Amazing Vacation!

I am finally back to work after an amazing whirlwind of a vacation with my dear cousin Katie, who flew in to have a bit of a getaway.

We stated by hitting all to great spots around Victoria for some fun touristy shopping and sightseeing: Inner Harbour an

d downtown, where we bought neat jewelry and new shoes, Chinatown, where Katie picked up some unique items, Whale Watching, where we saw a few porpoise and several killer whales, Canada Day Fireworks and c

razy mayhem downtown Victoria ("Darn you Birds!") and much more!

We then took a bit of a road trip up to Tofino for 2 nights of camping and fun. We set up camp and strolled the beach, poking at weird sea creatures, had a lovely cozy campfire and marveled at the LOUD rain that poured down the second we were tucked into bed.

We experienced another awesome whale watching trip in Tofino where we saw a Harbour Seal rookery, some Stellar Sea Lions, Sea Otters, Bald Eagles, two grey whales and a spectacular show from a rare group of Transient Orcas (you know, the black and white ones?), they kind that eat seals! 

After t

he trip back to Victoria, we then headed over to Langley to visit with my sister, Angie and her husban

d Tom. We lounged, played Guitar Hero on their HUGE screen, visited some other friends and relatives and came home, Angie in tow.

Over the last few days of our holiday, Angie, Katie and I explored the Beacon Hill Petting Zoo, ate some yummy ice cream, walked

 the Breakwater and once more strolled downtown.

On our last day, my mom joined us for a splendid Afternoon Tea at the White Heather Tea Room and a drive around scenic Victoria.

I was so very sad to see Katie leave, but we had such a wonderful time together with so many great memories to cherish!

I managed to snap almost 600 photos while Katie was here, but I won't post them all, don't worry! For an excellent sampling of all the BEST ones, click on the links below....you can see them even if you are not a part of Facebook. (Don't miss the awesome and utterly unreal whale watching photos!)

Album 1

Album 2

Album 3

Thanks for being my vacation partner, Katie! I'll miss ya!