Canada
31 May 2022
Hello Canada! We never expected to be here but here we are and happy about it. Unfortunately it is only for a short 3 weeks. Hopefully to return.
Hello Canada! We never expected to be here but here we are and happy about it. Unfortunately it is only for a short 3 weeks. Hopefully to return.
Where else in the world but beautiful Victoria on Vancouver Island do you see these tiny water taxis and float planes sharing the waters.
1 June Butchart Gardens
About 20 kms north of Victoria are the amazing Butchart Gardens whose creation began over a century ago. Jennie and Robert Butchart owned a limestone quarry used for making cement in the early 1900s. As the quarry became exhausted Jenny decided to turn the quarry into a sunken garden. The result was stunning and the gardens became very popular and still are. The gardens are still owned by family.
About 20 kms north of Victoria are the amazing Butchart Gardens whose creation began over a century ago. Jennie and Robert Butchart owned a limestone quarry used for making cement in the early 1900s. As the quarry became exhausted Jenny decided to turn the quarry into a sunken garden. The result was stunning and the gardens became very popular and still are. The gardens are still owned by family.
The sunken garden built in the old quarry.
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The weather hadn't been the best and the holidays hadn't quite started so there weren't crowds which was great.
On arrival we were directed to park next to a Daimler, also right hand drive. Not keen on gardens and plants, scroll down a bit. |
2 - 6 June
Keen to see some orcas we did a whale tour from Victoria. No success with the orcas, just a glimpse of a young humpback breeching, some beautiful coastline, seals and Dalls and harbour porpoises.
From Victoria we drove north to Chemainus, a small town having free designated overnight parking for RVs. Very friendly people and future adventurers there also. Good luck, Kayla and Dennis.
Keen to see some orcas we did a whale tour from Victoria. No success with the orcas, just a glimpse of a young humpback breeching, some beautiful coastline, seals and Dalls and harbour porpoises.
From Victoria we drove north to Chemainus, a small town having free designated overnight parking for RVs. Very friendly people and future adventurers there also. Good luck, Kayla and Dennis.
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Nine of us ventured out in this rigid hulled inflatable. Overcast but surprisingly calm seas and no showers.
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While driving west across the island towards Tofino we passed through a large stand of Douglas firs known as Cathedral Grove. But the weather continued to be overcast and showery so we cut our time on Vancouver Island short and turned back east. Maybe next time we will see more of Vancouver Island.
Next morning we caught the ferry from Nanaimo over to Horseshoe Bay north of Vancouver and drove along the Sea to Sky Highway to Squamish.
Next morning we caught the ferry from Nanaimo over to Horseshoe Bay north of Vancouver and drove along the Sea to Sky Highway to Squamish.
7 - 19 June Vancouver
Well the time came to prepare the Bee for shipping back to Australia. First the solar panels had to be removed so the truck will fit into a 40 foot high cube container. The weather improved and then hours of cleaning inside and out began. It is not easy to get a vehicle through Australian Quarantine. Being an island, Australia has been able to keep many pests and diseases out.
Finally after several visits to car washes, vacuuming, brushing and crawling underneath to check for dirt and check again, the Bee was taken to the shipping agent.
We hope to see the truck again later this year after nearly 10 years away.
Well the time came to prepare the Bee for shipping back to Australia. First the solar panels had to be removed so the truck will fit into a 40 foot high cube container. The weather improved and then hours of cleaning inside and out began. It is not easy to get a vehicle through Australian Quarantine. Being an island, Australia has been able to keep many pests and diseases out.
Finally after several visits to car washes, vacuuming, brushing and crawling underneath to check for dirt and check again, the Bee was taken to the shipping agent.
We hope to see the truck again later this year after nearly 10 years away.
Six continents, kilometres, tyres, 3 sets solar panels, and the fridge lasted!
Will there be a sequel?
Will there be a sequel?