walking

We took a short walk here this morning out to Banfield Park and return. I lived on Garbally Road -- in the heart of what is now this complex -- and the transformation over the intervening 70-plus years is unimaginable.

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It was all industrial then: Ramsay Machine Works had their foundry here; Canadian Western Woodworkers Sash and Door Co. was here (my grandfather owned it); Cameron's Mill was here (my Uncle Sandy got killed there in 1942 when a load of lumber fell on him); across Rock Bay was Dalziel Box Co. (my Uncle Cliff was a saw-filer there until 1945 when Disston Saw Co. of American hired him away to work in the rebuilding of the Philippines after the war)

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Like I was saying: this is my town LOL

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Selkirk Business District is situated along the Selkirk Waters. Selkirk Waters is the narrow body of water on the northern side of Victoria BC's Inner Harbour. It continues northward to form the Gorge Waterway.

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The waterway continues for some three miles (5km) northwestward from this location. It makes a sheltered place for recreational boaters, kayakers and canoeists to enjoy their hobby.

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Southeast from Selkirk sees some industrial marine use as well.

Labels: walked

Wednesday we had lunch at Zanzabar then drove to the Victoria Flying Club at Victoria Airport (CYYJ) to look at the B25J Mitchell bomber that flew in the other day.

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Very impressive machine and restoration work.

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Here's the history of Made In The Shade The B-25 was delivered to the 437th Bomb Squadron, 319th Bomb Group, 12th Airforce based at Serraggia, Corsica in the Fall of 1944. Between then and early 1945 the aircraft participated in 15 missions to northern Italy and western Yugoslavia.

The B-25 was returned to the US and placed in storage in early 1945 when the 437th BG was transferred to the Pacific theater and re- equipped with Douglas A-26 Invaders. In the 1960s, the aircraft was purchased by Dothan Aviation in Alabama and converted to an agricultural sprayer. Throughout the 1970s the aircraft passed through several owners before being donated to the then Confederate Air Force (now Commemorative Air Force (CAF).

The B-25 was assigned by the CAF to the Arizona Wing in Mesa, AZ in 1981. Extensive restoration work was then begun by the Wing's volunteer staff and resulted in a complete teardown of the airframe to remove corrosion and the results of damage from agricultural spray.

After 28 years of restoration the aircraft was flown in late May, 2009

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N.B. Nose Art: The nose art shows a map of Corsica and the latitude of Serraggia, Corsica, at 42°N where the aircraft was based during the war.

Labels: cyyj, lunch

This morning we walked 3800m (2½sm) up The Grind and over Mt. Tolmie. We beat the heat by hitting out at 8:30 a.m.

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We discovered and photographed a most beautiful flowering tree in Finnerty Gardens in front of the Interfaith Chapel. Don't know what it's named but know for sure it's beautiful.

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There was a five-point buck standing in the neighour's yard on Varsity Plc. Yes, we have a picture-to-prove-it.

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Saturday we danced to Yesterday's Wine and 10 dined at Gaby's.

Labels: finnerty, walked

Friday morning we walked 3800m clockwise thru UVic and over Mt. Tolmie to home. We had lunch with C&H at Fireside Grill. Aliya was working.

Labels: lunch, tolmie, walked

Wednesday we walked 4km roundtrip on West Bay Walkway from Spinnaker's Pup westbound to Work Point Barracks and return.

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It seems summer has come to an end in Victoria, BC, Canada with overcast skies and cool winds. No rain on this walk.

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We timed our outing to arrive back at Spinnaker's for lunch at noonday. A feathered creature joined us outside on the deck but to no avail -- we did not feed it. P.S. I cannot tell a seagal from a seaguy -- can you?

Labels: walked

Monday we walked 4200m (2½ miles) around Cedar Hill Golf Course under blue skies. Just another day in paradise.

Labels: chgc, walked

Saturday we cycled 16km roundtrip to Leechtown. That be, John and me. Our primary purpose in going to Leechtown was to attend the commemorative ceremony hosted by the Vancouver Island Placer Miners Association (VIPMA). The 150th anniversary of discovering gold in the Sooke River and the subsequent establishment of Leechtown in 1864 was the purpose of this event. The memorial plaque _- set in a large boulder -- was unveiled by the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, Judith Guichon.

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Before all these festivities started at 11 a.m., John and I had time to go down to the Sooke River and do some exploring. John is an expert on everything to do with the geography of this area. Yes, he knows even more about it than I do. Hard to believe -- but true.

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We crossed the Sooke River on his 'secret' cedar-log-bridge and went up onto Cragg Main logging road where the replica, Leechtown Cairn is located. From there we headed northwest up Cragg Main to an old road-bed leading back to the Sooke River. Here we observe and photographed a massive monolith of some description. Log dump? Loading platform? Who knows.

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A short distance from here, we were able to see the old swimming hole I remembered from 1972 when we used to frequent this area. Our neighbours owned property near Old Wolfe Lake and we used to be able to drive into their cabin from Shawnigan Lake Road on Sooke Lake Road. The road was adjacent to Sooke Lake along its eastern shore -- between the lake and the CNR railway tracks in some sections.

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Anyway, it was a great morning and we later attended at the Sooke Museum where the Lt.Gov.and her entourage were in attendance. Bernice was with me for this last event. While John and I cycled, Bernice had walked the Galloping Goose Trail in the region of Sooke Potholes. A big thanks to my buddy, John, for guiding this day's adventure.

