April 23, 2006
Jan's Journey- Day 4 Victoria
 Did I mention that no matter what time you get up the EL’s are at the bow of the boat with binoculars looking and sharing the wildlife they are seeing! Today was an early start, the sky a little heavy but no rain drops falling. About 7:00 am we round the curve and enter Victoria harbor. The beautiful buildings, and pretty boats quite the picture with the Parliament Building and the grand Empress Hotel waiting at the dock.
Captain Mike carefully maneuvered to the dock where we lock into position and lower the gangway. We are ready for our trip to Butchart Gardens by 8.30 and waiting for the red double-decker bus to collect us. John Robert, the driver of the bus, stops at the dock to collect us, the excitement of the day begins as we try and make our way up a short hill out of the marine area. The bus doesn’t quite make it so back we roll to try again, several tries later it is threatened that we have to get out and push the bus to the top of the hill. With cheers we make it over the brow and roll on to Butchart Gardens. There were several engineering tips from the guests for the driver recommending future auto shop repairs!
 Butchart Gardens was the vision of a concrete manufacturer’s wife, Jennie Butchart. She used the quarry site once an unsightly limestone collection point as the base of her beautiful gardens. Springtime brings the most aromatic and colorful show imaginable, we wonder through acres of tulips, hyacinths, and spring shrubs. Each garden has its own character or style from the sunken  garden with its waterfalls and majestic Madrona tree to the rose garden pruned and ready for a summer filled with magnificent blooms. We had a couple of hours to wander and check on plant types and dream of how we may improve our own patch of garden at home. The center provided a booklet with pictures and plant names as a guide to future plans! I think we all stopped in the store to look at seeds and gardening books hoping the green thumb might spread to our own.
Back on the bus we joke with the driver hoping we don’t encounter any steep hills on the way back to the Endeavour! Lunch was served shortly after our return where we were able to plan afternoon and evening activities. The rest of the day, we are free to spend as wished…a visit to the museum or shopping or lounging onboard. We chose to rest and chat with other guests, spend happy hour on board then go into the city for dinner and a chance to explore the small shops. Victoria is a lovely English style  city, full of antique stores, tea shops and history. The Museum is the second largest in North America! We were able to snap a quick photo of Captain Mike looking over his vessel in port as we made our way to the town. The Endeavour very distinguished in the late afternoon sunlight.
Did I mention that my husband Evan is on this trip with me? This is his very first cruise. We really feel this is an extension of our home, the lounge a place we can comfortably sit and read or play cards or just hang out with others and share life dreams and experiences. The crew is so friendly and accommodating to every wish and request that comes his or her way. Nothing is too much trouble!
Every day the tour book is out in the lounge, this is where you can sign up for optional tours or versions  of tours that are included in the cruise. Meriwether and Copper describe the tours and any variations that may be available. Tomorrow I have signed up for an optional Kayaking tour on San Juan Island, I was not able to persuade Evan to join me, he is going to take the Island tour and learn more about the English war with the island folks. On to more adventure and exciting new experiences!!
Posted by Jan on April 23, 2006 1:52 PM
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