Life has been busy/crazy/stressful lately.  Although I love being a mom, sometimes it’s travels WITHOUT children that can be the most fun and relaxing.  Lucky for me I have a husband who spirits me away from time to time to have some kid free adventures.  He even offered to take me to Las Vegas this week, but alas Radiation Protection Technology and kid doctors appointments were calling  to me with their siren song.

Every time I go to post, I pass by this picture of Butchart Gardens that sits in my Family Adventure Guidebooks folder.  Ken suprised me with a trip to Victoria last spring, and the garden  was an explosion of color.  I envy Mrs. Buchart’s little cabin at the edge of her amazing sunken garden.  I can just imagine taking a cup of tea up there while my little ones frolicked among the daffodils down below.  Even one year later this picture brings me back to the soft golden light of that spring day with a new surprise around every turn.  I can feel the soft touch of Ken’s hand and smell the sweet fragrance of all those flowers.

No, I won’t be catching the ferry to Victoria any time soon.  When I do it will probably be with three rambunctious kids in tow who will  be disturbing the peace of Butchart.  Still, on Wednesday when the kids are in school I can brew myself a cup of tea, sit down on the little wall in front of my house and watch the hummingbirds sip from the emerging blossoms of our pineapple guava.  I will close my eyes and take myself  back to the moment I first walked into that magnficient garden. 

Thanks for the memories, Ken.  Looking forward to many more just the two of us adventures.

Love,

Bridget

P.S. This post was inspired by Mondays Are For Dreaming at Mother of All Trips.  This week Maura is sharing a romantic adventure in Rome while traveling with a child.  Who knew such a thing was possible?

Dinner at the Blue Crab, Victoria BC

As I mentioned in a previous post, membership has its privileges.  Ken taught several classes at the Coast Hotel in Santa Cruz (now the Dream Inn) and accumulated guest reward points.  We never had enough for an overnight stay,but he did earn enough to pay for most of a luscious dinner at the Blue Crab Restaurant in Victoria British Columbia.  This romantic restaurant overlooks the bay and has amazing sea food.

Crab Dinner at the Blue Crab

Our meal included steak and crab as well as assorted clams and mussels.  The service was excellent.  As you can see we savored every bite of this outstanding meal.

Blue Crab Aftermath, Victoria, BC

 We finished just as the sun was setting and caught a water taxi back to the Empress Hotel.  It was a romantic ending to our culinary adventure.

Waiting for the Water Taxi, Victoria Harbor

PS Family Adventure Guidebooks participates in Delicious Baby’s Photo Fridays.  Check out her amusing post about her Seattle “Heatcation” here.  Way to be creative, Debbie .

A Sunken Garden Peek, Butchart Gardens Victoria BC

I just got back from an amazing trip to the Pacific Northwest.  We were in Seattle on business and my husband surprised me with a getaway to Victoria, BC.  What an enchanting place!  Lots to blog and brag about later. For now it’s late Thursday night, my kids will be  up early.  I’ll let a few of my photos speak for themselves.  Enjoy!

My Favorite Flower, The Forget Me Not Was Scattered Throughout the Garden

Happy Trails, Butchart Gardens, Victoria BC

For more great travel photos check out the Photo Friday Travel Blog Roundup @ Delicious Baby .