Quick Shuttle Bus Service to Vancouver, BC

Today I took the easy way (relatively speaking since it was a holiday weekend) south from Powell River to Bellingham to visit with Mom. This route uses both Pacific Coastal Airlines and the Quick Shuttle bus.

Quick Shuttle provides international bus service between the greater Vancouver area and Seattle, Washington. Scheduled service from Canada starts at all major downtown hotels and cruise ship terminals (in season), continues through downtown Vancouver, followed by a stop at Vancouver International Airport. One final stop is made at the Campbell River Store in South Surrey before crossing the border at the Pacific Highway (Truck) Crossing.

The Quick Shuttle has resumed direct service to Vancouver Airport. Drop off is on the upper departure level of the International Terminal. If you are catching the bus heading southbound at the airport, the pick up location is on the lower arrival level of the International Terminal, just outside the main set of doors at pillar number 4.

There are also some new border crossing rules. You must make a reservation by phone or online thirty minutes before the bus leaves it's first stop in the direction you are traveling and you must provide travel document information that can be transmitted to Customs prior to your departure. This makes travel planning a bit more difficult. You can't just hop on the bus like the old days.

A special U.S. Customs and Immigration building takes care of bus passengers. After everyone has been cleared, the bus continues south with stops at Bellingham International Airport (perfect for those cheap Allegiant Air trips to Reno, Vegas and Palm Springs), Tulalip, downtown Seattle and finally Seattle International Airport. The cost $55-56 for adult one-way or $98-99 round-trip. Fares can be paid in either Canadian or U.S. dollars and you save 5% by booking online. You may select your own start and stop points within their route (as long as it includes a border crossing) for a reduced rate.

Heading north from Seattle, the stops are in reverse order. Canadian customs and immigration is handled in a special building as well. All passengers must remain on the bus until their luggage has been removed for inspection. You take all personal items with you, pick up your luggage and get in line to meet with a Canada Border Services Agent. You will need to present your travel documents (see the U.S. and Canadian websites to verify the current requirements) and a completed Customs Declaration Card. Once you've cleared, it's back on the bus for the remainder of your journey.

Wayne and I use the Quick Shuttle frequently for our trips between Bellingham and Powell River. The buses are clean and comfortable, have a restroom onboard and free WiFi so you can surf the web to your heart's content as you roll down the road. In fact, I'm sending this post right from my comfy bus seat.

The Quick Shuttle is a good way to miss some of those longer border lineup waits. So, if you need cross-border transportation, check out Quick Shuttle online at www.quickcoach.com or call them at 800-665-2122. They'll be "quick" to take care of your needs. - Margy

Sumptuous Shrimp Shack

When we are in Bellingham we often drive to Whidbey Island to visit the Naval Base. And as it happens on most road trips, we get hungry. After conducting our business we head north on State Highway 20. Between the Deception Pass State Park and Campbell Lake on Fidalgo Island there's the small but mighty Shrimp Shack.

The full name is Sweet D's Shrimp Shack. It's owned and operated by Dieter and Laurel Drews and has been serving up seafood to hungry locals and visitors since 1973. You can purchase your seafood fresh to take home or have it prepared to order from their takeout window. No longer a seasonal eatery, you can now enjoy their seafood delights all year long.

Fresh seafood choices include shrimp, prawns, crab, lobster, oysters, clams and fish. They also have alligator and elk as unique options. Their takeout menu includes burgers, oyster burgers, seafood baskets and ice cream for dessert. Wayne and I picked the oyster dinner basket with four large fried oysters and fries. We shared one order with a pop to hold us over for the rest of the trip home.

After you place your order at the window, they prepare your food as requested. A loud speaker lets you know when its ready to pick up. Dining is outdoors on picnic tables or inside your vehicle in inclement weather. Either way it's a taste treat you shouldn't miss. -- Margy

Sweet D's Shrimp Shack
6168 Highway 20
Anacortes, WA
360-293-2531
www.shrimpshack.us

Take Chuckanut Drive to Edison, WA

If you take Chuckanut Drive either north from I-5 or south from Bellingham, an interesting side trip is to Edison, Washington. From Chuckanut Drive take Bow Hill Road west. Where it makes a bend to the south, you will find the small town of Edison situated near the mouth of the Samish River and along the Edison slough.

