Monday Afternoon & Evening
Comox to Victoria
We began seeing eagles soon after driving off the ferry at Comox. We would have liked to see some a bit closer, but had to settle for seeing them in tree tops or soaring in the air.
This Golden Eagle may have been migrating. Darlene recently heard/read they spread their wings like this to cool down after flying long distances.
We probably saw three dozen eagles during our time on the island.
Because we were driving along the eastern coast, we saw lots of things pertaining to the sea.
When posting this picture, I noticed the bird on the pole in the center right, and decided to crop it to see if I could tell what it was.
I think it looks like a kingfisher. What do you think?
A kingfisher photo from the Internet.
This old post office is a landmark in Union Bay.
We took a short walk-around at this oyster-processing plant.
There were oyster shells everywhere.
Since this boat is parked here, I expect it is used for oystering.
This one was docked even closer to shore. Notice all the oyster shells in the water.
Internet information: Oysters grow only in areas where salt and fresh water mix together, like salt marshes. Oysters are born as free-swimming plankton (tiny microscopic organisms). When they grow up, they find a place (on mud, coral, trash, or other oyster shells) to attach and grow.
Once they grow their shells, they can’t move around anymore. When the tide is high, oysters are covered by water, but when the tide goes out, they are left sticking up into the dry air. Their shells close tightly together so the animal inside will not dehydrate (dry out) before the tide comes back in.
A short distance later we stopped to photograph this Great Blue Heron – but it did not want to be photographed.
Our next stop was Ashcroft House – our bed and breakfast in Victoria.
Paulanne gave us a short orientation to the house, and advice on where to go for dinner. We knew from the moment we met her that we were going to be pampered for the next half day.
Don and Darlene were in The Sheldon Room.
Cerwin and I had The Cotswold Room
Luxurious is what came to mind when we saw our room.
Our pretty bathroom.
Paulanne recommended this restaurant – a few blocks from Ashcroft House.
Oh, what fun. There was live jazz – which I really enjoy.
Don’t we look a bit weather-beaten?
I guess we had reason to look like we had been traveling – after thirteen hours of travel by road and ferry.
My quiche and salad.
If I remember correctly, Darlene chose the same meal. The men chose steak. Cerwin was brave enough to try the steak and calamari (fried squid). He liked it, especially with the dip that was included. He does not usually choose seafood.
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After dinner we took a short, driving tour of Victoria.
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The Empress Hotel – where I understand the queen stays when she is in town.
The Parliament buildings are beautiful at night.
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Stay tuned for our fabulous breakfast at Ashcroft House.
11 Responses to Friday February 27, 2009