Victoria, B.C. October 24, 2019

Numerous ideas were on my list for this vacation in Victoria.  One specific item was to drive the 289 km Pacific Marine Circle Route.  With so many places to see along a mere portion of that route, I opted out of being stuck in the car for so long and only drove as far as China Beach and back.  

The drive along the Juan de Fuca Highway was narrow and winding, lots of fun plus very scenic.  I owned the highway in my direction both going and coming back.  

Instead of checking for avalanche conditions, I checked for tide times. I knew low tide times were not in my favour for this week.  I like every beaches so went to China Beach anyway just to play.  The trail down to it was beautiful. The trees grow big here as do the leaves.  There would be no sauntering in neither direction as the tide was on the way in.  I enjoyed being lost in the moments of watching the waves.  They were loud and crashing at times but oh so soothing.

On the return drive I stopped at Jordan River.  The little campground and day use spot was perfect and had loads of prettiness.  While I was only strolling the beach here and having lunch, I wish I was setting up a site for the night.  I believe I saw seals splashing about, they were entertaining. There were a couple of cabins closed up for the season.  I wondered would they be business related to the Campground.  A pink heart?  Yes, that is a pink heart I found on the beach.  It's new home will be in my rockery.

In the little village of Shirley there is a Lighthouse, the Sheringham Point Lighthouse.  What a beautiful structure that is maintained by the Lighthouse Preservation Society.  I should become a member of this society!  Tucked down in a corner is a waymarker which is a reference point for the Canada / USA border.  So either technically or actually I stood on the border.

Next on my hit list was Whiffin Spit and it was nothing to spit at!  It's a long peninsula where you can walk to the end.  The scenery from the entire stretch of it is pretty with some unique sights.  It's a busy place and deservedly so.  

It was time to get back to my home away from home and gear down then gear up again to head out for sunset.  Once again I crossed the street, meandered along the shoreline with everyone else and just waited.  It was quite a show this evening!  

Victoria, B.C. October 23, 2019

With another gorgeous day forecasted weather-wise out here on the west coast, I got out early to savour the sunrise before heading to Fort Rodd Hill & Fisguard Lighthouse.  These sunrises and sunsets are at my doorstep but I prefer to walk closer to them.  I am surprised at the number of people who are doing the same.  I never have outright ownership on this trail at any time and I like it like that here.

Many many years ago I visited the Fisguard Lighthouse with a friend who then did an oil painting of it for me which has been hanging in my kitchen ever since.  Those many many years I did not understand the phrase "remember to breathe", today I do and I did that today.  

I spotted those two red chairs peeking out between the rocks so walked out to the edge to invest a few minutes.  

I spent loads of time near the Lighthouse before touring around the Fort Rodd Hill grounds.  At this time of year on weekdays, the buildings are closed.  Down a short winding trail in the forest and through a rod iron gate, there are two more of those red chairs.  Both sets today have grand vistas from them.

I had a late picnic on the grounds and watched the few people come and go and also the workers prepare the property for winter.  Across the meadow I could see the O-Tentiks were already closed for the season. 

It was time to head back to my home away from away and enjoy a short lounge about before going back out, crossing the street and aiming for a lengthy stroll along the walkway to the end of the breakwater at Ogden Point.  By now the sun was getting low and I still had an hour walk back so hit the walkway and made my way home to where I feel at home and with a heart and soul full of sea salt air and vistas.