Views of Sequim, the Olympic Peninsula. . .and beyond
So there I was in Victoria, snapping away as the snow piled up around town. I liked the contrast of the snow against this dragon at Chinatown.
As I moved in for a closer shot I got a good laugh when I noticed this little guy, no more than about 6 inches tall, nestled under the dragon tail.
This mansion in Victoria was completed in 1890. It was built by Robert Dunsmuir, the richest man in British Columbia. Dunsmuir, a coal baron who began his career as a coal miner, died before the castle was completed. It was occupied by his wife and other family members until 1908.
Craigdarroch Castle is stunning, with spectacular oak paneling and some of the most beautiful stained glass I’ve ever seen. If you’re day tripping from the Olympic Peninsula or making a longer trek to Victoria it’s well worth a visit. This time of year it’s decorated as if for a Victorian era Christmas and it’s lovely.
Victoria, B.C. is an hour and a half ferry ride from the Olympic Peninsula. The Inner Harbor area of the city is walking distance from the ferry and Parliament, above, is across the street from the harbor. The less we like the long haul to Seattle and city driving, the more appealing Victoria is. Our overnight stay last week was a package offered through Black Ball Ferry. It was the second time we’ve done this and we’ve loved it both times.
I was startled to read this week that engineers are warning that the Parliament Building urgently needs upgrades. Built in 1898, the entire complex shows its age and lacks many current safety amenities, such as masonry reinforcement, fire sprinklers, and emergency exits. The gorgeous dome is actually beginning to twist. I’ve not been inside. And I can’t say this news makes me eager to tour.
We went to Victoria, B.C. late last week. They’re sharing our current cold weather with a notable exception: We’ve not (yet) had snow – they did, a good part of the day we arrived, Thursday. It was enough to thoroughly dust our Thursday night destination, Butchart Gardens, with a magical, seasonal white shroud. I’ll share some shots of our Victoria travels from time to time in the coming days.
A recent trip to Port Townsend included a mandatory stop at Elevated Ice Cream for a scoop of their handmade yumness. These “clothes lines” on the wall were a bonus.
This display is a collection shared by a woman from Forks with wonderful examples of “personality by apron.” Patchwork, vintage fabrics, lace, and ruffles. They all were represented.
It’s wonderful to see the variety, creativity, and even beauty in a simple utility garment like an apron. What a fun exhibit!
Here’s a tiny splash of fall colors as seen at Gig Harbor last week. Gig Harbor is a pretty town located on the Kitsap Peninsula, not far from Tacoma.
Early rains and occasional wind has beaten up some of the native trees around Sequim and I haven’t had a lot of time lately for picture scouting. There’s color to be found, but it seems like it’s always been in the rearview mirror these days.
Seems like I often spend time wandering around or waiting for my husband at the Northwest Maritime Center. On this particular day I enjoyed reflections in the window of the chandlery, a source of high quality marine supplies.