walking

2012-02-13T10:57:00.000-08:00

Today we walked 5km counterclockwise over Mt. Tolmie returning via Finnerty Gardens.

A reported, balmy 6*C. worked quite well for our 90-minute outing.

Today's photo show an azalia blooming already in Finnerty Gardens.

2012-02-12T12:29:00.000-08:00

Valentine's 2012 Celebration
Tonight we enjoyed dining and dancing the night away at Gorge Vale Golf Club (GVGC).

Organized by Ron King and wife Karen and hosted by GVGC. Thank you to everyone involved in its production and the many members and guests who supported it. What a great event!

This is the 3rd consecutive year we've attended as guests of Ron & Karen. Ross & Helen invited a large group of friends and it seems other club members did the same. The event was sold-out this year.

Valentine 2012 at Picasa

2012-02-08T13:51:00.000-08:00

Today we walked 5km over Mt. Tolmie. After four days off from walking we took the easy route up Broadmead and thru UVic to enter the mountain park from Rattenbury

A most pleasant morning: no rain and very light winds.

Today's image is of the proliferation of snowdrops which bloomed this past week.

2012-02-05T07:51:00.000-08:00

Super Bowl Sunday was a roaring success here when most of the kids showed up. M and U had to work and R was in Vancouver.

Everyone got fed-up on chili, pizza, chickenwings, 7-layer dip, salsa, chips, buns and coffee and ice-cream. That usually does it.

MVP Eli Manning lead the NY Giants to a 21-17 victory over the New England (NE) Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI (36). Madonna's Half-time show was spectacular. The girl (53) can still sing.

Thanks to everyone for coming over and spending time with us at our 3rd Annaul Superbowl Event.

2012-02-04T07:45:00.000-08:00

Saturday we danced the afternoon away to the sounds of Roadstars Country Band at our legion.

Steve and Tom posed for a picture with their Martin guitars -- just two of the seven guitars they had on set.

We had great fun and afterward ate supper at Jack's Chinese Restaurant with W&G and S&C.

We shopped for last-minute food supplies for Super Sunday here tomorrow (expecting to feed 11 of us). This will be our 3rd Annual Superbowl Event.

2012-02-03T14:24:00.000-08:00

Today we walked 6.6km along the Interurban Rail Trail. After parking the limo at the Red Barn Market on West Saanich Road, we walked southbound to Interurban Road. This is the northern end of Interurban Rd. where it connects to West Saanich Rd. at the traffic light.

There are no restrooms along the Interurban Trail and this fact has been brought to the attention of regional planners on numerous occasions over the years but to no avail. Although most of this section is dedicated as trail, much of it has vehicular access for numerous homes along this section.

Therefore, I submit the Red Barn is the only place one can relieve themselves along the Interurban Trail between Tillicum Mall in the south and Brentwood Bay Shopping Centre in the north. This is a distance of some 18km. How ridiculous is that? And these people call themselves 'planners'? Sounds like they're as competent as Saanich Municipality's 'managers'.

But hey, it's great to get out on the trail and enjoy life. This was not a cardio-walk simply walked for the joy of it. The joy of life! We had cardio-exercise on Monday and Wednesday so today we simply walked a level section simply because we can.

We finished off the 95-minute walk with a hot bowl of soup and bread upon arriving back at the Red Barn.

2012-02-02T15:57:00.001-08:00

Gen. Peter van Uhm is the Netherlands’ chief of defense, but that does not mean he is pro-war. "I Chose the Gun" is the title of his talk to TEDamsterdam:

General Petrus J.M. "Peter" van Uhm (born 15 July 1955 in Nijmegen) is a four-star general in the Royal Netherlands Army and the current Chief of the Netherlands Defence Staff (CDS).[1] He was promoted to this position from Commander of the Royal Netherlands Army (C-LAS) and succeeded Dick Berlijn on April 17, 2008.

2012-02-01T12:09:00.000-08:00

Another day in paradise!

Today we walked 4.4km around Cedar Hill Golf Course (CHGC) in the bright sunshine. As Craig Rencher put it: It shortens the winter by one day. Agreed.

Craig is the pro at CHGC and runs the proshop and starter duties. The golf course, clubhouse and restaurant have come under scrutiny lately as Saanich Council is reporting annual losses in excess of $800,000.00. Wow, that's about the same amount as the Dukeshire, McNeil, Murphy shooting debacle of Camaso is costing the municipality. The final bill for the latter is not in yet as Saanich is appealing The Honourable Mr. Justice Burnyeat's scathing, written judgemant regarding how Saanich Municipal leaders and managers handled the initial police reports.

Talking about Saanich managers not handling things properly, what about the management of CHGC? Some have said they've 'managed' to run it right into the ground -- at least to the amount of nealy a million dollars in one year. These matters were published in today's Times-Colonist newspaper (TC) after the mayor called a public meeting be held Monday evening to discuss these matters. Prusumably the public's input will be forwarded by various Saanich 'managers' to Saanich Council the next time it convenes. From all published reports so far, the word 'mismanagement' does not appear.

