Waiting in line for the ferry. Fortunately, with our jackpot car rental, a Lincoln Continental, Helen was comfortable. We got lucky because Hertz ran out of intermediate cars and upgraded us for free.

Wind was very strong on the ferry.

Nice views of the islands on the trip across.

The returning B.C. Ferry passed by us.

We first went to Victoria City and had tea at the famous Empress Hotel.

Exterior view of the Empress. It had two parts.

This was the second part of the Empress.

There were a lot of boats and yachts in port.

We went to the Butchart Gardens afterwards.

The picturesque entrance to the Sunken Garden.

Helen making her way into the Sunken Garden.

There was a fountain that was constantly changing, like a water dance.

A crow keeps watch over the flowerbed.

Another fountain, more simplistic in design.

Each rose was a custom breed. Helen was testing an especially sweet-smelling variety.

This ball was displayed on the cover of Butchart brochure. Helen was trying to see her future.

At the entrance to the Japanese Garden.

Into the Japanese Garden.

Zen garden

A glimpse of the water through a hole in the trees.

The Boar Scarer, a clever device that tips as it gets filled with water and makes a loud bang when returning to the original position.

A pond of lilipads, adjacent to the Butchart house.

A locked room with a huge bouquet of blossoms.

Another view of the Sunken Garden.

Me in front of the dancing fountain.

Helen with gift shop purchases in hand.

We made sure to take a picture of the Lincoln Continental before returning it to Hertz.

The sun sets on our return to the mainland.

Wind was still strong.