My Favorite Links
- WebCams (BC)
- TWP TW Paterson
- Kinsol Webcam
- Oregon Highway Cams
- WJI's YouTube VIDEOS
- CPO MESS
- Bigwave Dave Cams
- Flickr Photos
- History Cedar Hill Golf Course
Archives ON
my walking weBlog
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Walked CHGC
Sunday, September 28, 2014
OCSV RBC Walking Tour
September 28, 2014, we joined with a group of some 30 other Old Cemeteries Society of Victoria (OCSV) enthusiasts to learn about Pioneer Farmers of Saanich, BC, from OCSV President, Dr. Sylvia Van Kirk.
More than a century ago farming was a major activity in Gordon Head, the Saanich Peninsula and other outlying areas. Today’s first-time tour will visit graves of pioneer farmers and those connected with them.
The OCSV is dedicated to researching, preserving and encouraging the appreciation of Victoria's heritage cemeteries. Their members are involved in many volunteer activities, mainly at Ross Bay Cemetery (RBC). Cataloging, cleaning and restoring monuments, computerizing burial records, combating vandalism, conducting historical research and giving walking, history tours.
Dr. van Kirk included our family gravesite in her RBC tour and we have today's photo-to-prove-it. Thank you on behalf of the Irvine Family Genealogical Group (IFGG) to the OSCV for steam cleaning the Laing/Irvine burial plot which has been here for over 132 years. John and Jessie Irvine's granddaughter, Elizabeth Jessie Laing, died March 24, 1882 (at age 6yrs4mon.) and was buried in the plot initially purchased for the grandparents.
John Irvine was interred here in 1906 and his wife, Jessie, the following year. Hence, Laing/Irvine burial plot.
More than a century ago farming was a major activity in Gordon Head, the Saanich Peninsula and other outlying areas. Today’s first-time tour will visit graves of pioneer farmers and those connected with them.
The OCSV is dedicated to researching, preserving and encouraging the appreciation of Victoria's heritage cemeteries. Their members are involved in many volunteer activities, mainly at Ross Bay Cemetery (RBC). Cataloging, cleaning and restoring monuments, computerizing burial records, combating vandalism, conducting historical research and giving walking, history tours.
Dr. van Kirk included our family gravesite in her RBC tour and we have today's photo-to-prove-it. Thank you on behalf of the Irvine Family Genealogical Group (IFGG) to the OSCV for steam cleaning the Laing/Irvine burial plot which has been here for over 132 years. John and Jessie Irvine's granddaughter, Elizabeth Jessie Laing, died March 24, 1882 (at age 6yrs4mon.) and was buried in the plot initially purchased for the grandparents.
John Irvine was interred here in 1906 and his wife, Jessie, the following year. Hence, Laing/Irvine burial plot.
Saturday, September 27, 2014
Leechtown Slideshow
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Stamboul Connector, UVic, Mt. Tolmie
Today we walked 4.3km roundtrip to the market then up Stamboul Connector and through Horner Park and Finnerty Gardens and over Mt. Tolmie. A cool, misty, fall morning.
Just another day in paradise.
Thursday night we attended a meeting of the Victoria Historical Society (VHS) where Bart van den Berk was presenting a talk-with-slides regarding his recently published book. The book, The History of Leechtown Part 1; "The VIEE and the Discovery of Gold on the Sooke and Leech Rivers, by Bart van den Berk ISBN 978-0-9938175-0-2, presents the most interesting story that has never been told before in so much detail and truth of what led to the most celebrated gold rush on Vancouver Island and subsequently the establishment of Leechtown.
Gold-panning hobbyist Bart van den Berk asserts that, beyond leading the expedition, Leech had very little to do with it. John Foley, on the other hand, had everything to do with it.
Bart gave an excellent one-hour presentation describing the contents of his latest book which was well received by the sixty members and guests who attended. VHS President, Dr. Sylvia van Kirk, thanked Bart for his research and publication of recently found new documents and for his presentation to this evening's meeting.
Walk thru the REAL Leechtown: VIDEO
Just another day in paradise.
