Friday Week 9

Early start this morning as mum and I had to be at the dock for 0700. Boarded our catamaran for the 2:45 hour crossing to Victoria, BC. On arrival we went through Canadian customs, who got annoyed a mum at the thought that we were travelling to see relatives we'd never met.

Through onto Canadian soil we were met by Murial and Glenda, our Canadian relatives. They are mum's second cousins, my second cousins once removed, who had contacted mum whilst trying to plot their family's genealogy.

After checking in at our hotel we were taken out to lunch at a restaurant that over looked one of the marinas. We were also introduced to a tame set of harbour seals who wait by the decking to be fed.

We were then taken on a car tour around the Victoria area, whilst being told about the history of the area and its people; Murial being a seeming fount of all knowledge. After a quick stop back at Murial's house to feed Glenda's dogs and a stop at a Chinese restaurant for supper then we went to the "beach" to watch a decorated boat parade. A fleet of 10-20 yachts were all decorated with lights, with prizes awarded for the most colourful/brightest etc. It was impressive, but bloody cold!

But, the most important thing of all today: I found a can of Irn Bru! It might have cost £2.50, but after 2 months without it it was very well received.