Island Estuary B&B- Ladysmith, B. C.

302 Roland Road

Ladysmith, B. C., V9G 1X8

(250) 245-0665

We were out and about discovering new Bed and Breakfasts and arrived by bicycle, our adventurous efforts being well rewarded.  Our choice of the B&B in Ladysmith truly an oceanside gem should be kept a secret; but can only be enjoyed by sharing.

The three upper sitting rooms are self contained, spacious and well appointed.  Each room has a large picture window allowing scenic views of the coastal water way.  Busy silent tug boats buzz about, like water bugs, hauling booms to and fro at five in the morning.  A detached suite, ‘the cottage, above the garage is also availablefor those choosing a long stay vacation.

A leisurely breakfast is taken in the dining room; gracefully attended to by our hostess, Lynda as she responds with cheerful patter about local interests.  Lynda, a chef, offers cooking lessons, in a retreat style atmosphere, for those party hosts wanting to enhance their knowledge and skills .  A packed lunch is available for patrons who wish to attend one of the many recommended local activities advertised through out the area.

Down the railway tracks to the station and we were off on an excursion to the town of Quallicum, via the E and N railway train.  Once there, with a two hour lay over, we had ample time for lunch, shopping and some touring.  Good restaurants abound, our favourite is, Gary”s, and shopping is easy and tranquil in Quallicum.

We returned to Ladysmith later that evening and attended dinner at a fashionable restaurant in town.  Our jovial hosts welcomed us back for another good nights rest and a bon voyage in the morning after a delightful breakfast.

For more information about bookings go to; Islandestuary.ca

To view more adventures of, “The Blooms”(c), comicstrip left click once on the thumbnail, top left.

Classic Chilli

1 1/2 lbs ground beef

1/2 lb side bacon- diced

2 medium onions; one diced, one chunked

1 green bell pepper- diced

1 red bell pepper- diced

1 yellow bell pepper- diced

1 can diced plum tomatoes

1 can red kidney beans- drained

Chilli pepper to taste

Sautee ground beef adding a little at a time to kepp pan hot and not stew the meat, then drain off liquid.  Fry bacon also adding a little at the time.  Drain off some of the fat through a seive, save a little for flavour.  Sweat onions in frying pan, start with chunked first then adding fine chopped.  Into a large stew pot add all cooked ingredients plus drained kidney beans and the diced plum tomatoes.  Season with chilli powder, a little at the time, strength of chilli varies with brand name.  Simmer for 1/2 hour then add peppers for last 1/2 hour to keep them firm.  Check chilli flavour and adjust.

Serve with garlic toast.