Victory in Victoria, British Columbia

(Previously unpublished post from the Alaska Cruise in 2010.)

Our final stop on the 2010 Alaskan cruise was Victoria, British Columbia. Rob and I visited the Butchart Gardens, a 55-acre estate which hosts the famous Sunken Garden created in a former limestone quarry.

Photo opportunities abound throughout the property including innumerable varieties of trees and flowers, a snake sunning itself on a stone wall (watch where you sit!) and a hummingbird feeding.

Flamingos, koi, tropical foliage, orchids, and butterflies with wing spans ranging from one to nine inches were seen at the Butterfly Gardens. Some of the butterflies, like the one to the left, had just emerged from the cocoon and were drying out their huge wings.  Other butterflies were flitting about so quickly that it was difficult to grab their picture.

Word of caution: the controlled tropical environment can be a challenge if you are heat-sensitive. I was happy to find benches available.

Before heading back to the ship, Rob and I stopped for a “tasty beverage” (aka beer) and a bite to eat. We listened as people at the next table were discussing the business of art auctions on cruise ships. We soon realized that they were talking about the auctions on our cruise ship. Very interesting conversation.

We were hungry and probably anything would taste good, but the seafood chowder was so good at The Sticky Wicket, an English pub, that Rob and I returned during a subsequent visit to Victoria in 2011. Oh, and Rob approved of his beverage as well.


Reflections
Two years have passed since Rob and I embarked on this once-in-a-lifetime voyage. The greatest memories come from the people (ladies at our dining table were a hoot), the connection with other MSers, and the time spent exploring the area. We enjoyed ourselves so much that we joined Rob’s family on another cruise to Alaska the following summer, making it a twice-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Related Posts:
The Rainbow Connection
Beginning of an Adventure
In Seattle for a Day, Kissing the Sidewalk
And They're Off!!
Whales, a Glacier, and Hottubs
On the Rails in Skagway
Blue Ice and Still Waters
Victory in Victoria, British Columbia
Who Knew Washington Could be HOT!!