Sept 9 - Whale Watch and trip to Sooke

I was leaving the Coastal Hotel and wanted to stop at Fisher's Wharf.. a few blocks away - just to see it. I decided at the last minute to get on a whale watch at 10 am.. so.. suited up with pants, jacket [floatable], hat, gloves, and blankets, I joined 17 others on the Eagle Wing whale watch.

Water was like glass; sunny/clouds, perfect morning,, no wind!

Saw black bears on shore; two humpback whales; and many seals - California, harbour, sea lions -

When returned to wharf, enjoyed.. of course - salmon, chowder.. and then coffee - good eats!

Now to hit the road; with rain in forecast I could not decide my course. I chose to go to southwest coast toward Port Renfrew. Got a little lost just getting off Victoria city area to catch the Rte 1 to 14 south/west.

Drove the Sooke road/14 all the way to French Beach.. Not what I expected. I thought the road was beach level.. no it was Douglas fir level. Tree-lined road.. beach down left not always viewable; and clear cut disaster acreage on right... just out of sight of the traveler.

As it got darker from rain, I stopped at camp ground park - maybe sleep in car [$21] - no... then at Point No Point cabins... nice $175... but not my style; drove back to Sooke Best Western Marina - new and neat!!

So here I am - good food at hotel restaurant; marina neat... will.have good night and off towards Denman Island on Monday! to meet Carmen - Greg's [my first love] sister.. almost 50 years ago we saw each other. 

Sept 8 Butchart Gardens Victoria

Butchart Gardens...

Wow what a day.. perfect weather.. 70s sunny and cool. Drove leisurely to Butchart Gardens about 17 miles north of Victoria city center where I am staying.

Gardens are so well layed-out. Very peaceful and brilliant! Great coffee, scones, food, and gift shop. 

Here goes - I took tons of pics..

Don't know names of flowers... it smelled great..boxwood, Pansys, roses, etc..so delicious! Enjoy..