mind, but beyond that there’ S not a a ferry. Cross the border, however, and it’s another story. The -Inn at Semiahmoo is just ‘outside Blaine, shortly followed by that well-known minefield Bellis Fair (if you stop here you have to pay $200 and return to Go). The trick is to keep on 1-5 to the ‘Anacortes turnoff (Exit 230) and watch for the signs to * LaConner. Even with the after-work traffic ‘out of Vancouver we found our way in the dark in less than two hours. : We also met a great character, Jim Poth, who makes a business .. out of showing tourists around. As a Sunset magazine writer he spent 21. years exploring the best - (and worst) places, so a day out with him is pure gold. He runs a company called ’ Basygoing Outings (Tel: 206- 466-1848), which does day tours by foot, bike, boat or van. Poth knows LaConner and the surrounding : Skagit River Delta * like the back of his hand. We went out on a typical day Ue ‘which’ started with a light mist - over the broad valley quilted with: _ fi elds. . It was crisp then, but by now many fields: ‘will be rich’ with spring vegetables and shimmering with ‘tulips: and. flaming wildflowers. . ’ The fertile valley has long been famous for its seeds, and the tulip season draws. a host of visitors who fill every. hotel and B&B to : " the rafters. - Poth knows the locals. |. “We stopped at the White Swan, *: a‘ handsomely restored 1898 farm- house sitting invitingly behind a2 driveway of poplars. .The boss, ‘-” Peter. Goldfarb, ‘charges. US$75 _ double for bed and breakfast. . Other fine old houses presented ‘themselves as we meandered along - quiet roads. The dog population - was mostly Labrador. and univer- - sally friendly, and: we stopped to < photograph two Highland cattle. *. Poth knows his birds.. Just be- “fore lunch we’ spotted a field of ‘ white’ specks: “‘Ah,’’ he . said, “trumpeter swans. This you have. ‘to see. me - And we. did. Poth stopped the “Cary: opened: the trunk | and _assembled a spotting telescope. | The ‘close-up was remarkable; such a‘sight could turn a tourist, into a student ornithologist. Later -we saw a pair of. mature - bald eagles. . Out: came the tele- “Scope. on its tripod'to reveal a ~ stunning picture. We carried on to Padilla Bay to see the San Juan Islands, orchards “: and the Edison Cafe, which look- . ed like a great bike stop. However, lunch was at the ’ Walk England's ‘ - Most Beautiful ' Landscape Join us on guided walking tours of England's spectacular Lake District. Scotland & Yorkshire also. Call or write for free brochure ENGLISH 18 Stuyvesant Oval #1A New York, N.Y. 10009 (800) 724-8801 ake your day LACONNER — MAKING short trips out of Vancouver is not easy. Whistler and Harrison Hat Springs come to lot without getting on TRAVEL TIPS Rhododendron Cafe at Bow, at the end of Chuckanut Drive, warth the drive just for the Szechuan salad dressing. 4 Then on to Scimitar Ridge Ranch, a 350-acre family and horse ranch where . families can - stay overnight in coveréd wagons arranged in a circle. We made a quick spin through Anacortes to see the beautifully restored Majestic Hotel and then back to LaConner and the Wild - Iris. This comfortable new inn has 20 rooms, all beautifully finished, and some with jacuzzis, fireplaces and outside decks. Rates start at US$75 for two. One can eat well in LaConner, from the delicious breakfast at the Wild Iris to dinner at Palmer’s. There’s also a snug pub here, somewhat diminished however by an overbearing radio. The Calico is well known, but the locals know you can also do well for less, and park easily, at the Marina. The little town on the Swinomish ‘Channel was founded in 1867 by trading-post operator — John Conner, who named it after his wife Louisa A. Artists and non-conformists were drawn to the backwater, and teday the population is still just 700 souls, who keep alive some of the style of old America. it’s a place you'll want to visit more than once, for after you’ve wined and dined and shopped the inviting stores-on the main street, the Skagit Valley awaits. ~ SCOTLAND jORTH ENGLAND & WALES © Small Groups. ° Relaxed Pace ° Many Dates ® Traditional Hetels | -@ Allinclusive @ Personally Escorted SPECIAL SPRING PRICES The Fraser Connection. . 1114 - 1124 Lonsdale, Ri. Vancouver, B.C. V7Mi 2H The view may be priceless, but the rate is nothing short of beautiful. This is, after all, Vancouver's most intimate hotel overlooking the water. Located centre stage in downtown Vancouver, so you can walk to all the hot spots. Right now we're also offering a free PHONE 980-3227 : single/double occupancy ONE DAY SALE Cruises for: Families First time cruisers Seniors Singles Honeymooners Golfers & tennis players BARGAIN PRICES -One Day Onl Thursday, April ore aan ROSEWAY TRAVEL 106-Kapilanc 100 Building (ground floor of black office tower) SOUTH PARK ROYAL - 926-4344 WEST VANCOUVER 926-4304 . HORTH VANCOUVER 920-6004, continental breakfast and late check-out for all weekend bookings. Of course, the best views will be going fast, so hurry. Get away fora night or three and make a splash in the city. Just call 1-800-441-1414 or the hotel directly at (604) 691-1991. We'll take care of the rest. Canadian Pacific 84 Hotels & Resorts » Waterfront Centre Hotel. 900 Canada Place Way, Vancouver, B.C. Across from the Vancouver Trade and Convention Centre and Cruise Ship Terminal.