Edison’s main street has some interesting turn of the century buildings that now house restaurants, antique stores and bakeries. Edison was first settled in 1869. By 1876, there were 46 residents and a post office. In 2000, there were 133 people living in Edison. Call it small but mighty. And yes, the town was named for Thomas Edison, the famous inventor.

Edison is about a mile from the Padilla Bay, but at high tide it is accessible by medium draft boats. This was a great benefit for the growing community. You can still see some small boats moored along the channel. The area is well known for seafood, especially oysters that are available at the local restaurants at very reasonable prices.

Last week Wayne, Jeanne and I went to The Edison for lunch. The atmosphere is casual and friendly. When the weather is nice, they have outdoor dining. Each night there's a different special. We recommend coming on Fridays for their steak and rib BBQ. There are pool tables, shuffleboard, TVs and evening entertainment - great for adults, but no minors are allowed.

Down the street is the Breadfarm bakery. Go in the afternoon and watch them make bread. We got the Chuckanut Multigrain, but they have several flavors and styles to choose from. If you go to the Bellingham Farmer’s Market, stop by their booth for a quick and easy bread fix.

After a good meal and a tour of the town, you can retrace your route to Chuckanut Drive or go south on Farm to Market Road. This will take you through lush farmland reclaimed from the delta on your way to Highway 20. Left on 20 takes you back to I-5. Right takes you to Anacortes and other adventures. An alternative is angle right off Farm to Market Road on Bayview-Edison Road. In the community of Bay View you will find Bay View State Park strategically located along the wide tidal mudflats. This route will lead you to Highway 20 as well. So, take a side trip to Edison for a great meal and a beautiful drive. -- Margy

Through the Skies to Ocean Shores

We left Bremerton National Airport early in the morning for the second left of our flying mini-vacation. Originally we had planned to take the ferry from Bremerton to Seattle for a day in the city, but decided at the last minute to continue on our journey. The weather was just too nice not to get back up in the air.

We followed the Columbia River west with the snow capped Olympic range to our right. The west coast of Washington State is a long strand of sandy beach. The airport at Ocean Shores is a perfect landing spot. It's slightly above sea level with clear approaches on both ends. The only caution is frequent crosswinds coming off the nearby waters.

Wayne took the honours and landed. The Ocean Shores Airport runway is 2700' long and I'm a bit rusty right now. It's always nice to have his extra experience on board. There's no weather information available so we got the ASOS (Automated Surface Observing Systems) from nearby Bowerman Airport at Hoquiam. As we got closer, we got a report from a departing twin, wind calm and CAVU (ceiling and visibility unlimited).

There's a lounge and restroom available on the field that was built about five years ago with a combination of donations, city funding and state grants. To get to town it's about a thirty minute walk. But be careful, there are no sidewalks. There's a local taxi, or if you stay at the Shilo Inn like we did, a courtesy van. We even had a local stop and offer us a ride, but it was such a nice day we decided to walk.

Once you get across the narrow peninsula from the bay to the ocean you will be greeted with crashing surf and the cries of gulls. There are dunes to explore, shells to gather, kites to watch (or get one of your own to fly), horses or scooters to ride, or just relax in the sunshine. Ocean Shores is a perfect winter or summer flying destination. -- Margy

Winging Our Way to Bremerton WA

With this wonderful stretch of good weather, Wayne and I decided to take 997 out for a much needed cross country trip. We wanted to try something new, so we decided to head south from Bellingham to Bremerton, Washington. It's only about an hour away, but long enough of a flight to get us back feeling comfortable in the air.

We departed Bellingham IFR for the practice, not because of the weather. We got the expected KIENO TWO departure southwest bound over Whidbey Island to the southern tip of Puget Sound. Whidbey is one of the longest islands in the United States with lots of nooks and crannies for boating fun. Seattle approach gave us a heading to line us up for a straight-in to Runway 19 at Bremerton, but once we had the runway in sight we cancelled IFR and circled to use active Runway 01.

