Leaving Langley, over to Victoria BC

 

Butchart Gardens

 

Rainy and mild to start the day. Away from D&B’s about 5:30. Luckily Donna was up to let the cats out, so made us some coffee and gave us some ice water. We called the girls - woke up Heather (8:30 their time, but she had been up till 2am).

 
We got to the Victoria ferry at 6:10, and bought a 1-way ticket ($35.75). Good crossing, up through the islands. Started seeing eagles right away. Cold and windy, had to go back down to the van for warmer clothes so we could stay outside for the trip across.

Got to Butchart Gardens at 9:10. $22 to get in, and you had to pay before you parked, so guys can’t even wait in the vehicle for free. The gardens were overall a disappointment. Our expectations were high, and it was nice, but the price was high, busloads of Japanese, Italian and German tourists swarmed the place, all jabbering loudly. They can’t seem to just walk around and enjoy the gardens quietly.

It's a pretty place though, especially considering it started from an old gravel pit: 

We got to West Bay marine park in Victoria to camp right about noon. It’s right on Victoria harbour, across from the downtown. Both Victoria and the Olympic mtn in Washington are visible from the park on a good day.

 

Victoria Harbour

 

From our Marina campsite

 

We walked along the harbour into town, along a great boardwalk, about 1 ½ miles to downtown Victoria. Browsed downtown for a while, in the rain (thank goodness for the Barbour coats). Then made a reservation for high tea at the Empress for 2pm Monday ($18.75 each). 

Then we took the water taxi home, as it was still raining and we were getting tired: 

 

We relaxed at the van for a bit after that, then decided to go out for recommended fish&chips at Barb’s Fish and Chips. The place was takeout with picnic tables, but since everything was wet, we just ate in the van. Rather expensive for takeout, I thought, but good. 

Then took a drive along the scenic Marine drive, stopping here and there and walking. We kept thinking we saw otters in the water, but they always turned out to be bobbing logs. The sky was blue in places and we saw a rainbow, so hopefully it will be better weather tomorrow.

(Disappointing that we had no pictures of this, or video. Thinks were sure different 31 years ago)

 

 

 Walking route from our camp to downtown Victoria: