Cheezies, Coastlines and Catch-Ups: Porsche Road Trip

We loaded up the Porsche, tossed a few bags of Hawkins Cheezies in (the true VIP), and set off on a BC road trip full of friends, ferries, and wine-fueled reunions. Here’s how it all unfolded…

May 3 – Road Tripping & Borderline Curiosity

We hit the road mid-morning, Cheezies in hand and the Okanagan Connector + Coquihalla serving up smooth sailing all the way to White Rock. Before we knew it, we were pulling up to Scott and Shelli’s place, greeted with hugs, conversation, and a stroll around their neighbourhood—complete with a casual ditch separating Canada from the US. Yes, a ditch. Border guards were watching, but still, it felt more like a golf hazard than an international boundary.

Shelli introduced me to the wonders of the Dr. Ho TENS unit for my sciatic back drama. Intriguing little gadget—I may be adding one to the next Costco cart. Snacks including Cheezies were snarfed while watching the NHL playoffs. Exciting game!

Dinner was lovely, capped off with a surprise birthday cake. How special is that? Feeling spoiled already.

May 4 – Cinnamon, Steps & Sips

The day kicked off with coffee… plus cinnamon. How did we forget this genius move from our last visit? A longer walk followed (we earned our wine), then we headed off for Scott and Shelli’s very first wine tasting at Township 7 Winery. Their main location is close to home on the Naramata Bench.

The evening brought another delicious dinner at their place, and a quick pop-by visit from Carmen, Regan and their kids. Full hearts and full glasses.

May 5 – Protect the Porsche & Island Life Begins

After breakfast and heartfelt goodbyes, we headed to the ferry. Let’s just say Neil was slightly nervous about the cars parking near the Porsche—if he could’ve bubble-wrapped it, he would have. But all was fine. No dents, no drama.

We zipped off to Gerry and Joanne’s in Victoria. Wine was poured on their sunny back patio, followed by a walk through the forest around Mount Douglas and a stunning beach stroll at low tide. Supper? Divine. Wine, Calvados, and a homemade apple galette that made us think – how lucky are we to have friends that like food and wine as much as us. And they have Cheezies in their cupboard! True friends for life!

May 6 – Paella Dreams & Thrift Store Schemes

We started our day with croissants, lattes, and yes, more galette—because why not? After gathering a few last-minute ingredients (and a mandatory thrift shop stop), Gerry fired up his special paella burner. You just know Neil’s going to want one now.

That night turned into a lively gathering with Phil and Jan Grewar, Gerry’s son Kevin, his wife Jane, and their kids Ellie and George. Wine flowed, Calvados returned, and Gerry’s paella stole the show.

May 7 – Wineries, Walks & West Coast Snacking

Coffee catch-up with George and Bonnie near Cook Street Village at their new place. Then we joined Gerry and Joanne for a drive up the Malahat for lunch at Unsworth Winery—grilled Caesar salad and chowder? Yes, please.

Next up: wine tasting at Blue Grouse Winery, followed by a quiet evening back at Gerry and Joanne’s. Quiet… but not snackless. Duck fat rosemary popcorn, smoked salmon with pressed yogurt, capers, shallots—the whole west coast appetizer vibe. We are thriving.

May 8 – Ferry Crossings & Fancy Feasts

No lazy morning today—we caught the 10 a.m. ferry and cruised into downtown Vancouver to check into the Sylvia Hotel, a gem we last visited in 2006. Still charming. Still perfectly located.

We wandered Gastown for a look at the famous steam clock (still steaming), then hit the Banksy art exhibition—quirky and interesting. Dinner at Aquafarina absolutely wowed us. Service, food, wine cellar, ambience: 10/10. On the walk back, we detoured into Bacchus Wine Bar at the Wedgewood Hotel because… it had been 12 years. A Basil Gin Smash may have appeared. You may notice, I love architecture!

May 9 – Stanley Park & Stocking the Pantry

A lazy breakfast and check-out led us through Stanley Park for old times’ sake. Then, a serious food-lover’s mission: Gourmet Warehouse (heaven for kitchen nerds) and Bosa Italian Foods to load up on goodies for home.

We took Highway 7 along the north side of the Fraser for new scenery, rejoined the Coquihalla, and arrived home around 6 p.m.—car covered in road dust, hearts full, and Cheezies long gone.