Thursday night we attended a meeting of the Victoria Historical Society (VHS) where Bart van den Berk was presenting a talk-with-slides regarding his recently published book. The book, The History of Leechtown Part 1; "The VIEE and the Discovery of Gold on the Sooke and Leech Rivers, by Bart van den Berk ISBN 978-0-9938175-0-2, presents the most interesting story that has never been told before in so much detail and truth of what led to the most celebrated gold rush on Vancouver Island and subsequently the establishment of Leechtown.
Gold-panning hobbyist Bart van den Berk asserts that, beyond leading the expedition, Leech had very little to do with it. John Foley, on the other hand, had everything to do with it.
Bart gave an excellent one-hour presentation describing the contents of his latest book which was well received by the sixty members and guests who attended. VHS President, Dr. Sylvia van Kirk, thanked Bart for his research and publication of recently found new documents and for his presentation to this evening's meeting.
Walk thru the REAL Leechtown: VIDEO
Monday, September 22, 2014
Rock Oven Revisited
Monday we walked 4.6km in Sooke Potholes Regional Park (SPP). From the upper parking lot it's 2km north to the Rock Oven trailhead. I scrambled up the 30m high rock-face while B. waited for me beside the Galloping Goose Trail (GGT).
It was refreshing to see the dead fall has been removed from the oven. It's about time I say; there's certainly been enough people up there photographing it. Perhaps one of them simply decided it was time for it to go.
According to my GPS, it's 345m round-trip up and back. As mentioned, the gain is 30m and it's pretty steep with loose footing. It took me 8-minutes up and the same coming back -- for those interested.
We returned to the limo via the Campground Road. Great weather. Great outing.
It was refreshing to see the dead fall has been removed from the oven. It's about time I say; there's certainly been enough people up there photographing it. Perhaps one of them simply decided it was time for it to go.
According to my GPS, it's 345m round-trip up and back. As mentioned, the gain is 30m and it's pretty steep with loose footing. It took me 8-minutes up and the same coming back -- for those interested.
We returned to the limo via the Campground Road. Great weather. Great outing.
Friday, September 19, 2014
Scotland Remains plus CPO Mess Event
Just when it seems the whole world is coming apart one has to wonder why anyone would actually vote in favour of this happening. When North Korean dictator Kim Jong un tells the world he supports you in your efforts, it's a pretty good indicator you're on the wrong side of history.
We feel we have some stake in this debate as active members in Victoria's Scottish Community for over two decades. My paternal ancestors originally came from the Scottish Borders region and we trace them back for about 800 years -- even before Robert the Bruce (1274-1329). As a former Provost (president) of the Saltire Society of Victoria, I claim to have more than a passing interest and knowledge of Scottish history. N.B. The Salitire is the Name of the Scottish flag. White Cross on Blue Background -- the Saint Andrew's Cross.
THANK YOU TO THE SCOTS FOR SAVING THEIR UNION P.S. I won't be burning my kilt any time soon.
Friday night we attended Steak & Seafood Night at the Esquimalt CPO's Mess. Maddy organized it for us to attend and a good time was had by all. A local DJ provided the dance music and he did a good job. The mess was packed. We sat with Sam+I and Jaysue and the meal was as fantastic as ever. Have we ever had some wonderful evenings here over the past decade-and-a-half; many were like being in a movie -- beyond imagination. Such a wonderful life we're living.
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Walked Cedar Hill Golf Course
Monday, September 15, 2014
Cabin Point Trap Shack East Sooke CRD Park
Monday we hiked 4½ miles (7.3km) roundtrip out to the Trap Shack and back from Aylard Farm in East Sooke Park. The shack has two bedrooms and a kitchen located on Cabin Point. What a neat place. The trail has quite a bit of gain to it so it makes for a good workout. The distance belies the amount of effort required to make the journey. Check out the photos to find out if it's worth the effort.
It's been 5yrs since we hiked this trail and today our son came along for his first time out to the shack on the Interior Trail. We are slowing down since the last time; what used to take an hour takes and extra 15-minutes now. But who's keeping time. Just another day in paradise. Thanks for coming along, C.
