Canadian Round Up Part #4!

Canadian Round Up Thread, Part #4

OK, here's the latest list of "who's coming to dinner" Victoria April 1-5th 2005


OldFlowerGirl (Donna) Castlegar, British Columbia
jagonjune (Lynne) Edmonton, Alberta & Anne
MG99 (Linda) Victoria, British Columbia
spklatt (Shannon) Gatineau, Quebec
Roselaine (Elaine) North Vancouver, British Columbia
brugcrazy (Jeanne) Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Heatherbelle (Heather) Victoria, British Columbia
inanda (Ginny) Winnipeg, Manitoba
Lilypon (Pam) and DD Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan
Paradise (Ingrid) Quebec
yumiko Nanaimo, BC
Sunrise (Dawn) Vancouver BC
Solomon (Lana) N. Vancouver BC
Nightowl2 (Sandy) Campbell River BC

Liz (probably)

Maybes:
ggd (Glenda)



Regrets, and will be missed:
Echoes
Ceedub (Christine)Ont
Lazygirl1 (Anna)
Sandy130
Weezingreens AK
Todd_Boland (Todd) St. John's NF
PanamonCreel (Milan) Dorval QC
perrynguyen (Perry) Montreal QC
Songbird 839 (Brenda) Medicine Hat AB
durtcom (Susan) SE of Calgary AB
Kooger (Laura) and her sister, Inwood IA USA
Rikerbear (Marc) and Honey bear, Seattle USA
daturalady
trailingon
Starzz
flowerpot
Daryl, Vernon BC

Monika's Book "Engelstrompeten"
OldFlowerGirl
Yumiko
Lilypon
Heatherbelle
Paradise
Sunrise

Anyone else that's interested please jump in! :D

Since the last thread was getting a bit long.....here's a new one for plotting and planning.



Just a word of planning for all of you planning on staying in Victoria, and flying out here. I noticed on the news tonight, that the 2005 WORLD curling championships are here in Victoria, April 2-10 2005. I'm thinking that you should be making reservations PDQ.


Are people interested in going to watch some world class curling? I haven't yet scoped out the price, I thought they'd be too much for my blood, but I will check if folks want to go.


ACCOMADATION INFORMATION

[HYPERLINK@tourismmall.victoria.bc.ca] is a link to get the B&B's for Cordova Bay, which is about 5 min from our house. they range in price from ~60/night to ~150. There are more, I'll get them here as well. I think some places, if you are staying for 4-5 nights, you may be able to negotiate a cheaper price.

This place is about 5 minutes away, and they have 2 double beds in each room, so some of you guys may want to cost share. Looks good.
[HYPERLINK@tourismmall.victoria.bc.ca]

Here's a web site with more to choose from. [HYPERLINK@www.bedsandbreakfasts.ca]

However, it may be best to just get everyone here, get together and plan our days and evenings then. It must be on the second part of this thread where we had talked about having Sunday morning free for church, and I think Saturday afternoon or morning is slated for Jeanne's presentation, as she's only here for Saturday for sure.

There's so much to do and see, and so little time....

Butcharts gardens, expect about 3-4 hours
Butterfly gardens, expect about an hour, 2 including travel time
Dinter nursery south of Duncan, great place to go for tropicals, including travel time, expect 2.5-3 hours.
Gov't house gardens, expect 1-2 hours
Abkhazi gardens, maybe an hour, I've never been there
Marigold, Garden works, Elk lake, and other nurseries, could take a full day to get to them all
Jeanne's presentation, either morning or afternoon
Sight seeing??
High Tea or Sunday Brunch at the Empress? I’ll post the cost of brunch, I think it’s something atrocious, but will find out first.

Other ideas?


I think I've copy and pasted the pertinent information, if I've missed anything, let me know


Here's the info on who's getting Tote's

Ok, here's my take on this situation. The Tote Vote has it? (snicker...)

The people below have mentioned (or at least hinted) that they want one.

