| We were in Port Angeles
to catch the ferry from the USA to Vancouver Island. Totem poles are all
over the place in this area. These are at the ferry terminal. |  |
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The ferry crosses the San Fuca Strait which is full of islands, whales and
ships moving to and from Seattle and Vancouver. |
| These were just anchored
in the harbour. Timber is a major export.. |  |
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This is a model of the MV Coho, the ferry which makes the 90 minute crossing
each way three times a day. It is 340ft long and can carry 110 vehicles and
1000 passengers. She was built in 1959. |
| The ferries across the
English channel are now around 50,000 tons. The Coho is only 5000 tons and
travels at 15 knots. |  |
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It still takes time to edge it into position for loading and unloading. |
| There is a height
limitation of 14ft but that is big enough for some serious transport to be
carried.. |  |
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Victoria is the capital of BC and is the largest town on Vancouver Island.
Cruise ships frequently stop there. |
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The ones we saw were all about this size and tower over the city, being
taller than almost all the buildings in the city. |  |
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These little harbour taxis carry people around the harbour bay area. It
costs $10 a trip. |
| We were camped at
Esquimalt just across the harbour from Victoria. There is a 3km walkway
between the two. We are the second RV from the right. |  |
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These trees have a red bark which peels. In Mexico they are known as madrona,
here they are called arbutus, and in Europe they are called the strawberry
tree after the fruits which look like strawberries. |
| Victoria is the
retirement capital of Canada. These flats are typical of the complexes
ranged all round the bay. |  |
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Victoria is a very noisy area primarily because of the seaplanes which
takeoff and land in the bay. We counted as many as 20 takeoffs an hour at
the busiest times. They land and take off in not much more than 100 meters. |
| This is the lifting
bascule bridge between Victoria and Esquimalt. It enables access to the
inner harbour. |  |
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A view of Wharf Street which goes along the edge of the harbour. The
shopping centre is behind it. |
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