All packed up and ready to leave the RV Park by 7 am. Today it is Peter’s Birthday in Australia. Noah has already decided that we (those who have birthdays away) get two days to celebrate.

We needed an early start to catch the BC Ferry from Departure Bay, back to Horseshoe Bay, Vancouver. The scenic journey taking 1hr 40 minutes, 30 nautical miles.

As we arrived at the ferry terminal early we thought we might make an early departure. Unfortunately, this was not to be, we were the ONLY vehicle that did not make it.

Not a problem, a relaxing breakfast before we boarded the 7.45 am ferry.

Although an announcement of a sighting from the captain, we did not see any whales on the crossing.

After our arrival in Vancouver, we drove up to Cypress Mountain and absorbed the beautiful view of Vancouver from Cypress Provincial Park.

The last time we were in Vancouver, three years ago, for three days, I was very sick and did not leave the room, except to go to the Japanese restaurant across the road, once.

I am looking forward to seeing more…

Onto our campsite for tonight, Burnaby Cariboo RV Park. Once settled in we decided to start the process of getting an updated x-ray on Wes’s arm as the doctor wanted to make sure the arm was healing as planned.

Pete found a walk-in doctor not far, with a reasonable waiting time and then it was onto the imaging center for the x-ray.

No Uber here in Vancouver, relying on taxis, which at this stage have been reliable.

The process was relatively smooth. Although from a non-medical perspective, the x-ray did not look good, the bone looked like it had moved. I hope the doctor is happy with the progress, I don’t think I could watch Wes go through any more pain.

Across the road from the imaging centre for a very early Japanese dinner and then back in a taxi to the RV Park.

I managed to lose my GK Endurance cap…

A relaxing evening in the motorhome ready for the big Peter Brown’s birthday tomorrow.

Ready for the ferry…

Relaxing on the ferry

Beautiful Vancouver

Cypress Provincial Park

Better without me in it!

Sightseeing

Welcome to Vancouver

Busy Vancouver

Dinner

Leaving Rondalyn Resort

Will we make the early ferry?

No Whales Today

We were woken during the night by two loud sirens followed by emergency sirens. After looking outside and finding no movement at all I turned over and hoped for the best…

On researching in the morning I found that they were fire sirens. A longstanding tradition, alerting the community’s volunteer firefighters to head to the hall for a call-out.

I was just glad they were not tsunami sirens…

Apparently, there is a discussion at the moment in regards to their modern-day use. I get the traditional aspect and all but since the invention of the telephone, you would think that would be a better means of communication?

Maybe save the sirens for a catastrophic emergency, like a tsunami, earthquake, the whole town is going to burn down…

Although, I can see both the positives and the negatives, and you know what they say, ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’…

Today we say goodbye to our two-night, slightly of the grid stay in Crofton.

As we were leaving the town we witnessed the strangest sight, a deer crossing the road on an actual crosswalk.  A very safety conscious deer…

A short drive and stop at the quirky town of Cowichan Bay where we were very happy to discover a real bakery, with fresh bread and fresh sweet and savoury pastries.

Plus, we found a cafe that sold real sausage rolls. We could not believe our eyes, nor could our stomachs which encouraged us to almost buy the shop out.

A pie yesterday, sausage rolls today AND I had vegemite on my toast this morning. All we need is a lamington and my Aussie food cravings would be complete.

A slow walk back to the motorhome basking in our bakery food coma.

Onto the bigger harbour town of Nanaimo where the locals were enjoying the beautiful day, both the ones with homes and hopefully to some extent, the homeless, in their railway siding campsite.

Unfortunately or maybe, fortunately, we were unable to get a park for the motorhome. Nanaimo was a drive through exploration only.

Back on the road and onto our campsite for tonight in Rondalyn Ladysmith, a Parkbridge Camping and RV Resort.

We were hot and tired and spent the afternoon relaxing in the motorhome.

Cowichan Bay

More Shenanigans!

A gorgeous sunny day

Harbour Houses

Cute Houseboats

No room for parking errors

First Nations Heritage

Nanaimo, no stopping…

Rondalyn Resort

Ready to explore

Relaxing in the RV

River running past the resort

Enjoying the scenery

How life stops nowadays when there is no internet. No internet, no planning, no blog, no happy Browns.

As we were up early, Pete went to the Rec Room where you can access the internet connection and I stayed with the boys. A lovely short internet free walk across the bridge where we found an outdoor gym.

