One of the reasons we no longer have any pets is that for the last six years or so we spend part of the winter at the other end of the continent, more specifically in Victoria, British Columbia, where all of Lorne's immediate family lives. We go to visit family and also to escape part of the winter cold as the climate is much milder than in the Bruce Peninsula (although winters there are less sunny).Winter skies in Victoria are often grey. However, contrarily to Vancouver (which get 1,589 mm of precipitation a year) Victoria is rather dry (with 608 mm a year). Before long, we will be setting out on our annual migration West. Here are a few pictures that were taken in Victoria last winter.
Victoria is well-known for its gardens (zone 8 climate - less than 5 cm of snow in winter, some winters are frost free) and one of my favorites is the Goverment House garden where the following three pictures were taken. It is maintained by volunteers.
As Victoria is surrounded on three sides by the ocean, there are many beaches, marinas and seaside walks.
And to end, a more typical view - the Provincial Legislature in the downtown.
Hope you have a great winter, but sorry you'll miss the snowshoeing! We had nearly a foot here last night.
ReplyDeleteHello Alain, have a nice winter. Same thing for us, no more pets, because we're often travelling and ...In feb we'll be in Quebec hopint there will be a lot of snow. We don't get much now in Alsace France.
ReplyDeleteI don't think you have to worry. In February there will be lots of snow in Quebec.
DeleteJust like the geese then, Do you stay with relatives or have you your own winter place?
ReplyDeleteWe rent a furnished apartment. Winter is the low season and prices are affordable.
DeleteAnd Nimrod? Does he get the window seat on the airplane and impress the flight attendants with his excellent manners?
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely, nicer winter. We'll keep the pictures coming.
I am afraid Nimrod stays in Ontario. His mistress will be back tomorrow.
DeleteHow lucky you are ! Being able to escape the really cold winter... are you flying like ducks in a V-shape flight ? ;) No worries, I'm kidding !
ReplyDeleteHave a nice winter
Oh how I love the west coast of Canada! I know what you mean about Vancouver...the rain is what drove us back to Nova Scotia. I didn't know that Victoria's rainfall was that much less. And what a beautiful city it is! I see why you guys head out there, Alain.
ReplyDeleteWe were in Victoria a few years ago and really loved it. I wish I had known about these gardens at the time. We did visit the Bouchart garden, which was ok. We also went to Tofino near Pacific Rim Park which we found to be absolutely magical.
ReplyDeleteBouchart is more of a theme park than a gardener's garden, if you know what I mean. If you ever go back, try to see the Abkhazi garden.They are magnificent (you can see it on the net).
DeleteIf only I could migrate to a better place and return long after the winter has done it's damage. Those pictures are really beautiful. The world is a lovely place if you know where to look and where to stay. Have a good one mate.
ReplyDeleteWe are retired - that is what makes it possible.
DeleteI wasn't aware of Abkhazi garden. If I ever get back out there, I will try to see it. I did see Bouchard about 10 years ago. As you say, not the best gardener's garden, but nice. I did like Vancouver's Van Dusen garden, especially the Monkey Puzzle tree.
ReplyDeleteHave a good winter! Nice to be near relatives.
Sheri