We went as foot passengers on the ferry from Port Angeles to Victoria. During the 1-1/2 hour trip, Barbara began teaching Tryna how to crochet a hat. It was a good thing we had something to entertain us since it was foggy so early in the morning.

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We took a public bus to Butchart Gardens which is a don't miss for anyone who even remotely enjoys flowers. Here is a small area of the Italian garden, a part of the 55 acres begun as a hobby by Mr. And Mrs. Robert Butchart in 1904.

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The sunken garden was a worked-out limestone quarry site which offended Mrs. Butchart's sensitive feeling of beauty. As a result, she included it in her plans for landscaping the grounds of their home. Notice the stack which is all that remains of the quarry.

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Just before entering the sunken garden area we found these incredible blooms who have the common name "Love Lies Bleeding" or Amaranthus Caudatus.

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Butchart Gardens are divided into four main areas: the sunken garden, the rose garden, the Japanese garden and the Italian garden. We found this beautiful display of statice somewhere between the rose and Japanese gardens.

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There were many wonderful, whimsical fountains within the gardens. We all loved the snail fountain so I decided to include it for your enjoyment too. I must share with you that this is just a few of the wonderful photos I took at the gardens. Choosing which ones to include here was indeed a difficult task.

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Returning to Victoria we had a few hours to capture the essence of this wonderful city. Here is the famous Empress Hotel where we spent our 25th anniversary some 11 years ago.

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Diagonally across the harbor from the Empress one finds the stately Parliament Building.

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Along the water walk one can truly absorb the sights and sounds of this city. There were street vendors were selling their wares...

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Musicians to entertain you...

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And cementmen mimes who came alive when you dropped a donation into their bucket.

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