Today, we slept in until 8:30. We performed some of our “hosting” duties, cleaned up a bit, finally disembarked the Mariner sometime around 10 am, and walked about 25 minutes into town. That was a good decision, for two reasons. 1: We were able to get our day’s walking in from a better-health prospective, and 2: The scenery along the way was delightful, and included a few sites we had never seen during any of our previous trips to this quaint British-like city of 383,000 inhabitants. One of the unexpected discoveries was a line of house boats (photo #1) which sat behind rows of modern 5-6 story condominiums along the Victoria harbor. We didn’t realize they even existed!
After our trek through the side streets and tree-lined boulevards, we strolled past the ferry terminal and onto the harbor sidewalk that was slowly filling with vendors, mimes, artists, and musicians. If you haven’t visited Victoria, this area is one of the city’s highlights. And flowers! There are flowers everywhere in the downtown area: on street light posts, in flower boxes, and lining business storefronts! (photo #2) On a sunny day like we experienced today, it is a sight to behold!
We stopped at the Fairmont Empress Hotel (photo #3), did a little shopping, and got directions to the nearest yarn store (Jan forgot to bring any knitting needles). We were assured that it was an easy 6 block walk to Beehive, a fabulous store containing everything that Jan could ever want in the line of knitting needs. The lady was certainly correct about the contents of the store. She missed the mark, however, on the distance and ease of the walk. In what may have been the longest 6 blocks in recorded history (and it was, we were sure, uphill the entire way)…we finally arrived at Beehive, foot sore and exhausted. After a refreshing 45 minutes of Jan shopping (photo #4) and Jerry resting his battered feet, we were ready to make our way back toward the Empress.
On our way, we stopped and ate at our favorite eatery in Victoria, The Tapa Bar Restaurant, tucked quietly in Trounce Alley about 100 feet off Government Street (photo #5). Our lunch was very tasty, and an opportunity for further rest. After lunch, we strolled the final two blocks and caught a shuttle back to the Mariner in time for sailing at 4:00. We are now headed north for Alaska and points west. We are both in good health, and greatly anticipating the next 51 days.
P.S. – During today’s boat drill, the entire ship was silenced for a few minutes in honor of the people who lost loved ones at our nation’s largest single tragedy, the destruction of the twin towers on 9/11. It was a very touching moment.
P.P.S. – Last minute addition: We saw a pod of Orca whales frolicking alongside the ship on our way out of Victoria. Unfortunately, by the time Jerry located and installed his long range lens, the Orcas were almost out of range. He did manage to snap this shot as one breeched (photo #6).
After our trek through the side streets and tree-lined boulevards, we strolled past the ferry terminal and onto the harbor sidewalk that was slowly filling with vendors, mimes, artists, and musicians. If you haven’t visited Victoria, this area is one of the city’s highlights. And flowers! There are flowers everywhere in the downtown area: on street light posts, in flower boxes, and lining business storefronts! (photo #2) On a sunny day like we experienced today, it is a sight to behold!
We stopped at the Fairmont Empress Hotel (photo #3), did a little shopping, and got directions to the nearest yarn store (Jan forgot to bring any knitting needles). We were assured that it was an easy 6 block walk to Beehive, a fabulous store containing everything that Jan could ever want in the line of knitting needs. The lady was certainly correct about the contents of the store. She missed the mark, however, on the distance and ease of the walk. In what may have been the longest 6 blocks in recorded history (and it was, we were sure, uphill the entire way)…we finally arrived at Beehive, foot sore and exhausted. After a refreshing 45 minutes of Jan shopping (photo #4) and Jerry resting his battered feet, we were ready to make our way back toward the Empress.
On our way, we stopped and ate at our favorite eatery in Victoria, The Tapa Bar Restaurant, tucked quietly in Trounce Alley about 100 feet off Government Street (photo #5). Our lunch was very tasty, and an opportunity for further rest. After lunch, we strolled the final two blocks and caught a shuttle back to the Mariner in time for sailing at 4:00. We are now headed north for Alaska and points west. We are both in good health, and greatly anticipating the next 51 days.
P.S. – During today’s boat drill, the entire ship was silenced for a few minutes in honor of the people who lost loved ones at our nation’s largest single tragedy, the destruction of the twin towers on 9/11. It was a very touching moment.
P.P.S. – Last minute addition: We saw a pod of Orca whales frolicking alongside the ship on our way out of Victoria. Unfortunately, by the time Jerry located and installed his long range lens, the Orcas were almost out of range. He did manage to snap this shot as one breeched (photo #6).
3 comments:
Woo-hoo, a yarn store. Did you find anything interesting?
~Marian
Unbelievable! 4 rooms worth of yarn and knitting supplies.
we already miss you -- have fun! ilyaily
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