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Medieval Night Collage

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Picasa 150th Commemorative Photos

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Saturday night -- after cycling and exploring at Leechtown, BC -- we enjoyed a wonderful evening of dining, entertainment, dancing and music with ten friends at the Esquimalt Wardroom's Annual Medieval Night. We did not dress in costume but many attendees did. Here's a few picture to exhibit the ambiance of the evening.

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Many members & guests -- who did not read the menu -- thought the venison-pot-pie appetizer served was the main course! Such generous servings for this dinner have not been seen before. After the 'appetizer' came salad, then the main course and afterwards, dessert and coffee. The main course was turkey (reportedly pheasant of even peacock) wrapped around a seasoned dressing; served with roast potatoes and carrots. No one went home hungry.

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Initially, each person was given a bar-ticket for a glass of authentic honey mead (presumably a brew from the Late Middle Ages) and a beer. As the evening progressed it became on open bar. P.S. In European history, the Middle Ages, or Medieval period, lasted from the 5th to the 15th century

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Thanks again to S. and I. for including us among their friends.

Labels: cycled, dance, dinner, leechtown

Wednesday we walked 4300m up The Grind and over the mountain returning thru Horner Park then on to the market.

Labels: tolmie, walked

Totally awesome day dining with family members

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Lunch with SharBen at Smuggler's Cove and BBQ supper at CamMich's

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Thank you muchly

>

Labels: dinner

Sunday I cycled 15km roundtrip up to Kapoor Clearing and back from Sooke Potholes. B. walked the Galloping Goose Trail in the Potholes area.

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Much to my surprise I met Bruce and Donna Chaytor at the soon-to-be unveiled 150th Commemorative Monument located at the north end of the clearing. They drove their vehicle in from Goldstream as they have keys to the watershed gates. Bruce is president of the Vancouver Island Placer Miners Association (VIPMA) who are sponsors of said monument and next weekend's official dedication ceremonies. More about that the week-after.

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Afterward, we attended at a similar event to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of discovering gold in the Sooke River. This find has been accredited to Lt. Peter Leech but after reading reports in this morning's Times Colonist that may now be in doubt. As we say out west here it looks like Peter Leech just got thrown under the bus. Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, Judith Guichon, was guest-of-honour.

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Around 3 p.m., we headed to Cafe' Mexico for some tapas and cool refreshments.

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Before heading for home, we walked the Hudson Market.

Labels: cycled, leechtown

Friday we walked 3600m (2¼miles) on a route we haven't walked in some time: San Juan to Ansell then Jade Plc footpath to UVic chiptrail and southbound to Varsity then down the hill to home.

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The first thing one has to know about Bowker Creek is it is NOT Boughker Creek (trees have boughs). Native Americans did not shoot with boughs and arrows -- they used bows and arrows. This the the pronounciation of Bowker Creek (bow and arrow). That is why it is spelt BOWker and NOT BOUGHker. Got it?

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Either way I doubt if this creek on UVic lands is actually Bowker Crk; if it is it has to be the East Fork of Bowker Crk. I was born and raised in Victoria and we Victorians all know Bowker Creeks headwaters are in the vicininty of Cedar Hill Golf Course (CHGC). Other than the short bits (near headwater) of this creek visible in either location, its entire length to tidewater near Oak Bay Marina, is underground.

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Bowker Crk Bridge GPS Coordinates: 48°28'0.94"N 123°19'11.37"W

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Thursday we went for a ride in Betty's convertible. Cool. We had lunch at The Olive Grove Restaurant, 4496 W Saanich Rd, Victoria, BC

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30-second VW VIDEO

Labels: uvic, walked

Wednesday I cycled 7.5km (4½sm) roundtrip from home to Cadboro Bay. I took the UVic route outbound and inbound.

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Cadboro Bay GPS Coordinates: 48°27'32.18"N 123°17'39.70"W

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Cadboro/Gyro Park upgrades Here's what Saanich Municipality has to say about it: "The big red Octopus was successfully moved in June 2014 into its new home at the Cadboro-Gyro Park. The 15 tonne iconic structure was moved 17m to cluster the play equipment as part of the repair/replacement plans that include accessibility upgrades. Thanks to the Parks planning/design & construction staff plus the good folks from Built-Rite/Level Lift for helping to move the Big Red Octopus safely & successfully."

Labels: cycled, saanich, uvic

This morning I cycled 6½km on my University of Victoria (UVic) loop. It took only a half-hour of leisurely pedaling and stopping for photo ops.

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Talking about photo-ops: Today's image is the totem pole in its new position rotated approximately ninety degrees to start carving another facet of the pole.

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Saturday, we danced the afternoon away to the sounds of Yesterday's Wine Country Band at our legion. Afterwards, eight of us had supper at Paul's Restaurant -- Dennie and Louise joined us.

Labels: cycled, uvic

Thursday we walked 3.8km roundtrip up The Grind and over Mt. Tolmie under sunny skies. The temp was a balmy 21°C. (70°F.). We followed our usual counterclockwise route back through Finnerty Gardens. Today's photo shows one can no longer cycle through the gardens.

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Later, we shopped at C's store and found him there ;-)

Labels: finnerty, walked

We celebrated Canada Day 2014 at our friend's condominium on Victoria's Inner Harbour. JaySue had a total of twenty guests in for this event -- our 15th year attending their marvelous soiree. Pretty good for our hosts who are American! They showed us how and gave us the opportunity to celebrate Canada Day in the finest fashion. Thanks again, Jay and Sue.

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Their home is located right across the narrow part of the harbour from where the fireworks display originates -- ground zero, if you will.

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Canada Day morning we walked 4200m around Cedar Hill Golf Course (CHGC) under sunny skies. Just another day in paradise.

Labels: canadian, chgc, dinner, walked