One of the reasons we picked Bremerton was because of its nice big runway. It's 6000 feet long and 150 feet wide and in excellent condition. There are IFR approaches (if needed) and easy to use self-serve gas pumps. We only filled 997 to the tabs so that we have more flexibility for our next stop. We know it won't be far, but it might be a shorter strip, so the reduced weight will help our landing and takeoff performance.

Bremerton has something that is becoming rare at airport these days, an Airport Diner. We decided to stop for dinner before getting a taxi to town. It's definitely a place for pilots and locals alike. Friday and Saturday are prime rib nights and their fish and chips is an everyday special. We had the cod and it was wonderful and very reasonable. And I love the decor with model aircraft everywhere.

Wayne got us reservations at the Hampton Inn downtown next to the marina and ferry terminal. The cab fare was $27 plus tip, but it positions us perfectly for a walk-on ferry ride to Seattle in the morning. The fare from this side is free but the return is $6.90 for adults. Should be lots of fun before we start our second leg of the trip. -- Margy

Lunch in Birch Bay WA

What to do to celebrate our friend Jeanne's new job? Go to lunch, of course. Mom, my sister MaryLee, Jeanne and I decided to meet in Birch Bay for lunch.

We headed north on I-5 to Birch Bay-Lynden Road. Just a straight shot due west until you reach the ocean. Turn left and in a few short blocks you will see the Shores Restaurant in the Sandcastle at Birch Bay Resort.

The Shores is at 7854 Birch Bay Drive. We opted for an indoor ocean view window booth. The outside deck was a little too breezy even though it was a lovely sunny day. They are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Lunch has lots of northwest theme entrées, sandwiches, soups and salads to choose from. We had the homemade clam chowder, special prime rib sandwich, fish and chips, and fried oysters. The fries were great, with a thin crisp batter coating and piping hot. A cool dip of blue cheese dressing, yum. Warm comfort food for a cool Saturday afternoon.

Looking for a good place for a girls day out, a nice meal with an ocean view or local brew while watching your favorite game or Olympic event? Head for Birch Bay and the Shores Restaurant.

I'm always looking for good suggestions for breakfast, lunch and dinner in the Bellingham area. Got any? -- Margy

Riding the Bow Wave

Last week I shared some sky photos of our ferry crossing to Mukilteo, Washington.

All the way across from Clinton to Mukilteo a flock of seagulls rode the wave of air rising off the front of the ferry. They were amazing to watch.

They would swoop low in front of the bow of the ship and then shoot high up in the air, bank around and do it all over again.

Wayne and I were mesmerized by their antics and wondered how they learned this behaviour. They caught a free ride all the way across from Whidbey Island to the Washington mainland. I'm sure they caught the return ferry run just for the fun of it. -- Margy

Mukilteo Ferry Crossing

Wayne and I decided to use some of our time in the States to go to a USC women's basketball game in Seattle. To get there, the easiest route from Bellingham is directly south on I-5, but this time we had to make a stop on Whidbey Island. We decided to keep on going to the southern tip and take the Clinton-Mulkilteo Ferry across to the mainland.

Whidbey is the largest island in Washington and the fifth largest in the contiguous United States. It claims to be the longest island in the States, but that is often disputed by Long Island in New York. The drive along Highways 20 and 525 is both excellent and beautiful. In the north there's picturesque Deception Pass. On the south island, there are gorgeous peak-a-boo views of the ocean.

At the southern tip of Whidbey Island is the town of Clinton. That is where you catch the ferry to Mukilteo on the mainland. Ferries run every half hour from 4:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. It's a classic design with inside and outside seats on the upper deck. There's not much time to relax, the crossing takes from 15-20 minutes, but head on up for some great views and sky photo opportunities.

We love to go to games at the University of Wasington. We stay at the Silver Cloud Inn in nearby University Village. From there we can walk to all of the sports venues. And for a brew and a bite to eat, we love the Ram Restaurant & Brewery. My kind of place for sure. And the Women of Troy pulled out a victory over the Huskies. Way to go!

