“Oh. You’re tourists, aren’t you?”—Monday 31

Queen Victoria statue in front of the Parliament building in Victoria

We had reservations for breakfast at 8:00AM. They had seating for only 16, and not exactly private. So, we joined a couple from Jackson, MI at a four person table. They were a nice couple and we enjoyed talking to them over breakfast. After breakfast, we walked to a local grocery store to buy some stuff for the room (soda, chips, beer, wine, you know—the essentials).

We had planned a walking tour for the morning, which was to include lunch at fishermen’s wharf. The weather was pretty nice, but occasionally chilly. The wharf was a bit of a disappointment since most of the food places, include Barb’s (which was highly recommended), were closed for the season. Thought, we did see a few fishermen. Also, the ferry to the other side of the harbor for the rest of the walking tour was shut down for the season. But, we walked the docks and looked at the floating homes, decorated meticulously for Halloween. There was a harbor seal that seemed to have the job of watching for free food. A guy bought a few fish to feed the seal. After our walk, from about 100 feet away the seal saw us pause, and headed straight over to us, and looked at us from under the water. He looked both cute and pathetic, with his big eyes staring at us as he sunk deeper into the amazingly clear water. He gave up on us at length, and we resumed our walk.  We passed some sort of monument, and upon closer inspection, found it was a ime capsule sealed in 1967, and (according to the plaque), to be opened in 2067.  If I live to be 99, maybe I'll make plans to be there.

We did find lunch at the other wharf. Fish and chips, and a chowder that was incredible (with a little curry in it). After lunch, we found the pier for our Whale Watching tour. He told us we were the only two signed up, and I joyfully responded, “A private tour!” Not so much. To his credit, he tried to phone us (called Theresa 3 times), and called every other operator to see if they could accommodate us. But, the only thing available was a Zodiac Tour, for which we were not fully enthused. So, that’s rescheduled for tomorrow.

We continued our walking tour, and then back to the B&B for a great nap! About 6, we headed out again for dinner at a Thai restaurant. The food was REALLY good! Then we continued to the feature of the evening, a presentation of “The Fall of the House of Usher” at Craigdarroch Castle. Our waitress told us it was about a 20 minute walk (which, in truth it was 19 minutes on the way back, but that was entirely downhill!!). Along the way we passed many things, including some church that had a pumpkin display. Some blocks up the road, a woman on a bicycle spied us, and rode up about the time we stopped to verify our bearings. She was about to ask us a question, but then realized we were not locals, and the first words out of her mouth were “Oh. You’re tourists, aren’t you?” The words were dripping with disappointment like we had seriously let her down. I asked why, and she said she wanted to know something about the pumpkin show. Well, as it happens, I told her it was moved to a different location, but seemed to still be on. So, it goes to show you, even a “tourist” might be helpful!!

The castle was built about 1880’s, by a coal baron and the wealthiest man in British Columbia (at the time).  The entire interior was paneled in beautiful wood.  The presentation was made by 4 actors portraying the characters. The story began narrated by a man who was going to visit his friend, Roderick Usher. We (the spectators) accompanied him through the house and through the story. It was fun and well done. The woman next to me even screamed at a climactic scene!

It was a long walk back home, but we enjoyed our evening, so were in good spirits.