Vancouver Island is North America's largest Pacific Island. The northern part is more rugged and remote with fishing and logging communities. Before traveling to Victoria, B.C., in the more cultivated southern part, we stop in Duncan for a look-see at the market fair.Victoria weather stats: highest # of annual snow-free days of any major city in Canada... 2000+ hrs of sunlight annually (yes!)... 1/2 the amount of rain as Vancouver... temperature rarely drops below freezing or above 25 degrees C.
On bikes we pedal the streets, then walk the inner harbor and pass the stone Parliament buildings.
Lunch at Redfish Bluefish. For Tim-- crispy tempura battered cod and handcut Kennebec chips. Loved the BBQ Fanny Bay oysters served on a fresh baked Portuguese bun with golden shallot aioli + tartar + tempura dill pickle + lemon pickled onions. Organic greens and slaw on the side. YUM.
At Fisherman's Wharf, the funky float homesmoored alongside the wharves are an unusual site.
Also floating is an ice cream store.. Jackson's. "Two soft ice cream cones, please," then we bike some more.
The history, attractions and activities in Victoria are too numerous to mention. Leave on Hwy 14W along the Strait of Juan de Fuca to the small town of Sooke. The area took its name from the T'Sou-ke First Nation. Beautiful beaches, Douglas-firs, parks, shops.. very quaint. Along the Sooke River, we enjoy a quiet evening.
Sun, 6/13/10. Just down the road is the Sooke Region Museum with historic exhibits. Blacksmith shop, steam donkey engine yarder,
polemaker's shack, lighthouse Fresnel lens...lots of interesting STUFF, like a dragsaw?? Tim says it's pre-chainsaw-- a steam-powered saw that was dragged to a site by horses, laid across fallen trees, and operated by two men.Thinking of all that work, it's time for lunch so back we go to Victoria. "High Tea"(more known as English Afternoon Tea) is tea (of course) with pastries, tiny sandwiches and fresh fruit. Tim indulges in the quite flavorful curry buffet with added crabcakes and creme brulee.
This gastronomical adventure takes place in the Empress Room at the famous ivy-covered Fairmont Empress Hotel built in 1908. Delightful!
Parked and ready to go for the 3 p.m. Coho Ferry back to the U.S.- Port Angeles.
Victoria is a real jewel! Had a wonderful visit. How marvelous--the ferry ride and waterviews.
Hello! State of Washington, U.S.A.!After U.S. Customs searches our rig and conviscates all our oranges, apples and peaches, we locate Rt101E and head for Sequim and settle early at Rainbow RV Park. There's a place up ahead where the movie Officer and a Gentlemen was filmed. Must find that place tomorrow.
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