NOTE: This post contains slideshows and if you are reading it on your phone, it is best viewed direct from the SITE, rather than in the READER.
All photos were taken on our July 21, 2021 visit to Sidney by the Sea.
Sidney is a seaside retirement community of around 12,000, situated at the North end of the Saanich Peninsula on the Salish Sea. Ocean views, flowers, salt air and sea gulls abound, not to mention fresh sea food choices. We were happy to be able to take Fada out to explore one of his favourite places, Sidney by the Sea.
The town was busy with summer tourists scurrying hither and thither and we had to backtrack to find a parking spot, but we all enjoyed the slow wander along the flower lined paths and walkways.
A warm Sidney welcome
What a view!
Flowers in the foreground, as my beloved always tells meThis town is made for walking-if you can just get there and get parked
Fada, the Big Wheel tours Sidney…
The blossoms
the seabirds
statues ad art abound
barnacled ladder from the pier
pier railing filled with grooves from the lines used by the crabbers
The scenes
Early dinner at the Pier Bistro, home of all things seafood
Bakery lineup and the box of treats awaiting inspection and selection.
Not much to tell. After working for 3 companies over 43+ years (38 years 7 months with my last company), I finally got that promotion I had waited my entire career forā¦ā¦retirement.
I have been exploring this new career for the past 7+ years and while it is not always exciting, the chance to do what I want for myself and my family instead of what my company wants has been very fulfilling. Early on, there was a long list of projects in my āto-doā hopper and I attacked these projects with a vengeance for the first 9 months of retirement. Eventually, my brain told me that this was not what retirement was about, so it took me another 5 months before my industriousness again took over and I attacked another line of projects, this time somewhat shorter and less complicated, as well as many new projects related to the family weddings in 2016. After going hard for 6 weeks and 3 weddings, my body was telling me to relax, then the flu bug hit and as soon as that was done with me, my sciatic acted up. No rest for the wicked. In 2020 and 2021, the Covid 19 pandemic changed the whole retirement gig. I was lucky to not be still working, for sure.
I enjoy photography, gardening, working with my hands, walking, cycling, skiing, travelling, reading and creating special photo and video productions obtained in my first pastime. I may never become wealthy in any of these pursuits, but I already feel I am rich in life experiences far beyond any expectation.
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18 thoughts on “Sidney by the Sea”
It looks a very pleasant little place with all the lovely flowers and cute places to eat.
This looks like my kind of place: Peaceful, by the sea, largely pedestrianised, flourishes of art. Seems like you had another fine day out Allan, and another excellent gallery.
Oh how we missed the sea. This place was just what the doctor ordered. Hope to be back there again soon. Thanks for reading and joining the dialogue. Hope all is well with you. Allan
I love that there is an entire seaside retirement community here. This looks like a lovely place to retire. Your pictures of all the flowers, birds, boats and water are beautiful.
A lot of retirees from landlocked Alberta end up there. The community is so postcard pretty, I am sure it sells itself well. Thanks for reading. Hope your week is going well. Allan
Just look at all the wonderful and colourful photos you took, Allan. I especially love those blooming flowers and a totem pole. Sydney certainly looks like a fantastic place to live and to visit in Greater Victoria BC. Thanks for sharing and have a nice day š Aiva xx
Sidney has pride of place like the Tidy Towns competition in Ireland. Sidney would be a perennial winner I think. Beautiful location, landscaping and attitude. Thanks for reading Aiva. Hope your week is going well. Allan
Picture This 
It looks a very pleasant little place with all the lovely flowers and cute places to eat.
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This place is the epitome of Vancouver Island quaintness. Always a good visit. Than for reading Marion. Have a great week. Allan
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Nice to take this visit with you. Lovely photos with the vivid flowers in the foreground.
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My wife alwaus admonishes me “Flowers in the foreground.” No worries in this place. Thanks for reading and also believing on the mantra. Allan
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Barnacled structures are always funny!
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You would never want to stand too long in the ocean. If your name was Bill, you would become Barnacle Bill. Ha Ha. Thanks for reading. Allan
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Well, my grandfather’s name was Bill. Opportunity missed! I do feel sorry for whales and sharks who get barnacles
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Ha Ha. Too funny.
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Foregreound and details are my two mantras when I take pictures, unfortunately without much success.
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It does take time and sometimes a bit of luck. Thanks for reading and commenting. Allan
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Sidney is quite lovely.
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It has it all scenery, community and vitality. Thanks for reading Lynette. Allan
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This looks like my kind of place: Peaceful, by the sea, largely pedestrianised, flourishes of art. Seems like you had another fine day out Allan, and another excellent gallery.
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Oh how we missed the sea. This place was just what the doctor ordered. Hope to be back there again soon. Thanks for reading and joining the dialogue. Hope all is well with you. Allan
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I love that there is an entire seaside retirement community here. This looks like a lovely place to retire. Your pictures of all the flowers, birds, boats and water are beautiful.
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A lot of retirees from landlocked Alberta end up there. The community is so postcard pretty, I am sure it sells itself well. Thanks for reading. Hope your week is going well. Allan
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Just look at all the wonderful and colourful photos you took, Allan. I especially love those blooming flowers and a totem pole. Sydney certainly looks like a fantastic place to live and to visit in Greater Victoria BC. Thanks for sharing and have a nice day š Aiva xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sidney has pride of place like the Tidy Towns competition in Ireland. Sidney would be a perennial winner I think. Beautiful location, landscaping and attitude. Thanks for reading Aiva. Hope your week is going well. Allan
LikeLiked by 1 person