Butchart GardensAMELIE GETS MENDED - SIDNEY BLOGThe above is the only photo for this blog because we didn't think there would be much interest inAmelie's bitsWe arrived in Port Sidney Marina at 9pm on Sunday the 24th of April with help from Bubbles withtying up. Hugs and big smiles were very welcome. Leo immediately took Stephen off to 'phone customs and within minutes we were cleared intoCanada. This was the easiest procedure we'd ever done. Champagne flowed until the small hoursand after a good night's sleep we decided to explore the town of Sidney-by-the Sea, a retirementarea to extremely active residents.Appointments were made for the dentist, optician, hair cuts and various specialists for Amelie.Each day we ticked off jobs to be done for our bodies and the boat.Together with Bubbles we travelled by bus to the famous Butchart Gardens, which was the dreamof Jennie Butchart in 1904 to enhance the look of a disused limestone quarry which had suppliedher husband, Robert Pim's nearby Portland cement plant. Throughout their extensive travels theButcharts collected most of the shrubs, trees and flowers. The gardens are still owned and run bythe family, with the addition of magnificent fountains, firework displays and shows. The variousgardens are stunning, each a colourful jewel. Everywhere we looked we were dazzled by colour,shape and texture. We had arrived in tulip season very apt for our Dutch friends on Bubbles.We had planned to stay in Sidney as this is the Mecca for the marine industry. Bubbles carried oncruising and we'll catch up with them in a few weeks time. Sails were taken away, the 'fridge wasserviced and running beautifully, the rigging checked and parts taken away for repair, underneaththe boat was cleaned by a diver and the watermaker.......well, work is in motion. Everyone wasfriendly and helpful, arrived on time and respectful of Amelie. Language was no longer a problemwhich made explanations over the 'phone so much easier.We love watching films and we discovered a quaint, old fashioned cinema run by an enthusiasticlady. It was like going back to our childhoods and the 'Legend of Barney Thomson' was brilliant.The surprise before we left the cinema, was the Canadian screen writer gave a short talk andanswered audience questions.The fish and seafood here is wonderful and within hours of mooring we were eating the fresh,succulent BC salmon.The weather is beautiful, crisp and very bright. The locals tell us we will be in shorts within a coupleof weeks, despite them wearing them now...Brrrrrrr. Wearing boots rather than sandals or barefeet, is going to take a while to get used to, particularly for Debbie who is sporting blistered heelsand bruised toes. Warmer clothes for everyday socialising is limited on Amelie so a few purchaseswere made immediately, although thankfully the Canadians are casual in their dress sense and notstuffy about attire in hotels and restaurants.As a member of the Ocean Cruising Club (OCC), Stephen made contact with the local officer inSidney. Ian and his wife, Susan visited us several times with their useful local knowledge, lent uscharts and books for the area and were a massive help. They introduced us to another member,Tony who kindly lent us all the charts we would need for our Alaskan adventure, with valuable tipsand suggestions for wonderful anchorages. We hope to catch up with them again in the winter.Daily shopping at the well stocked supermarket is a novelty at the moment......this will quickly wearoff. Prices overall are expensive but the choice and quality is amazing. Stephen has taken a likingfor the local honey lager and organic coffee beans.We take late afternoon walks along the seafront with fabulous distant views of Mount Baker inWashington State, USA topped with snow. Fur seals play in the marina with Bald Eagles andvarious seabirds flying past. The honking of Canadian Geese is around about Happy Hour timeand we were delighted to see an adult pair with their plump, fluffy chicks taking a afternoon swim inthe marina. As we were preparing to leave the marina we saw a huge otter scampering alongthe pontoon and then dive into the water only to surface on nearby rocks. It's coat was glossy andby the size of the creature, food is abundant. The stunning backdrop to the marina is typical BritishColumbian forestry with green islands dotted out in the sound. At present the water is like a mirrorand the Canadians and Americans are out on the water in various sized and types of watercraft, itis a sailor's playground here.The light is hard to describe but appears brighter and clearer than the tropics, we have dusks anddawns with the addition of defined seasons. It is Spring here and the flowers announce the seasonin a colourful, fragrant way. Debbie has missed the seasons and this is her favourite time of year.
