Jul 18, 2014

We started the day with a sleep-in until 9am lled John's Place above in the thumbnail. The walls were covered in posters and signed photos from all sorts of music stars and sports people since the 50's and they have a music bingo 7 - 9pm every Monday. The breakfast was delicious and the place was jam e atmosphere was 

m here we headed ed in rs though a very nice and stately suburb.

 

 

Then it was off to Fort Rodd where we explored the Batteries constructed in 1895 and 1896 and used up until after the end of World War II. From here we trekked out to the Fisgard Lighthouse which was the fist lighthouse on the Canadian Coast and was manned until 1926 and is now a Museum as well as a lighthouse, It was great to be able to explore it.

 

A view across the bay to the Victorian Container Port. 

 

From here it was off to the world famous Butchart Gardens developed in the remains of a disused quarry. WOW!!!!! It was a spectacular display of colour, sculpture, alternating themes and luscious foliage of every colour and shape imagineable. It somehow seemed fitting to be in this lovely space on Normie's birthday, his Mum would have just loved it and oh so many of the flowers we saw we recognised from her gardens over the years. This is the first shot next to the car park .

 

A view of the Sunken Gardens.

 

One of many beautiful walkways.

 

The totem poles.

 

A shot in the Japanese Garden.

And another.

 

We decided to grab a look at the beach on our way back to the hotel and this is one shot in Oak Bay.

 

We also drove around in pursuit of some spectacular real estate in the Oak Bay Municipality and saw some crackers in the Uplands and Wedgewood Point areas. It seems weird to me to see such lush growth both in trees and flowers in a coastal area. This is not the best one by far but is more a shot of the ever patient Norm who said 'You just lead and go where you want' I think he regretted it by the end of the day.

 

We ended our day with the most delicious Chinese Dinner we have had in a long time and this is a shot of the Chinese gate / entry to Chinatown in Victoria and our restaurant is to the right of the gate.

Bits and Bobs:

 

 

Wihout doubt the prettiest trash bins I've ever seen. One guess where they are.