A Quick Trip Through the BC Legislative Buildings

I am not sure, but I don't think people are allowed to wander into American federal buildings and start shooting photos. Maybe if you are on a guided tour, but not self-guided tours.  I could be wrong.  See how little I know about my own country?

Anywho, when in Victoria, it's well worth a quick stop inside Parliament to check out the area that's open to tourists.  It's never crowded.  There are hourly tours, but if you are pressed for time, you can just go inside and wander around and take photos.  The stained glass is amazing, but the windows have been placed where they are in both bright light and dark shadow from the tiny courtyards and light spaces behind the windows.  It's a massive building to walk around from the outside too.  

Parliament at Night

British Columbia Legislative Buildings

I couldn't resist messing around a little

Full moon emerging from the fog over Victoria

This one is well worth seeing up close, so do click on it to see it bigger.  I have dreamed about getting this shot, and I did it freehand and w/o a tripod. I'm so happy with the results!!

Confederation Park & Parliament

Confederation Park was right next to my hotel, as you can see, although my room was on the other side.

Nunavut

Northwest Territories

Newfoundland

Prince Edward Island

Nova Scotia

New Brunswick

Quebec

Ontario

Manitoba

Saskatchewan

Alberta

British Columbia

Yukon Territory

I loved this hedge arch.  It was all hollowed out inside on the inner sides of the walls of the arch. It would have made a killer clubhouse or fort!

Another cool trash can.

Parliament

6:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. - Seattle to Vic

Because of the vast quantity of photos taken, I cannot possibly post them all, so I will do my best to pare it down to the "greatest hits".  They are in 3 albums on Facebook, but fortunately they make the link available to share with people who don't have a profile.  You can access Volume 1 by clicking HERE.  There are 188 photos in that album.

Pier 69 in Seattle - 6:00 a.m. Thursday October 21, 2010

The morning started out clear enough to see Mt. Rainier.

Leaving Seattle at 8:00 a.m.

Talk about catching this shadow effect at the right time.

We plunged into thick fog right after I shot this picture.

Breakfast basket on board the ferry.

Lucky looks out at the fog.

We emerged from the fog bank as Vancouver Island came into view.

I shot this through my window which was covered in water outside and condensation inside. I love the dreamy effect.

Then I went to the upstairs outdoor deck to shoot our entry into Victoria.

Ogden Point Lighthouse

Still very foggy in Victoria.

Another watery window shot.

Clipper terminal on Belleville Street.

Victoria is the capitol of British Columbia and retains its English charm.

My room at the Hotel Grand Pacific was ready when I got there!

Very nice room too, #535.

With a view of the harbour and Johnson Street Bridge.

Elegant lobby and exceptional staff.

I could really use these crystals for my crafts.

Capt. George Vancouver keeps watch over the city from the top of the BC Legislative Bldgs, aka Parliament.

Whoo Hoo!!!  I'm here!!!