Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

We headed out on our fall road trip by taking the Coho Ferry from Victoria to Port Angeles. The mountains were hazy from smoke due to recent wildfires. 

The following morning, it was foggy heading into Tacoma and looked like we were on a bridge to nowhere as we crossed the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. 

Our first main stop was the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium. It's surprising we've never discovered this one before! It was really good and I hope we have time to stop again on our way back. In addition to the zoo and aquarium, there's also botanical gardens and lots of trails that we didn't get to. 

There's quite a large exhibit about the wolves that were near extinction and how the
zoo breeding program helped bring them back. 

Cute frog out on the flowers!

See the worm? It's lunch time.

Sleepy otter

HUGE flower! Hand for size reference.

Momma and Baby Seal

Last August, after we first took possession of our new home in Victoria, we often saw a mother seal and baby on the little island just in front of our place. 

Momma (presumably the same one) is back again this year with another baby but we've only seen them about three times. Too bad, as they are very cute! 

Photo taken by Andrew as he gets much better shots than I do. 

Butchart Gardens in the Late Summer

Last week, Andrew, Penny, Clare and I headed out to Butchart Gardens and, once again, it certainly didn't disappoint! Dahlias (and bees) were the main attraction but there was so much colour everywhere! 

It's been so different each time we've gone and it makes me realize what a massive undertaking it must be to change displays and keep everything looking so beautiful all the time. They really do a wonderful job of it!