After Pete returned to the RV we made the small stroll to the BC Ferry Station to board the Ferry, Neptune, to the port of Vesuvius, on the small island of Salt Spring (Gulf Islands).

A quick enjoyable flat ferry ride. On arrival, we discovered that the transit bus only had limited pick up times as it was a Saturday. Sounds like sightseeing in Western Australia…

After waiting almost an hour we did manage to find a taxi number. After phoning we were advised “it was on its way”, however, in the end, the shuttle came before the taxi, which we took.

Into the small, busy, busy village of Ganges. A nice walk around the town and the huge farmer’s markets which were all crammed with locals and tourists.  Crowds are really not our thing…

With waiting lists at restaurants up to an hour, we decided to try the local supermarket and we found, pies, meat pies…

They had to be microwaved but they were still delish! And with tomato sauce.

We ate them in a small park overlooking Ganges Harbour.

Now we just needed to work out how to get back to the small ferry port. The next shuttle did not leave until 4 pm. We were hoping to get the 2 pm ferry.

Our only option, take our chance on the taxi service and this time we were in luck. The taxi arrived at the ferry in time, no waiting and back to Crofton, Osborne Bay.

All to the Rec Room where we spent the following few hours working out the next places to explore on our Canadian adventure. Oh and a quick load of washing.

Looks like we cannot be fussy, all of the RV Parks are very full.

Good Morning Noah, again!

Morning Walks

Osborne Bay Resort

A little rest…

Outdoor Gym

Walking to the ferry

Timber Cargo

Dude!

Crofton Marina

Waiting for the ferry

Ferry Shenanigans

Off to Salt Spring Island

Busy Farmer’s Market

Sea Planes

Salt Spring Island

Brothers

Dinner

A chilly start to the morning trying to find an internet connection and waiting for Noah and Wes to wake up. We must be the only parents of a 6 and 7-year-old who are awake before them.

Time to pack up the motorhome and drive into Victoria (the capital of British Columbia) and to the shopping centre meeting point where we will catch up with Jeff Bevington, an old Buccs player who spent five seasons playing in Geraldton.

A McDonald’s stop before our 10 am meeting time. Not healthy, however, a quick meal option.

Jeff arrived, and he very kindly spent the day with us, showcasing the beautiful sights of his city, Victoria.

A drive to a lovely lookout, Beacon Hill Park, and fun for the boys at the goat petting zoo, where we found the luckiest one-eyed goat on earth.

Onto downtown Victoria, for a beautiful walk around the marina and a light lunch.

The city is gorgeous, the day perfect and it was lovely to meet and spend time with Jeff.

Hopefully one day he and his family will come back and visit old friends in Geraldton.

As Jeff was driving away I remembered I had forgotten to take a nice photo of our day together. I did take video footage, please excuse the snapshot, and Jeff, so so sorry!

Back in the motorhome and to our destination for tonight, Osborne Bay Resort. It is a small park on the Osborne Bay in the timber town of Crofton.

Into our designated campsite and then, Oh… no sewer. Out of the campsite and back to the central sani-station. As we were back on the road we decided to see what options we had in the area for dinner. We found a lovely café, enjoyed a light meal and then continued back to the campground.

No internet at the campground, electricity, and water only. We are semi off the grid…

Lucky One-eyed Goat

Beachcomber RV Park

Brushing the goats

Wessy

Scenic Marina

A Carriage Ride?

Relaxing in the sun

Street Art

Where Wes shops now…

Driving the Vancouver Island roads

Bye Bye Beachcomber

Sea Planes

Parliament

Victoria

Osborne Bay Resort

Tonight’s Camp Spot

View from the RV

Relaxing

Cuties…

A Beautiful Day

Watching the animals

Jeff, we forgot the photo!

Up early with a load of washing and to my delight, it was free at this RV Park, win, win.

All packed up and back on Interstate 5 North. Not wanting to violate any visa requirements, this time we are driving to the Canadian border. We are hoping to be able to secure a camp spot on Vancouver Island for a few nights.

Across the border and into British Columbia, Canada and directly to the ferry terminal. We had missed the 11 am departure (it was full), however, it looked like we could possibly make the 12 pm departure and if not, the 1 pm was all ours.

In the end, we boarded the 12 pm departure and we were all secured for our BC Ferry ride to Victoria and Vancouver Island.

A lovely scenic, relaxing trip.

