The dash across the street to the big red bus was completed as scheduled. But it seemed like all the other tourists were early birds as well and it was a shuffle and a squeeze to get a seat on the first shuttle. But with a bit of creative seat rearrangement by the tour operator a spot was secured for us.

The hour trip dropped us off at The Oakes Inn for a leisurely breakfast and a little bit of relaxation in the sun until it was back on the bus for a return trip to The Harbour.

Today was about THE MUSEUM and yes, the capital letters are justified. This would rate as a super hot 10 out of 10 spot on any itinerary in Victoria. It seems modest in its entry but when you ascend to the upper floors you are transported in both time and place into walk through, interactive re-creations that almost become a living history.

We downloaded the WiFarer APP advertised for the museum which uses geolocation to pinpoint where you are in the the exhibits. You can then access audio guides and additional information on the displays and artefacts. We abandoned that pretty quickly because the reality of each display was so complete that we didn't have time to listen to and read the "other stuff."

Stretching over what seems acres of viewing space in all sorts of configurations in towering rooms, small caves, re-created scenes and theatrettes we were able to explore The Gold Era ( frequent references here to Australian history and the mistakes made in the treatment of our indigenous people and minority immigrant groups), The Natural History of BC, The Human History of BC and The History of Language exhibits.

The Museum has helped to put into context the history of the region and of course sent us dashing home to "Google" and read more.

The attraction of the Museum was the nature of its "walk through" exhibits and its interactivity. In exploring the history of Victoria a replica town was created; in the maritime history of the people Captain Vancouver's "Discovery" could be boarded; in introducing animals under the sea an entire underwater ocean was created which was them explored in a submarine complete with interactive navigation. And the totem poles and history of The First Nations people was hauntingly re-assembled in mock villages and storytelling caves completed with audio recorded by native speakers both young and old. And as an oldie, I loved that all the signage was positioned and lit so you could actually read it.

We allocated half a day and it wasn't enough. Could easily have spent a day!

There are many synergies here for Australians. Of course, the name Victoria makes it all so obvious. Captain Cook gets a lot of mentions because he was an early visitor here in the Discovery and the Resolution. The town clock on City Hall that was crafted in Britain was shipped to Victoria Australia in error and arrived 18 months late for the building project and like all places in North America it seems as if our accent is distinctive. Makes for great conversation openers.

The Museum is literally across the road from The Empress so our curry buffet in The Bengal Lounge was easy to access. So much food again but we were able to attack the piles of curries and condiments at our leisure all washed down with desert and special coffees. Of course Mac had to do the scan of the patrons and was making estimates on the demographics...and yep, "the near deads" continue to dominate.

The sunset was calling us again and did not disappoint.

We have tried to tee up tomorrow's adventures with the concierge but it all depends on whether "the cruise ship docks." Fingers crossed the "other" tourists arrive so we can do our thing!

Wednesday
Temperature: 22
Pedometer: 9 325
Bear Sightings = 0

Total Bear Sightings = 2