Coloured Rails & Polar Bears: June 2014

The 2014 adventure commenced on 15 June 2014 from Christchurch and is planned to end 21 October 2014 returning to Christchurch. Briefly it will take us first to Canada via Auckland landing in Vancouver then direct to Vancouver Island for a week. Next a short flight to Winnipeg, train for two and a half days to Churchill to see the Beluga Whales - now interrupted by a freight train derailment but being overcome. On return to Vancouver 10 days later a direct flight to London where a following a few weeks touring the UK it is off to the World Equestrian Games in France. From France back to Vancouver, Canada, and across the Rockies to Spruce Meadows, the horse show of horse jumping shows. A few weeks working our way back to Vancouver and home to NZ.

It is a simple step from Vancouver airport, pick up a rental car and drive to Tsasswaassen from where the vehicle ferries leave frequently for Victoria, the capital of British Columbia (BC), on Vancouver Island.

Victoria is around a busy tourist harbour town as well as being the administrative centre of the province.

Cruise ships are daily visitors bringing large numbers of visitors on a daily rotation.

The city has its various sectors. Here Chinatown forms part of downtown.

The sealed road up the west coast ends at Redfrew having passed through various small villages.

In the past timber extraction was the principle economic activity. Now tourism is increasing associated with some continued logging.

New accommodation construction on a ridge overlooking the inlet.

Jordan River was a construction village for Hydro power development in the area. First constructed in 1911 and upgraded in the 1970's.

An abandoned base area beside the highway and ...

a few buildings.

The eastern side of the island is more populated where there has been more economic activity over a long period. Initially logging required railways many of which have since been closed. In recent years some have been retained for walking, cycling and horse riding.

The historic Kinsol Trestle has been restored through a huge fund raising effort.

Very good railings have been constructed on steel framing so that it is safe for users whether on bikes or horses.

A couple of old walkers. Ray and Kath checking it out.

A mounting block has even been provided each end of the trestle for horse riders. This was funded by a horse riding association.

Small areas of farming are to be found on valley floors with crops such as maize.

This modern "herd home" for dairy cows was seen in the same area.

Once a regular train service passed this small station shelter. While the rails remain the line was closed in recent years.

This sign is on the road nearby but other than a few dwellings in the locality nothing else was seen of the village originally associated with the station above.

Timber processing remains a significant industry along the eastern coast.

A large car park is available near the entrance with a general view of the processing plant shown behind.

A visit to Vancouver Island is not complete without visiting the Butchart gardens. Developed by the wife of the former cement works owner and still in the same family. Turning a quarry and industrial site into a renown tourist garden.

The signs say it all. From entering at the pay booth, to car parking and service centre everything is exceptionally well managed.

The main building complex where tea rooms and facilities are located.

The view from the inside cafe.

Lets get started with a quick tour of the gardens.

It is not all carefully manicured gardens. There are many giant silvi-cultured trees.

Once a lime quarry is now an unrecognizable garden.

Quaint rest areas afford such views. This one into the floor of the former quarry area.

Hollows have been turned into small ponds.

A good place for a rest to just contemplate.

This fountain was established many years ago at the base of the old quarry before the pond was established. It plays a cycle of various displays.

The gardens are populated by many "animals" carefully sculptured from shrubs.

Beware of what the animals get up to when out of reach.

Be a tidy visitor to the gardens.

Rose gardens are a feature near the main buildings.

An example bloom, all of which are named.

After a long walk take a spell with this chap. His nose is kept bright by frequent rubbing.

Come and enjoy this wonderful place and take a boat ride.

The inlet fronting the gardens is ideal for boating and Butchart operate two pleasure boats from this jetty adjacent to the gardens.

Piers from the old wharf and chimney associated with cement works that operated from the gardens site.

Seals frequent the inlet and not only rocks offer sunning locations.

Please watch the cat when leaving the gardens, however if flattened it can be recycled as an ornament.

A look at who maintains these magnificent gardens.

Now back to Victoria before we leave for Vancouver and Churchill. The statue on top of the legislative building.

Inside the ornate building - true Victorian. The parliamentarians dining room is also a great place for lunch at reasonable prices.

Be greeted outside the the building in the heat of Victoria.

A century old building well preserved along the foreshore.

Many modern buildings exist alongside the historic buildings ...

...and a few ultra modern.

The legislative building tower is visible from most parts of downtown Victoria.

The Empress Hotel dominates the tourist centre at the head of the harbour below.

A different style of living. Boathouses in a well ordered section of the harbour devoted to such living.

Another example of the boathouse.

The boathouse area has a variety of eateries in the area.

Transport has progressed in Victoria however the historic means have been retained through various tour operators. Here a very well presented carriage company plod the city. Our Carriage House B&B proprietor ran a carriage business for many years.