Off the ferry and onto our campsite for tonight, Beachcomber RV Park. It is gorgeous and directly on the Haro Strait with our camp spot overlooking the beautiful ocean.

The boys spent the afternoon fossicking and chasing crabs in the rocky beach and I sat in the sun, enjoying the afternoon and ready my book AND running from the occasional friendly deer.

Good Morning Noah!

Driving to the border

Border Control

Queuing for the ferry

We have arrived into Canada

Relaxing on the Ferry

It fits a few vehicles…

Gorgeous Scenery

Brown Boys

Enjoying the Ride

BC Ferries

All tucked in

Our Welcome Party

Enjoying the Sun

Tonight’s RV Park

Haro Strait

Our friend is back

Having Fun

Looking for crabs

Beachcomber RV Park

All Good!

Up early this morning clearing emails and updating the blog.

After re-reading a few of our posts, I have noticed that I have not mentioned what a supportive big brother Noah has been.

In as proud as we have been of the courage that Wes has shown, we have also been as proud of Noah in how he has stepped up and supported his brother and his Dad and Mum throughout the whole situation. He has been helpful, never complained, taken on more responsibilities and made us all laugh when things have gotten a little tough…

Pete and I are both very lucky to have such wonderful boys. Who still do drive us completely crazy at times :-).

A nice morning ride around the RV Park for Noah and myself, before our 8.45 am campsite departure.

Onto the Interstate 5 North where we remained for most of the day.

Our scenery was filled with rolling hills, farms, vineyards and lots of fast cars.

We whizzed through Salem and Portland and then across the border into the state of Washington. Portland just happened to be right on the border, I roll my eyes…

A stop at Longview for groceries and lunch and then back on busy Interstate 5 North.

Onto Tacoma where the heavy traffic started, through Seattle, where the traffic continued, until we reached our destination for tonight, Emerald Springs RV Park in Arlington, Washington.

An average meal down the road at the Buzz Inn Steakhouse, however, it was nice to leave the motorhome for a while.

A nice cool evening to sleep without the buzz of the air conditioner or heater.

Tipi

Lounging Around

Nice Morning Bike Ride

Selfies

Boeing Factory

Busy Portland

Crossing Portland Bridges

Welcome to Seattle

Busy Seattle

Happy Campers?

Snow Capped Mountains

Dinner

Buzz Inn Streakhouse

Emerald Springs RV Park

A nice start to the morning (with no unexpected emails) and with a lovely run around the cute Grants Pass streets, Noah joining me on his bike.

Grants Pass is one of the few towns we have found with decent footpaths or sidewalks.

We decided to drive into town early for Wes’ appointment. This time we could not get an earlier spot and relaxed in the motorhome until our scheduled time.

The doctor was happy with how Wes’ arm is mending and a full cast was to be put on. Wes chose his favourite colour and is now walking around with a bright green cast.

Yet again Wes was amazing, I don’t think I have heard him complain once throughout this whole process.

And yet again Dr Doud and the nurses were amazing, all so very thorough, professional and kind.

We have been very lucky to encounter such a brilliant medical team in an unfortunate situation and we could not be more grateful.

Onto downtown, Grants Pass to try and find a slip to cover Wes’ arm while he showers. He is starting to pong and needs soap…

Unfortunately, we were unsuccessful and it will be another sponge bath for him tonight, however, we did find a lovely Thai restaurant for lunch.

Back on the road and back onto Interstate 5 North for 200kms or so until we reached our destination for tonight, Eugene Premier RV Resort.

Time to set up camp and then Peter cooked us a lovely BBQ for dinner.

It has been a big day for Wes, and for the rest of us too. We are just very glad our little boy is happy and on the mend.

Here’s my green cast

On the Interstate 5 North

Family Support

Waiting for the doctor

Love these bears!

Driving through mountains

Eugene Premier RV Resort

Happy Brave Wessy

Walking Grants Pass

Amazing Wes

Cute as a button homes

Big Brother Support

Gorgeous GP Houses

Morning Ride/Run with this gorgeous boy

Wes, you champ!

Nurse Peter?

Amazing Nurses

Dr Doud

This morning I woke in a cheerful disposition until I read my emails and one was from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, advising me my I-94 visa was about to expire and that I only had 10 days to leave, before my admission to the USA would expire…

What the??? What is an I-94 Visa???

