Victoria, British Columbia
In many parts of the country we find that late summer days are the finest of all. Here in Victoria we experienced the most delightful weather in this most delightful city. A rich heritage and long history make for a municipality that beams with English character. The Sea Bird was docked overnight in front of the famous Empress Hotel, right at the center of the harbor. Those who rose early were treated to the glow of a setting full moon and the thousands of lights that outline the Parliament building just across the harbor.
Our visit to the world famous Butchart Gardens occupied our morning. Our early arrival meant that we could enjoy much of the grounds before the crowds that typify a busy day at the gardens. We wandered through the fifty-five acres that are manicured and landscaped and boast over one million flowers. Nearly one hundred full time gardeners maintain Butchart and the variety of plant life seems endless. The day could be described as a riot of color or a floral explosion, a plethora of pedals or a rainbow of blooms. Intricately laid walkways lead visitors through exotic greenery. Fountains burst in random patters from ponds. Reflections wink back from still water where lilies part. At every turn of the path a new scene presented itself. Trellises arched overhead and soft sods weaved patterns among the tended beds. Our cameras were likely inadequate in our efforts to capture such surroundings but we photographed with abandon. If one can be said to drink in flora, today we found ourselves sated.
Following lunch back aboard ship, we were free to explore Victoria on our own. The Royal B.C. Museum houses a fine collection of displays and many of us paid a visit there. Street musicians and artists took station at various points around the harbor. The perfect weather accentuated a stroll but by afternoon’s end we’d drifted back aboard and the Sea Bird cast off. Tonight we’re northbound in the easy waters of the Strait of Georgia, watching the evening’s sunset and filled with anticipation for tomorrow’s surprises.
In many parts of the country we find that late summer days are the finest of all. Here in Victoria we experienced the most delightful weather in this most delightful city. A rich heritage and long history make for a municipality that beams with English character. The Sea Bird was docked overnight in front of the famous Empress Hotel, right at the center of the harbor. Those who rose early were treated to the glow of a setting full moon and the thousands of lights that outline the Parliament building just across the harbor.
Our visit to the world famous Butchart Gardens occupied our morning. Our early arrival meant that we could enjoy much of the grounds before the crowds that typify a busy day at the gardens. We wandered through the fifty-five acres that are manicured and landscaped and boast over one million flowers. Nearly one hundred full time gardeners maintain Butchart and the variety of plant life seems endless. The day could be described as a riot of color or a floral explosion, a plethora of pedals or a rainbow of blooms. Intricately laid walkways lead visitors through exotic greenery. Fountains burst in random patters from ponds. Reflections wink back from still water where lilies part. At every turn of the path a new scene presented itself. Trellises arched overhead and soft sods weaved patterns among the tended beds. Our cameras were likely inadequate in our efforts to capture such surroundings but we photographed with abandon. If one can be said to drink in flora, today we found ourselves sated.
Following lunch back aboard ship, we were free to explore Victoria on our own. The Royal B.C. Museum houses a fine collection of displays and many of us paid a visit there. Street musicians and artists took station at various points around the harbor. The perfect weather accentuated a stroll but by afternoon’s end we’d drifted back aboard and the Sea Bird cast off. Tonight we’re northbound in the easy waters of the Strait of Georgia, watching the evening’s sunset and filled with anticipation for tomorrow’s surprises.
