Victoria 2017

We were up and out at the crack of 10 am headed to Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse. Looking out the living room balcony before we left for the day Norm on an anti-aircraft gun at Fort Rodd Hill Looking at Fisgard Lighthouse from the Belmont Battery at Fort Rodd Hill Then off to a late lunch at the oldest tavern in British Columbia, Six Mile Pub and Eatery established in 1855. On the patio of Six Mile Pub and Eatery We found it very interesting to see that the menu identified where the food came from (they brag that they do not have a microwave on the premises as well). Was astounded to receive my Fitbit report for last week - my best ever! Dinner time In front of Rob's place

We had to cancel a concert in the park in Sidney with Jeff and Rose today since I wasn't feeling well so today was a quiet day.  Still, we did have a walk to Cook Village and enjoyed the scenery and views we experienced along the way; just minutes away from the house. Victoria Model Boat Club in Holland Point Park Holland Point Shoreline trail Mile 0 of the Trans-Canada Highway which ends in St. Johns, Newfoundland at Mile 4,860 Beacon Hill Park Flying Kites at the end of the street in Holland Point Park

While Norm stayed glued to his computer, Gerald and I went off, separately, to enjoy and explore.  After a 2 hour walk, I came back and took the shortcut through the back of the legislature, a pleasure each and every time. Back of the Legislature By mid-afternoon we were on the road and as is our custom, we took the road less traveled.  And what a wonderful road it was. We meandered up Hwy 17A through forests and bays, stopping at every opportunity to just enjoy the views.  We went to the top of the peninsula and around, eventually ending up in Sidney where we had a great dinner at the Sidney Pier Hotel.  After dinner we dropped Gerry off at the airport for his flight home to Halifax.  We'll see him again shortly as he is coming to Santa Barbara with Zoe in November. Gerry and Norm at Sidney Pier Hotel

This morning while Norm worked on his computer, Gerald went to play pool and I hit the shops on Government Street - fun!  After lunch at home we went on a driving tour. Nice walk through the Oak Bay Beach Hotel Feeding the seals at Oak Bay Marina Time for a cocktail at Cordova Bay Golf Course Gerry then treated us to dinner at Steamship Grill and afterwards a carriage ride through Beacon Hill Park. Our view from the table at the Steamship Grill Our carriage Samson and Elizabeth taking us through Beacon Hill Park

A busy day today.  By the time we finished breakfast we decided to go north to Duncan, the City of Totems and see The Raptors.  Lovely drive north on Hwy 1 with outstanding views.  We made a stop at the Malahat Overlook to see the view of the Saanich Inlet. The purpose of The Raptors is: " Our team is comprised of a group of biologists and falconers on Vancouver Island, who created The Raptors to bring people closer to birds of prey.  Our goal is to educate, illuminate and encourage a sense of personal responsibility for the future of these essential creatures we share the planet with." Then our friends Jeff and Rose came by for dinner and hilarious conversation. Saanich Inlet Saw a group of Hells Angels from Quebec at the Malahat Overlook Train station in Duncan Duncan Bald Eagle at The Raptors Owl at The Raptors A stork at The Raptors M'Lady on her bench Dinner with Jeff and Rose

Since the cleaning lady was due this morning, we escaped (except Rob who still had work to do) and went to Cup of Joe for breakfast and then a couple hours of walking. Gerald and Norm went to the pool hall while Margaret and I did some shopping and then it was nap time and final packing time for Rob and Margaret. We had a lovely dinner together and then Norm drove Rob and Margaret to the airport. B.C. Legislature Welcome Home memorial Gerald's temporary bedroom in the garage - ha ha Looking at Mt Baker in Washington from the end of Rob's street Our bon voyage dinner before Rob & Margaret go off to tour Europe

A pretty quiet day today.  We had a nice 2 hour walk and spent some time at the colorful Fisherman's Wharf. Afternoon was spent napping and watching TV and then we went off for dinner with Rob and Margaret's friends across the street - Brian and Esther.  Fun times. Fisherman's Wharf Fisherman's Wharf Fisherman's Wharf Fisherman's Wharf Fisherman's Wharf

Gerald and I went for a 2 hour walk this morning all through the downtown.  We also wanted to check out the Victoria Harbor terminal in preparation for our friends from Santa Barbara arrival on August 4 to celebrate their anniversary. . After a lunch at home Norm, Margaret and I did a walk on the Ogden Point walkway and actually caught the Coho coming in from Port Angeles.  Lovely!  The guys all went down for a nap and then it was time to walk to Clive's Classic Lounge for dinner where we met with Rob and Margaret's friends Joan, Jim and their daughter Terri. Terminal for float planes In front of the harbor On Ogden Point walkway Watching the Coho enter the harbor from Ogden Point walkway With Margaret on Ogden Point Walkway Dinner at Clive's Classic Lounge AND I've broken my previous record - 23,700 steps today!!!!!

Went to the ferry terminal at 8am totally expecting to sit until 12:45 pm when we might have a chance to get on the next ferry.   The man at the gate asked if we wanted to go on the 8:15 because there was room.   Yay! Leaving Port Angeles Bow of the Coho Ferry Coming into Victoria Float plane landing in the inner harbor as we were arriving My brother Rob and Margaret drove us up island to Sidney where my brother Gerald was flying in from Halifax.   We had a lovely lunch at Beacon Landing. In Sidney in front of the Gulf Islands Lunch at Beacon Landing in Sidney Concert in the park in Sidney