We were up early to pull our bags (literally) to the pier next door to the Clipper station at 6:30 for our 7:30 departure. Fortunately, we were first on (with our preferred seating) and snagged seats in the front row to watch the channel crossing. We could see the seaplanes landing in the harbor in Victoria.
We had a light breakfast, served to us by a young woman from Seattle who attends Xavier U. where our daughter went. Small world.
We arrived in Victoria at 10:30 to a spectacularly gorgeous day.
We checked into the Empress Hotel, a long time favorite, which overlooks the harbor. Amazingly, our room was ready and we could rest before heading out again. We had been warned in advance about the crowds today. There was a huge car show - the Northwest Deuce Days which takes place every 3 years in Victoria’s inner harbor. Parked along the streets were around 1,400 pre-1952 collector vehicles, more than 500 of which were Deuces (1932 Ford coupes). Thousands of people were on the streets but it was fun walking around and looking at the cars.
We were not very hungry but did end up at an outdoor bar called Milestone with a view of the harbor and a big umbrella. I had a Bellini, a cocktail made with Prosecco and peach purée.
We walked around some more and caught a shot of the harbor with our hotel in the background (on right). The only thing that has changed since we were here 20 years ago is the addition of a number of new hotels in the inner harbor.
While Ed took his afternoon respite, I walked to the location of our food tour tomorrow. It took me to a part of town we had always missed, so I am excited to explore it (through food).
Tonight we took Ed’s cousin Joe Salem and his significant other Alexis to dinner at Steamship, located in the old terminal. We had a lovely table outdoors and watched the sun set while we caught up on life. Walking home, Ed shot a photo of me in front of the Parliament building, which has been lit up nightly since the 1960s. Wonderful evening!
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