We left Vancouver very early to catch the 8:30 AM Tsawwassen Ferry...
...and arrived at the Butchart Gardens by around 11:00.
"I thought Stanley Park was the most beautiful place I'd ever seen," my mother said, "but this place incredibly surpasses it."
We decided to buy the Spring Lunch offer and was glad we did. It was very elegant and delicious. Mom and I loved our potato puree with scallops and water cress soup.
Art enjoyed his mussels.
The grilled salmon atop the cobb salad was scrumptious. OK... I admit it! It was the bacon I loved!
Yes, yes! I did take another million photos of flowers! I just couldn't help myself. When we went to our hotel and downloaded the photos my mom asked several times if I was done because she wanted to see all the flowers again.
The sunken garden was magnificent! Mom kept gasping at the beauty all around her. The contrasting colors of the flowers, the variety of plants and creativity of the landscape architects absolutely astounded her.
When Mom saw the hanging cherry flowers, she remarked that she felt like she was dreaming because it was all too lovely for words.
We had to leave because Mom's legs were bothering her. We promised her that we would come back tomorrow. We made a stop at the Victoria Butterfly Garden where the wonder of having butterflies and birds all around her was another fascinating experience.
Art is such a sweetheart. He actually lifted Mom the other day to see something forgetting that she wasn't really our seven year old daughter of some 25 years ago. I know he nearly threw his back out.
There weren't just butterflies there. This bird really surprised me. It wasn't afraid of me at all but kept staring at me with his/her large eyes framed by orange eyelashes.
We're staying at the Executive House Hotel in Victoria tonight and tomorrow. It's a suite and just gorgeous.
It even has a kitchenette. I'm so excited. We went to the market and bought breakfast for tomorrow and some dinner for tonight.
I'm going to bed late again but I just had to share this day with you all. Tomorrow, we've got the B.C. Museum, a walk through the Empress Hotel which is a block away and back to the Butchart one last time. Although it cost $26.00 per person today, it will be just $3.50 tomorrow. I sure hope it will be a sunnier day. You know I need more photos!
And Mom is excited about seeing it all again! Hopefully with better light. Although it was overcast... it's still better than rain. We've been awfully lucky so far.
Great stories, great pictures. Love the one of Art focusing on his meal.
ReplyDeleteKay, I'd love to know your mother. She seems to have childlike eyes and heart (the best way to be).
I was so happy to get word from Tiff that they had been out to The Woods.
It's wonderful to see the expression on your mother's face, and to hear just how much she is enjoying your trip.
ReplyDeleteWell, I am so glad you did make it to Butchart Gardens. I was there in 1976 and saw it with some friends who live nearby. It is an old gravel pit filled in and who would ever think that. It is one place I would visit again if I could walk and get around. I didn't even have a camera when I was there. So I get to see it again through your eyes and photos. Tell your mom I said, "Hello."
ReplyDeleteI'm enjoying remembering our visits to Vancouver and Victoria by reading of your adventures there. We've crossed the Capilano Suspension bridge (although I don't remember paying a fee. Maybe we cheated??!!), toured Stanley Park, loved Queen Elizabeth Park, where the air felt so fresh, and spent time in Victoria and at Butchchart Gardens. Aren't the gardens incrdible? And the flowers of Victoria? You'll enjoy your stroll through the Empress Hotel, for sure.
ReplyDeletewow it is gorgeous-will have to visit the gardens next time we're there. how fun that your mom enjoys it so much and helps you see it through her eyes. you are making memories with her that will last forever. thanks for sharing your wonderful photos.
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful, beautiful pictures Kay! My parents have been to that Garden and they still talk about it 8 yrs. later! I think it used to be a quarry, am I right? Absolutely wonderful. I hope your Mom's legs hold out today for another walk around and more pics! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear you all enjoyed the Buchart Gardens as much as we did! When I 1st saw the gardens the 1st thing I told Ed was...my mom has to see this. :)
ReplyDeleteIt looks beautiful! Now I want to go too. We're traveling to Vancouver in June, but just to board a cruise. I have other friends who have been to Victoria Island and also raved about it. It's on my list now for sure.
ReplyDeleteWonderful post, those gardens are staggering and it seems you're there at the perfect time to see them. You are such a 'cute' family Kay, I am loving your posts.
ReplyDeleteLove the photos!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThe Cobb salad looked wonderful!
Hope your trip is outstanding!!!
Aren't the gardens just gorgeous!! I was there years ago and will never forget what a beautiful place -- that's why I had to do write the post about it that I did. You all look as though you're having such a wonderful, happy time and I'm thrilled for you! Your photos are fabulous!
ReplyDeleteKay;
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful for your Mom that she has you and Art! I betwhen she goes to sleep she dreams about beautiful flowers!
PS
That bird and butterfly were spectaclar...what kind of bird do you think that was?
ABSOLUTELY MESMERIZING!!!
ReplyDeleteOh how sweet the photo of your Mom with her hands outspread is! What a precious moment to catch. It must be a wonderful feeling to share all this with her. The gardens are so beautiful, looks like you picked the perfect time to visit. I am so enjoying your vacation!
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful Kay, such fabulous photos and you bring back all these memories of our trip there all those years ago. So happy you are all having such a great time.
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures but my favorites are the butterfly and the BACON!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you are having decent weather - at least not rain! The Buchart Gardens are amazing. And they change with each season, going from one spectacular planting to the next. I think it's time we made a return visit.
ReplyDeleteKay, you all look so happy and relaxed. I bet Art is wonderfully patient with your mother, the picture of him telling her how to tie her shoelaces said it all. You are just gorgeously good people, you can tell. I personally can never get enough flowers.
ReplyDelete