Victoria, BC: Last port of call

After leaving Sitka Friday, we cruised all night, all next day and night and didn't reach Victoria until 3:00 today, Sunday.  Very rough seas with 48 MPH winds and 16 foot waves slowed us down considerably. Things calmed down and we continued out in the Pacific Ocean rather move into the inside passage, which would have slowed us down even more.

We had not planned a tour in Victoria, so we stayed on the ship, packed out suitcases and ate our evening meal on the ship.  Tomorrow is Shirley's birthday and the servers helped us celebrate early.

Our server, Angorro's birthday is also tomorrow.  

After dinner, we took a limousine ride over to the Inner Harbor of Victoria.  The famous Empress Hotel still dominates the head of the harbor.  Built in 1908, this fabulous hotel exudes the elegance of an era most of will never see again. During the summer months, tea, special sandwiches and scones are served to over 800 people daily.  ( at approximate cost of $75 CAD ) No recession here!!!!

Victoria is the seat of government (  parliament ) for British Columbia.  After dark, the parliament building is lighted and quite stunning.