Butchart Gardens and a drive

Woke to a mostly sunny day today, which was handy because we have a day on Vancouver Island and Butchart Gardens was high on the list.  Got there about 9.30 and were amazed at the organisation and layout of this world class facility.  Started in 1903 in an old quarry and has been added to and refined since that time.  Plenty of tourists but it is so big and the walking tracks are well signposted so everyone generally goes at about the same pace around the 22 acres of garden.  Every different section from the Quarry Garden, the Japanese Garden, the Rose Garden, the Italian garden and more would hold their own as a tourist attraction.  To have them all in the one paddock is a true feat of garden architecture.  Spent about 3 hours there and took a few photos.  Once again, the photos only show a tiny square of the landscape and all the bits we couldn’t fit in the photo add to the experience.  You’ll just have to visit, or try and reach back into your memory of when you were here to relive the walk.

Went for a scenic drive along the Malahat Drive, along the mountains overlooking Saanich Inlet to the east.  Had a big lunch at a little pub in Mill Bay.  Wanted to go across to the west coast to see the Pacific Ocean so headed west towards Sooke.  Drove for ages but found most of the ocean access is privately owned.  We eventually found a spot and walked down to the stoney beach.  I built my very own, and possibly very last Inukshuk.  I was sad to leave him alone to the elements, but I had to let go and set him free.

The happy couple.

Pam in the Quarry Garden

Balancing in the Japanese Garden.

Thick carpet of moss in bright sunshine.

A bright red, beautiful flower in the gardens.

Pats' rose, developed in Germany and registered in 1969.

The rest of these photos are just from all through the garden.  I could have shown plenty more but thought you may get a little tired of seeing such beauty.....

This is where we left the Butchard Gardens and went for a little drive.

The entrance to the visitors centre at GoldStream Creek.

View point looking over Saanich Inlet.

The scenic route.  While we stopped here a seal popped his head up about 50 metres off the bank.

The Peace Bear at the Sooke Visitors Centre.

On the beach looking east.

Looking west.

Sun going down in the west over the Pacific Ocean.  We couldn't wait till 7pm for the sun to set.

Grandads Inukshuk.

With my friend.

Waved goodbye as it disappeared into the sunset.

The world famous bar next door to our hotel, typical of a 'John Pub'.  The sign says, 'Sorry, we are OPEN.'

It's been here for 100 years.

Has 100 years of notes, graffiti and memorabilia inside.

Including a wagon wheel covered in bra's.  Most have names and phone numbers on them.  I was taking notes when Pam dragged me out.....