I have really been enjoying early morning walks lately. The light is so remarkable; the streets are coming to life. Here are a few shots from around the harbour in Victoria BC.
Houseboats at Fisherman’s Wharf.
The historic blue bridge catches a bit of sun peaking though the mist.
Looking up from the lower causeway at an early-blooming pink-blossomed tree, with the carillon and Royal BC Museum behind.
Colourful close up.
Walking along the Westsong Walkway last week, we decided to explore a conservation area on the old Matson Lands. At the top of the land sit the Swallows Landing condominium development. The Matson Conservation Area is the last harbour-side endangered Garry oak ecosystem in Victoria. The stairway which hovers above it offers excellent views of not only the harbour, but the wonderful species which inhabit the land. Read more about it here.
The early morning view across the harbour to the neighbourhood of James Bay from the top of the conservation area stairway.
Looking up across the Matson Conservation Area at Swallows Landing.
My first January snowdrop sighting.
We met this fellow on Dunsmuir Road near the entrance to Swallows Landing.
I’ve been taking lots of early morning walks with a friend lately. Afterwards, we usually end up at the new Fol Epi location on Yates Street. They have very nice, perfectly brewed tea, and the coffee is good too.
Toast made from the bakery’s organic wood oven bread is available weekdays, and comes with maple cinnamon butter, or butter and house-made current jam.
The last little bit of Festive decor with early morning light.
View from the window seats, onto bustling Yates Street, Victoria BC.
Our clear, crisp, sun-filled January days continue. We’ve been enjoying our walks in brisk air and with frost all around. Here are some pictures from yesterday morning along the West Song Walkway…
What a glorious day for the annual New Year’s Day Breakwater Walk. This was our second year attending this delightful walk with a group of perfectly lovely people, headed by Julian, our New Year’s Day hero, who roused us to take on this brisk day and revel in its beauty. Happy New Year to all!
Yesterday, we visited the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. They have a small but beautiful garden where I sat for a few minutes enjoying the late afternoon light. The garden includes a Meiji era Shinto shrine.
This morning, just behind our apartment building, a tree was filled with Cedar Waxwings. Such pretty birds!
We’re having open studio days on the weekends until December 20. In a slow time, when the light so delicious, I took a few pictures around the studio…
My felted pins with Annie’s dollies and Miss Bunny Drummond hanging out in the background.
GJ making sure all the pages of his children’s book of art and poems are ready for the photographer next week.
West corner with Annie Nazarian’s sewn art pieces.
View of the rooftops of Dragon Alley.
Sculptures and things with adorned branches.
Group of things by candlelight and winter light.
It is the wintery season and my thoughts turn to hot chocolate. For this year, I’m going to post about what’s new in Victoria and hopefully, I will find some new gems.
A delightful little coffee shop called Hide + Seek Coffee has recently opened in Oak Bay. I loved the atmosphere and the super-friendly staff. We enjoyed one of their versions of hot chocolate: organic camino coco and a bit of sugar with the milk of your choice. It was delicious and bitter-sweet.
I’ll be visiting again soon to try their London Fog and sample a baked treat or two. They have some nice looking gluten-free options.
2207 Oak Bay Avenue, near Hampshire Road.
Slight fail with the foam decoration on the right was handled with humour. Didn’t make any difference to the flavour! Plus I think it’s a perfectly rendered sea turtle.
Fun staff making delicious drinks.
I loved the mixture of beautifully upholstered Danish mid-century and contemporary furnishings.The atmosphere was very pleasing.
It’s always time for tea when I’m out with Annie, so last week we stopped by JagaSilk on our way to a craft fair…
JagaSilk Teabar is a gem tucked away in Nootka Court, just off Courtney Street.
Instead of my favourite maccha latte, we mixed it up with a London Fog and a Masala Chai; plus house-made vanilla bean shortbread cookies.
Peeking through the window at teaware… and Annie.
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