OldFlowerGirl (Donna) - Yes
Paradise (Ingrid) - Yes
jagonjune (Lynne) - Yes
MG99 (Linda) - Yes
spklatt (Shannon) - Yes
Roselaine (Elaine) - Yes
brugcrazy (Jeanne) -Yes
Heatherbelle (Heather) - Yes
inanda (Ginny) - Yes
Lilypon (Pam) and DD - Yes (2?)
Kooger (Laura) and Sister - yes
yumiko - Yes
Sunrise (Dawn)
Solomon (Lana)
Ceedub (Christine) - Yes
Nightowl2 -- yes

Liz (probably) - yes

Maybes:
ggd (Glenda)
Rikerbear (Marc) & SO

That is 14 confirmed that they want a Tote at $11.00. There are some on the list that have not committed one way or the other. If you have decided, please let us know now. If you are down on the list and don't really want one, please let us know that too. Now my question is, do we go ahead and buy extra for the ones that are Probably & Maybe's?




This message was edited Jan 14, 2005 5:44 PM

Thanks Linda!

Ditto for me! :D

Oh boy...........I've been incarcerated with a cold or whatever for the last week, and totally forgot to send you the money, Linda...sorry.........cheque's in the mail! E

Oh yeah.........the conservatory is worth it...sure!

Linda, thanks for gathering all this info together!! :-)

Elaine, I hope you are sending the Tote money to Donna. I sure hope you are feling better, don't bother going out now for a few days, it's awful out there.

Hello fellow gardeners. I have not been on this forum since Nov.2004-Sorry.
So glad that you have me on the list for Victoria in April '05.
I would prefer a T-shirt but I sense that the majority wants a tote so count me in for whatever you decide.Thnaks to all of you for keeping up the interest in this trip. I'll try to join the forum more often in future!
Whow, is it cold here in Deep Cove in North Vancouver. How are the rest of you faring in the snow and ice?
Cheers, Lana.

Yes, I know I'm sending the money to Donna...my gosh, Lana.......I need a new brain these days...

Well, what about Victoria,..............last I heard, the city does not really have any snow-removal equipment...is that true?

Has everyone arranged accommodation?

Next thing. As we will only have 3 full days, think it is quite important to preplan, yes or no.

Inanda aka Ginny

Can we do that now? I think the onus, again, is left on Linda,Heather and Glenda. Linda said she was looking into stuff. How's that going, Linda? Too early to make thoses kinda plans? Linda...are you still hiding under those covers....?

Ladies, you were meant to organize!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! thanx, E

Linda is the one who has been doing all the checking out of things etc. Kudos to you, Linda ! Please let me know if I can be of help.
Is anyone still looking for accommodation ? I do have a spare bedroom with a double bed and my driveway if flat if anyone needs to park their VW's etc.
After cocooning all day yesterday (my boss let me have the day off) I am going to venture out now and brave the roads of Victoria !

So I've asked the Empress to let me know what they can do for us regarding a lunch there. They don't have the same 'Sunday Brunch' that they used to, now it's downstairs in the Kiplings restaraunt (sp) It's a buffett, and the price isn't listed. i've asked if they have some deal if we come as we are 15 people, most from out of town for a conference on gardening. I'll let you know what I find out, and here's a link to the dining page they have http://www.fairmont.com/FA/en/CDA/Home/Hotels/Facilities/CDRestaurantsOverview/0,1131,code%25255Ftype%253DREST%2526property%25255Fseq%253D100128,00.html

Um, what other plans should I be making???? Let me know and I'll do my best.

I'm hoping that with the option of what things to do and see, and the time amount needed, that I posted earlier, we could make a communal decision about what to plan and when to do it. I'm more than game to be the defacto hostess and host gatherings at the house, as well as dinner, but I'd rather not be the one who says "it's Sunday 2 PM, we must move now to ......" I'm not like that. Someone else can be in charge of that.

It's my understanding that most have their accomodation arranged.

