10-11September: Butchart Gardens

Weather:  Sunny and warm.  Winds:  Light and variable.  Seas:  Flat.

Butchart Gardens:  Fantastic!

Another point of view:  Feb 2013 issue of 48 Degrees North article starting page 28.

Boating to Butchart and using the back door via the Cove is definitely the way to see these gardens!  Time is yours.  The garden closes at 2200 with the last entry allowed at 2100 allowing for a lot of strolling after the day crowds have departed.

After a very short dinghy row from the boat to the dinghy dock, we checked in at the ticket booth, registering our arrival and purchasing our tickets in.  We visited the Gardens twice, once during the afternoon and once again after dinner aboard Strider.  The afternoon visit was nice, not too crowded at all.  During this afternoon visit, we saw most of displays.

We went back to the boat for dinner.  Since this was our new experience anniversary trip, I grilled steaks and we toasted with prosecco!

About sunset, we headed back into the garden, strolling through as night descended and the garden lighting magic revealed itself.  I really cannot describe it.  In the north, darkness descends slowly, enabling slow strolling and allowing the leisure to see everything under the varying light.  The Gardens were tastefully lit and getting around was easy.  Still, it was September and deep darkness doesn't arrive until late.  By about 2100, almost dark, we were ready to depart and slowly made our way through the Italian Garden into the Japanese Garden.  The descending path to the dinghy dock was familiar, but new in this light.  The trees were dimly lit from below.  The bamboo water feature kept us oriented with its THUNK, thunk, thunk as it filled with water, then tipped (THUNK), spilling the water and settling back (thunk thunk) to fill again.  The little bridges and stepping stones seemed more challenging...and romantic.

There is a small viewing area overlooking Butchart Cove and from there, was Strider, awaiting patiently.  Her anchor light provided a welcoming beacon as we rowed back.

T'was a great day and I want to return for the Butchart Garden's Christmas display.  Here is to hoping for a good weather window in early December....