Up at 5:45, me - on high alert - we need to get to the Ferry on time or our day is screwed, Kathy - hey, everything's O.K., no problem, it will all work out. Who was right.....our winner as per usual is Kathy. We made it with time to spare.
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| Back into the maw |
We load on and take our ringside seats up top with lots of vista's, whales and birds to entertain and amuse. An hour and a half later and we are taking our leave of the Coho, a sturdy ship of the Black Ball Line. We make it easily to our hotel, the Coast Harborview where the room is ready for check in. Our room is on the 7th floor with a wonderful view of the harbor and a apartment building where the residents put on a nightly show, but that's another story that for the most part does not need retelling.
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| Me and my crossword |
We take an hour nap and then head out for a 20 minute walk into town. The walk follows the harbor where various sailing boats of every description drift placidly at their berths, float planes taxi back and forth down the waterway, seals bob by, sea gulls cavort above the waves, folks of every ethnic and language group stroll by, the same expression as what resides on our own, awe of the beauty that surrounds us.
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| View of the harbor from our room |
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| Tons of float planes roaring by |
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| What a wonderful stroll |
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| True and I mean true Canadian Geese |
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| Parliament Building |
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| The Empress, a grand old lady |
We reach the inner harbor and I take a moment to stroll down memory lane.
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| 41 years ago, backpacks slung on this spot, Dennis and I stop for a bite of cheese and baguette and rest our feet |
We then tour the Empress Hotel where we stop at The Bengal Room for lunch and drinks - an experience that I can only say was a true experience. Very proper, very English and quite hoity toity but fun.
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| Inspecting the grounds while savoring a cold one |
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| More then just savoring, love and amazement |
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| Lunch is served |
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| Dessert, fit for my Queen |
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| Mousse in Canada, not just Moose |
After lunch, we walk along streets lined with every need and desire known to tourists worldwide. Kathy and I do our best to stimulate the Canadian economy. Our walk covers 4 or 5 miles but towards the end, it felt like twenty. Kathy and I feel that Victoria is truly one of the gems of the West coast - it's a beautiful city.
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| Amazing flowers and landscaping, wherever you look |
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| Checking out the latest imports from Cuba |
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| Kat modeling her new chapeau |
After a nap and a couple of ibuprofen, we went out for dinner with specific parameters in mind - no tourists, real food and reasonable prices. We drove out and found the ABC Country restaurant which met all of our needs and more. Driving back, it was nice to see people strolling, Victoria is a safe city. Also, the Parliament building and harbor was all lit up in white lights. All in all, a very nice day!!
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