Hello, everyone!
I’m home, all luggage accounted for.
Sadie was waiting for me when I walked in the front door, travel weary and ready for bed at nearly midnight, North Carolina time.
I slept the sleep of the dead, only to awaken at after 9am!
I was astounded, but when my brain kicked in I realized that my body was still on Seattle time, so all told, it wasn’t that bad.
Still, this is going out a bit late today because I forced myself to have a leisurely Saturday morning, catching up with my son before he went to work, and then toodling down here to the studio where my desk is to start to make sense of everything that has come in since I’ve been gone.
Today’s post is a leisurely walking tour through Butchart Gardens in Victoria, BC.
And let me tell you, my photos don’t do this place justice. It has to be experienced first hand!
From the first whimsical snail fountain you pass just beyond the entrance -
To the magical pathways that wind through what used to be a quarry bottom.
To roses blooming in perfection.
To fountains capturing the wonder of all who pass by.
Butchart Gardens is a magical place in all seasons. My only regret is that we weren’t there over a Saturday night because the gardens are lit, and open until 11pm. And there are concerts on the lawn! I wish I could have stayed, and if I lived near by I would definitely have a season pass.
Enjoy!
We really had the best weather for this whole trip.
Very little rain in Alaska, and if there was any, it added to the mystique of the environment. Some got sunburned in Skagway! The sun was beautiful on our train ride up in the Yukon.
And Victoria. *sigh* It couldn’t have been any better! My very heartfelt thanks go to Dale and Kathy, and Diane for picking us up in port and transporting us all around Victoria. We couldn't have seen this without you, and it was so very nice to see you again!
I still have photos to share of Hatley Castle, and the 2016 Leader & Ender Challenge post has to be written and posted.
And I leave Tuesday for Montana????? Yikes!
But we will get it done!
Irene’s Collage!
Irene was also behind the scenes (Or in front of them!) taking photos and I haven’t had a chance to get those from her yet, either! Such a wonderful trip!
Quiltville Quote of the Day!
Nothing ever goes away until it has taught us what we need to know. If the same problem keeps happening over and over, change how you react to it! It just might change the outcome.
Have a lovely Saturday, everyone!
14 comments:
Thank you for giving us a little trip too! The fountain looks like birds and angels dancing on the water? A reminder that, yes, there is beauty in this world and the hearts of men. Your photos bring back memories of my own trip several years ago. Love the Rushin Tailor!
I love Butchart Gardens. Like yours my 2009 cruise stopped in Victoria the day before ending in Seattle. And it was a saturday and the 4th of July! Magical place, but most of my panoramic photos have people in them - it was very crowded! There were fireworks at the end of the evening, but we mostly saw them while boarding the bus back to the ship (and we were late due to traffic, thank goodness we were on a ship-arranged tour). We had set sail before I got back ro my room! So fun to watch from the balcony.
Take it easy these few days at home. We won't mind if leaders and enders doesn't get posted before you leave again. Heck, I still have lots of tumblers to sew. LOL
Pat
I can only imagine the smells coming from all those beautiful flowers had to be as wonderful as what you could see. Thank you soooooo much for this lovely vision!!
Glad you got home safely. There was a two hour delay for me in Calgary, Alta due to a thunderstorm. I arrived home around 1:00 a.m. Only one animal to greet me and that was Bella one of my daughters 3 cats (and the only animal who is allowed to roam the house at night). My body does not know what time zone it is in! LOL But glad to have made the trip. Thank you for the video of Butchart Gardens. It would be nice to go back and visit Victoria and Seattle on their own!
Brought back memories of my visit there 10 years ago. I know it took a lot of time to edit and post the slideshow. It is beautiful. Thanks!
What beautiful photos !! It brought back memories and I love seeing all the places through your eyes. You add so much to my day, with quilting, photo's, history and just being a wonderful lady. Thank you so much for all of it.
Thank-you so much for sharing the beautiful video of Butchart Gardens, what a beautiful place to visit, I would love to visit there one day.
GwenH
Glad you got such a wonderful day to experience part of where I live. Butchart's is truly a magical place. I love travelling, but very fortunate to be able to call Victoria home.
What a magical place is Butchart Gardens. I would love a visit there. However, unfortunately, I don't think that will happen in my lifetime, so thank you for sharing the wonderful photographs. Enjoy your short break at home. Love all you do.
Linda
Gorgeous place what a nice finish to the cruise trip. Our friends took so many pictures he was their for 2 days. It is one place I would love to see.
So glad you are home and your body must have needed the sleep Bonnie.
Sadie must be so happy you are home.
Thanks for all your pictures and post I sure enjoyed each one.
Happy Quilting and walking with Sadie.
I just got back with my Levi from the beach walking.
Yoka Bazilewich
Thank you for sharing the beautiful photos of this spectacular place, and accompanying it with such soothing music. It helped bring some peace to a stressful time in life. Bless you!!
Thank you so much for sharing these pictures! Decades ago, before the need for a passport to go visit there, Grammie and Grampa took us up there to see it in the spring. Your pictures are an inspiration for my future yard, and possible paintings!
I loved watching this lovely tour of Butchart Gardens. I visited there 2 years ago, but our cruise ship got into Victoria at 6 p.m. and by the time we arrived at the gardens, it was 8:30 p.m. Luckily, the gardens are lit at night and we could still enjoy walking through the gardens in the dark. But I have always hoped to go back and be able to experience the gardens in the daylight. At night, the colors of the flowers are just not as vivid. So thank you so much, Bonnie, for allowing us to experience this garden's daylight delights. If I never make it back there, at least I got to enjoy it 2nd hand through your photos. Pam
ABSOLUTELY STUNNING!!
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