23 April, 2006 (Sunday)

Vancouver Island ferry. Shelter in Victoria.

We booked out of the Dufferin and reloaded the Jeep. Traffic was busy, but we made good time to Tsawwassen to catch the ferry to Vancouver Island ($34.50 for a vehicle + $10/person). The Ferry ride was a scenic 2 hours which we passed on the upper deck. The sun was out and the wind was behaving, making it a pleasant day. (Picture: Aboard the Victoria ferry)

Upon arriving on Vancouver Island, Emily called a family friend, Robbyn, whose family lives about 20 minutes out of Victoria. After a short conversation we were offered shelter for our stay. Her parents, Gibb and Lorna were away in New York. We'd have the run of the house to ourselves for a few days. (Picture: Ferry wake)

The house was palatial; three stories of carpeted comfort with 4 bedrooms, beautiful gardens front and back and a piano. Sean and I were given a guest room downstairs, with two single beds and our own washroom located next door. The girls' room was upstairs, with a similar setup. We reconvened in the kitchen to hear what was going in Victoria from Robbyn.

Robbyn suggested that we adjust our travelling plans. Lorna wasn't due back in town until Wednesday, so perhaps it would be more worthwhile to travel to Tofino for the beginning of the week before returning to see the sights of Victoria. Hopefully the weather would hold out for us. (Picture: Robbyn's local beach - rocks and waves)

Tired after another day of travel we decided to stay in for the evening, we visited Safeway to stock up on foodstuffs.We grabbed some fresh produce as well as fish and fresh donuts. While we were there I struck up a conversation with Angela, a blonde check-out girl with a big smile. She suggested that we go see the petting zoo while we were in Victoria. I assured her that I'd add it to my list.

Aside - Strip malls:
Living in North America I've noticed a penchant for large open malls with lots of open parking. In Australia I think we tend to go more for street shopping and indoor complexes with multiple carpark levels. Canadian shopping seems to like to sprawl, often next to major roads and highways. Interesting.
I've also noticed that food and petrol are a little more expensive on the Island. I guess it's understandable, given that most produce would have to be hauled across the straight.