Mini Break

In mid September, Jeff was off to Victoria for three days to complete a fibre optics course at Comosun College. With my newly flexible schedule and forecast for sunny skies, it seemed a great opportunity for me to tag along. Because carpooling arrangements for several of Jeff's colleagues were uncertain until a few days before he left, we decided I would take the train and we would meet up Monday night.

VIA's Dayliner runs from Victoria to Comox and back every day. It's not the most modern train around but for a $20 fare, provided a relaxing ride with some great scenery. The train driver slowed on our approach to the Niagara Canyon trestle bridge (close to Duncan) so we could enjoy the view. It was a little unnerving to stare 300 feet straight down, but Jeff later reminded me that it would have been much more unnerving if the old wooden bridge was still in use. Thankfully, it was retired a while ago.

Cowichan Chamber of Commerce photo

Cathedral Grove photo

The train arrives in the Victoria inner harbour and provides a great view of the BC Legislative Buildings as it crosses the Johnson Street bridge and arrives at the station.

Jeff met the train and we had a great night, chatting over dinner at the much loved Rebar restaurant, then walking around down town. We watched the Blackball ferry quietly sail out of the the harbour at dusk (it travels back and forth between Victoria and Port Angeles, WA) and were absolutely delighted when it bleated its horn.  Unlike the entire fleet of BC Ferries, it was actually in tune. For two people who live a block away from the Nanaimo BC Ferry terminal (and hear out of tune ferries several times a day),  it was welcome music to our ears.

I think Victoria is one of the prettiest cities in Canada and don't know why we don't spend more time there. It was great to have two days to explore, window shop, have coffee, hang out with my cousin and be a tourist on my own island.