Victoria, the provincial capital of British Columbia, is probably best known for Butchart Gardens, a converted limestone quarry that was planted with any and every conceivable flowering plant in some really amazing landscaping. That was our destination today. But it was three hours away by bus (another bus!), including an hour and a half on a ferry.
We managed to get up early enough for breakfast in the hotel restaurant (apple cinnamon pancake and chocolate macademia waffles - not our regular New Jersey chow), then onto the bus. The ferry was huge, with a full restaurant (we had native New Jersey fare - hot dogs). We saw no wildlife this trip, and frankly we weren't looking (whales and eagles frequent the area).
We only had an hour and a half at the gardens, which was just enough time for a quick once-through. One couple almost missed the bus, they came running after we started to pull out.
We were on a deadline to get to the Empress hotel, a famous elegant snooty place which served a British high tea at precisely 3:30 (at $35 Canadian). We choose instead to dine at Sam's Deli (good food), then wander around the harbor, checking out the street performers (including a guy with 3 amazing dogs in drag), the bicycle rickshaws (secretly powered with electric helper motors, shock absorbers, disk brakes and tape decks), and the little harbor putt-putt tour boats. Then it was 3 hours back to Vancouver (when we did spot some nesting eagles - in a tree across from an apartment building).
The flowers in the picture above have nothing to do with the trip to Butchart Gardens. They were waiting when we returned to the hotel. They were from a group of friends/relatives wishing us a good trip - on the eve of our departure for home. There was also a basket of fruit. Plants and food cannot be taken out of Canada, so we spent the evening devouring everything. Whatever's left, the maid will surely appreciate. But it's the thought that counts. Thanks guys.
This trip isn't over yet, but the fun part
is. And it was fun. How are we ever going to top this?
Itinerary