Left Duncan this morning and drove up the coast for a ways. Then headed for Victoria. I’ve been in Victoria before, briefly, a long time ago. Didn’t spend a whole lot of time in Victoria, instead headed for the ferry over to Vancouver.
On the way to the ferry I stopped at Butchart Gardens. I’d also been there along time ago. Butchart Gardens. A little over a hundred years ago the area where Butchart Gardens is was a played out limestone quarry. The owners decided to reclaim it, brought in hundreds of tons of top soil, and now the gardens cover 55 acres.
The gardens are something to see, but I kept thinking I should have been here about three weeks ago. From a bloom perspective, this is kind of the shoulder season. All the rhododendron and azaleas (and there are acres of them) are just over, and most of the summer blooming plants are just starting.
On the way to the ferry I stopped at Butchart Gardens. I’d also been there along time ago. Butchart Gardens. A little over a hundred years ago the area where Butchart Gardens is was a played out limestone quarry. The owners decided to reclaim it, brought in hundreds of tons of top soil, and now the gardens cover 55 acres.
The gardens are something to see, but I kept thinking I should have been here about three weeks ago. From a bloom perspective, this is kind of the shoulder season. All the rhododendron and azaleas (and there are acres of them) are just over, and most of the summer blooming plants are just starting.
From Butchart, I went up and caught the ferry for another hour and a half cruise to just south of Vancouver. The BC ferry system is really well run. As I said, these are big ships, and they really move the vehicles on and off in a hurry. Both boats I was on had two restaurants (well, cafeterias), gift shop/newsstand, a travel agent kind of place, and several lounges. You can tell who’s from the local area. They’re the ones who take naps on the trip.
Added some more wildlife to the list on the ferry trip. We passed a family of sea lions (or is it a pack, a pod, or a pride of sea lions?). I guess sometimes they see whales on this trip. Not this time.
I’m at the Hampton Inn in Vancouver. Great location, on the east end of the downtown area, right next to the hockey arena and the football stadium. Both of these are going to be renovated for the Olympics.
Went down the street to Dix Barbecue for dinner and watched the NBA playoff game. Dix claims “Authentic Southern Barbecue.” Actually, they don’t do a bad job. But no hush puppies, and no Brunswick stew.
I’m looking forward to spending the day in Vancouver tomorrow. Seems like a great town.
Funny how the pictures I’m posting are changing. Not a whole lot of dramatic scenery any more.
I’m at the Hampton Inn in Vancouver. Great location, on the east end of the downtown area, right next to the hockey arena and the football stadium. Both of these are going to be renovated for the Olympics.
Went down the street to Dix Barbecue for dinner and watched the NBA playoff game. Dix claims “Authentic Southern Barbecue.” Actually, they don’t do a bad job. But no hush puppies, and no Brunswick stew.
I’m looking forward to spending the day in Vancouver tomorrow. Seems like a great town.
Funny how the pictures I’m posting are changing. Not a whole lot of dramatic scenery any more.
2 comments:
Alan
I hope you enjoy your last few days. It sounds like it will be a nice conclusion to your trip. It is hard to believe it is almost over but it has really great to follow your travels. You did a great job with your blog.
See you when you get back. Maybe we can get together before we leave for Canada. Everyone is doing well here.
Dad, its been a blast keeping up with your trip. Sooo happy it has gone so well and cant wait to see you tomorrow!
Doobie is excited too.
Love ya bunches!
Jo
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