Time To Smell The Roses 

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rriving by ferry, I stood on the deck soaking in the misty ocean air as I watched Vancouver Island draw closer.  I could smell the Douglas firs in the distance - slightly citrus with a woody yet sweet aroma.  The rhythmic hum of the swooshing water along the side of the ship became lighter as the Spirit of British Columbia moved into the harbour.   This public transportation system, operating on specific schedules is the critical link between Vancouver and Vancouver Island.  Over the loudspeaker, I heard the announcement to return to my vehicle and get ready to disembark. Waiting in my car, I could see the ramps open, and the large freight and semi-trucks began to unload.  Then it was my turn.  The young man in the yellow vest motioned me forward.  As I drove out and onto the ramp, I pulled out onto Highway 17 - Victoria and hotel bound. 

It had been a long day - 14.5 hours by car and 1.5 hours by ferry.  I drove into Sidney to pick up something to eat to take with me to the hotel.  I spotted Sidney Scones on Third Street.  Parking right outside, I entered to the aroma of freshly baked scones.  The slogan, "Savour the magic" truly fit the ambiance.   The take and bake option, with the included parchment and glaze, was a unique opportunity to make quality scones right in my home, however, without the option of an oven, I opted for a ready to go pack.  Black current scones with jam and Devonshire clotted cream for the sides, was my pick.  Packed to perfection, I was on my way.  

Known as Canada's Landmark Luxury Hotel, I arrived at Oak Bay.  Nestled on the shores of Vancouver Island, this English Manor House style hotel flashed elegance and luxury.  They boast their boutique resort "retains old-world charm while offering contemporary style and memorable service" - and they do not disappoint.   My spacious guest room had a breathtaking oceanfront panoramic view of the Salish Sea and the pools below.  Provided with a robe and sandals, I headed down to unwind.  My body slipped into the soothing mineral pool for a soak before heading to the hot tub. Relaxation.  Comfort.  My final stop - the Stargazing Sauna.  The glass ceiling provided the most magical stargazing experience over the celestial sky. 

Following up with a shower, I pulled up a chair to the wooden table by the fireplace in my room, and I devoured my tender and flaky crumb scones.  The thick, rich, nutty-flavored clotted cream was the perfect topping.   After catching up on a few emails with the high-speed provided internet, I crawled into the crisp white sheets and lay my head down on the fluffy down pillow.  As I drifted off, I smiled at the thought of my plans for the upcoming day - a trip to the beautiful Butchart Gardens.   Instead of counting sheep, I counted roses.  I could almost smell them in anticipation. 

I arose early - restored and energized for the day.  As the hotel had easy ordering through the TV, I opted for in-room breakfast dining.  Fresh and local, the toasted English muffin, Canadian bacon and soft-poached eggs smothered in a generous creamy and lemony Hollandaise sauce, was perfect - and filling - ready to keep me going for hours of adventure.   

With my pre-purchased ticket in hand, I made my way to The Butchart Gardens. Located on Brentwood Bay on Vancouver Island just 23 km north of Victoria, this 130-acre estate was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 2004 for its one hundredth birthday.  Over 1 million visitors attend annually.  It takes 600 staff during the peak season, 50 full-time gardeners, and 26 greenhouses to keep this iconic place pristine. 

Jennie Butchart was a woman of vision!  She took a former quarry and transformed the space into a beautiful garden overflowing with bright colored blooms and every variance of greenery available. The viewable gardens are 55 acres - 22 hectares with over 900 plant varieties!  Named after the family, The Butchart Gardens are still family run to this day. 

This garden has a special place in my heart.   The Butchart Gardens was the choice for my grandparents for their honeymoon, and they absolutely loved their time there.  My mom heard all about it growing up - especially the rose garden that my grandma so often spoke about.  The fragrant sanctuary of manicured beds and trellises always remained a favorite memory for her.  When my mom and dad got married, they also selected the Butchart Gardens for their honeymoon.  What a special year - 1964!  The Butchart Gardens was celebrating their 60th year and opened the famous Ross Fountain. I grew up hearing about this grandiose fountain display located at the far end of the sunken garden and now I was here to see it and explore the roses as I remembered and honored my parents who are no longer with me, but 62 years ago they were here in this exact spot.   

As I passed through the sunken garden, I could hear the endless decent of the rushing water.  As I peeked the crest of the pathway, I saw the fountain performing a dazzling display of rhythmic water dancing, cascading in choreographed patterns, and mesmerizing back and forth sequences while shooting water 70 feet into the air.   As I was reminiscing, the misty spray touched my cheek like a kiss.  I didn't brush it away and let it linger as I soaked in the moment.