Click on image to view gallery
O ur trip to Victoria this time had a few wrinkles to our normally organized travel. As I was getting our suitcase and packages ready for loading, I went to organize our Ferry reservation. I discovered that it had not been made! Our reserved spot on the 11am trip was not there. Not a nice start to the trip. I immediately made a reservation for the return direction which went through, so we would be fine coming home but this morning we had a problem. I mentioned the problem to Carolyn, and we quickly finished our packing and set out for Starbucks earlier than normal. Carolyn ordered on-line so that there would be no wait at the store.
We soon were driving to the ferry and saw the posted signs that the 10am still had a bit of room. We were not expecting to be on the 10 but wanted to get in the line early to ensure we made the 11. At the terminal we parked and after only about 10 minutes the 10am ferry started loading. Without a reservation we would unfortunately be on the lower deck which would be harder for Carolyn. Well, as the line of cars flowed onto the ferry, we reached the front and were waved forward to the upper deck! We in fact were the last car loaded! We made the earlier run.
Once in Saanich we drove to Boston Pizza like usual and had our lunch including a free birthday dessert I had saved up. The extra hour we started with evaporated at the restaurant as service was quite slow. It wasn’t a huge issue as we played our word game to keep busy. After our normal stop for groceries at the Market on Yates, we arrived at the hotel about the usual time. That’s when I noticed we had forgotten to bring our wagon. Reception stated they had none to loan, but they did have people and two staffers helped us carry in our stuff. As we crowded into the elevator, I thought how this actually was easier than normal! The day wrapped up with us relaxing as normal.
On Monday I took time to visit Mount Newton to operate my radio and contact friends back home and see who else I could reach. (See my story on that trip which had its own troubles). Come Tuesday I was picked up by my cousin Jim and we set out for Goldstream Park to hike along an abandoned rail line to a trestle bridge. We arrived at the entrance booth and were directed to a day-use parking spot. After a short break and a review of the maps we set out for the trails and the side trail leading to the tracks. The short spur between the trail and the tracks was quite steep and in the dry weather the surface was very dry and being dirt, it was very slippery. We carefully picked our way up and soon were walking the tracks.
The old line still had the steel rails in place though they were over-grown in many places and the ties needed replacement should the track ever be reused. The unevenness made paying attention to one’s step essential. As we made our way we came upon a side trail to an open raised area which we explored to see what view it offered. It had a nice look to the South-east and of Mount Finlayson to the north-east. Back on the track we soon arrived at the trestle. The way was barred by a tall fence. As we got closer, we noticed that the fence was cut open and much traffic had continued on. We decided we would walk out a short way to gather a few photos. We really weren’t interested in crossing the entire structure. The track bed was over 150 feet above the creek below and looking through the ties made one wonder why we were here.
Back on firm ground we wandered to the side of the trestle to gather a few photos from under it. The slope was steep and slippery, so we didn’t explore to far, but I did get a few photos. It is hard to get a good image depicting the height of the bridge.
We had the area to ourselves, enjoying nature and the warm sun. While hiking the track we saw only one other walker who was out with her dog. The return walk went without incident, but the short steep spur took some navigating to ensure one didn’t fall. I did manage to get down without injury though it took longer than I wanted. Once back at the car we drove to Tim Hortons for a cool drink and a muffin. It had been a nice walk and we both saw some new sights.
The next day was a cooler one and we decided to rest in the room and not do any outdoor adventures. Our final day was also one of normal activity though we did finish a bit earlier than normal. Our next trip was booked for October and then in January. So, we are well prepared now and need to remember to book the ferry. On the return ferry we were one of the first to load and we were able to get a seat that we often sit in at the bow. Being first on also let us be one of the first off which allowed us to make good time to home and to be mauled by our dogs in greeting. Over-all a very good time in Victoria.