Tom decided he would stay aboard, don his earphones, and listen to his recent sci-fi download. I decided that even though I would love to walk and explore the inner harbor, I didn't relish doing that on my own. Instead, I joined a group and visited Victoria's Butterfly Gardens and, most importantly, the world-renowned Butchart Gardens.
My iPhone camera and I had a good time on the tour.
This Giant Owl Butterfly became my best friend! He (she?) stayed with me for a long time!
The Butchart Gardens are proof that a decimated landscape can be transformed into something of exquisite beauty.
Originally, the landscape was that of a spent limestone quarry.
Here are just a few photos of what can be seen now.
Night came on, and I did get lost. I had roamed the gardens more or less alone. I was lucky that I stumbled on these two who led me back to the bus.
Luckier yet was the fact that I was only "almost" the last one to climb aboard.
