Slept like a log last night in the lovely big hotel bed. I know Mike and Tal-y were in it somewhere but felt like I was all alone it was so wide. We had a really superb time this morning, after having breakfast at Smitty’s we visited the Buchart Gardens which is a stunning place. The trees and flowers were beautiful and the whole gardens were very tranquil inspite of all the people visiting. We were very fortunate that the weather cooperated too and we had a delightful few hours wandering through an array of colours and aromas.
Jaime, assisted by Mike took us on a little drive through the backcountry lanes this pm where we saw some magnificent houses that none of us will ever be able to afford. We found the place where the ferries leave from; we were a day early but at least we know where we have to go tomorrow. We had some Mexican food in Sidney which wasn’t too bad. It seems like months since I last had a potato taco but I guess it’s only really been about 3 weeks – I miss having Mexican food available on every street corner.
Spent a little time wandering around Victoria this evening while everyone else was eating then they all descended on our room, since it was the biggest, and mam entertained us with her flexibility – I think she should have had more water with the cider.

Mike:First Mexican food since we left-6 different salsa's (all great) Drive was nice too!