Swartz Bay Ferry TermialI had the opportunity to go to Vancouver Island with my BB guy who had to make the trek for work. The ferries are an inconvenience at best for the people who live here, an expensive one at that. When you are a tourist it can be a beautiful trip full of eagles, whales, dolphins, mountains and ocean. After you have done the trip many times over the years you dread the awful food(
depending on whether or not the dining room is open), the sometimes half day lineups, the expense and the crowds. On the way over I didn't even take any pictures because it was a gray, rainy day. On the way home we did get to appreciate the touristy side of the trip because it was a beautiful day.
Image via Wikipedia
We had made a reservation, for a fee, to get on the 4:00 sailing back to the mainland. This saved us from perhaps missing a sailing and having to wait for the next one. It is a 2 1/2 hour ride so it does get quite late before you get home.This wasn't the ideal situation because it meant we had to cut our lunch and visit with my mother in law short to get to the boat by 3:30 check in for reservations. We had wanted a later sailing but they were already reserved. Remember this was the first Friday since school let out and we have a national holiday coming up on July 1 in Canada.
The scenery is spectacular for sure. We sat outside for most of the trip but a jacket was necessary for me. The sun was warm but the wind out on the open ocean is really strong and cold.
The pleasure boats were out everywhere and the float planes were landing at the waterfront home all along the way. Now that would be a fabulous commute home from work wouldn't it?
Note: the photos of the whale was not taken by me. It is from wikepedia. This is one of the best whale watching areas in the world and it is not unusual to see these magnificent animals on you ferry crossing. I didn't want you to miss out on them.
Swartz Bay Ferry Termial
Image via Wikipedia
The scenery is spectacular for sure. We sat outside for most of the trip but a jacket was necessary for me. The sun was warm but the wind out on the open ocean is really strong and cold. 
The pleasure boats were out everywhere and the float planes were landing at the waterfront home all along the way. Now that would be a fabulous commute home from work wouldn't it? 
Note: the photos of the whale was not taken by me. It is from wikepedia. This is one of the best whale watching areas in the world and it is not unusual to see these magnificent animals on you ferry crossing. I didn't want you to miss out on them. 
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Lori,
ReplyDeleteGorgeous pic's. I wouldn't stand in line for ANYTHING that long...WOW. But I would love to make the ferry trip. I would be a typical tourist! ;-)
I think I told you we were in Vancouver last year for my BIL's wedding to a girl from there. I was so in awe of the scenery, food, mountains, beaches and EVERGREENS!! Love them! We stayed in Kitsilano in a rental home that was furnished in antiques. Each room had a sitting area to read in and the owners left a huge bouquet of flowers for us. The reception was at the Vancouver Yacht Club~just gorgeous inside and out. The day after we went to a BBQ at the bride's home and had an authentic Canadian cookout and I got to see her mother's pretty garden~a bit different from the ones here, and the home was fabulous, all comfy yet traditional.
I'm sorry Lori... this was supposed to be your post! LOL!! I can't help it. I had the best time and think you are so fortunate to live in such a beautiful place. Hubby wants to go to Quebec City in the Fall. Any words to the wise??
Happy weekend!! :-)
xoxo
Jane