Lunch in Victoria and A Quick Drive

While Americans were busy celebrating Thanksgiving Day yesterday, it was just another day around here.  While I was enjoying a cup of coffee and browsing on the computer, very early yesterday morning, I could already hear Paulette busy in the kitchen sweeping up the remains of the pine needles and branches left over from Wednesday night’s Christmas Wreath making project! 

Paulette found some time to finish a Christmas Wreath for us – complete with ribbons

I thought I was going to have a full day at home to watch a few football games, but I had forgotten all about having lunch with my retired friends yesterday.  We were meeting for lunch at noon, so I left a bit early to go to Sears to see about picking up a replacement water filter for our six-month old Kenmore Refrigerator.

When I found the right filter at Sears, I saw that it was $72!!  Forget it!  Our old fridge was a Kenmore and it had an ice/water dispenser but no filter.  We used it for close to 20 years and we’re still alive, so this new fridge isn’t going to be getting any water filters either – not at that price.  Besides, our water is just fine – it’s clear and tastes great!

Sailboats moored in Oak Bay across from the Marina

When I left Sears, with no filter, it was only 11:00am, so I had some time to kill and decided to spend it by driving around the waterfront before heading over for lunch. It was an absolutely beautiful day in Victoria – the sun was shining, not a breath of wind and it was nice and warm – just perfect for late November.

These sailboats are all tied up to docks at the Oak Bay Marina

Driving along the waterfront on Beach Drive took me past the Oak Bay Marina.  As usual, there were hundreds of sailboats and cruisers docked there.  I couldn’t help wondering if boaters ever use their boats as much as we RV’ers use our rigs?  It would be an interesting survey, I think. 

One of the great par 3 ocean holes at the Royal Victoria Golf Club

Next up, just a half-mile or so past the Marina, was the Royal Victoria Golf Club – an exclusive and expensive place open only to members, of course.  It occupies some of the most expensive property in all of Victoria as the course runs right along the waterfront.  Some of the holes are just spectacular sights.  I’ve never played there so I have no idea what it’s like – it sure looked inviting though.

Gonzales Bay in Victoria, B.C.

Just past the golf course, Dallas Road winds up to the top of Gonzales Hill which overlooks, guess what?  Gonzales Bay, of course!  As kids, we used to swim in the cold waters of this bay for hours and hours each summer day.  I would never voluntarily go in this frigid water today and if I fell in accidently, it would probably kill me!

Finally, it was pretty close to noon and time to head over the Gorge Rd. Pub for lunch.  They even had a “Hot Turkey Sandwich” special to celebrate the American Thanksgiving, but I just settled for a hamburger and coke instead.  I did manage to see a bit of the NFL game as it was playing on all of the many TV’s in the restaurant.

Looking west from Gonzales Hill towards Clover Point

After lunch, and a quick look through Costco, it was time to head home and relax for the rest of the day.  Judging by the scores of the 2 early NFL games, I hadn’t missed much, so I was really looking forward to watching the final evening contest  - it was a rout too!

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving holiday, and thanks again for visiting!