We are very lucky here on the Canadian south coast to receive the gift of Spring much earlier than our neighbours in the rest of the frozen country. On February 13, 2021 we woke up to a reminder that it was still technically Winter – a beautiful blanket of snow. This February however – at least so far! – has been lovely. Flowers are popping up all over and we have had a good number of sunshine days.
The other day I saw some early cherry blossoms delightfully teasing the last little bit of downtown Winter festive decor. (I do love that the greenery baskets were left up around the city!)
As much as I love Winter, I am happy that the days are becoming longer and warmer.
Here’s a photo of the Inner Harbour from February 13, 2021:
I find it hard to fathom that any year could have been stranger than 2020, but then there was 2021. In spite of it all, I continue to seek out beauty in the mundane as well as in the ethereal and extraordinary. I thrive in the comfort of it, in the smallest miracles that abound.
On the third of January, the morning brought an extremely vivid double rainbow over our beloved neighbourhood. Two days later we celebrated 12th Night with a cranberry orange cake decorated with a marzipan persimmon which was as delicious as it was beautiful. A lovely shop near us brings in a spectacular display of marzipan fruits especially for the festive season from an artisan in Italy.
Spring can come very early in this part of the world. Snowdrops, then crocus and daffodils are usually seen by January and February. Some newly cut branches we found on a boulevard brought the spring inside for us in early February, just in time for a reminder on February 13 that it was still winter. Valentine’s Day is always a good excuse to bake, not that I ever need an excuse!
On the grey days of March I made time for cozy cups of tea and making things. Fair days were for walking among the daffodils. The famous Victoria flower baskets begin to appear in March, and in March and April the ornamental cherry and plum trees bloom in waves throughout the city, their heady fragrance filling me with delight (making up for my itchy eyes!).
In anticipation of Easter, the bakeries fill with seasonal delights and I seek out all the versions of hot cross buns I can find. More and more cherry blossoms appear and the days are brighter.
By May the trees have been adorned with every shade of green. In June I created a birthday tea party for a lovely friend, complete with tiny sandwiches, scones, a tropical-inspired Victoria Sandwich Cake and other sweet treats. We also began picking up our local organic produce CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) from Littlest Acre Farm at Moss Street Market. Every Saturday until the end of October was like Christmas as we brought home a mystery bag of the most beautiful fresh veggies and fruit.
We have had some magnificent west-coast weather happening lately; from spring-like days of chirping birds and blooming flowers, to threatening skies and torrential rain storms. Here are some photos of an 8 am sky from a few days ago. It was mesmerizing! The views are of James Bay near Fisherman’s Wharf, and out of the harbour across the straight towards the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State.
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.
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…
As I walked along the Inner Harbour the other morning, I noticed how vibrant and eye-catching were the “Welcome to Victoria” flower beds along the lower causeway. The gardening staff of the city have chosen a very pretty yellow for the beds this year. It shines from a long way off!
Cheery flower beds welcome all our visitors!
All the lamp standards downtown are adorned with hanging flower baskets.
Closeup looking towards the historic Victoria Steamship Terminal – now the Robert Bateman Centre, a coffee shop, and a restaurant.
Welcome to Victoria detail.
And just for fun, flags outside the lobby of the Inn at Laurel Point, just a little further along my route.
Just a few random shots of animals from the last couple weeks.
This chick has a couple other names, but I like to call her Dee Dee. She was hand raised and sometimes she just needs her human to hold and stroke her.
Henny Penny, the Queen of the Coop. This gal is thriving at 10 years old; hanging out, sitting in the shade and loving the worms and bugs she finds.
We saw this young racoon fishing at a low tide along the Inner Harbour, Victoria BC.
Our little friend Sprocket. I love him more and more each time I see him.
Our weather lately has lovely – clear crisp days and cold starlit nights. And, the daytime temperature are starting to be warmer; I have even seen a few folk wearing bare feet in flip flops the last few days. I’ve been enjoying some evening walks as well as early morning ones, and caught this gorgeous sunset a few nights ago.
Inner Harbour, Victoria BC – sunset, March 2, 2015.
Moonrise over The Fairmont Empress Hotel, Victoria BC.
Looking out at the entrance to the Inner Harbour near the Inn at Laurel Point, Victoria BC.
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