Victoria, BC, Canada – 8/5/2014 – http://fulltimetimeshare.com/blog

AUGUST 5, 2014 (Tuesday)

Fun day. Weather couldn’t decide if it wanted to be hot or cold but it was still lovely. We started off about 10:00 AM taking a water taxi over to Harbour Air. We had an 11:00 AM flight booked for Michael’s birthday. We had heard it was fun to take a float plane so we decided to just go for it. We had a 10% off coupon from Worldmark so the total for both of us was under $200.00. Expensive but it was so worth it. Michael and I both loved it. So glad I got to experience his birthday present with him. What was really nice was the pilot pulled him out of line and had him be the ballast for him. He got to sit up front with the pilot, headphones and all. He and the pilot were talking the whole time. Michael knew all about him when they were done and really liked him. He got to see much more than everyone else on the plane. Yahoo! Such a beautiful island, even more so from the air. We both really enjoyed it and wouldn’t mind doing it again.

They have a great complimentary coffee bar at the terminal.

Arrivals and departures, just like any other air terminal.

All arrivals and departures happened at gate 1.

Like all exotic airports, a random pretty woman is standing around.

Before I took the co-pilot's seat I told the other passengers, "Don't worry, I've seen this on TV." — Before I took the co-pilot’s seat I told the other passengers, “Don’t worry, I’ve seen this on TV.”

I set the trusty Canon to sports setting for a faster capture and dang, it caught the propellers.

The round dome used to be an observatory. Edie and I climbed up to it last year. — The round white dome in center used to be an observatory. Edie and I climbed up to it last year.

Our hotel and resort.

Was the world’s largest observatory for six days.

This bay is a couple thousand feet deep.

I thought the pilot was too far to the left.

Then I thought he was going to hit these islands or rocks.

But he brought us in perfectly and gave us a good ride.

We took the water taxi back to Fisherman’s Wharf. We were going to have lunch at Finest at Sea but decided to try the famous Barb’s on the Wharf, after hearing a nice couple talking about how good it was and they were heading that way. It was as good, if not better, than Finest at Sea. Still about the same price. We also got a piece of carrot cake to split. Perfect amount of food in that we were both full but not overly so.

Neat houseboats, thought our Canadian friends call them float houses. — Neat houseboats, though our Canadian friends call them float houses.

Walked by the Worldmark pool after lunch.

We walked back to our room and rested for a few minutes before Jim and Anna came by. We then took off for Costco in Langford. Michael said he didn’t need the address, that he remembered where it was. Well, we got lost but he finally found the Costco. We searched and finally located the Voltaren (new packaging) and also found some clocks that we like and haven’t been able to find in the States.

My view of the pretty woman following me into Costco. She always says, "I'm following you." — My view of the pretty woman following me into Costco. She always says, “I’m following you.”

After Costco we drove back to Victoria, to Chinatown. We walked around, peeked into shops, went down the famous narrow Fan Tan alley, and then had dinner at a wonderful Dim Sum place (upstairs). Excellent food, service, and a beautiful restaurant.

They turned the bubbler off on this fountain.

Fan Tan Alley was designated a street and now claims to be the thinnest street in the world.

We left the restaurant and went back to our car.

So sad our time in Victoria is coming to an end but excited to go see Cormorant Island (and possibly a bear). That was our day. Hope yours was great!