Sunday, October 10, 2010

The last bits


Misty beaches make opaque pictures.


There is a large surfing community in this area.  The normal response is, "Well, they wear wet suits."  So?  It still seems very cold for surfing to me, but what do I know?


The little sea birds don't mind, of course.


We left our cozy cottage and headed back to Victoria.  This is the famous Empress Hotel.  You need deep pockets to stay here but it's fun to wander around inside and see how the other half lives.


The Parliament Building is an interesting structure, both inside and out.  Built in 1893 it remains in use today.


I'd seen pictures of these phone booths before but never in real life.  Who knows how long it will be there now that everyone has cell phones.


We took the ferry back to Seattle and spent the next day exploring again.  The Space Needle is probably the most recognized structure there but what we really enjoyed was the Rock'n'Roll Hall of Fame and the Sci Fi museum that goes along with it.

We returned home almost a month ago.  I had so much to catch up with at work that there has been very little time for blogging, but for now our little excursion has ended until the next great adventure.

There are bound to be more Scenic Sundays in our future.

9 comments:

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Wonderful pictures, Loran... Looks like you had a wonderful trip. I've heard of the Empress Hotel.... Mercy Me--I'd never afford that... Did you go to the gardens---or had you been before?

Thanks for sharing... Hope everything is going well. Any news on the grant?
Hugs,
Betsy

Barb said...

Loran, I really enjoyed the photos from your adventure. I was in Victoria many years ago on a bike excursion. I remember the gardens around the Empress.

Sylvia K said...

What fun captures, Loran! Glad you got to Seattle, there's always something fun to see here! The Empress Hotel is so gorgeous! Love old buildings like that, something so elegant that we don't see in modern architecture for the most part! Sounds as though you guys have had a really fun summer and that's the best of all! Hope you have a great week!

Sylvia

Gaelyn said...

I am glad to see more of Victoria. I only got to spend a few hours many years ago. Yet I did get to see a Bobby. And Seattle is such a delightful city to explore. I'm sure you'll be planning another adventure before too long.

Cher' Shots said...

Your pics are great. I love old architecture. And I'd love that red telephone standing in the corner of my family room ~ oh to dream.

Janie said...

Sounds like a fun trip all the way around. With the girls away from home, you guys should take the time to enjoy traveling more often.

Linda said...

Wet suits - sounds liks Scottish surfing!
You certainly had a trip full of contrasts, from your bear watching, to posh hotels, to wild surf.

George said...

I really like your misty beach pictures. Your perspective of the Space Needle is both unique and creative.

Maria said...

Hi Loran,

Lovely photos. I took a snap of sunset in my city for the Sundays in my City feature, which is on the same theme.

It's fun, isn't it?