Chasing Clean Air

California Take Me Home

San Juan Island naps in a gray veil of moisture that hangs thick in the air like my cold.

A Japanese cargo ship glides by,  gray undulating water. 

A lone seagull soars.

Blue skies intrude upon gray clouds.

I watch as patches of blue and gray fight to win control of the massive sky quilt above Victoria. Many potential tourists wait in the balance. Residents wait and watch, too.

We watch the sky. 

I want blue to win, California take me home!

The sky is wet. Heavy.

Raindrops. Thick, down, faster.

I watch beyond the guest bedroom window. After several days of feeling miserably sick, coughing, thick, and wet, and sick of being sick far from home, I discover beyond my chest and loud baritone hacking, a more interesting reality where the sky and water change moment by moment.

It is beautiful to watch this view: Cordova Bay, gray blue water & San Juan Island, a backdrop--like a sacred jewel.

Under the weather, I got to experience Canadian medical clinics where I was diagnosed with a sinus infection and now I'm on antibiotics. The weather in Victoria is currently cold and rainy, I'd be dishonest to say I'm loving the weather. I miss the sun. Feeling sick doesn't help any. Better news soon.

Victoria YMCA

Just finished spinning class and weights at YMCA, and I can say that while there's much hyberpole about fit societies, and Victoria claims to be one of the fittest cities in North America, I agree. Everywhere I looked at the Y, I saw buff men and women, looking as good or better than people pumping iron in a Los Angeles or New York gym.

Adventure To Clean Air At Pacific Sands Beach Resort: Heart of The Pacific Rim

My legs kicked up on the wooden table, facing the Pacific Ocean.

I was in the Pacific Sands Resort suite looking beyond  sliding glass doors to the Pacific ocean and surfers, which Tofino is known for.

It's also home to the magnificent Pacific Rim National Park, a temperate rain forest with towering cedars and hemlocks--many 500-1000 years old.

Located on the rugged west coast of Vancouver Island, The Pacific Sand's Resort at Cox Bay is a reprieve from civilization without leaving the luxuries of civilization behind.

My suite was decorated with subtle forest greens and tan. Very calming. There was a full-kitchen, dining area, fireplace, comfortable bed, rain slickers (just in case, but once again I brought the sun) TV, and excellent internet connection, which was complimentary.

I watched surfers fight the wind, ride massive waves, strengthening their thighs on a natural high before I went for a few easy hikes in the rain forest.

I personally chose the Pacific Sands Beach Resort because when given a choice I go with the company that strives to save natural resources.

The Pettinger family founded the resort in 1973 and prioritized saving natural resources. Recycling, buying furniture and other amenities from local sources, and providing geothermal renewable energy to heat and cool their 40 acre resort located on the crescent-shaped Cox Bay, a quiet place where people spend hours each day, are some initiatives they took.

Dave Pettinger told me that the family invested in a renewable geothermal energy system, which removes heat from a few feet below the earth's surface. The TRAK Canada's geoexchange approach, provides heating and cooling simultaneously by using the same equipment.

Because the geoexchange heat pump "system" efficiently utilizes ground energy, the Pettingers' energy bills are less than half the cost of natural gas. And they heat up fast.

No waiting for a warm shower.

Pacific Sands Beach Resort is open year-round with room rates beginning at $CDN 175, which for Americans based on today's exchange rate will be 20% less.

All suites and villas come with fully-loaded kitchens and ocean views from a private patio or deck.

Dave recently built multi-level suites overlooking the ocean, with multiple rooms, a sunken tub, gorgeous kitchen and ocean views.

It's a great getaway for two couples or two families to enjoy at a reasonable rate and unreasonable view.

The Pacific Rim National Park offers many trails, and I took Schooner Cove, a long stretch of scenic beach at the north end of Long Beach. I also took in a panoramic view of archipelago and mountains at Radar Hill, a high point. 

This is Grey Whale migration season and had I been up for the boat cruise, it's the thing to do this time of year, especially during the Pacific Rim Whale Festival, March 14-22, 2009.

 April 2009 is the month of the Flying Geese and Great Grey Whale Migration.

Tens of thousands of birds and wildfowl reach the West Coast for their annual migration. 

