Every Quarter Century (so far)

So far I've flown to Victoria on Vancouver Island twice.
Twenty-five years ago with Helijet and this past Monday with Harbour Air.
Both times I went with Howie and we flew for free.  Yippee!  :)

A friend of ours worked for Helijet long ago, and she gave us tickets 
so we went for the day.  That's how our first flight over was free.  

This past spring our Calvin did a photo shoot for Harbour Air.
He was paid for his services with cash and two round-trip tickets.
He gave us the tickets for our anniversary ~ wasn't that sweet?

Want to see what he was able to capture of their fleet?
Click here to see one of Calvin's photos.

So, our track record includes a flight to the Island
once every quarter century.  A rare treat for sure.  
We only make it every twenty-five years if it's free ~
that's a necessary requirement.  :)

Here's the seaplane we boarded in Vancouver Harbour.



Howie sat in the front row seat directly behind the pilot.



I was allowed to sit right beside the pilot!  See the headset?  Fun times.



As we flew over the Lion's Gate Bridge, Howie snapped a photo.
We have walked under this bridge and driven on it...now we have flown over it.
See the group of trees the bridge seems to disappear into?  That's Stanley Park.
The seawall we have walked many times is visible beneath it.



Heading into Victoria Harbour.



Howie with *our* plane...



...and both of us with it.  Self-timed shots are the best.  :)



The day was glorious with hardly a cloud in the sky.
The Legislative Buildings in the background and the 
hanging baskets in the foreground were stunningly beautiful.
One thing I *love* about Victoria is the hanging baskets...they are everywhere.



Howie looking back toward the inner harbour.
The Empress is on the far left in this photo.



Couldn't resist using Emma's Macro setting for a few flower shots.
(Thank you my little love for loaning me your camera.)



We saw many Harbour Air planes taking off and landing throughout the day.



We walked and walked and walked along a never-before-discovered path.
It was lovely and has become our new favourite.  
We think it's the best kept secret of Victoria.



Our view from one of the benches along the path.
Looking to the right...



...and to the left.



Oh, look...it's us!  :)



Howie and the pilot heading into our home-bound plane.



Howie took a turn in the cockpit ~ a definite highlight.



The views on the return flight were amazing.



See those little tiny white dots?  They are yachts and sailboats.

If you look closely, you'll see the tail end of a ship directly below us.
It was one of the BC Ferries ~ I took this shot looking straight down.
The pontoon is hiding most of the ferry ~ they are HUGE.
Whenever we go to Victoria, we normally travel on the water, not above it.



Vancouver from the air.



Landed and docked (on the water) safe and sound.



The view looking back at the line-up of seaplanes docked at Vancouver.
The plane furthest away in this shot was the one we flew on.



It was a real treat to have had a day out together...just us.
Thank you, Calvin, Fraser and Emma for sending us away 
for the day and for holding the fort ~ We love you!  XO

Wonder if we'll go again.  
Hmmm....maybe in another twenty five years?

Many Blessings,
Camille