Nicky's Notes: Victoria, BC

Our flight from Anchorage to Vancouver was uneventful, just long. This four plus hour flight was another reminder of how far away Alaska is from the continental USA. I've gotta think the Russian's are kicking themselves all the time for selling this huge natural resource to us, and knowing how close we are to them. Our purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867, for $7mm or about 4 cents per acre was criticized by some in the US and was called Seward's folly, after Secretary of State, William Seward, who pushed the deal through. Hindsight is always 20-20, but this has turned out to be pure genius on his part.

Arriving late back in Vancouver, we scored a night at the Rosewood Hotel, with a big discount thanks to an old friend.

The next morning our itinerary started with a trip to Victoria. The provincial capital of British Columbia, Victoria is a beautiful small city on Vancouver Island. Getting from Vancouver to Victoria is no small task, requiring either a bus (or car) ride to a ferry, and a four hour ferry trip. Or, a 30 minute sea plane hop. Vickie, not being a fan of small planes, took a little convincing. But, all in all she agreed it was an enjoyable way to travel. Commuter sea planes were buzzing around all over the place, and I quickly learned this was a common yer fairly expensive method of travel in this area.

Based on several recommendations, we had reservations at the Fairmont Empress Hotel. An historic hotel on the Inner Harbor, across from the Capitol building, it was the best place to stay for exploring this small historic city. Of course, the big attraction at this quintessential British accommodation is High Tea, in the afternoon. Being more of a cigar and bourbon fan, rather than cucumber sandwiches and tea, none the less, I experienced an afternoon of culture and raised pinkie holding my tea cup.

Not to be outdone, I adjourned to the iconic bar at the Empress, and found fast friends; a couple from Denison, TX, who were vacationing post cruise, like us, and Toby Gabriel, a fellow GS rider who was a long term Fairmont associate. Toby and I exchanged many ride stories and have kept in touch via FB, although I missed him when he was in Dallas a few months ago.

A must see attraction near Victoria is Butchart Gardens. A former limestone quarry used for the production of Portland cement, the business owned by the Butchart family, has become one of the most beautiful locations of unique gardens in the world. Mrs Butchart, wanting to make use of the abandoned and ugly quarry site commissioned several garden artists to build these gardens; including Japanese, Italian, and British style gardens. This is a wonderful example of re-purposing an industrial wasteland that could be done more today if people would take the opportunity. Still owned by the Butchart family, it is a major tourist attraction.

With this portion of our vacation coming to an end, we take a sea plane back to the Vancouver airport, Vickie boards her place back to DFW, and I take a cab back to the BMW shop to pick up my 1200 GS and begin the southeastern journey back to Texas.................stay tuned.

A forced smile, but things get better.