On Thursday, August 18th 10 of us loaded into two cars and headed to the Washington State Ferry. We headed North to Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada for the day. When the ferry left the dock it was a little foggy, however on the the ferry ride, the sky cleared and we were off to a glorious day! It is difficult to describe North America's largest Pacific Island because its character is so diverse. Whereas the city of Victoria is "genteel" and "cultivated", "rugged" and "remote" more accurately describes some of the more northern fishing and logging communities on Vancouver Island.
After disembarking the ferry, we headed south to the city of Victoria. It is truly cherished, and is one of the few cities left in North America in which height restrictions are maintained to preserve the value (and the seaview) of its older buildings. As a result, the city remains "small-town friendly".
Victoria has a personality as strong as its namesake, the longest reigning English monarch.
Western Canada's oldest city (first known as Camosack), was originally settled in 1843 as Fort Victoria, a regional outpost of the Hudson's Bay Company. Its harbour was home to one of the wold's largest whaling and sealing fleets and a major port of entry to British North America. In 1858, the Cariboo Gold Rush transformed Victoria from a small colonial
outpost into a port city.
The Oregon Treaty of 1846 settled the boundary dispute between the US and Britain, and Fort Victoria's strategic location was realized. Victoria had a boom town ment
ality during the 1860's. At this time, the town had no less than 85 licensed drinking establishments. The city did not neglect the arts either: the Victoria Theatre was created by converting some empty fur warehouses. Victoria today is known as the "City of Gardens". There are flowers planted everywhere. Our first stop was at the Wharf and lunch! Along with a wonderful meal of fish and chips, we discovered a lively and colourful floating village. There are 33 homes of varying designs and vintages. The homes have no motors and have to be towed in order to be moved to another location. All homes are owner-occupied and may not be rented. They have telephones, satellite TV and high speed Internet and all the amenities found in a land-based home, except garages and lawns. The steel pilings holding the docks in place are drilled into the rock bed below the docks. There are many different types of flotation including:
enviro-closed-cell foam blocks covered in welded 100mm polyurethane, plywood boxes covered in fiberglass and blown foam, pontoons, barge (former use), logs (traditional), barrels (for trim) and boat hulls. In bad weather the float homes move on the waves but they are very stable. With Victoria's wonderful climate they live there year round. Not counting dogs and cats on the dock, they are surrounded by local wildlife - harbour seals, heron, river otters along with the star fish, crabs and sea anemones in the water.
From lunch we headed to the center of town to walk the streets and the arts and crafts along the wharf in town. The city has retained a large number of its historic building, in particular its two most famous landmarks, the British Parliament Buildings (finished in 1897 and
home of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia) and the Empress Hotel
( opened in 1908).
We stopped and did some shopping, however we found it rather expensive! We did find
several local pubs to sample the local fare.
It was a great day and we finally headed back to the ferry. Another great time with good friends.
That is all for today. Remember that we love to hear from you also.
Candy and Johnny
