Victoria, BC...Our Brief Stop in Canada

This was our cabin steward's latest creation...

Cruising along towards Victoria...

I loved the sky!

And a tiny opening for the sun to peep through...

We were only in Victoria for four hours. That's crazy! We arrived at 7:00 pm and lots of buses were waiting to take people on excursions. We didn't have anything planned, except a stop at Roger's Chocolates.

Our balcony...

Everyone had free cell service at last. The texts were flying!

Beautiful Victoria...

We took a taxi downtown to the Empress Hotel. Jim and I were married on the grounds of the Empress 20 years ago. It is one of the old CP hotels built in 1908.

The rhododendrons were still blooming...

We went for tea with our cruising friends, Brian and Peggy, at Butchart Gardens when we drove across Canada in 2008. I am sure tea at the Empress would be just as wonderful.

The majestic legislative building...

And a totem pole...

We decided to take a horse and carriage ride to see some sites. I don't think Bud the horse was expecting to have 7 passengers. It was a little squishy...good thing we were family!

Our tour took us through Beacon Hill Park...

Part of the park remains "natural" and the grass is moved infrequently.

The other side of the park is manicured with ponds and flowers...

Loved this tree!

I didn't get too many pictures because we were doing a lot of bouncing up and down in the carriage!

It's a great business in Victoria...

A couple admiring the breathtaking landscape...

Bud was pretty happy to be finished with us. He looked a little dejected...

Cute dolphins!

And a stop at Roger's Chocolates! The first Roger's chocolates were made in 1885.

The legislature at night...Victoria is a beautiful city.

It was time to get back to the ship, where we all met for a final get together. Allan made us a monkey!

It was hard to believe, after waiting so long, that the cruise was over. We had such a wonderful time and it was great to reconnect with all the family! Hugs to everyone...

Tomorrow we leave the ship in Seattle to visit our friends, Nancy and Joe...