Victoria, British Columbia October 12, 2025

I woke this morning to everything covered in a layer of white which I was expecting!  It was easy to take knowing I was heading to the airport to escape to Victoria.  What I did not expect when I looked out was to see someone’s bar-b-que cover on my deck and someone’s patio pillows in my yard.  You see, strong winds brought in the change of weather.

I had to wrap my head around that on October 12th, the plane could not depart until it was de-iced!  We departed late in snow yet arrived in Sidney, B.C. on time in rain. I was expecting the rain in Victoria but did not expect my room to be ready early nor did I expect to be upgraded, again.  Once I was checked in, I quickly dropped off everything in my room then hit the pavement, but not running yet thousands were.  The Royal Victoria Marathon finish line was in city centre and I wanted to see some of the excitement which brought back memories.

After watching some runners cross the finish line, I made a beeline away from there to stroll the streets and stretch my legs.  I snapped a few shots along the way.

Time came to begin getting my fill of fish which I paired with a local beer.

More happiness hit when I finally retreated to my room for the balance of the day.  

This is my view from the balcony…..

…..and this is the view from the picture window facing the other direction.

Watching the runners today brought back memories of when I ran the Royal Victoria Half Marathon on Thanksgiving weekend back in 2006.  It rained the entire race and I was socked even before the race started.  The first photo is a professional photo taken along the route. This section was an out and back along Dallas Road.   

My friend captured this photo after we received our medals. 

celebrating

I feel like celebrating right now!  I’m here in Victoria! This was my first flight since that accident back in May and all went well.  On this Thanksgiving weekend, I have much to be thankful for!