GPS Coordinates Trap Shack Trapshack: 48°19'28.80"N 123°40'15.60"W
2-minute Trap Shack Hike VIDEO
It's been 5yrs since we hiked this trail and today our son came along for his first time out to the shack on the Interior Trail. We are slowing down since the last time; what used to take an hour takes and extra 15-minutes now. But who's keeping time. Just another day in paradise. Thanks for coming along, C.
GPS Coordinates Trap Shack Trapshack: 48°19'28.80"N 123°40'15.60"W
2-minute Trap Shack Hike VIDEO
Sunday, September 14, 2014
Rock Oven
Tomorow, we'll be hiking in East Sooke Park.
Stone Oven 90-second VIDEO
Friday, September 12, 2014
The Grind and Henderson
Friday we walked 5km up The Grind, over Mt. Tolmie and around Henderson Golf Course chiptrail then back home though the university. This was another training walk so I had on my 10lb (4.5kg) daypack. We hope to hike the East Sooke Park Inland Trail to Cabin Point on Monday. This hike is only 6km (3¾ miles) roundtrip but it has the equivalent of three (3) Mt. Tolmies enroute to climb up and down. The highlight of this hike is lunch at the Trap Shack. Lots of fun!
We extended today's walk to take in Henderson Park so that was nice. We saw a small fawn and read the warning about its strident, bellicose mother -- if you can believe it. Slow day in the sign shop is my best guess.
We extended today's walk to take in Henderson Park so that was nice. We saw a small fawn and read the warning about its strident, bellicose mother -- if you can believe it. Slow day in the sign shop is my best guess.
Tuesday, September 09, 2014
Walked CHGC then Capital Iron
Tuesday we walked 4.2km around Cedar Hill Golf Course (CHGC). I first golfed here in 1948 so me and CHGC go way back together. A lot of changes have taken place over the intervening six-decades-plus but all for the betterment of Cedar Hill Park users -- be they golfers or walkers.
Afterward, we drove to town where a purchased a replacement, backpackiing, campstove for the Brunton Rapid that was stolen some years back. Bruton is hard to find these days so I got a similar product: an MSR Pocket Rocket. Sometimes we get tired of eating sandwiches on the trail so it's nice to have a little stove (these fit in one's pocket; pocketrocket -- get it?) and eat a hot lunch instead. Life's neat, ain't it?
Today's photo is another of the old McRae farmhouse. This building is now used by Saanich volunteers and it resides within the park boundaries and has heritage designation. See below.
Afterward, we drove to town where a purchased a replacement, backpackiing, campstove for the Brunton Rapid that was stolen some years back. Bruton is hard to find these days so I got a similar product: an MSR Pocket Rocket. Sometimes we get tired of eating sandwiches on the trail so it's nice to have a little stove (these fit in one's pocket; pocketrocket -- get it?) and eat a hot lunch instead. Life's neat, ain't it?
Today's photo is another of the old McRae farmhouse. This building is now used by Saanich volunteers and it resides within the park boundaries and has heritage designation. See below.
Sunday, September 07, 2014
Cadboro Bay 8K Walk
Today also marks the first anniversary of our Log Train Trail ride from one end to the other in one go. What a momentous accomplishment! Bet you haven't done it.
We also made this outing a bit of a training mission for the upcoming Capital Regional District's (CRD), September 14th, hike up to the stone oven somewhere in the Sooke Hills. This meant carrying all my Canon 600D camera equipment and tripod to the beach this day. All went as planned and we even got pictures-to-prove-it.
Friday, September 05, 2014
Crofton, Bonsall Creek Trestle
Thursday we drove to Crofton, BC and found the Crofton Spur of the abandoned railway to Catalyst Mill. Chris City (flickr photostream) told us how to find it from Crofton Rd. where it crosses Bonsall Creek. We picked up the trailhead from the adjacent commercial property at N48°52.684', W123°40.482' and followed the tracks to the first trestle at N48°52.681', W123°40.580'. Thanks, Chris.