Hiking On Slippery Rocks Above Crashing Waves in Tofino

I am a woman born and bred in the city, who happens to prefer breathing clean air.

So I search and find clean air in the most remote places and situations like in Tofino on Vancouver Island.

I traversed a vertical peak of wet rocks leading to a cliff. 

"Please, may I help you?" he asked.

The heel of my hiking boot slipped.

The ocean crashed below.

I gripped $2000 worth of camera equipment, as I teetered half-way up the vertical peak. 

"Oh, yes! Please do help!" I shrilled, pleased an Ocean-Going Prince Charming answered my unspoken call.

I imagined he took my hand as I recalled...

I am a woman born and bred in the city. I am accustomed to the hot Southern California sun, the sort that can fry an egg on a Hollywood side-walk. And water? That's what kids learn about in history books.

California's in a drought that threatens agriculture, drinking fountains and my ability to maneuver walking up cold, wet, slippery cliffs with camera gear.

I could use a prince charming.

And behold.

My Ocean-Going Prince Charming had penetrating eyes that seemed to say,

"I understand your vulnerability. Lean on me."

He wrapped one strong arm around my waist, and with his other hand he carried $2000 worth of my Canon and Nikon camera equipment up the ocean-sprayed, moss covered rocks to ensure we'd both enjoy the view at the top of Sunset Point above Cox Bay known for big waves and virulent winds.

Walking on the equivalent of banana peels would be damned--I mean, irrelevant--for together we'd make it to the top for a Pacific Ocean view like all Ocean-Going Prince Charmings and princesses do. 

My life and equipment would be spared. 

I'd learn my Ocean-Going Prince Charming's strong arms were born from years of building cabinets in the city of Victoria. I was grateful for the years of his cabinet building, for without his strength, I'd have nothing to support my gentle weight born of sticking to a vegan diet that included radishes, rainbow chard, and lentil soup.

The Magnolia Hotel & Spa: A Romantic Clean Air Getaway in Victoria

I just cashed in American dollars for Canadian, underscoring how affordable travel to Canada is right now. For every $100 I exchanged I got a bit over $120. So if you're considering clean air Victoria-- British Columbia's crown jewel and capital--may I suggest this may be your time.

Upon arrival, I checked into the European-style boutique hotel--The Magnolia Hotel & Spa--which I highly recommend for a romantic getaway or business trip.

The top two floors have the sort of views that take your breath away with the best of architectural and natural beauty. There's The Empress Hotel and spectacular Parliament Building, and the Inner Harbour with its assortment of boats, including tall ships. Sounds of seagulls enriched the fresh air.

When not overcast, the skies offered rich hues of blue, indigo, and swirling purples, which when lucky were especially special around sunset.

In addition to views, the top two floors at The Magnolia offer fireplaces to warm your romantic soul and body situated in elegance with warm dark wood decor and floor to ceiling windows.

Speaking of romance, next month Magnolia's Spa reopens and will offer his and her massages--where you can hold hands when inspired. Ask about Magnolia's specials.

Right now they're offering a getaway package, which includes breakfast, passes to nearby Royal BC Museum, (I loved museum, reviewed here), and complimentary parking, fitness center, and internet access.

Yes, if you're like me and need to stay connected, The Magnolia makes it easy, offering free internet access with either cable or wireless at a comfortable desk with high-back chair. But you probably won't want to stay online too long because Victoria offers much to do.

You'll be in walking distance to The Empress Hotel, BC Royal Museum, Big Bus, shopping, restaurants, and the Maritime Museum of British Columbia... another must see. You can read my review here. There's Beacon Park, walks along the waterfront, renting electric bikes, and more.

I'd be remiss not to mention, The Magnolia Hotel & Spa is launching the Prime Steak House, which will have an extensive wine list to go with Alberta steaks. If you're vegetarian, there will be other choices on the menu. Or you might try local vegan restaurants Green Cuisine at Market Square at 560 Johnson Street or Lotus Pond on Johnson Street. ReBar is a colorful vegetarian restaurant at Bastion Square, a few blocks from hotel. 

To find out more about The Magnolia Hotel & Spa, click here.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure to subscribe to the Chasing Clean Air RSS feed!