Jeanne, see Heatherbelle's offer of a flat driveway? You are still welcome to park here, but maybe you should becide when you get here.

The roads here are still like ice, so I don't think I'll be going out anywhere today,and events for tomorrow have been cancelled already

Linda in Victoria BC, looking forward to all of you coming!

Ummm, can I ask again about the Butterfly gardens? Is it a possibility? I think that, the Butchart Gardens and the Empress Afternoon Tea (or whatever) and possibly the conservatory there, were the only things I really wanted to visit.

I would suggest that if we go to Butcharts, and I imagine that's high on the list of things to do, then the Butterfly gardens are right out there, and we have togo by them to and from BG's. Let me see if they are open by then.

I would suggest that if we go to Butcharts, and I imagine that's high on the list of things to do, then the Butterfly gardens are right out there, and we have togo by them to and from BG's. Let me see if they are open by then.

Yes, they re-open Feb. 26, here's their web site http://www.butterflygardens.com/

The highest on my list are Butcharts, Butterfly & gov't house. Anything else is fine too! :-) What about afternoon tea at the Empress....is this the same thing we've been talking about? If so, who would be in for reservations?

I just called the number listed....if we go on the Saturday or Sunday, the price for Tea is $40 plus tax. If we go on the Monday, the price is $36 plus tax. (yikes!) How much does brunch cost? Maybe we can just walk through the lobby and take a look, and go have tea somewhere else downtown? Well, I'm still in if you guys are. They said that if we do want to make a reservation for tea for a group of our number, we should do it within the next few weeks. Seatings are at 12:30 pm, 2:00 and 3:30.

http://www.fairmont.com/FA/en/CDA/Home/Hotels/Facilities/CDRestaurantDetail/0,2983,facility%25255Fcode%253DREST%252B%2526property%25255Fcd%253DEMP%2526property%25255Fseq%253D100128%2526facility%25255Fseq%253D1005035,00.html

Looks fantastic!

edited to say: The Butterfly Gardens!





This message was edited Jan 8, 2005 2:37 PM

Shannon I was just going to call, so thank you for doing that. I knew it was expensive, but didn't know how much. I'm in if everyone else wants to go, I think we all go, there would be 14-15.

You're welcome, Linda. Yep, I quoted her 15 people. I have a dim memory of afternoon tea at the Empress over 25 years ago....wonderful. What do you all think?

For scheduling, is Butchart Gardens even navigable on weekends, or is it too busy?

Gulp...$40.00...for tea and goodies! Hokey Smokes! Do you get a Fashion Show/Chippendale Dancers or what for that kinda money?

Seriously though, I have never been. I have seen the Empress from outside and that's it. If Shannon says it's worth it, I can pick a few more cans and bottles out of the ditches...

Well, I don't know about that....I'm sure when we went 25 years ago, it didn't cost that much, and at any rate, I didn't pay for it :-)

I'm not sure how much the brunch costs...that might be a better option. My SO is talking to his mom on the phone, so my hands are tied for the moment.

We can always just hang out in the lobby for a while, until they kick us out, and then go somewhere else for tea! I'm totally hip to either option....it's really ridiculous how much it costs. The last thing I would want to do is pressure folks. I guess it all comes down to how much we're all in the mood to splurge on that particular thing. If I had to choose, I'd rather spend money on gardens & plants! :-)

I agree, Donna...the Butterfly gardens look great.

Early April should be fine for seeing Butchart's, hopefully they will have spring flowers out. I'm trying to remember what should be in bloom then. They are about a week or 2 behind Victoria for when things bloom. The weekends will be a bit busier than weekdays but still plenty of room for us to wander around.

I haven't been to the Tea at the Empress for over 30 years, and it's been probably 10-12 since I've been for Sunday Brunch. Last time I was at Brunch it cost $25, and I'm sure I ate that much in shrimp and prawns alone. If you are up to splending the money, I am sure it'll be an experience, and hopefully worth it.

