Trip To Victoria
We had been looking forward to our first trip to Victoria, British Columbia, but
were thinking of Spring for that trip.
Then we heard about the beloved "Magic Christmas"
lighting of the famous Butchart Gardens.
Next thing we knew we were booked on a tour.
We drove 20 miles from home (H) to the Blackball Ferry terminal at Port Angeles (A),
where we left our car. We sailed at 1600 hours. About halfway across the strait
we realized that this ferry was different than the others that traveled further east
in more protected waters. This was an ocean going vessel. It developed a significant
rolling oscillation in a mild sea, probably due mostly to the strong breeze.
But no biggie. We arrived on schedule at Victoria (V) at 1730 and had an easy but chilly walk
to the Queen Victoria hotel where we would be spending the night. We ate at the Old Spaghetti Factory
across the street, then were picked up at the hotel by our tour bus at 1830.
The "tour" part of our excursion was a bit of a disappointment.
Even though the tour guide tried to point out places of interest in Victoria
she was not a good narrator. Nor could she operate the equipment. She often
tried to talk over music playing on the audio system.
The bus took a detour through a neighborhood well-known for its Christmas lighting.
Many houses were indeed attractive but there were a lot of other sightseers and it was slow going.
But we finally got to the Butchart Gardens (B). The decorative lighting was spectacular
but it was otherwise quite dark and we found ourselves wondering what the place actually looked like.
We plan to go back in the summer.
Unfortunately for this presentation, the photographer had no tripod and the long exposure times often resulted
in blurry, unsatisfactory images. Nevertheless, here are a few of the best.
On the whole it was a pleasant evening but around 0°C is on the chilly side for us septuagenarians
to be out and about in.
A difficulty with the tour bus delayed our return and we weren't back at the QV Hotel until about 2230.
Went straight to bed.
The next morning was bright and clear and good for walking about and taking pictures.
Here is the Queen Victoria hotel where we stayed.
All our activities this day were in the vicinity of the harbor.
Even though the QV was just fine, this is the historic and classy one - the Empress.
It is right across the street from the harbor.
During the Christmas season the Empress hosts a tree decorating contest.
Local merchants and organizations compete for prize and prestige.
Here are some we liked.
And last but not least, the tree entered by our ferry operator, the Black Ball Ferry Co.
The Empress is huge. Full of dining rooms and decorated hallways.
Totem poles are a popular icon of the aboriginal culture.
Up here the aboriginals are not referred to as "Native Americans" but as "First Peoples".
Across the street from the QV hotel is
Thunderbird Park,
containing several totem poles.
Also in the harbor area is the Parliment building.
(Victoria ia the capital of British Columbia.)
The BC Museum contains interesting exhibits on the history of British Columbia
with emphasis on the "First Peoples" and the local natural history.
Many totem poles, like this one, have been moved indoors to prevent further deterioration.
Here is an exhibit of ceremonial masks representing various spirits.
Too bad I couldn't get a picture of our ferry but it was too cold to wait around.
This one shuttles back and forth between Victoria and Seattle.
Can't wait to go back.
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