Zero Day: Victoria

Date: June 2, 2023
Zero Day in Victoria

A quiet one.  I spent the morning (till 1pm) catching up on blog posts, and then went out for lunch in Victoria.  I opted for a local institution: Red Fish Blue Fish.  Standing in line I struck up a conversation with Sharon, a Victoria native who told me her story and chatted politics and the issues of the day.

After lunch I did a bit of shopping for a new pair of bike shorts (I tore the seat out of my old ones) and some random bric-a-brac I needed.  A few sights:

I went back to Warren's to pack and found he was home from work.  We spent some more time sharing laughs and stories but at some point it was time to part.  I packed and he saw me out.  One last hug and it was time to head to my next stop.

Except I'd forgot something.

Victoria is home to the Mile 0 (zero) sign at the south end of the Trans-Canada Highway by the water.  I'd forgot to go snap a picture.  So I made the 10 minute ride and grabbed one.  A passerby quizzed me on my destination and wished me good luck.

For Uncle Sam: there's a statue of Terry Fox at the end of this road, but ALSO a plaque celebrating Steve Fonyo! (Sam had told me about how Fonyo had also run across the country on a prosthetic leg but is largely forgotten by Canadians for his achievement)

I turned back for downtown and one last ride on the Galloping Goose Trail to the house of my friend and former room mate Nicola.  She'd agreed to host me for a night to give us a chance to catch up.  On the way another cyclists took an interest in my weighed down bike and we chatted as we peddled down The Goose.

The reunion with Nicola was a happy one.  It's been well over 10 years and these kinds of meetings are always fun to see how things have changed and how they've stayed the same.  Meeting her partner and child was a humbling experience, and all were wonderful, exciting, and fun.  Their daughter in particular was a happy reminder of the joys of youth.  We had dinner and stayed up well into the evening learning about our shared interests and how live had unfolded in the last 10 years.

The details of those years will have to remain a mystery to you.  There is no scandal, drama, intrigue, or adventure that I'm withholding...but some happiness can only be experienced and remembered.  And a happy reunion like this is one of them.

In a world this busy and frenetic, time is usually the most precious resource.  Even with a two year old, Nicola and her partner took the time to spend with me.  I've never felt I deserved the friendship and kindness such special people, and am humbled at every visit that I get to share a time and a place with such a funny, perceptive, wise, brilliant, and caring person.  Thank you Nicola!