Thanks to Linda for all the work she has done. I haven't done a darn thing!!! Mostly because in all likelihood I will be away for most, if not all of the roundup. BOO HOO!!!!!
One place that can maybe be checked out for accomodations is the Traveller's Inn. They have good prices in the winter, but not sure about more touristy times. They have several motels throughout Victoria.
Tea at the Empress is nice, and if you have never done it, and can afford it, then I recommend it. IF not, skip it and go somewhere else. You get all the tea you want, crumpets, usually some fresh fruit, fancy sandwiches, and some sweet goodies. The last time I was there, they gave you a small box of Empress Tea to take home also. I think there are other places around that do the same type of thing. LInda, another place that might be nice for tea would be the Blethering Place, and possibly you could check out the rose garden in Windsor Park as it is close. There is also a tea place right across from Windsor Park, and I can't remember the name of it.
OKay, enough rambling. I need to get back to sitting in front of my fire until my kitchen warms up enough for me to type. 11 hours with no power makes things pretty chilly!!!

Glenda

I just called again; the brunch is currently $29 + tax, and in the summer it often goes up by a few bucks. A little more palatable (sorry...;-) than the tea, no?

Definitely, Yes! Heck I don't even drink tea, but it's just the idea of "Afternoon Tea at the Empress, Madam...", but brunch sounds much better and not a bad price either. I say lets go for that. Orrrr... chuckle..snort...we could pack a lunch in brown paper bags at Linda's and go and sit in the Lobby at the Empress on the Fancy Chairs, eat our lunch and see how long it would take until they kicked us out....chuckle...snort... All we'd have to say is that we were from Saskatchewan!!! LOL Were is that Lilypon? How can I tease her if she's not around?

Darn, I forgot you weren't gonna be able to make it, Glenda. Bummer! Hope you are starting to warm up now. It's darn frustrating to be without power for that long.

I had tea at the Empress years ago when it didn't cost $40. I can see it might be worth going if you've never done it before but I'm not keen to go again at that price. I'd like to see Butterfly Gardens but I'm only going to be there for the weekend so I guess I shouldn't say too much.

I def. do not think the Empress is affordable. Plus, wasting all that time. We only have 3 days. Are you sure you want to spend an afternoon or whatever, doing that?

Asking again, does everybody have accommodation booked or otherwise sorted out?
Ginny

Linda mentioned above, that she thought everyone had, Ginny.

What is your preference to what you'd like to see over the three days?

This message was edited Jan 8, 2005 6:01 PM

Butchart, a couple of greenhouses and the Butterfly Gardens. Also a seafood restaurant.

To start off the recommendations in the restaurant department, here's one that I've never been disappointed by; it's an easy walk from the inner harbour, if we are planning to be downtown. The website has menus & lots of nice pics, once you get past the initial screen asking if you have a flash plug-in.

http://www.wharfsideeatery.com/

I'm madly in love with the Dinner menu! :D

They used to have an appetizer called "Smoked Salmon Trilogy"...3 different kinds of smoked/candied salmon on one plate. Can't find it on this site though. All their food that I've tried is wonderful, and the view from the deck is great.

It looks perfect.......my 2 cents worth anyways.

Yummmm, I agree. Maybe gonna just have to take a picture of the Empress, and have a cupa tea at Linda's in her honour, I guess.

Missed you all day, Pam. If I can't spar with either you or Brenda, it just isn't any fun!!! ;D

Here are some more tasty eateries in the Inner Harbour!....one other place I have been for high tea is The Blethering Place in Oak Bay .....now this is an old Tudor building with the ladies in dress of the times...and the food is reasonable and delicious!

This message was edited Jan 9, 2005 12:39 AM

It's gunna be tough doing that for awhile Glenda....it's a major battle getting near the 'puter now. DS is taking most of his Grade 12 in Grade 11 and I've got a digital pic of DD fighting for her time on it........she'd kill me for posting that gem! :S