Today is Sky Watch Friday. Go to the Sky Watch Friday website and you'll see sky photos from all over the world! -- Margy

Introducing Betty at "Mud Creek Mama"

Wednesday is Friends Day. This week I'm proud to introduce the Blogger Follower who is my most faithful reader. Her name is Betty, better known as Mud Creek Mama at her blog of the same name.


Betty and I bumped into each other online several years ago. We then discovered we lived in the same town, Bellingham, Washington. Because of that, we decided to meet each other in real life. Since that first coffee in Old Fairhaven, we've become very good friends. We love to meet and window shop, especially at a used bookstore called Eclipse.

Here are some of my favourite posts:

• Me Through the Years (get to know Betty)
• Dot (Betty's friend and aunt of a Powell River friend)
• WWU Stretch Training (Betty is faithful at exercise)
• Saturday Market (I love the Farmer's Market)
• Photoshop - My First Picture (Betty loves photography)

Last summer Betty had a wonderful sailing experience on a Tall Ship called the Zodiac. She wrote three exciting posts with pictures: Sailing on the Zodiac, More Pictures from the Zodiac and Last Post from the Zodiac. The Scooner Zodiac provides public and private sailing tours from Bellingham. Betty's was a three-hour tour of the bay. I could feel her excitement through her wonderful pictures and narrative.

Not only is Betty my good friend, but she's also a great fan of Wayne's Coastal BC Stories. She's read all of them and that's quite and accomplishment. Wayne always loves to hear her comments, especially here on the blog.

Betty likes to hike around the lake and woods near her home, bake, garden and take lots of photographs to share on her blog. So, head on over to Mud Creek Mama and say hi to my good friend. You can also visit her at Facebook. -- Margy

Snow in the City

This week I've been in the city. No, not the City of Powell River. I mean the BIG city, Los Angeles. Twice each year I travel south to work for my former school district as a grant writer. It's good for them, I know the district and the grants well. And it's good for me. I get a bit of spending cash.

Wayne and I flew south on Alaska Airlines, hoping for some sun and warmth. But the Arctic front that was freezing BC and the Pacific Northwest followed us. We hate to deny Southern California much needed rain, and snow in the mountains, but why couldn't they schedule it for a different week? Even so, we had a good time including two USC basketball games, a night at the movies, and dinners with old friends like David, and Karl and Lori.

We got back to Bellingham just in time for the first snow storm of the season. We hurried out to the airport this morning to try to fly 997, but we were too late. Just as we pulled her out of the hanger flakes started to fall. It began to stick immediately so back into the hanger she went. This time of year you can't dawdle or you loose. Maybe tomorrow we'll have a short break so we can get up in the air for a short flight. We need it as much as 997. -- Margy

The American Air Campers Association

Do you fly a private airplane? If so, you probably either subscribe to the Flight Guide by Airguide Publications, better known as the Brown Book, or have used one in planning your flights. Today, subscribers got an e-mail from Don Abbott about a new venture he's starting, The American Air Campers Association. It focuses on on a topic that is close to Wayne's and my heart, airplane camping.

If you're familiar with my blog, you know I have a section about flying. Wayne and I love airplane camping. In fact, that's how we originally found our home in Powell River. But that's a whole different story.

He also has an excellent video describing what he's trying to accomplish.



Go visit his website at www.AmericanAirCampers.com for more information. It's a service that is really needed. -- Margy

Keystone Cafe in Eugene

Wayne and I have a favourite breakfast stop when we travel to Eugene, Oregon for USC sporting events. Typically, we head down on a Friday for Saturday games. In the morning, we get up late and want a hearty breakfast to hold us over through the game until dinner. Within easy walking distance from the downtown Hilton is the Keystone Cafe on the corner of Fifth and Lawrence.

The Keystone is a small cafe that serves breakfast and lunch (7:00-3:00) daily. Sit at the counter, at an inside table or out on the covered patio. The menu includes homemade dishes of the kind you remember from "way back when." On the menu you'll also find eggless and Vegan selections. I opted for the daily special with biscuits and gravy. Wayne's "Monster" omelet (appropriate since it was Halloween) was huge and filled with ham, cheese and veggies.

