~The Locks in Washington State~

We left Victoria Island Canada via Sydney Canada on the ferry. We arrived in Washington State and drove onto Seattle Washington our first stop the the Hiram M. Chrittenden Locks. This was on Mom's "Bucket List". She has wanted to see this for many years.
The Locks are a water way that has to be lowered in order for the boats to leave. You can see below the picture of the boats that are still resting high in the water, watch how the water is getting lower.


Until the boats are at river level.
At this point the cement doors will open and let the boats leave.

And away they go. It was really something to see and so amazing.

Here you can see the difference in the water level .
A few pictures of the gardens, I didn't realize until we arrived home and I stated looking at all the pictures, that we saw at least four gardens. All beautiful.

After the Locks we were off to the Seattle to see the Space Needle and Pikes Market.

~Tea with Mom at Butchart Gardens~

Mom and I had tea in this very delightful and sunny garden dinning room. As we walked around to enter the front door there was many beautiful plants and a long gracious lawn to adore.

We are getting closer to the front door and here we took a peek through the lattice into what was Mrs. Butchart's private garden.
Almost to the front door.
And here we are. The glass in the door was amazing.
Inside the Dinning Room.

The garden room where we took tea.

Everywhere we looked we saw blooming potted plants, they were lined up all around the window ledges.
We were served a lovely variety of sandwiches and little cakes along with a candied ginger scone, for a warm treat we were served a sausage roll and a roasted vegetable and cheese quiche. Mom and I loved the berry trifle with Chantilly cream. Now time for tea. Mom and I had fun wondering what story the tea leaves could tell us...

Mrs. Butchart would host lovely luncheons for the under privileged children. This picture was taken outside on the lawn area, behind it is what is now called the Dinning Room. The letter above is a thank you note that was so beautifully written. I just love the way the thank you letter was written in the year 1920. Click on the picture to enlarge. Next Post~Seattle Washington to see Pikes Market, the Locks and the Space Needle.

~The Butchart Gardens~

Out visit to Butchart Gardens in Victoria, Canada was amazingly beautiful!. I don't know if the pictures can due it justices. The colors of all the plants were so vibrant. I hope you enjoy the pictures, you can click to enlarge any photo if you like.




















At the end of our day Mom and I went off to shop Gary and Dad sat outside waiting for us, while the men waited patiently, Gary saw this little dog wearing sunglasses the dog actually left them on and was use to wearing them the owner told Gary.. Way to cute!

Next post~Tea at Butchart Gardens