Overnighter!

Smores 'n more

Tonight the grandkids are here for an overnighter, so it's summer and there's a few things that can only be done when it's dark out so they were up late tonight - too bad mom and dad, hahaha!

Masterpiece smores were made and eaten...

 

 

...we won't tell how many!

 

 



 

 

And of course 9 o'clock at night is perfect for rockin' to the tunes out on the sundeck to wear off some of that sugar buzz.

 

 

 

Surprisingly this little guy was asleep within minutes of hitting the pillow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ted downloaded an App today that you use for finding constellations and all sorts of interesting things up in the night sky. It's pretty neat actually, and it means you get to stay up late and check out the stars with your Grandpa. :)

 

This post doesn't really fit the criteria for our 'travel blog' but it felt like a little bit of a camp-out even though we're at home so I've included it.  Years from now when I look back at this it'll be one of our best summer memories I'm sure.

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Birch Bay

After our weekend in Victoria Ted and I drove straight down to Birch Bay where Jen, Rick and the kids had been vacationing for the past four days.  The weather was still sunny and yet there was enough wind to fly kites.

The kids had been flying them on the beach when the tide was out earlier that day when we arrived, which was a much better spot.  It was still fun to watch the 'launch and run' team though, it takes cooperation and teamwork for sure!

Ruby informed me that the yellow store called the 'C' Shop is the best place to go in Birch Bay because it has snow cones and candy, what more can you want on a holiday?  And yes I think she's right, it is definitely a highlight and a great place to walk to along the beach.

So after the kids left Ted and I were lazing around in this sleepy little town, I don't know if it was the sea air or what but we weren't very energetic.  We walked the beach, sat around the pool (well Ted did go to the fitness room several times), read books and took it easy.

This heron was interesting to watch, he'd stand and listen while peering into the water and then he'd quickly poke his head down and eat something. 

He didn't like us getting too close though so before long he took off to a safer distance to fish for his dinner.

Watching the sun go down from our balcony while live jazz music was playing from a nearby beach bar was a serendipity.  After three days it was time to head homeward so now we're back in our normal routine until we head to a wedding in Whistler the end of August.

Thane

 ~ Sailing Day ~

Two years ago I wouldn't have considered getting on a boat smaller than a ferry, and even then it had better be a calm day. The 'Thane' is a ketch with an overall length of 57 feet, but it sounded just right for a three hour sail. 

 

Ted helps pull up the sails once we get out of the harbour.

 

 

 

Although it was sunny and hot on land it was breezy and cool on the water for the first half hour or so, then thankfully it warmed up. 

 

 

 

Out on the front of the bow doing 'rock watch' - Lynn did well. :)

I think Wayne's looking for a whale instead of rocks!

 

Derrick proved he can sleep just about anywhere.

We brought a picnic on board, everything tastes better on the water doesn't it Sue?

What a great day, ahoy matey - until next time!

 

Symphony Splash!

Victoria's Inner Harbour

At 8:00 a.m. Sunday morning while  the rest of us were having a leisurely coffee and enjoying the beauty of a new sunny day, Wayne was setting up a whole bunch of lawn chairs at the Inner Harbour for us and some other friends and family.  This is an annual tradition around here, and in order to secure a great spot to view and listen you need to be (or have) an early bird!  We did get down there by early afternoon though.

Thanks Wayne!

 

The Victoria Symphony is all set up on the barge in the harbour right across from the Empress Hotel, there's people and boats everywhere.  This was our vantage point where we spent the day people-watching, snacking, Scrabble playing, and dancing during the pre-event festivities.

The Empress Hotel - opened January 20, 1908

 

 

 

As the evening drew to a close the symphony orchestra played 1812 Overture by Tchaikovsky; ending with fireworks and Amazing Grace.  Then it was a quick camera exchange with some fellow Splash go-ers so we could all get a photo in front of the Parliament buildings - and home to rest for our sail tomorrow.  :)

First day in Oak Bay - Victoria, B.C.

First thing Saturday morning we headed over to Victoria with Sue and Derrick, the sky was kind of cloudy but the water was nice and calm.  Things are looking good!

Ted made use of his time on the ferry to practise his Scrabble skills.

 By noon we had arrived at Wayne and Lynn's in Oak Bay, what a great place to sit look out at the ocean -  the view they have is breathtaking.

After lunch we went to the Butchart Gardens where we spent the late afternoon and evening.  It's been many years since we've been there and I had forgotten the beauty of their mass plantings of flowers.

 

 

Check out the huge bees on this sunflower!

 

 

The Italian gardens reminded us all of great memories from our past vacation together in Tuscany.

 

 

 

 

This is the view of the Sunken Garden from the top of the steps leading down into it.  After the sun went down we went back, it was all beautifully lit up with indirect lighting beneath the shrubs and flowers. 

 

 

Sue, Lynn and I decided to take an evening ride on some wild animals:

 

 

 

 

Before the night was over we had a great dinner at the Blue Poppy restaurant, sang along with an enthusiastic crowd watching a band called Tropic Mayhem that was playing at the Concert Lawn, and then finished our day with the best firework display I'd ever seen. 

The finale!

Summer 2013

Another trip - another island, apparently we like them!  Eleven hours 'til departure....

 

 

 

...can't wait.  :)