Victor greeted us and took us on a tour of the home. Each room was a world of its own. From the Ming Room at the top, with a view that caused us to want to move in, to the Monet which we chose to stay in this evening, each was perfect. It would have been great to have been able to stay a night in each but our schedule decided differently.

The Monet Room boasted a king size bed, gas fireplace, table & 2 chairs, TV/VCR, telephone, private entrance to the garden and bath with both shower and two person Jacuzzi tub. There were robes in the closet and a butler's basket in the bath to rival any. There was even a selection of perfumes to choose from if you had forgotten yours!

There were cottages too. And the gardens were in full bloom and accented the property beautifully. The view from the home to the ocean was spectacular as we looked across at Vancouver Island, B.C. and a snow-capped Mt. Baker. Ferries shuttled people and vehicles on huge boats and smaller vessels were busy with fishing.

The owner Gerry arrived and made sure we were comfortable and then told us we would be doing a restaurant review at Petals. We stopped on our way to visit with BJ from BJ's Garden Gate B&B and asked her to join us. BJ was from the south and it was fun hearing another southern twang other than my own at dinner.

For breakfast, Victor had prepared coffee, tea, ice water and orange juice. Orange and grapefruit slices in vanilla bean syrup, local Washington cheeses and fresh hot rolls. There was banana nut bread which was shaped like sea shells, apple crepes with honey and ham with fresh berries. Then came Granny Smith apples with vanilla yogurt and ground walnuts. For dessert, he brought black rice pudding (a Thailand recipe) with ice cream and coconut milk. We were stuffed!!!

Do yourself a GREAT favor and contact Domaine Madeleine, book your stay and be sure to tell them Cruising America says "HI!"