a Ken Wright Cellars Nysa Vineyard 2003 Pinot Noir.
Small Image \| Large Image Although the restaurant was very, very classy, the dress code was still what the concierge called 'Northwestern casual'.	Small Image \| Large Image DRE* savored a golden and Chioggia beet salad with fresh goat cheese, candied walnuts and citrus dressing. Magnificent!	Small Image \| Large Image Shawn started with prawns in a savory saffron broth! Mmmm!	Small Image \| Large Image For her entree, DRE* had a grass fed beef filet and potato puree with a black currant red wine sauce. Delicious!	Small Image \| Large Image Shawn opted for the New York strip in a Zinfandel reduction with morel mushrooms. Yummy!
	Small Image \| Large Image DRE* finished with a lemon creme tartlet but the real treat was the lovely Tokaji straight from Hungary.	Small Image \| Large Image Shawn devoured the warm flourless chocolate cake with pistachio anglaise and vanilla bean ice cream.	Small Image \| Large Image Next time, we agreed that we are staying at the Inn at Ship Bay.
On July 6th, we took the ferry from Orcas Island back to Anacortes and then drove back to Seattle. We checked in with the concierge to make our Seattle dinner reservations for the three evenings and then headed out for the one most recommended to us by friends and colleagues. The restaurant is called Wild Ginger and is located in downtown Seattle. The ambience of the restaurant is more like a cool club with high ceilings, lots of mahogany, Asian art, three separate bars, a satay bar and even an upstairs with a view to the downstairs. The Southeast Asian fare heralds from Cantonese to Vietnamese to Thai, Korean and even Indonesian dishes. We would highly recommend this restaurant.
Small Image \| Large Image Cheers! Here is to our first night in Seattle, Szechuan green beans, lamb bumbu, and scallops!	Small Image \| Large Image I am not sure whether Shawn is focusing on the dungeness crab cakes or something else...		Small Image \| Large Image The duck looked too good to miss, and Shawn happily ordered it and enjoyed it after our original selections arrived.	Small Image \| Large Image The Alsatian Muscat was a crisp and delicious choice for the Asian-inspired cuisine.
Pike's Market is one of the places in Seattle that you must visit. It has tons of fresh food stands and kitschy shops that you can spend hours exploring.
Small Image \| Large Image Entrance to Pike's Market.	Small Image \| Large Image DRE* in front of "Rachel" the famous pig.	Small Image \| Large Image Rows of fresh vegetables.	Small Image \| Large Image DRE* expressing her undying love of Heineken!	Small Image \| Large Image Pile of fresh dungeness crab.
Small Image \| Large Image Bunches of lavendar.	Small Image \| Large Image Olives, mushrooms & peppers.	Small Image \| Large Image Shrimp sandwiched between king & dungeness crab.	Small Image \| Large Image Writhing mass of crayfish.	Small Image \| Large Image Uli's famous sausage.
Small Image \| Large Image Lobster tails, shrimp, scallops and king crab legs.	Small Image \| Large Image Berries and grapes.	Small Image \| Large Image Lunch at Pike's Market. Tuna salad sandwich, hummus & pitas and caesar salad.	Small Image \| Large Image It's cheese!	Small Image \| Large Image More cheese.
Small Image \| Large Image Cheese curds.	Small Image \| Large Image Yet more cheese.		Small Image \| Large Image Can you tell that DRE* loves cheese?	Small Image \| Large Image Artistic drain work on old building on Post Alley.
Space Needle/Seattle Center
Small Image \| Large Image The Space Needle.	Small Image \| Large Image	Small Image \| Large Image	Small Image \| Large Image DRE* at the top of the Space Needle.	Small Image \| Large Image Shawn on top of the Space Needle.
Small Image \| Large Image	Small Image \| Large Image Looking over the skyline.	Small Image \| Large Image Sea plane landing in the bay.	Small Image \| Large Image Panorama from the top of the Space Needle.	Small Image \| Large Image Panorama from the top of the Space Needle.
Small Image \| Large Image Panorama from the top of the Space Needle.	Small Image \| Large Image I'm taking a picture of you...	Small Image \| Large Image ... and I'm taking one of you too.	Small Image \| Large Image Experience Music Project	Small Image \| Large Image
Our second evening in Seattle, we enjoyed dinner at Tom Douglas' restaurant near Pike Place Market named Etta's Seafood after his daughter, Loretta. Shawn had wanted to visit a seafood restaurant in the Northwest, and I was very pleased with the cheese plate. The only drawback was the view of the vagrants loitering in Victor Steinbrueck Park across the street.
Small Image \| Large Image This was the best cheese plate of our trip - complete with Macrona almonds, dates, dried figs, fresh apples and, of course, cheese!	Small Image \| Large Image Shawn had a shrimp satay starter.	Small Image \| Large Image As a main course, I had a Thai-inspired chicken salad. The sauce was delicious and fresh!	Small Image \| Large Image Shawn had dungeness crab cakes (again) but this time they were served with a salsa verde!	Small Image \| Large Image Mmmm...apple tart with cinnamon ice cream!
Since the weather was not going to allow us a day outdoors, we decided to explore Uwajimaya, one of the West Coast's largest Japanese grocery and gift markets (though it also sells items from many other places in Asia). We also enjoyed the busy food court, which offered sushi, Japanese bento-box meals, Chinese stir-fry combos, Korean barbecue, Hawaiian dishes, Vietnamese spring rolls, and an assortment of jellied milk drinks and teas. In fact, I treated Shawn to his first buddle tea here!
Small Image \| Large Image This is the best looking baby bok choy I have ever seen.	Small Image \| Large Image	Small Image \| Large Image	Small Image \| Large Image	Small Image \| Large Image
Small Image \| Large Image	Small Image \| Large Image	Small Image \| Large Image	Small Image \| Large Image	Small Image \| Large Image The Seattle Asian Art Museum was a bust. Closed for renovations until 2006! :-(
For our last evening before we had to leave the Great Northwest, Shawn and I put on our fancy clothes and wandered down to Cafe Campagne, which overlooks Pike Place Market. The ambience and food strongly reminded me of France, and although the ingredients were local, the dishes were perfectly simple and French. Every bite was delicious, and we would definitely recommend Cafe Campagne highly as well.
Small Image \| Large Image Ahhh...cheese! This Shea 2003 Pinot Noir was quite good, too!	Small Image \| Large Image The most heavenly haricot vert salad with shallots and thick-cut bacon! Yummy!	Small Image \| Large Image Tasty, fresh salad with goat cheese toasts!	Small Image \| Large Image Shawn enjoyed the trout almondine.	Small Image \| Large Image DRE* had chicken with a roasted garlic au jus. Simple and delightful!