Dave's Goat Walk ~ The Log Barn 1912 ~ Armstrong, BC

We recently stayed in Armstrong, BC at the Royal York RV park while in town for a weekend watching our grandson’s lacrosse tournament.  As tournaments will go, we had time to do some local sightseeing and decided to go out to the Log Barn and visit the goats.  If you’ve ever driven the beautiful green valleys following Hwy 97A between Salmon Arm and Armstrong, you will likely have seen it.  We've driven by but never stopped to check it out.  Today we did.



The Log Barn 1912 ~ Armstrong, BC

What began as a small family fruit stand has stood the test of time and grown to be a very interesting place to spend some time at and wander at your leisure.  The Log Barn 1912 offers a very wide spectrum of attractions which almost makes it hard to label.  The name doesn’t tell the whole story so a visit is a must.

Entrance to Log Barn 1912 on Hwy 97A

The Log Barn 1912 has a great selection of special Mennonite sausage, cheese, pies, jams, jellies and the aroma as you enter the barn will definitely catch your interest.  They have tables to sit at and enjoy some of their home baking.  The fruit also looked yummy and their gift shop offers several interesting things.

Dinosaurs, Giraffe and ships

There are so many different things of interest that I am sure all ages will find something to enjoy, whether it is the antique buggies and equipment scattered around the yard or the dinosaurs and other large animals, young and old will want to spend some time here.

A resident goat on Dave's goat walk

The big attraction may be Dave’s Goat Walk.  This was built so that it allows the goats to walk up a wooden walkway to the top and then roll the wheels to bring up the treats that visitors put into the cups at the bottom.  

Goat lifts his treat up by turning the wheel

This fellow used his foot to move the wheel so that it brought the cupful of treats up to him, and he was pretty busy there when several visitors were refilling the empty cup on its return at the bottom.  It was hard to see exactly all that the goats would do to make this happen but they certainly seem to have figured out.

Goat turns wheel with his chin to get his treat

This goat seemed to dominate the goat walk while we were there. He is one of the bigger ones and he sure did appear to take this work seriously. I am not very familiar with goats’ behaviour but I think this one is the boss.



They line up for their turn at the wheel

There does seem to be some protocol among the goats.  These ones were patiently waiting for their turn to go up the walk.  They stood here for quite a long time while we were there, and just watched what was going on around them, knowing that if they’re patient, they may just get a chance to get to the top of the walkway.



Their turn is over and they scurry down the goat walk

When their opportunity came, they scooted up there and hoped to get some treats but competition was strong, their time was limited, and before long, the ‘boss’ was coming back across and they wasted no time in scurrying back down the path!   It was pretty funny to watch and I would have liked to hear their dialogue!        



Watchful eye of the goat

The gate is there for everyone to go inside their pen and pet the goats.  They enjoy the company, especially if you have treats in your hand.  The goats will even check out your pockets, so be prepared for their attention, which could be a bit scary for the little visitors.



Goats clamour at fence for treats

There is a dispenser to buy goats feed for 25 cents and these goats are well aware of that when people gather at their fence.  They are ready for any and all treats that their visitors might offer them, and the biggest goats win.



The smile of a happy goat

I found this one lying away from the crowd and soaking up the sun, face lifted up to get all those rays and I do believe she even had a smile as she seemingly posed for this photo.  I think I see some signs of aging on that face which may mean there is wisdom behind that smile that may even explain why she seems oblivious to anything but the warmth of that sun, it does feel good.

Visitors are welcome Monday through Saturday from 7am to dusk all year and on Sundays, as well, during the months of June, July and August.

Embarcardero ~ San Diego Bay ~ California

We all know that things change over the years but the changes down on the waterfront in San Diego had me totally befuddled.  It is not as I remember it at all, but it looks great and there is lots of new in with the old.  This project is expected to be completed by Fall 2013 with more to come, the next to be completed in the summer of 2014. 



Fountain at Seaport Village, San Diego, CA

We had to work through a bit of construction on Harbor Drive but had no difficulty finding a parking spot at the Seaport Village; that we had visited before and it was familiar.  The sun was shining, kids were enjoying the fountain and it was fun to be here.  Check for special occasions and entertainment that are regular events in Seaport Village.

Shops in Seaport Village, San Diego, CA

We began our visit to the San Diego Waterfront at the southern end of the Embarcardero at Seaport Village, which has several shops to browse around in and restaurants for the hungry or thirsty.  The cobblestone walkways lead you around one interesting corner to another, with over 60 shops and restaurants all within the Seaside Village. 

Carousel at Seaport Village, San Diego, CA

Seaport Village also has a Looff Carousel that has a very interesting history.  It was first built in 1895 and lived in Texas until it moved to Santa Monica, CA in the 1950’s.  It moved several times after that, with a complete renovation done in 1991 until it finally moved to San Diego and has called the Seaport Village home since 2004.  

On the Embarcardero at the San Diego Bay

For those of us who are not here for the shopping, there are sights and sounds and wonderful sea air scents on the waterfront that are wonderful to be part of.  There are kites flying off the point of the nearby parkland, the beautiful San Diego-Coronado Bridge to the city of Coronado can be seen in the distance while the cargo ships passes into the San Diego Bay.  

Sun setting on San Diego Bay

The Embarcardero, meaning ‘the landing place’ at San Diego Bay has a boardwalk that connects Seaport Village to the Maritime Museum and more.  The walk is about fifteen minutes long and will take you past several points of interest.  We stopped to eat at Anthony’s Fish Grotto for dinner and watched the cruise ship leave the nearby terminal and a sailboat enjoy the gentle breeze out on the Bay as the sun set over Point Loma.

Star of India, home to Maritime Museum in San Diego, CA

The Star of India has an incredible history.  She was launched in 1863 as a cargo ship from England to India then it took emigrants from England to New Zealand and Australia, making a total of 27 times circling the globe.  It then carried timber from Puget Sound to Australia before making runs carrying salmon from Alaska to the West Coast in 1902-1923.  The Star of India retired then was restored in 1961 as a maritime museum.

Figurehead on front of HMS Surprise of the Maritime Museum, San Diego, CA

The Maritime Museum was a hubbub of activity with many enjoying the last few minutes of the day to see the sights. The museum has a collection of ships along the Embarcardero to be seen so allow time to see it all. There are events that make it even more fun if you are able to time that with your visit, check out their schedule here.

USS Midway Museum, San Diego Waterfront

It was only by chance that we drove by this way as darkness fell before leaving the Embarcardero and spotted this incredible sight standing right beside the USS Midway Museum.  I am sure I jumped out before the truck stopped moving, I was so excited at what I saw and had to move quickly before all daylight was gone.  Note the size of those standing near this 25 foot statue.

'Unconditonal Surrender', San Diego, CA

This Seward Johnson artwork is like the ‘Marilyn Monroe’ statue we’d seen in Palm Springs. ‘Unconditional Surrender’ replicates the photo taken in Times Square following the announcement that World War ll had ended and joyous celebrations were happening around the world.  This was dedicated only a short time before our visit, how lucky were we!  



Tribute to Bob Hope as he entertains the troops 

A national salute to Bob Hope and the military was also nearby. The bronze figure of Bob Hope is seen performing in front of several military while a loudspeaker carries his comedy for us to hear. This was a great way to end our sightseeing on the Embarcardero.

We put so much sightseeing into the few days we were in San Diego, a city with so much to see, so visits were brief but we will return, of that I am sure. See other sights we visited while in San Diego, Heritage Park and more in Old Town San Diego.