A Lazy Day Around Victoria

In the morning, on advice we headed off to Butchart Gardens first. We let our GPS do the talking, and follow instructions. The GPS got it entirely wrong, we ended up being driven further and further off the beaten track, through the hills on winding roads, eventually down to one lane. Very scenic, we saw some beautiful houses hidden in the hills but also some real dumps. We were low on fuel and didn't know the way out, and this was all starting to feel a little "deliverance" for my liking. We dialed up the nearest gas station on the GPS and went there. The gas attendant informed us we were way off track so we abandoned that idea and went back to Victoria.

We visited CraigDarroch Castle. Very Scottish feeling, and compared well to many we saw when living in Edinburgh. It was actually just  a HUGE house rather than a full-on castle, as are many. We spent a lot of time in here. On leaving, we picked up a pamphlet (and map) for Butchart Gardens.

We tried the GPS again, this time it knew the right location. We gave it another go. On arrival, Butchart Gardens is a large commercial operation. Not the local botanic gardens. It has multiple ticket lanes, plenty of bus parking, and yet was deserted as it's off season. At $24.95 per adult, we decided against it after all. Probably a good idea, as only 5 minutes later the rain started and didn't stop for the rest of the day or night. We retired to the B&B mid afternoon, to share in conversation. This was the first true relaxing time we've had so far this trip.

The last presidential debate was on TV and we watched this but eventually switched off. All they did was talk about foreign policy. Don't they have a country of their own to consider?

We ventured out for dinner, visiting Chinatown with a Chinese meal in mind, but the prices scared us away. We ended up at the local Denny's (same logo but the apostrope is a maple leaf). The service was very poor and we only gave a $2 tip much to their disgust. At least here you can make it felt when you're not a happy customer. We had a nice early night.

Tomorrow, we head back to the mainland via ferry. By evening we will cross into the USA by train and stay in Everett.