More Trip Delights from Vancouver Island

Inside this little card are quotes from very satisfied customers who have visited Camille's Restaurant in Victoria. Beth had found this treasure with her husband and, lucky for me, made a reservation for the two of us. Very yummy!

Another spot we found together, first on the web and then in person, was the Casa Grande Inn at Qualicum Beach. We read the abundant words of praise and decided all those people couldn't be wrong so made our reservation. Upon arrival what we found was a delightful room facing the water, with two queen beds (we are royalty, after all!), a spotlessly clean room, shining bathroom fixtures and all sorts of extras in the room. There were wine glasses and a corkscrew and lovely toiletry items. We were very pleased.

Another place we explored together was Abkhazi Garden back in Victoria. As we entered this lovely oasis hidden in a residential neighborhood, we followed a path of old and wonderful rhododendron trees.

In this shot you can see the house which stands overlooking the beautiful rocky slopes which the Abkhazis tamed many years ago.

I am so envious of all the rock setting off the plants.

This strong old tree dominates the beauty beneath it.

If you look closely you will see a duck and wee baby at the centre of these radiating water circles.

I just love the twisted tree trunks, the lush green of their leaves punctuated with bright spots of spring colour here. Doesn't this make your heart leap?

Here the eye settles on these perfectly formed white calla lilies. I just couldn't stop pointing and shooting.

To finish off our morning at Abkhazi Garden we climbed the rocky steps to the tea house. Of course I first had to oblige a solitary visitor by snapping her picture amid the beauty, a sure sign we were in a tourist spot. Once seated at a window overlooking the sumptuous garden we were thrilled with our food and ended up with a lovely British tea complete with scones and fresh-tasting strawberry jam and Devon cream. The garden is a treat for all the senses!