Mike and Beth's Adventures

A sailor is obsessive about many things, one of the most important being the weather.  It is a constant topic of conversation and investigation.  Prior to leaving Mill Bay we had to select a destination.  This can not be accomplished without checking the weather, tides and currents.  Tides by the way vary between 12 and 14 feet in this portion of British Columbia.  The weather report indicated a low pressure area would pass just north of us with 25 knot winds from the southwest and gusts in excess of 40 knots.  Our next stop would need to provide very good protection from these conditions. A vista point overlooking Saanich Inlet We settled on Tod Inlet, just south of Butchart Gardens.  It is enter via a narrow channel and is surrounded on 4 sides by tall forested ridges.  We had a day of good weather to get there and settle in prior to the blow. We walked to the entrance of Butchart Gardens This inlet has a lot to offer.  The bottom is heavy ...

Butchart Gardens is world class.  Simply stunning! It must be seen to be believed.  100 years ago, the wife of a cement manufacturer converted a limestone quarry into sunken gardens for their own enjoyment.  This began with the 1907 construction of a Japanese garden.  The sunken gardens were completed in 1921, the Italian garden in 1929, and the rose garden a short time later.  Descendants of the Butchart family retain ownership of the Gardens and continue to guide its ongoing growth and development. The Butchart Garden Cove through which boaters may access the Gardens. It is at the base of the Japanese Garden. \ Mike on the boat dock with Amy Marie moored in the background The boat dock entrance to Butchart Gardens We arrived at the boat dock, at the base of the Japanese garden, shortly after 2pm.  Small vessels are allowed to tie to mooring buoys for up to 24 hours.  There is room for ~ 5 boats under 30’ in length.  At the top of the dock ramp t...