Sunday Favorites time over at Chari's at Happy to Design. Stop in and say hey. She always has the best stuff going on over there.
This post was from last summer. June I think. It was a great time.
I 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 WikipediaWe 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.
Did you like a post? Click on the SU button to Stumble it. Thanks.
Boy I know what you mean about the difference between visiting and actually living somewhere! But your comment about the little boats and float planes reminds me of something. Traffic here is awful, like nothing you get even there (yes, I remember the bumper to bumpers up and down Boundary!). The big urban areas like London are a nightmare on land. It can take two hours to go a mile by car once you're in the city limits. Add to that "congestion" charges and a chronic lack of parking. The buses and underground are overcrowded, dirty, frequently late (if some lines are running at all) and expensive.
ReplyDeleteBut, you can commute comfortably and very reasonably via the water. There's water buses and taxis that go up and down the Thames and I've never heard any complaints about them. They aren't a viable option for everyone, but its surprising how many people know about it, but won't use it.
I figure as the land gets more and more crowded, we may have to start using the water (and air!) more. Still, I'd rather western Canada to the grimy Midlands of England.
Fantastic trip, and the pictures took me right along with you. I could almost smell the air, so fresh and sweet.
ReplyDeleteHope you have a great day.
Molly
What a beautiful trip for my Sunday morning. Thanks for including the shot of the whale, that's something that I've always wanted to see. They did a segment on float planes during the Olympic coverage - now that would be a great way to commute! Kathy
ReplyDeletewhat a great trip
ReplyDeleteWhat gorgeous photos. I would love to visit Vancouver some time. We boarded a ship there one year for an Alaskan cruise, but did not have time to visit. I saw some cute shops from the bus we were on that I wanted to check out. Maybe someday we will go there.
ReplyDeleteI've never been to Canada, but I have been to Lopez Island and I love that whole Northern area. You would never think it rains all the time from the lovely photos you posted.
ReplyDeleteWe were in Vancouver and going to take the ferry over, but simply ran out of time, It is so beautiful there! Whales just take your breath away they are so magnificent!
ReplyDeleteHi Lori,
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by...I can see why Vancouver Island is your favorite places to visit..we went to Victoria several years ago and I feel in love with everything about it...the flowers the scenery the shopping...all was wonderful! Have great day!
Miss Bloomers
Lori,
ReplyDeleteI have been here once....and it was heaven!!!!! I am going to put Vancouver on My Bucket List for sure! :)
I love it cuz it looks like home to me! We have a lot of blue water and pretty green trees around here.
ReplyDeleteOh, I love this post.
ReplyDeleteGreat shots as well.
I used to live on the island... I miss it so!!
Hi Girlfriend...
ReplyDeleteOhhh...what a trip!!! I'm sure that it would be a long journey for those who have to make the trip on a daily basis...but I would love to experience that ferry ride over to Vancouver Island!!! The scenery is simply gorgeous and I would love to see a whale or two!!! So...your mother-in-law lives on Vancouver Island? How awesome!!! Thank you so much for sharing your awesome photos with us for Sunday Favorites this week, Darlin'...this was a real treat!!!
I do apologize for being so late at getting by. We had such beautiful weather yesterday that I ended up spending much of the day outside...I guess Spring fever got the best of me! Hehe! Thanks again for sharing this fabulous post with us for Sunday Favorites, Lori!!!
Warmest wishes,
Chari @Happy To Design
i went to duncan last year for a wedding. it was awesome! mostly cuz we partied the entire time and we turned the parking area into a tail gate party lol. i had my eyes peeled the entire time for some whale sighting but it didnt happen.
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice sounding trip and the scenery is gorgeous!
ReplyDelete