On tuesday, we had the most incredible rain storm, or storms, as there was a spectacular one in the afternoon with thunder and lightening, plus a bonus evening downpour of epic proportions. I did not capture these, but instead, the gathering clouds and lead up. We had a lovely morning walk and were almost home when the first gentle drops began to fall. These were taken at the beach on Dallas Road, just below Beacon Hill Park:
The Victoria Classic Boat Festival and Blues Bash are both taking place in Victoria’s Inner Harbour this weekend.
We were privileged to sit atop some warm rocks and watch a beautiful sunset a few nights ago. Peacock Hill Park is a small, rocky outcrop in the District of Saanich, about a 40-minute walk from downtown Victoria.
Gorgeous. One night earlier and we would have seen a much pinker sky, say our friends who visit this spot regularly at sunset.
This is the nightly sunset fly-past of crows traveling from their daytime haunts to their nighttime roost.
Looking east towards Mt Tolmi.
The final moments.
We had a peaceful, lovely day working in the studio yesterday. Here are a few shots I took of the studio while taking some pics of GJ working for his Patreon site.
GJ making a wing for a new sculpture.
Behind GJ’s workspace; new art on the left, an old piece above the cabinet, and lots of materials, books and ephemera.
Bikes and art and storage…
Sleepy kitty.
GJ’s skeleton candlesticks stand guard over the herb pots.
Took a gorgeous walk through the fog and mist on Wednesday; unusual weather for the middle of August. For me, Victoria is at its most magical in the fog.
View towards Fisherman’s Wharf from the walkway near The Inn at Laurel Point.
The Coho leaves the harbour through the fog.
Just a strip of fog hovering low over Ross Bay.
Found this little guy on a sidewalk in Fairfield. His shell was so beautiful.
Happy to see a cooler cloudy day for a little break from the sunshine, we took a lovely walk along a different route; the West Song Walkway from downtown to Westbay Marine Village in Esquimalt. Some pics to enjoy:
From the blue bridge we spy these colourful kayakers enjoying the day on the water.
Just past the blue bridge, we begin along the Songhees area portion of the walkway. The Ocean Pointe Resort is just on the right. The West Song Walkway is a very beautiful pedestrian path along the Victoria Harbour. It takes about 40 minutes each way, or stop 15 minutes in at Spinnakers Gastro Pub for a bite or drink.
A view of the Inner Harbour from a different direction. The Welcome to Victoria sign built from yellow flowers is quite visible even from this distance.
Looking back, a view of our hard-working blue bridge; still in service while its replacement is being built beside it.
A view of Fisherman’s Wharf. Our walks usually take find on that side of the harbour.
A beautiful Heron takes a break from fishing. In the background across the harbour is the Fisheries Canada facility in James Bay.
Approaching the end of the walk, we have a glimpse of Westbay Marine Village. The shoreline was littered with deadheads from bright red geraniums which were quite pretty floating in the water.
The City of Victoria is presenting a series of lunchtime concerts at Centennial Square, right beside City Hall. They are every tuesday, wednesday and thursday from noon until 1 pm until September 11. Yesterday we were lucky to catch the Damian Graham Trio, who are awesome. There are also two concerts remaining for the Eventide Music Series. If you are going to be in Victoria, you can find out more info here.
The Damian Graham Trio performing a lunchtime concert as part of the Summer in the Square series. On piano, the wonderful Karel Roessing; the excellent Joey Smith on stand-up bass; and the delightful Damian Graham on drums and vocals: jazz standards, jazzy adaptations and original compositions.
Mr. Damian Graham transports his gorgeous drum kit by bicycle!
I was waiting for my walking pal the other day and took these shots of the Empress Hotel. It just seemed extra pretty from this view; the gardens are very lush right now.
On the last day of July, I rode my bike along the Galloping Goose Trail to Mattick’s Farm, a collection of shops and services in Saanich, about 15 km from downtown. The ride is marvelous, mostly on trails. Another time, I would go a bit earlier and have breakfast at Adrienne’s Tea Garden and Restaurant, or a bit later for ice cream! There were a lot of cyclists – the perfect stop for a ride to or from Sidney.
My beautiful Ritchey.
View across Blenkinsop Lake from the trestle.
A good amount of bicycle parking is available at Mattick’s Farm. As well as the restaurant, there is a Red Barn Market for purchase of snacks and beverages if you didn’t bring enough in your panniers.
As well as the shops, there is a nice bit of green space and garden to enjoy.
Lovely walk this morning. It was already quite hot at 9 am, but it was quiet and beautiful. Here are a few random shots around the Inner Harbour:
I love the morning light!
The Parliament Buildings from the corner of Government and Belleville streets, with very fragrant rose.
View towards The Fairmont Empress from the lawn of the Legislature.
Our famous flower baskets.
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