I spent the next two hours on hold to be told (although, very nicely) that I needed to be in contact with the local Deferred Inspection Site.  My closest office being Portland or Seattle, here are the contact numbers.

Needless to say, I was starting to get slightly stressed, however, Customs and Border Protection had been helpful so far…

I phoned the Portland office, a grumpy man who I can say would have been 99.999999% wearing a uniform, answered and advised me that I needed to fax all of the details and passport and visa information to the office which they would then review. And, I better do it now because it can take up to two weeks. And, why, why-why would we be away for 7 months, what could we be doing?

Really, a fax, who uses a FAX? He would not even entertain the idea of emailing the information through and appointments? They don’t do appointments.

I thought I should give the Seattle office a call, maybe being a bigger office they might have more advanced technology ie. email, appointments…

Another very grumpy man answered and I am absolutely sure he was wearing a uniform. His conversation started by telling me that they could not even begin to help me as I am not in Washington State and even when I told him I could be in Seattle, he still persisted to tell me that I needed to contact Portland.

The good thing was that even though he kept telling me he couldn’t help, he did keep answering my questions.

He also proceeded to tell me that he did not believe me that the email I received was from Customs and Border Protection and there is NO WAY they would send an email out like that.

Umm, just a little note sir, as per your countries Customs and Border Protection website:

CBP Reminds Travelers of Time Remaining in the US with Expanded I-94 Website Feature and Email Notifications

Release Date: 

January 5, 2018

WASHINGTON — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) launched two new traveler compliance initiatives today to make it easier for Visa Waiver Program (VWP) travelers to check the status of their stay in the United States and remain in compliance with the terms of their admission. A new feature added to the I-94 website under the “View Compliance” tab allows VWP travelers to check the status of their admission to the United States. This check will inform travelers of the number of days remaining on their lawful admission or the number of days they have remained past their admitted until date. In addition, CBP will now send an email notification to VWP travelers who are still in the United States 10 days prior to the expiration of their lawful admission period. CBP has taken these proactive steps to help inform and remind travelers of the terms of their admission and to prevent travelers from overstaying.

Maybe he didn’t get the memo because it wasn’t faxed…

Reading or hearing between the lines, I think what has happened is: when we returned to the USA (into New York) from Cuba, the officer entered Noah and myself under an I-94 (Visa Waiver Program) instead of the B2 Visa. This gave us only 3 months entry instead of 6 months. Noah is not even covered under a current Visa Waiver Program, only the B2 Visa.

Unfortunately, I did not pick this up, which I should have been on top of.

As soon as Wes’ arm has been given the all clear we will drive to Portland, Seattle and then onto Vancouver and as long as Noah and I leave the country by the 26 July I am hoping we should be fine.

Sorting it out at the border is our only option, there is not a chance I would risk trying to get any help from Portland or Seattle. They have made me feel like a liar and a criminal and are clearly not on top of their job, I am scared they will lock me up! Ok, maybe a bit dramatic.

Give an American a uniform…

I understand the need to defend their borders, but it is not necessary to be rude and intimidating, particularly to an Australian women traveling with her husband and two young boys, I am not exactly a big threat.

I mean really, beautiful country America but completely broken. I don’t think you would find many Australians who would want to swap and live here, for good.

And another thing (which I did tell one of the officers), I know Americans cannot fathom the idea of traveling for 7 months, they wouldn’t have the time or money (when minimum wages can be as low as $2.50 an hour) or even want. BUT it is not uncommon for Australians and visitors from other countries to do this.

Countries who pay proper wages and are interested in exploring different parts of the world…

Oh, and we have been traveling for a while, many places we go to are very sad and concerned about the state of their economy, we are visitors, spending money, in your economy, do you not want our money…

I may have forgotten to mention that the first ‘young’ gentlemen at the Customs and Border Protection helpdesk I spoke to (as lovely and concerned as he was, take note ‘old uniform intimidating’ men), told me he could not really understand what I was talking about because ‘he really didn’t travel’. Please, somebody in this position might need some knowledge on how traveling in and out of a country works, using a passport?

Ok, enough of the rant. Noah and I did go for a lovely run along the gorgeous green streets and houses into town this morning.

Some of the houses had the wonderful book swap box outside. I love this idea but I doubt they would last 5 minutes in Geraldton without being vandalised.

Oh Gee, I really am a negative Nancy today.

The temperature today will reach 39 degrees, Aussie degrees, the hot stuff.

Pete and Noah went for a short ride in the heat.

