Vancouver . . . Seattle . . .

Tsawwassen, Nanaimo Saanich . . .

The ferry to Victoria was an exhilarating experience with tall tree covered islands looming out of the fog. The air was fresh and crisp. We drove the car into the ferry and parked it inside. For the one and a half hour ride we were free to move around the decks. The return journey was more comfortable as the ferry was stocked with two cafeterias, airplane seats, half a dozen viewing decks, an arcade and internet access.

Our first stop was the 100 year old Butchart gardens, an amazing array of flowers, plants and flora and fauna. My favorites would have to be the sunken garden and the Japanese garden. The patterns of colors and pigments looked like an impressionist painting.

Then we visited Beacon Hill Park with tranquil and scenic paths, a sort of meandering playground area and a pond. We walked by the coast overlooking the rocky shore. Downtown Victoria has the parliament building, dock and English looking manors and hotels. All very quaint. The weather was terrific, raining for just a few moments when we arrived but otherwise sunny. My impressions of Victoria were generally positive, and there is a lot more to say which I’ll have to fill in later.

We decided to stay overnight to see the butterfly gardens. The butterflies were housed in a hot steamy room, mimicking the conditions of a rain forest. I got some decent close-up shots. On the ferry back there was an incredible Volkswagen bug that had been decorated with peace symbols. The owner said he started working on the car after 9/11.
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Vancouver . . . Seattle . . .