Blogs from Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada, North America - page 7

Perhaps somewhat unusual for a Travel Blog but while doing Christmas cards Heather suggested "why not post a Christmas letter on the blog ?". My initial reaction was W H A T ? ? ! It's a Travel blog, but then why not ? So if you have been eagerly awaiting another dreaded Christmas letter you have logged in to take a look. A bonus is that there might at least be some pictures. A quick summary. We moved. Summer was sunny, blue skies, and gorgeous. No real travel. Seasons seemed to change overnite and suddenly here we are entering the windy, wet, winter, or "the rainy season" as I call it. Next, what you've been searching for, the letter. Well, it’s that time of year again so Merry Christmas and best wishes for a Happy, ... read more

It was a long 30 hours, having departed on Thursday, 24 September from Brisbane at 6.00am into Sydney from where we flew to Vancouver, boarded another flight into Victoria, arriving at 11.30am on the SAME day! A little recovery time and a shower later on what was a very showery and grey day, we walked for about 5 hours taking in some of the local area and just doing our best to stay awake until evening. The British Columbia Parliament building is spectacular and grand in every detail! We were speechless at the beauty of its interior. Our hotel is well appointed, overlooking the picturesque Victoria Harbour, with large car and passenger ferries docking out in front of us, along with many other large and small water vessels. Everywhere in every bar and hotel "happy hour" ... read more

At night we think about what happens next. We got some more money than expected so we think about renting a car for a week and see the Island. BUT it is crazily expensive!! So we end up looking at cars in Craigslist again. We make a trip to Victoria on Wednesday the 9th of September to check some adds. A dealer offers us a 3.600 cad minivan, with not much space but it could do if we get cozy. We decide to buy it, but not today, let us come back tomorrow with the money. Diego checks the net once more and… there it is, a big, nice and cheap GMC Safari from 1992. It is 23 years old, in very good shape though. We get it registered incredibly easy and head back to Cobble ... read more

Geo: 48.4644, -123.38Home again...September 6thI'm happy that we packed last night before bed. This morning we enjoy our breakfast as we look out over Victoria Harbor one last time, and soon set off to the bus stop.Jeff has figured out that land transpotation for this whole trip has cost us exactly $20 Canadian or about $18.50 US. Bus fare is only $2.50 each and transfers are free. Let's hear it for public transportation!When we get to the airport and head to the counter to check our bag, who is standing there but John and Janet!! What a marvelous surprise! Their flight is a couple of hours after ours, but they had to come to the airport early to return their rental car. What great timing. The four of us walk to our gate, and we chat ... read more

Geo: 48.4644, -123.38Victoria, B.C - September 4th Today Jeff and I wandered hither and yon in Vancouver, once we got out of bed, took (another!) shower and donned CLEAN clothes that is. John texted us while we were at breakfast that he was on his way over to pick up his clothes and pressure cooker. It took him longer to arrive than we thought it might because he was once again waylaid by the wooden boat show. According to him, this is a "must see" event. Jeff and I decide to walk down to Fisherman's Wharf, which is a couple miles from our hotel, and, coincidentally, we have to walk by the boat show. WOW! John was right! These boats are gorgeous! There were many boats open for the public to board and one of my ... read more