The City of Victoria
Jul 16th, 2008 by Elise
Victoria City Life
North to Alaska Seattle Series 2008
16 July 2008
Lat N48.25.32
Lon W123.22.220
Well we made it safely across the Strait of Juan de Fuca to the beautiful city of Victoria, British Columbia in about 3 ½ hours with a lively 20 knot wind out of the west. It was a perfect sail but we also ran the engine just to give it a little workout…can’t be testing it enough right now in my opinion. Everything ran just fine, we cleared customs without a visit from the local authorities…just a phone call, and got a lovely slip right on the end in front of the Fairmont Empress Hotel downtown. We have lots of neighbors, but we get to see all of the seaplane and ferry traffic coming and going all day long. They also have these very cute little harbor ferries that carry people all over the inner harbor area. They look like little tug boats…unique in appearance, and quite efficient. Looks like it might be one of the premier retired gentlemen jobs in the area, much like driving the busses in ski country. Probably a good gig when you still want a little something to do. There are enough of them, that the unemployment rate must be very low!
Yesterday after our arrival, we walked around town and found the Marble Slab Creamery for Roger’s daily ice cream fix (well almost daily – he’s making up for ice cream withdrawal from the trip from Hawaii). Today, being my birthday I’ve gotten to do pretty much what I wanted. I know, I get to do that all the time. Well, you’re right – I do, and I enjoy it. We walked up to the locally famous Craigdarroch Castle. It was built in 1889 by coal baron Robert Dunsmuir who died prior to its completion. It is really quite spectacular and is now open to the public as a museum (www.thecastle.ca). John says it was the longest eight blocks he’s ever walked (whiner). No, we did walk and walk most of the morning and while it was a mere eight blocks to get there, it was eight blocks back and I detoured the boys to also visit the Beacon Hill Park which boasts beautiful gardens and ponds in a great setting. It was worth the whining. There is a strong Irish influence here and Pubs abound the area, so naturally we stopped for lunch and a local beer while we were out. Since we ate so much at lunch, we’ll stay on the boat for pupus or some light fare tonight. All in all, a great birthday.
I received many phone messages I can only assume with birthday greetings but since the phone is on international roaming, I didn’t check my voicemail nor call anyone back. But thanks so much for the thoughts – they really are appreciated!
The weather continues to be fantastic. When the winds blow, it cools down enough for a light sweater or jacket but the skies are clear and blue. Tomorrow, we leave for Sydney Harbor. It’s about a 25 mile trip by the time you go far enough outside not to get caught in the currents or hit any of the numerous rocks out there. Fortunately, we won’t be crossing the shipping channels which makes it much more relaxing especially if the visibility is impaired…like the FOG word again. It’s a bit unnerving when one of the monster ships is bearing down on you and all you can see is the blip on the radar screen. And if you want to think of one of the upsides of higher gas prices…it slows the big ships down to a mere 15 kts rather than the 20+ they previously moved at. It makes a big difference at the rate of closure. At least that’s what we’ve been told…I believe that, anyway. There’s always an upside to everything.
Love to all,
Roger, Elise and John
s/v Cutthroat
Elise -
I didn’t know! Happy, happy birthday! I had no idea that you and John were so close. I’m glad you had such a great day! Don’t listen to the whiner.
Elise and Rog: Miss seeing your smiling faces, but glad you are enjoying the fruits of all your hard work. It would be hard for me to stay afloat as do you…I get sea sick easily. I admire you guys for all you do and see. That is what we are supposed to do…enjoy life. I started to ride my Harley and am back to getting well from the quadruple bypass. I love reading about your ventures. Take care out there as you travel. There are alot of crazy people out there and you have not met them all. Bob and Linda Lucas
Happy Birthday and great new adventures. Joe and I just love traveling with you both! Today’s trip was just lovely. We are off to Chicago for 7 weeks and will be in San Diego in Sept. So as the song goes, See You In Sept. Stay safe and happy
Nemira and Joe Mack
HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ELISE FROM HER MOTHER “MARIE” !
I’m so happy for you to have such wonderful travels on sea and land.
It is special like you and I always enjoy hearing about all the adventuresome travels.
Everything here is going well and it appears that Larry will finish his list by the end of today or tomorrow. The weather has been making up for lost time with good rain which we need but it does get dreary after long seige of it. But not to complain as I keep busy which always makes for contentment.
Have wonderful interesting travels as I sure enjoy the tales .
Again, HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELISE ! I love you, Mom
Keep in touch
HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ELISE FROM HER MOTHER “MARIE” !
I’m so happy for you to have such wonderful travels on sea and land.
It is special like you and I always enjoy hearing about all the adventuresome travels.
Everything here is going well and it appears that Larry will finish his list by the end of today or tomorrow. The weather has been making up for lost time with good rain which we need but it does get dreary after long seige of it. But not to complain as I keep busy which always makes for contentment.
I love you, Mom
Keep in touch
Didn’t know either, Elise. You and Roger have been great in sending e-cards to us, but I’m not yet that organized. I’m blaming that on still being in the salt mines (best excuse I could think of on short notice). Glad you had a great B-day and that Cutthroat is back in commission. We’ll raise a martini or two to you this PM!!
All our best to you and Roger.
Happy b-day and great sailing!
We are so glad to see that all mechanical issues are resolved, and you get to enjoy the boat and your company without worries. Dino and I were in Victoria few years back and stayed at the Empress Hotel just across of where you are. Make sure you do High Tea at the Hotel.
We are looking forward to seeing you in SD.
Cheers,
A and D
Guys,
Now you are beginning to reap the good side of the sailing life, you know, those good times that we wistfully discussed on the passage to the mainland. Enjoy, as I join the many who are sharing the dream through your words.
Fair winds, clear skies, deep water,
Pat
Happy Birthday Elise!!! Sounds like the engine and the generator are all better now so…Happy sailling!! Did you take pics of Beacon Hill Park? I would love to see what the gardens look like. We had a low pressure system parked off our coast for 2 days. It brought us ALOT of rain. Infact, I didn’t work Wednesday and Thursday. I played catchup today and will be at your Moms tomorrow (Saturday) for more catchup. But we needed the rain. All the lakes are full and the plants are happy.