By Rick Stratton, Dive News Network

In 2004, Steve and Carolyn Touhey visited British Columbia on a business trip and fell in love with Vancouver Island.  A short six months later, the Touheys committed to their future by signing the contract on 12 acres of heavily wooded, but waterfront property —their new found home in the very heart of the Comox Valley (central east coast of the island). Coordinating the lot clearing and construction of their new home all while actually living in the USA, 3000 miles away, was challenging enough.  But, once they arrived in Canada, they embarked immediately on  the construction of a separate wing for the B&B and vacation rental, so they could meet stringent immigration deadlines.

In May, 2007, their dream became a reality. Now the Touhey's share their dream with others at the Two Eagles Lodge B&B.  Recently the Touheys invited my family and me to stay with them and go diving in the nearby waters of the Gulf Islands. I have been looking to visit the lodge for some time and jumped at the chance to head north. I really had no idea of what to expect. While I had seen some of their advertising, I had not personally seen their place.  All I can say now —why did I wait so long?

My wife, Kathy, my daughter, Amanda,  and I arrived on Friday night.  Two Eagles is gorgeous.  It sits on a small hill overlooking the water, and the view of the lighted lodge driving up at night was spectacular.  We stayed in the vacation suite over the garage, but we called it the "Sweet." It is a 900-square foot suite that overlooks the water and has enough room for six people. We were very comfortable.  The room also had a private kitchenette with all appliances, which is ideal for those who want  a cozy dinner in. The other B&B rooms, all with private entrances and baths (phenomenal views) have 24/7 access to a shared kitchenette and lounge even if the hosts are not awake or home.

I'm not a bed and breakfast kind of guy. In fact, I had never stayed in one before that weekend, but I had a blast. Steve and Carolyn truly open their home to their guests.

Two Eagles Lodge overlooks Baynes Sound and Denman Island. Guests are wowed by the snow-capped coastal mountains of British Columbia and lulled to sleep by the gentle waves of the ocean. The beautiful property, which is also home to five horses and a bunch of chickens (yes, the eggs are fresh), offers guests a chance to kick back and forget that the world is continuing on outside.

They cater to divers, skiers at nearby Mt Washington, adventurers, and just those wanting some R&R.  There are no pressures to be a part of anything. If you want to just sit and watch the eagles play on the wind, that's ok with the Touheys. They have room for up to 12 guests, and boast a five-star rating on TripAdvisor, in addition to being the 2010 recipients of the Vancouver Island Better Business Bureau's Torch Award out of all the hospitality businesses on the island.

We wanted to go diving in the islands with Steve and Carolyn, who are also divers but had not completed their drysuit course. On Saturday morning we were welcomed with a hot breakfast—eggs, bacon, potatoes and Amanda's favorite, peach pancakes!  My family loved talking with Steve and Carolyn.

Steve is hilarious. Steve had us laughing and hanging on his every word.  After breakfast we loaded our dive gear and went diving with Sean at U.B. Diving. We had a fantastic time. Steve and Carolyn did great with their drysuit course and were fun to hang out with.  It was great to spend the extra time and share our experience with them.

Saturday night, Steve and Carolyn brought back dinner and cooked it for us as a group dinner for themselves and their friends.  Normally you are on your own for dinner, but since we had such a fun day, we just couldn't stop, especially with the invitation to try Dungeness crabs "Maryland style" and world-famous Fanny Bay oysters.   After dinner, we sat by the fire pit and visited. The night sky was incredible, and Amanda saw five shooting stars while sitting in the hot tub.

As an added bit of fun over the weekend at Two Eagles, we were invited to do something that the Touhey's offer for interested guests. We made our own tie-dyed t-shirts. We loved it!  I had never made a tie-dyed shirt before. Now, I love mine. I made it, it's part of a good memory, and now I have a cool party shirt.  Amanda loves hers, too. It is hard to find places that are so family oriented that both kids and adults have a great time. Two Eagles is exactly that. We will go back.

Special thanks to the Touheys for allowing this visit. For more info on Two Eagles Lodge visit twoeagleslodge.com ■