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A small taste of Spring in Victoria, British Columbia - a walk around Sidney

Even before I arrived in Victoria I knew that I wanted to revisit Sidney. Sidney is one of thirteen municipalities within Great Victoria and has a population of close to 12,000.  I had been there briefly in 2007 on a walk from the ferry terminal at Swartz Bay with some other crazies and I had been nstantly charmed.  On my third day in Victoria, I caught the double decker Swartz Bay bus at its very first stop which was a five minute walk from the James Bay Inn.  Of course, I had to sit on top at the very front!

 After eating just a banana in my room for breakfast I was hungry so upon arrival I headed to the nearest coffee shop and had a ham and cheese croissant and coffee.  Feelng revived I headed over to the Travelodge which was one block away to sign in for the 5 km walk and get the instructions.  

 The first part of the walk followed a path along the Patricia highway and then cut through a residential area before heading over to the ocean.  From there on it was pure delight.  


Well here you are again Mount Baker - showing off again I see. 

I walked along this path for quite a while breathing in the gorgeous sea air like a hound heading for the hunt...I love the salty sea air.  


Just in case I wasn't sure where I was.  Okay to be fair this was near the ferry terminal for ferries from the United States. 

This sculpture was called The Keeper

I'm sure this sea gull is quite smug that he lives in such a beautiful place

I'm getting closer now to the centre of town...this is the pier that many locals fish and crab from. 

Another sculpture..I resisted snuggling up to him like I did below back in 2007...










Cormorants just hanging out 


 Then it was time for lunch!  I knew I wanted seafood of some kind so opted to go to the Pier Bistro for lunch and I was not disappointed.  


I ordered seafood chowder (their menu said "voted the best in Sidney" and iI must say it was really good) and crab cakes with pita on the side.  It was delicious.  I aimed to have one good meal a day and then eat lightly the rest of the time. (just in case you think I eat like this three times a day!) 

 I carried on admiring all the different sculptures along the water front.  

I wasn't quite sure what this was supposed to be...


The sun wasn't cooperating but then I thought maybe this is the way it's supposed to be...a fisherman relaxing on a bench letting the sun hit his face after a long hard night out at sea...
.  . 

Nothing beats sitting on a bench reading a book but watch your purse lady! 


This is the one I most wanted to see and I had to go looking for it.  Thank goodness for a smartphone and google!  It had been moved to a new skate park from its original place. 

I had a snoop around the shops including a book shop (or two) and got myself a book about women adventurers living in Northern British Columbia back in the 70's and 80's. Sidney is known for its bookshops and there were three or four which is quite a few for such a small place.  Need I add I was in my element? 

 By this time I was tired and it was time to head back to Victoria and my cozy little nest at the James Bay Inn.  

 Another great day! 

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