Man, we are so upset that our time in Victoria has flown by so quickly.  We left Vancouver on Wednesday and had an almost perfect run to the ferry.  Hardly any traffic, clear sailing.  Just had to wait a few minutes and we were on the boat.  It was misty though - a low cloud cover - so the view was not as magnificent as it can be.  We arrived at the campground at about 2pm, wondering what we would find waiting for us.  

Turned out to be a great spot.  West Bay Marina and RV Park is on the harbour in Victoria.  The marina part is home to about 25 houseboats and more fancy sailing and motorized vessels.  The little ferries that ply the harbour come in, so we are able to get right downtown on them.  Fun and very handy.  

The RV part of this park is crowded and kind of funnily laid out but the view makes up for it.  Victoria Harbour is the only marine airport in Canada, designated as such because so many seaplanes land and take off here.  Makes for a very interesting harbour watching.  Kayaks, fancy yachts, power boats, a fishing fleet, tug boats, little 12 passenger ferries, big auto ferries, cruise ships and naval vessels all share the same waterway.

Funnily enough wildlife is also present.  We have a mom seal who nurses her pup on the log boom marking the entrance to this marina, and a few minutes ago a hawk dives almost into our campsite after another bird.

We didn’t get a spot on the water, but its just a short walk to be able to go harbour gazing.  The most amazing sight is the huge cruise ships that tie up just across the water.  At night it is stunning to see them all lit up.  Last night there were three huge ships in a row.  I find myself making late night forays to the bathroom just so I can savour the water, and the lights.  Last night was a full moon as well.  I feel like the big fellow upstairs is smiling on us!

Its been busy here.  We spent some time with our friends Marg and Dick.  True kindred spirits who we met on our train journey in 2008.  Also got to visit Jack’s nephew, Chris and family.  That involved meeting the new baby girl in the family so was delightful.  

We rented a car and did the ‘must-do’ things for Carol and Russ - toured Marine Drive and the city, took a day trip to Duncan and Chemainus which we followed with dinner at the Waddling Dog Pub with Bob and Linda Marshall, and an evening at Buschart Gardens, then another day trip to Fort Rodd (historic sight with another re-enactment on the go), Colwood and Sooke.  We also took the little ferry downtown and strolled the touristy shops, Empress Hotel and enjoyed the buskers and crafts people on the waterfront.

Jack and I love this area.  Its less busy than Vancouver, more laid back and most ‘British’ if that is the right way to describe it.  Every time we come here we ask ourselves why we live anywhere else.  We have enough good friends to feel welcome and at home.  Love the vegetation and the rough, rocky nature of the landscape; not to mention the closeness of the ocean and the climate.

Anyhow, had better get at it.  This evening is pack-up and ready for a driving day time.  We head down to the ferry terminal at 7:30 am to catch the Co-Ho from downtown Victoria to Port Angeles, Washington.  Then we drive down to Long Beach Washington where we meet John for two nights camping “one sand dune from the Pacific Ocean.”

On that happy note, I shall say goodbye for now with a reminder that our cell phones won’t work in the US without costing us a fortune so please only use our cell numbers if its really important.  I hope to get onto email every couple of days.

Julie - Remember if you want to get in touch email us at julie@seacroftpei.com

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