Kilted in Kanada

**BEEDEE** · 9th May 09, 09:13 AM

Two weeks ago, Jude and I were in Victoria, BC for three days. This is a delightful town, and as many know, is the home of Steve Ashton, otherwise known as the Wizard of BC. First day was spent in Butchart Gardens. Now I'm not much of a grden person, but this was my treat to Jude. The gardens are only 55 acres, but what they have there blew me away. I took over 120 photos in the gardens, so here are just a few to give you a flavor.

Looking down into the quarry, which was the start of the Gardens, over 100 years ago;

They are putting in a carousel, this is what one of the rides will be.

All the flowering trees were in bloom

Typical bed of flowers

A view down into the gardens

The colors were amazing

The rose garden is just budding out but this gives an idea of how extensive that section is.

Reached the image limit for this post, so more to come.

Brian

:ootd:

**BEEDEE** · 9th May 09, 09:14 AM

This is the rest of the gardens.

The tulips and hyacinths were tremendous

I could have spent all day just in the Japanese garden

The Butchart family had a private cove that comes right up to the gardens

Just the right time for rhododendrons

And heather grows outside of Scotland!

MORE TO COME!

Brian

:ootd:

**Freelancer** · 9th May 09, 09:21 AM

Wow, spectacular gardens. Great photos!

**BEEDEE** · 9th May 09, 09:24 AM

The next day was spent in Victoria. First stop was Steve's shop to be measured for a new kilt. Outside is the tree that Ensign Weasel Mender and I threw Grant into. This tree deserves a National Historical Plaque for its importance in the ultimate defeat of the SOKS Blimp in the Hunt for the Acryli-beast.

While we were there, who should walk in but Big Mikey who had come over form Vancouver just to meet up with us. I was touched and honored by his presence.

You need to ask Steve about these two poles and the others outside the Royal BC Museum

From inside the museum is one of the best views of the Inner Harbor of Victoria.

Last day was spend exploring Victoria. This is the gate into Chinatown, which was once the largest on the western seaboard.

A typical fruit and vegetable shop in Chinatown

And of course, what's Chinatown without opium dens.

STILL MORE TO COME!!!

Brian

**BEEDEE** · 9th May 09, 09:29 AM

Victoria has some beautiful old buildings, this is just a sampler of some

And outside the Royal Scot Hotel stands this bear with a genuine kilt made by Steve Ashton.

An of course, the pleat shot

The XMTS plant badge flourishes in Victoria

The Empress is one of the old Canadian Pacific Railway Hotels and dominates the Inner Harbor.

Leaving Victoria on the Seattle ferry we got a wonderful view of the houseboats at Fisherman's Wharf

And finally, this Canadian submarine had just come in to Victoria for repairs after a fire on board.

And so ended a great three days.

Brian

:ootd:

**highland mafia** · 9th May 09, 09:48 AM

Great pics. I used to live in Victoria. Now London Ont. (Boooo). Miss Vic huge, but gotta go where the work is I supose. As a matter of fact I was the sous chef at the fine dinning restaurant in Butchart Gardens! Any ways nice pics.

PS. You do of course know that Canada is spelt with a C right???

**walkerk** · 9th May 09, 10:03 AM

Thanks for the wonderful pictures. There certainly is a lot to see and do in Victoria.

**McMurdo** · 9th May 09, 10:33 AM

Great set of photos, glad you had a good time in Canada.

**Big Mikey** · 9th May 09, 12:57 PM

Brian, it was a distinct pleasure meeting you and Jude. The time spent on Steve's stoop was thoroughly enjoyable. Now, if you don't mind, would you ask Jude "Is it done yet?!?"