There was a short line when we arrived at 10:30 in the morning. As we waited, we were invited to help ourselves to coffee from the self-serve bar. It didn't take long and we were seated at a table overlooking Fifth Avenue. The service was great considering how busy it was. And of course, it was filled with Oregon fans priming themselves for the USC football game that afternoon. -- Margy

USC vs Oregon Football

Every two years we head down to Eugene for the USC vs Oregon football game. The weather wasn't good enough to fly in 997, so we drove Bertha (Mom's big Buick).

We stay at the Eugene Hilton because it's in walking distance of Autzen Stadium. It's also the choice for the USC Train tour organized by Witfawn for loyal Trojan fans, members of the Trojan Marching Band and cheer squad. If you make it to the hotel early enough on Friday, you can join their outdoor pep rally.

As we walked to the stadium, we stopped under a pedestrian bridge to don our rain gear. Our first stop was the athletic team entrance. An hour and a half before game time, the USC team arrived with their traditional "rock the bus." Then it was off to the tailgate party sponsored by the Portland Alumni Chapter. A dog, a brew and pep rally got us ready for the game. We get our tickets through StubHub so we always end up in "enemy" territory. At least this time we were near the band.

Ducks fans love their team. And they love to cheer (yell-O). Autzen Stadium is famous (infamous) for it's noise level. The last time, they broke the record with 127.2 decibels. It's louder as you get closer to the field and our great seats in row 12 were in the noise danger zone. My ears hurt by halftime! I can't imagine how bad it was on the field! Even though the USC players said the noise wasn't a factor, the Ducks were victorious. -- Margy

Harbor Freight Tools

Our friends Ken and Sam from Gibsons have given us some great tips. A recent one was to check out Harbor Freight Tools.

Several times each year, Wayne and I travel to Oregon for USC sporting events. There are two Harbor Freight Tools stores along the way, one in Salem (4675 Portland Road #170) and another in Eugene (2165 W. 7th Avenue). I'm sure there's a store near you. If not, they have a thriving online business.

Harbor Freight Tools is like a "candy store" for people who need and love tools and outdoor products. I think our good friend John might even consider coming to the States to visit one. And that's saying something. There's so much variety you have to walk the aisles to look and touch. And don't let the name trick you, it's not just boating items, even though they have those as well. And the prices are amazing. As their website says, since 1978 they have "set out to make it easier for the working man and woman to get the best value on top-quality tools."

Why would we choose to shop in Oregon? There's no sales tax. So turning a sports road trip into a shopping trip makes lots of sense. What we save in tax pays for part of our stay. FIGHT (and shop) ON! -- Margy

Skagit Regional Airport

One of the benefits of returning to Bellingham is flying our airplane, 997. While we're in Powell River, she patiently waits in her hangar for an aerial excursion.

It's blazing hot right now, so we got up early to beat the density altitude. Wayne went to the hangar yesterday to plug in the battery charger. With all that sitting, 997 sometimes gets tired of waiting. There are so many benefits of having a hangar.

Today's flight was multi-purpose. We wanted to get current with our take-offs and landings, we wanted to exercise 997 and all of her systems, and we wanted to heat up the oil to make it easier for a change. Our next visit to the States will include a long distance flight to Los Angeles and we want to be ready to go. So, our destination of choice was Skagit Regional Airport.

Skagit (KVBS) is located thirty miles southeast of Bellingham. It's on the coastal plain near the mouth of the Skagit River and Padilla Bay. The elevation is 144 feet (43.9 metres) and Runway 10/28 is 5477 feet (1669 metres) long. That was good considering the density altitude and 997's performance requirements. Skagit can be a busy place on weekends with student pilots and visiting aviators, but today was a quiet Tuesday morning. Just right for our touch and go needs.

After some much needed exercise for 997 and practice for her pilots, we headed back to our home base in Bellingham (KBLI). First we gassed up from the Bellingham Aviation Services truck (check into their fuel discount program) and then started a quick drain while the oil was hot and thin.

Then it was time for 997 to settle in for another a long summer's nap. Sleep well and dream about your trip to the big city! - Margy