Victoria, BC - Part 10

28 June, 2026

Oak Bay - Mount Tolmie - Golf Course

     We lounged around at home for most of the morning and chatted to Jan. She had things to do and places to be, so Miriam and I went down to the Dockside Eatery for lunch.

     It was very pleasant to sit outside overlooking the harbour. 

          Miriam had a breakfast sandwich and I had a turkey and brie sandwich. Both were very good, the taste no doubt enhanced by the ambiance of the moment.

     American Crows (Corvus brachyrynchos) were always present.

     I am sure they are rewarded from time to time with scraps tossed by friendly (or sated) humans.

     Rock Doves (Columba livia) were equally attentive.

     A Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) stalked its prey with infinite patience.

     There were numerous art installations around the harbour, always interesting. It seems to me that it is one of the hallmarks of a civilized society that attention is paid to the aesthetic in addition to the utilitarian.

     This is a hybrid gull (interbreeding is rife), generally identified as Olympic Gull (Larus glaucescens x occidentalis).

     Mallards (Anas platyrynchos), too, interbreed promiscuously and frequently, but this group appear to be pure and unsullied!

     A buttercup (genus Ranunculus) aimed its cheerful little face towards us.

     It was getting close to Canada Day and people were starting to festoon their homes accordingly.

     The displays are muted and lovely, a declaration of national pride devoid of jingoism or xenophobia, a quiet reflection of values held and cherished, a commitment to compassion, a communion with fellow citizens from every corner of the globe. We are ALL Canadian.

     Not for us a thousand flags, warlike pronouncements and posturing, exaggerated patriotism, and the constant compulsion to affirm "this is the best country in the world." Power does not confer greatness, power is not principle.  In Canada, our home and native land, greatness is self-evident and we have no need to shout it from street corners, backyards and hilltops. It is a mantle we wear every day.

     As might be expected, when we arrived back home, a deer was there to greet us. 

     I wouldn't want Guillermo to be disappointed!

     Mid afternoon we went with Jan up to Mount Tolmie where the views across the ocean are spectacular.

     Jan and Miriam read while I explored.

     Miriam, as you might expect, meandered a little with her camera.

     A Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) made the portrait gallery.

     Miriam found a juvenile Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina).....

     ..... and I found an adult.

     A West Coast Lady (Vanessa annabella) sparkled in front of me.

     I was always a little surprised at just how often we saw Common Wall Lizard (Podarcis muralis).

      Jan had made a reservation for us to have dinner at a golf club where she had dined in the past and we were delighted to learn that George and Jan (yes, there are two Jans) would be joining us.

     We went on a long walk to the dining facility, going by King's Pond.

     Wood Duck (Aix sponsa) verged on abundant there.

     We built up an appetite and looked forward to dinner.

      Jan (2), chose fish tacos and asked for it to be prepared in a certain way. It all sounded delicious and we all opted for the same dish. I am not sure exactly how it was prepared, but we were advised that it would be $3.00 extra per person and it would be a one time accommodation! It was worth it; the tacos were good to the last flake! 

      We had first met George and Jan on the evening after our arrival when Jan (1) (this gets complicated!) organized a dinner party. We were immediately captivated by them and were so happy when they invited us on a birding outing (covered in an earlier post).

     Look at this handsome, delightful couple.

     Intelligent, interesting, amusing, in every way scintillating company of the highest order. How lucky we are to now call them friends.

     And then there is Jan, the first Jan, Miriam's sister.

     We are so grateful to her for all that she has done for us on visit after visit.

     If you can add a Jan to your life go for it with gusto. Two is even better, and if you can snag a George as part of the bargain, then your catch is complete.

     I know ours is!