Didja go whale-watching in an inflatable? It's probably about Orca breeding season, if my memory serves.

but we heard there were Orca sightings on some of the boats that were going out. There are apparently three pods of Orcas that hang out
in the area.

I was there for a conference on cooperatives. There was a trip laid on to the gardens -- wonderful. And I did go out to watch the Orcas (and incidentally spot a few birds) and it was just before the mating season, when the pods get together and, well -- anyway, one of the young Orcas was getting a bit randy with one of his sisters -- OK, 'nuff said.

But they are WHALES, OK?

The Building Architecture and the Gardens are quite wonderful.

I scored tickets to a private concert in Canada. Couldn't get my passport quick enough. I was bummed. Some day I'll wander up that way. Looks quite amazing.

I have kept a current passport for more than 30 years. I wouldn't be without it--just in case! It does cost a lot
more to get one now than it did when I got my first one, but it's well worth the cost to be able to take an international
trip on short notice.

Hope to get there soon. I wonder how long the Butchart Gardens blooming lasts in the fall.

The plant guide we were given indicates bloom times for many of the flowers through September and even into October. They are open year round. Apparently
they dress the gardens up for Christmas, too.

I've already started the passport process. There is a group I want to see that will be touring in Poland. Retirement can't come quick enough for me.

These are just amazing and glorious!

That mask is positively spooky......well done!

And the flowers and the butterflies and the scenery........

Makes me wish I lived there. sigh

K&R

We heard there are a lot of Canadian retirees in Victoria--30 some percent of the total population.

Unfortunately, unless you have Canadian relatives or a bundle of money, it's very difficult to immigrate to Canada as a retiree. They don't want us!

There was recorded narration by native people of stories represented by the masks, and each mask, or group of masks, would be illuminated
as the story was told.

I happened to grab this single shot when the entire display was lit and I was in the right place to get this perspective on it just before the display
went dark to start the story telling with specific illuminations of individual masks.

on my must-see list!!

Silly but fun

but I did get some water taxi shots. Here's one.

Thanks for sharing.

I live in Seattle and go to Victoria at least 4 times a year. But my pictures have never been this beautiful!!

Give us a head's up next time and we'll show you the real Victoria, not just the one that's been designed to please your eyes and lighten your wallet.

However, this was probably our last trip of this type. You might want to make the offer to oldtime dfl_er
who posted #17 that he comes from Seattle to Victoria several times a year.

Love the totem pole & the love peace rose. And the colors in the garden shots are stunning!

One thing I miss about the north is how green everything is.

Thanks for sharing!