Hi all I'm now into my 2nd week in Canada. I spent about a week in Victoria at my brother's, and now I'm in my home town -- Port Alberni, British Columbia -- staying at my sister and brother-in-law's place. It's only about 12 degrees Celcius at night, so it's chilly compared with Thailand or Japan, but it IS gorgeous, I must admit. Got some weird family **** happening, but don't we all. Nevertheless, the drive up Vancouver Island to my hometown in my shiny new Ford Escape rentacar was lovely. Just a few pics of the drive up before I rush off to see my mom.First, here's a map of Vancouver Island. Victoria is at the bottom of the Island -- Port Alberni is about 1/3 the way up. See them?  THis is a view from the Malahat Drive -- just outside of Victoria, and entering the Cowichan area -- where Cowichan sweaters are made.   And a real-live totem pole. These poles represent stories / legends passed along by the First Nations tribes in the area. You see them everywhere on the West Coast. This one tells the story of my first time in Pattaya. This is "Cathedral Grove." It's an area of old-growth forest you can walk through on the outskirts of Port Alberni. I stopped there to relive my Canadian heritage by taking a leak in the forest. Finally, a stop to take a picture of Cameron Lake. It's about 300meters deep, so it's always freezing cold. And for years people have been saying there's some kind of monster in here. Either way, you'll feel like your manhood has been bitten off if you try swimming in here.

wow , but being cold like that i will stick to the warm beaches. cool totem pole

Mike well enjoy your holiday with your family and with your land to the fullest and nice pics thanks , are you a marpione in Canada also LOL Ciao )

Wow never been there my self but dreamed about it .

Nice photos, we'll have to put on my "Canada" t-shirt............lol

Such a beautiful area!! I've driven up the mountain roads in Washington in Port de Angeles just across from Victoria. Hope you're having a great time!!

Very beautiful place. Have wonderful time there.

i have a sister in victoria, but i'm an east coaster, no 12c here at night 20c and 25-30 in the day, really humid like thailand.

Great Pics Mike I have been to Victoria many years ago beautiful island great scenery, have fun mate!!!

I would like to go there

Enjoy your stay home, have fun with family and friends.

Why not post a picture of Parliament House at night ? 555 (no offense)

great pics Mike .... but way too ******* cold !!!!!

Ahhhh looks very nice. ^^

Great scenery, i like the totem pole and the last pic.

You had a threesome in Pattaya?

great pics but screw the cold! lol

To cold for me, but beautiful. Have a very good trip.