We were all awake by 5 (even earlier) because we just couldn't stay in bed anymore. We got dressed, packed everything up, checked out and down to Bell Pier parking by 6:30. We walked across the Alaskan Way (aka Hwy. 99) to where the Victoria Clipper was docked. It was very overcast - we dressed warmer but everything is inside on the Clipper so we were fine. It was not choppy but you couldn't see too much. They pulled over by a very small, unoccupied (possibly unnamed) island to show us an eagle nest. There were probably a dozen eagles nesting here now.
We pulled into the dock at Victoria (on Vancouver Island) around 11 a.m., went through customs and got on our bus to head to Butchart Gardens, about 20 miles out of town.
We had a fantastic driver named Larry. He talked the entire trip and kept us laughing. He definitely is a redneck. As we drove past their Parliament Building he explained that when their Prime Minister is running for office, much like the American President, he tells nothing but lies and when elected, spends the next 4 years explaining why he can't keep any of his campaign promises.
At the time there was a protest in front of Parliament. Larry referred to them as "tree-hugging, whale-kissing Commies." He was on a roll, he went on to talking about the Royal Family and referred to them as the result of 400 years of inbreeding and he wasn't too sure about the guy with the big ears (Prince Charles) - whether he was playing with a full deck or not.
We arrived at Butchart Gardens at 12:15. As we drove into the main gate Larry pointed out one spectacular garden area in front. He told us that was their graveyard - pick a flower and you can have a spot here too. He said if we weren't back at the bus by 2:30 we could take a picture of the back of the bus as it drove off - that and $65 would get us a taxi ride back to town.
On our mini tour we drove past Chinatown (2nd oldest in No. America) with the Gate of Harmonious Interest across the street entrance. Larry's story on that one is that the gate is guarded by 2 stone lions - if an honest politician ever walks through the gate the lions would roar - so far, they have remained silent.
Anyway, he dropped us off about 2 blocks away from Chinatown at Paul's Motor Lodge which is a nice, clean place, not much traffic and all the basic amenities - coffee pot, hair dryer, shampoo, etc. Larry recommended that we eat at the White Post across the street. We checked in and found we were on the 2nd floor and no elevator but we managed one flight of stairs.
About 4:30 we went across to the White Post. Either we were very hungry or the food was very good - it was delicious and reasonably priced. Becky and I walked Mom back to the motel and continued walking over to Chinatown. Most of the stores were closed but we enjoyed looking at everything else.
We pulled into the dock at Victoria (on Vancouver Island) around 11 a.m., went through customs and got on our bus to head to Butchart Gardens, about 20 miles out of town.
We had a fantastic driver named Larry. He talked the entire trip and kept us laughing. He definitely is a redneck. As we drove past their Parliament Building he explained that when their Prime Minister is running for office, much like the American President, he tells nothing but lies and when elected, spends the next 4 years explaining why he can't keep any of his campaign promises.
At the time there was a protest in front of Parliament. Larry referred to them as "tree-hugging, whale-kissing Commies." He was on a roll, he went on to talking about the Royal Family and referred to them as the result of 400 years of inbreeding and he wasn't too sure about the guy with the big ears (Prince Charles) - whether he was playing with a full deck or not.
We arrived at Butchart Gardens at 12:15. As we drove into the main gate Larry pointed out one spectacular garden area in front. He told us that was their graveyard - pick a flower and you can have a spot here too. He said if we weren't back at the bus by 2:30 we could take a picture of the back of the bus as it drove off - that and $65 would get us a taxi ride back to town.
The gardens were incredible. We got a wheelchair for Mom right away so she could keep up with us. Becky was pushing her down a steep incline when very sweetly she leaned over Mom and asked, "Mom, who do you like best?" And, of course, that set us off laughing for a long time.
This was the time of year that all the spring bulbs were at their best. Tulips of every color imaginable - bright, cheery daffodils, my personal favorite. Unfortunately, the irises were done already and the roses weren't in bloom but, those are for other trips I guess.
Two people were late for the bus but Larry did manage to get us all back on board. We got a little tour of town as Larry dropped everyone off at their individual hotels. Apparently, if you book your hotel through the Clipper line at the same time you book the ferry and the Gardens they will take you right to your hotel. We didn't know that and had only done the ferry & gardens through Clipper. Larry might be a redneck but he also was very nice and took us to ours anyway.
This was the time of year that all the spring bulbs were at their best. Tulips of every color imaginable - bright, cheery daffodils, my personal favorite. Unfortunately, the irises were done already and the roses weren't in bloom but, those are for other trips I guess.
Two people were late for the bus but Larry did manage to get us all back on board. We got a little tour of town as Larry dropped everyone off at their individual hotels. Apparently, if you book your hotel through the Clipper line at the same time you book the ferry and the Gardens they will take you right to your hotel. We didn't know that and had only done the ferry & gardens through Clipper. Larry might be a redneck but he also was very nice and took us to ours anyway.
On our mini tour we drove past Chinatown (2nd oldest in No. America) with the Gate of Harmonious Interest across the street entrance. Larry's story on that one is that the gate is guarded by 2 stone lions - if an honest politician ever walks through the gate the lions would roar - so far, they have remained silent.Anyway, he dropped us off about 2 blocks away from Chinatown at Paul's Motor Lodge which is a nice, clean place, not much traffic and all the basic amenities - coffee pot, hair dryer, shampoo, etc. Larry recommended that we eat at the White Post across the street. We checked in and found we were on the 2nd floor and no elevator but we managed one flight of stairs.
About 4:30 we went across to the White Post. Either we were very hungry or the food was very good - it was delicious and reasonably priced. Becky and I walked Mom back to the motel and continued walking over to Chinatown. Most of the stores were closed but we enjoyed looking at everything else.
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