Victoria, Seattle, Port Gamble and Lake Cushman

VICTORIA BC

Our stay at Belfair State Park was not all work and family....we did manage to spend 2 days in Victoria BC at the charming Albion Manor B and B.

Ferry to BC

View of Empress Hotel from ferry

We walked on the Ferry from Pt. Angeles as the B and B was close to the ferry and within walking distance to everything downtown.





We are always amazed at how much fun we can cram into a short period of time.



We would highly recommend this B and B.  The entire place is decorated with very eclectic art including sculptures by one of the owners.  The food was outstanding, and service more than accommodating.  We wanted to take a tour bus out to Buchart Gardens, and they were able to book it for us quickly.  Overall, we give this 5 stars!

King 4 poster bed

Deane at Empress Hotel

Our first day was spent touring the harbor, walking through the Totem Pole Garden, having drinks at the Empress and then a wonderful dinner at a small restaurant near the B and B before we enjoyed the two person spa tub in our room.

Drinks at Empress

Totem Pole Garden

Second day started out with an incredible breakfast of pancake souffle, fresh fruit with cream, and I want to know what the secret is to making such a great cup of coffee.  My coffee never tastes like it did here.


After breakfast we stored our stuff and headed out to catch our bus for the trip to Buchart Gardens..  We were a bit early for the roses but what was in bloom was amazing.

Day in Seattle

Seattle, view from the ferry

View of Seattle from top of wheel

Huge lobsters - my hand as comparison

Another day off we headed to Seattle and the waterfront to ride the new Ferris wheel and spend time in the city. The day was slightly overcast with warm temps which made for an enjoyable day to be there.

Along with the Ferris wheel, we spent time at Pike's Place Market, and took the historic Underground tour to see where Seattle was originally built.

We also visited a small museum that shows how Seattle is drilling a new road under the city before they tear down the Alaskan Viaduct.

Original toilet from underground

Port Gamble, Wa




 Port Gamble is a historic town, that is still owned by the Pope and Talbot lumber company.  After the founding of Port Gamble by Pope and Talbot in the mid 1800's, they established the longest working lumber mill on the North American continent.

To this day, the town is still owned by Pope and Talbot and all of the little stores, restaurants, boutiques and any of 900 people who call Port Gamble home, rent from the company.



Lake Cushman

Lake Cushman was a wonderful find.  A large man made recreational lake from back in the 1960's, tucked into the Olympic Mountain Range and surrounded by beautiful greenery and mountain peaks.