Wes and I tried to stay as cool as it can be in the motorhome.

Across the road in the steaming heat for a delicious dinner at an American style Japanese restaurant, Matsukaze. A nice surprise.

Back to the motorhome to relax. Hopefully, Wes’ arm goes well and we can get out of here, after today I am ready to leave the USA…for a while…

Morning Ride

Welcome to Grants Pass

Bears Everywhere!

Fatty Fast Food

I love these tables

Take a book

Matsukaze Japanese Restaurant

A foggy cool start to the morning. Apparently, it can rain over 100 days straight here in North Bend. Maybe I would take that courtesy shuttle the 200 meters…

We have decided to travel all the way back to Grants Pass today ready for Wes’ appointment on Tuesday. It is a bigger town, there may be more to do…

An 8.30 am RV Resort departure and then onto Oregon 42 East for 102 kms.

We drove along the winding roads, passed gorgeous farmlands, timber yards, and timber towns.

Through the beautiful mountains and through the small mountain towns of Coquille, Myrtle Point, Bridge and Camas Valley.

The boys played lovely together in the back with their brand new Jurassic Park Lego.

Onto Interstate 5 South for another 89 kms and a small stop in Myrtle Creek for gas and lunch in our motorhome at the supermarket carpark.

Just as we were leaving Myrtle Creek the skies turned black with short flashes of thunder and lightning.

We could not even remember the last time we saw any rain and this rain did not hang around either.

A short walk around the historic Grants Pass township (being a Sunday, other than antique shops, everything else was closed) before checking into our campsite for tonight, Rogue Valley Overniters, Grants Pass.

A lazy Sunday afternoon watching TV in the motorhome. I could not face the cluster of fast food establishments outside, no more fatty food and was happy to cook a simple penne bolognese for dinner.

Bears, bears, bears

Antique Stores

Crossing Rivers

Rain? Think that’s a spot.

Weather coming in…

Historic Grants Pass

Farmlands

Crazy Kids

Winding Roads

Herbs…

Street Art

Enough Fatty Food

A lazy start to the morning with two cups of coffee in my sleeping bag, on my couch bed, made by my husband, bliss. It is all about the simple things…

AND a lovely jog around the marina and beach watching clam diggers with my eldest, bliss, bliss.

We had booked two nights at the Charleston Marina RV Park and were, therefore, taking a relaxed start to the morning. Until the Brown boys were unhappy with their breakfast choices and service and it was time to move on…

A quick load of washing (no hurry, we are not going to get our money back) and then time to pack up the motorhome and get back on the road, down the road, 10kms, to The Mill Casino Hotel & RV Park in North Bend.

Along the way, we stopped at Walmart in Coos Bay for Noah and Wes to spend the money Nana and Pop had generously given to them and have lunch in the motorhome, in the Walmart carpark.

Before settling into our new campground we had a nice walk around the antique and gun shops (scary) in timber-producing, North Bend and then a stroll to view the short boardwalk along the Coos Bay.

Onto the RV Park and we have a site overlooking the Coos Bay, with replicas of the historic tall ships the Lady Washington & the Hawaiian Chieftain sailing past and firing cannons. Apparently, historically, Coos Bay built more tall ships than any other port in Oregon and another little fact for you, the Lady Washington has appeared in several movies including, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl.

An observational note: in Oregon, it is legal for adults 21 and older to purchase, possess and use recreational marijuana. Without sounding too judgemental, you can tell…

A walk down the 200 meter (being generous) RV driveway (walk not the shuttle. Do Americans know what legs are for?) to The Mill Casino for a quick wander through the Casino, the prominent casino aroma automatically surrounding us.

And then across the road to the Momiji Japanese Restaurant for a very delicious Japanese Meal. Pete described it as ‘up there with the best Japanese food’ he had ever eaten. I had to remind him that although it was very good, we have been eating some very average and questionable meals. In comparison to our recent ‘American Food’ experiences, Momiji is the Nobu of North Bend.

In saying that, I was open to staying here another night, purely on the fact we could eat at Momiji Japanese Restaurant one more time…

North Bend

Cute old town streets

Antique Shopping

Boardwalking

Brown’s Everywhere!

Gun Shopping, anyone?

Historic Tall Ships

Historic North Bend

Coos Bay

The Mill Casino Hotel and RV Park

Momiji Japanese Restaurant

More Evening Tall Ship Sailing

Dinner

Smelly Casino