Victoria in the Spring

Victoria, B.C.

Friday, March 30, 2012  We arrived in Victoria and are spending a long week-end here sight seeing and visiting family and friends.  The weather is kinda chilly and rainy, but the spring flowers are all out in full bloom.  We are staying at the Marriot Victoria Inner Harbour Hotel and it is handy to walk and see the downtown, Inner Harbour and Royal B.C. Museum areas. 
Tonight we went for a nice walk down along the harbor and then out for supper.

Sat., March 31, 2012  This morning we walked down to the harbor for breakfast and coffee.  Then we decided to walk up the hill to see the Craigdarroch Castle.  It was a nice walk and we enjoyed seeing the old Victorian style houses in this area.   We decided not to go into the castle when we found out that there were several stairs to climb and my knee does not do well on stairs.  So we enjoyed the view from outside.
This 4 1/2 story mansion was built in 1887 and owned by Robert Dunsmuir.  At the time of his death in 1889, Dunsmuir's estate was valued at $15-20 million USA.




Then we walked downhill a short ways to visit the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria which has the largest public collection of art in B.C.  The Spencer Mansion was first built in 1889.  The Mansion was donated and opened in 1951 as the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria.  The outside of the Gallery is painted in colors to reflect the original Queen Anne style.

On permanent display is the work of B.C.'s historical artist Emily Carr in an exhibit called "On the Edge of Nowhere".  This exhibit includes a historical look at Carr's artistic career, featuring pieces in all media and styles.  The exibit shows the inspiration and influence from members of the Group of Seven, the First Nation Artists and European modern art.  The collection speaks of her personal experience, her spirituality and her connection to the West Coast landscape. 

The gallery is also home to a collection of Asian art, including the grand "Chinese Bell" cast in 1641 during the Ming Dynasty.  This bell hung in Beacon Hill Park until 1989 when it was taken to the Art Gallery to ensure the preservation of it.

An Asian Garden is located on the gallery grounds and includes the only authentic "Japanese Shinto Shrine" in North America.  It is situated among bamboo and Japanse Maples in the garden.

When we are in Victoria, I never miss the opportunity to go for a walk thru Thunderbird Park to see the totem poles.  It is a small park located next to the BC Royal Museum.  We have been here numerous times and I still love coming back here to take pictures.



Sunday, April 1, 2012
Today, we took a scenic drive along the West Coast Road, Hwy #14 to Sooke and then on up to Jordan River.  We didn't make it to Port Renfrew though.  The weather was on the rainy side but we both enjoyed the drive.  You need to take some exits off of the road and go down to the ocean to enjoy the views as most of the trip is thru dense forest up on the hillside.
Jordan River has become popular with the wind surfers and today we sat and had coffee watching a bunch of young women out there surfing.

 Tonight, we had a wonderful supper and visit with the cousins at their house in Victoria.  Thank-you for the great time. 

Monday, April 2, 2012
Today, we are driving up to Duncan, the "City of Totems" and home to the Cowichan Tribe of the Coast Salish Nation.  Duncan is located half-way between Victoria and Nanaimo.
The city had 80 totem poles which were erected in the late 1980's.  You can see 40 of them just by taking a short walk around the old town.  I love the color and the designs of the carvings.

We meet our friend Gary who lives in Parksville for lunch.  Great visit...
On our way back into Victoria we were early for our flight home so we pulled off of the highway and went down into the "Two Red Cedars" park.

 After a short walk and rest we continued onto the airport for our flight home...