Monday 23rd to Tuesday 24th August 2010

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Two very busy days and as I sit, Pam and I are in the Queen Victoria hotel, Victoria, British columbia
Yesterday, we set out from Jasper very early to go to Maligne Lake and Spirit island. Saw some elk on the way there.
The journey by boat to the island was delayed until the mist had cleared and then we were off. Scenery was stunning
and it took about 30 minutes to reach the Island. Very peaceful there only 10 minutes before we had to return.
Temperature was only 3 degrees celcius.
Back to Jasper to pick up the rest of the coach party then off to Kamloop.
The journey was a very long one but on the way, the temperature climbed to 27 degrees.
Drove through mile after mile of forest destoyed by a fire a few years before. Got to the town in the early evening
and headed out to get some dinner. This town is on the edge of an Indian reservation so quite a few around.
Walked through the park where a free concert was playing. Have had our group photo taken. Saw the mountain rocketeer train
in the station.
Today we had another early start and started to drive out of the rockies. Stopped in a town called Hope for a coffee.
By now, we are around sea level so I am feeling much better. I have had altitude sickness for the past few days so
have felt very ill.
We caught the 12.30 ferry to Victoria. We found an executive lounge on the ship that enabled us to see the views in
air conditioned comfort.
Others baked outside.
Then on to Butchart gardens. I think my grandmother came here when she visited Canada but will need to check.
A beautiful day to visit a beautiful garden. Finally back to the hotel. We are now both aware that our trip will soon be
over.
Tomorrow we are going whale watching followed by a trip on a sea plane. I know that Pam is scared, and so am I but
it would be stupid not to do it if we can.

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