Bonsall Trestle on Picasa
Bonsall Trestle on Picasa
Wednesday, September 03, 2014
Record Rainfall
Wednesday 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.
Yesterday, (Tuesday) we had a record downpour of 24mm measured at UVic.
Yesterday, (Tuesday) we had a record downpour of 24mm measured at UVic.
Monday, September 01, 2014
CHGC McRae Farm House
Labour Day we walked 4.2km around Cedar Hill Golf Course under sunny skies.
Saturday we danced to the music of Yesterday's Wine then six of us went for supper. We won meat again at the meat-draw; third week in a row for us -- back on a roll!
The Development of Cedar Hill Park
In 1966 the negotiations leading to the purchase of the McRae Estate by the Saanich Municipality in 1967 began. After many months of negotiation, a price of $1.2 million was decided upon for the remaining 132 acres (53.4 Hectares) of the McCrae property.
The following year the name of the property was officially changed by Reeve, Hugh Curtis and Council, to Cedar Hill Park which still included the golf course. The selling price was set by Victoria Law Courts after a lengthy and expensive court battle; the judgment came down about $450,000 more than Saanich had offered the McCraes for the 132.6 acres but only about one-third of the McCrae's initial asking price. A capital spending budget adopted by Saanich ratepayers in December 1965, set aside about $900,000 for the deal, but Reeve Curtis announced the $1.2M price could be met. The Victoria Law Courts' judgment also had Saanich paying the $70,000 legal costs. The McRae family had owned this property since 1885.
Saanich Council decided in 1970 to make further improvements over the next three-year to the golf course which included the building of a new clubhouse. The complex we now know as Cedar Hill Recreation Centre is a Lester & Peterson Architects' design and was built in 1972 at the exact location of the McRea's old main cattle barn. Billy Irvine remembers helping his friend, Harvey Amos, whose after-school job in 1947, was to remove the smelly debris generated and deposited by the 120-plus cows the barn housed. The cattle barn was open at both ends and its longitudinal axis, strangely enough, was followed exactly by that of the newly constructed Cedar Hill Recreation Centre. The milk from these cows was delivered by horse-drawn cart to many Victoria homes and supplied much of the Canadian Pacific Railway ships.
Reference cited: History of Cedar Hill Golf Course
Saturday we danced to the music of Yesterday's Wine then six of us went for supper. We won meat again at the meat-draw; third week in a row for us -- back on a roll!
The Development of Cedar Hill Park
In 1966 the negotiations leading to the purchase of the McRae Estate by the Saanich Municipality in 1967 began. After many months of negotiation, a price of $1.2 million was decided upon for the remaining 132 acres (53.4 Hectares) of the McCrae property.
The following year the name of the property was officially changed by Reeve, Hugh Curtis and Council, to Cedar Hill Park which still included the golf course. The selling price was set by Victoria Law Courts after a lengthy and expensive court battle; the judgment came down about $450,000 more than Saanich had offered the McCraes for the 132.6 acres but only about one-third of the McCrae's initial asking price. A capital spending budget adopted by Saanich ratepayers in December 1965, set aside about $900,000 for the deal, but Reeve Curtis announced the $1.2M price could be met. The Victoria Law Courts' judgment also had Saanich paying the $70,000 legal costs. The McRae family had owned this property since 1885.
Saanich Council decided in 1970 to make further improvements over the next three-year to the golf course which included the building of a new clubhouse. The complex we now know as Cedar Hill Recreation Centre is a Lester & Peterson Architects' design and was built in 1972 at the exact location of the McRea's old main cattle barn. Billy Irvine remembers helping his friend, Harvey Amos, whose after-school job in 1947, was to remove the smelly debris generated and deposited by the 120-plus cows the barn housed. The cattle barn was open at both ends and its longitudinal axis, strangely enough, was followed exactly by that of the newly constructed Cedar Hill Recreation Centre. The milk from these cows was delivered by horse-drawn cart to many Victoria homes and supplied much of the Canadian Pacific Railway ships.
Reference cited: History of Cedar Hill Golf Course
