Tuesday, September 08, 2009

Visiting Victoria

It was nearly 3 weeks ago that my parents came to visit us up here in Canada. It was a short whirl wind visit. I kept them on their toes every morning and evening making sure I walked them enough. I didn't want them to get too spoiled with all of the eating we did.

We made our way up Island on Friday to check out the amazing low tide in Parksville and Qualicum Beach. For those of you who don't know the area, Vancouver Island utilizes one main highway which basically goes up and down the island. Since the population is not THAT large, much of the highway does have signals when entering towns.
(Click to Enlarge)

The red dots give you an idea on where we started and visited. All in all, it was about 2.5 hours drive each way and 320 km of driving. That's not much for California drivers.

So after we finally got to our first destination, I was in photography overload. There was so much to photograph and see. I was totally in my element, but the wind was very active.


Click to enlarge any photo.

Just the look of the blowing flags tells you it's a windy day outside. Enter Parksville.

Low Tide on the beach, pure heaven. It was a first visit for myself and my parents to the city of Parksville.



We each began wandering into the low tide pools searching for crabs and whatever shells and mysteries we could find.

Some Beautiful Shells!

This was my neat find on the walk.

What a view!


Dad was getting a bit hungry so we escaped the wind, filled our tummies up with some great food and headed off to Qualicum Beach next.

See he's happy.

We walked along the beach as there was so much to see.

Ripples in the sand.
a dead jelly fish.

A Crab.


A beautiful red door.

A lonely bench. That fire hydrant sure has it made.


The parents just happy to enjoy the time with us.

And a final shot before leaving to go back to Victoria.


After a few hours of wandering around the area, we mutually decided that Sushi was next on the agenda. Even mom was up for trying it, which has NEVER happened before.


Content after dinner, we took a long stroll to check out some of the interesting buildings around Victoria at Bastion Square.

Sunset views of the Inner Harbour.


Part of Bastion Square.Building from 1892 - (old for Victoria)


My mom can be quite the clown. They have taken to posing with all of these status as of late. It's amusing watching what they do.


Part of Bastion Square which was the original Fort Victoria.
Site of the original Fort Victoria, now long gone - and said to harbour a haunted building - many small shops, arts and crafts stands, benches to sit on, several restaurants, and some welcome greenery - and a wide scenic view of Inner Harbour and beyond - Bastion Square gives respite from the rush of the city in the midst of the city, and a chance to regroup oneself while soaking up some pacific scenery.

I spot a Swiss Flag.


Walking back to the Legislative Building and the Inner Harbour.


(don't forget to click to enlarge)
And it was time to retire inside for the night. What an incredible day.

There's more to come from their trip, once I finally get the photos processed.

6 comments:

  1. All excellent shots showing off a little the vast and wonderful Vancouver Island. You do the homeland justice (as I'm a native Van Islander).
    But, for me, the best photo is the one sporting the German and Swiss flags--my two favourite countries.
    Thank you, once again.

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  2. awww, how cool! loving the great photos! I love low tides too, so fun. Good to hear your parents got to see the Island and enjoyed their stay!

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  3. Anonymous9:47 AM

    I can't wait for my parents to visit us... one day. We've been in Canada for almost 6 years but with so many economic problems in Europe, it's hard for my parents to take time off, even if I pay for the plane tickets etc.

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  4. Looks like you had a great time with your parents! My favorite - Bastion Square.

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  5. It's really great to see everything through your eyes, Jen. Sometimes we need guests to visit us so that we're "forced" to get out and see the sights! Glad your parents were able to see so much of that beautiful island!

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