Souvenir of Canada

Today the temperature in Kansas City hit 104 F – beastly hot. When I look at these photos (all taken by Jason Pollen) I want to dive into the cool, clear water and feel the glacial breezes on my skin. Aaaahhhhhh!

Puget Sound

The original plan was to take the ferry from Victoria to Seattle. Unwisely, I booked my flight before I had checked the ferry schedules properly. Much to my chagrin, I discovered that none of the ferries would arrive in time for my flight. My only option was the first flight on the seaplane (or floatplane, as they call it). If the weather had been fine the views would have been spectacular. Unfortunately it was overcast with the threat of rain. It was an interesting experience to be in a nine-seater that took off and landed in the drink. I got one shot through the window. It's not too exciting, but the best I could do. Still, it was nice to see the islands from a fairly low altitude.
I look back at our journey and am so grateful for the experiences we enjoyed. Our impressions of Canada and Canadians were wholly positive. I look forward to returning to the majestic Rockies sometime soon.

Reflections, Lake Louise

The day was cloudy with a few intervals of sun, but it made the reflections in the water all the more intense.

Hotel Lake Louise

Taken from the far end of the lake, the fabled hotel.

Victoria Harbor and Legislative Building

Another landmark in the center of the city. I wish I had had the chance to visit the famed Butchart Gardens but time didn't allow it. The memory of the Botanical Gardens I visited yesterday in Vancouver will continue to nourish my spirit.

The Empress Hotel

One of the major landmarks in Victoria is the Empress Hotel named, of course, for Queen Victoria of Great Britain and Empress of India. I arrived here by ferry from Vancouver. It was a lovely ride through the many islands that separate the US from Canada. The Pacific Coach Company picked me up at my hotel, drove the coach on the ferry and brought me to within blocks of my hotel. Now that's service! Victoria is on Vancouver Island (the city of Vancouver is on the mainland). Victoria, despite its splendid setting -- views of mountains and ocean -- is crawling with tourists. And it isn't even season yet. It has become too popular for its own good. Tomorrow I leave via seaplane for Seattle, then on to KC.

A walk in downtown Vancouver

Vancouver is just wonderful. There is ocean and mountains, a salubrious climate, a relaxed, tolerant lifestyle, lots of parks with opulent vegetation. I could live here!