Night Sky, Gardens and City

11-05-24

Victoria, Canada

Yesterday the captain told us there was a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights tonight and we also had messages from friends in the USA telling us the same so we were preparing for a late night. During the later evening we received messages and pictures from our family back in Tasmania, (southern hemisphere) that they were watching the Southern Aurora while we were outside watching the Northern Lights. What an incredible experience to have the night sky lit up with lights right across the world. Although it was pretty difficult to get good photos on a moving ship we certainly enjoyed this awesome phenomena.

Victoria looks to be a lovely old city to enjoy for the morning and early afternoon. After disembarking we grab a city map from one of the many volunteers ashore and start walking. It is a beautiful blue sky day and we can walk around the waterfront Into the city centre. We have no particular destination in mind so we just wander. Fisherman’s wharf, with its cafes and floating homes, is the first area we come to. The floating homes look so inviting on such a lovely day. Deck chairs and umbrellas, potted plants and kayaks fill their decks and entryways. Further on we wander through a local market and past some beautiful old homes, now accommodations, past ferry docks, through parks and gardens and then up past the B.C. Legislature building. This is a magnificent old building, very majestic with copper domes, huge porticos and grand stairway and the usual fountain out the front.

Continuing on we pass the Fairmont Empress Hotel which has commanding views over the harbour. This was built in 1908 and is now a National Monument. I guess it would be a little out of our price bracket. The tulips in the gardens in front of the Empress are in full bloom and make quite a show. Continuing around the waterfront walkway we people watch and boat watch as we walk. Ferries, water taxis, float planes, whale watching boats and kayaks and private boats all move about the harbour entertaining us for some time. As we walk further into the city we find China Town, Fan Tan Alley which is the narrowest commercial street in North America, at .90 of a metre wide at its narrowest point, market square and a very beautiful shopping district. We find a cafe to stop for lunch so we can try some Poutine, a local delicacy around here. Poutine is crispy fried potato chips with melted cheese curds and gravy, very delicious. (P:- The Poutine was great but I am sure blew away the benefits of the last 20,000 steps we have just walked!). We shared a serve of poutine and a roast lamb burger which was also very tasty.

We head back to the ship around 1.30 and put our feet up for an hour before we meet for our tour out to the Butchart Gardens. These gardens which are absolutely stunning, covering an area of 55 acres are now 120 years old. They were created by Jennie Butchart, in a disused Limestone for Portland Cement quarry and are still owned and operated by the family. The Sunken Garden is our favourite section. The mixture of Rhododendrons, tulips, azaleas, mature trees, annuals, perennials water features is just breathtaking.

After a short two hours enjoying the garden we tour the rural, market garden and agricultural areas prior to being delivered back to the ship and straight up to dinner. Then unfortunately it’s back to our cabin to pack our bags for disembarkation tomorrow morning. We have had a great cruise and we are now ready to enjoy the next phase of our trip.

(P:- I am not much of a city fan but I would have to comment Victoria, Vancouver Island, does it well. A beautiful easy walking city in a nice temperate climate. Like to come back here and spend a few days exploring Vancouver Island sometime. As Judith says the cruise has been great with many highlights. I even enjoyed he experiences of 48 hours of Force 10 Gales BUT I have a feeling Judith’s opinion regarding the Storm might just vary from mine! Now off we go on a rail and road trip, looking forward to bringing back some memories and talk old times with some of our great American friends. Gotta go time to hit the road)!!!