We look forward to reading what remedies Saanich Councillors come up with. Hopefully, the problems with trying to turn a profit on this public, recreational facility, will not affect the part we use -- the trail. One wonders how much profit other public, recreational facilities throughout Saanich Municipality DO turn a profit. We'll keep our fingers crossed.

References cited:
BC Injury Report
Saanich Council Appeals

2012-01-30T04:48:00.000-08:00

Today we walked 5km in 95-minutes over Mt. Tolmie. We walked clockwise up thru Finnerty and Henderson Park and entered Mt. Tolmie Park from Rattenbury. Afterward we drove to Costco to buy food supplies for Super Bowl Sunday.

2012-01-28T05:02:00.000-08:00

Saturday was very interesting: We started out by parking on Rupert St., downtown, and walking over to the museum to see the Storm Tracker vehicle which was reportedly going to be on display until noon. They lied. By eleven a.m. it was gone.

The good news is, Joel was working at the coffee shop and Bethany was there working on her papers. Joel suggested we host our Superbowl Sunday for the third consecutive year so that set us planning the 'operation'. lol.

After our coffee and snack, we headed over to the legion to hear our favourite country band, Yesterday's Wine

We wound up the day by having fish&chips with Sam&Carol and Wayne& Gizelle at Salty's. Just another day in paradise.

2012-01-26T12:37:00.000-08:00

Today we walked 5km over Mt. Tolmie, counterclockwise on a 70-minute loop. A nice sunny morning for walking. Cold and windy, but pleasant.

2012-01-25T08:48:00.000-08:00

Tribute to Robbie Burns

We enjoyed the Tribute to Robbie Burns organized by Ken Irvine and Anna Appleby at the Royal Canadian Legion Dockyard & Esquimalt Branch #172, Sunday, January 22, 2012.

Thank you to all participants.

3-minute Video to Robert Burns Tribute

2012-01-23T11:38:00.000-08:00

Today we walked 5km+ over Mt. Tolmie from the Alumni Trail route. A pleasant enough morning for this 90-minute jaunt. The heartrate was up to 136bmp on the uphill slope which is just about what we wanted.

We enjoyed the 11th Annual Robert Burns Event at our legion yesterday (Sunday afternoon). It was well done thanks to the efforts of Ken & Anna. Ken is a clansman of mine and we wear the same kilt tartan.

3-minute Video to Robert Burns Tribute

2012-01-20T13:13:00.001-08:00

Today we walked 4km plus 400m (4.4km) around Cedar Hill Golf Course in the snow. We're into the third day of snow-on-the-ground here in Victoria.

The Kings Pond shown here is the same Kings Pond into which an irate (read that: bipolar schizophrenic) vicious-owner-of-a-dog head-butted a father and his child into this pond, Thursday, April 14, 2011, because they reminded him he was in contravention of the Saanich Municipality.s dog-leash bylaws.

There's a lot of kooks out there. lol

Thursday, January 19, 2012, my beautiful wife and I enjoyed a romantic dinner-for-two at Fireside Grill in Royal Oak.

2012-01-18T14:20:00.000-08:00

Today I walked 4km over Mt. Tolmie, again.

If you liked yesterday's wintry weather you'll love today's. I started suiting up just after nine this morning as the hoary blast raged outdoors. Wouldn't you know it: as soon as I stepped outside it had abated to a simple, winter snow storm. Darn!

Being born and raised in Victoria, I learned long ago if one wants to enjoy any kind of outdoor, winter activities, one has to get right on it -- it won't last long.

The temperature was a balmy -4*C. with a windchill of -12*C. when I set out. The snow pack averaged 15cm with drifts to 40cm. A few children were out sledding and a couple of young men were cross-country skiing down the mountain trails. A good time was had by all.

Blizzard 2012 1-MINUTE VIDEO

2012-01-17T12:38:00.000-08:00

Today I walked 4km up and over Mt. Tolmie in the fresh snowfall. Overnight accumulations were minimal around our place (2.5cm) but in the exposed areas and atop the mountain it was between 5-8cm on the ground. Yes, I have pictures-to-prove-it.

We love the seasonal changes Victoria has to offer. Too often, we get no snow or real winter weather at all. Who would pass up the opportunity to get out and enjoy Nature's Phenomena? Not me.

2012-01-13T09:27:00.000-08:00

Today we walked 4.4km (that's four-point-four) around Cedar Hill chiptrail. Clear and cold at freezing temperature -- that be Zero degrees Celcius or 32* Fahrenheit.

There were no paranoid schizophrenics nor bipolar, delusional, crazies walking their dogs off leash nor vicious owners-of-dogs today on the trail. No one got head-butted into King's Pond, either. We knew we were having a good day.

In the year 2012, there are three (3) occurrences of Friday the 13th: Friday, January 13th, 2012, Friday, April 13th, 2012 and Friday, July 13th, 2012.

Presumably, this date is considered bad luck because on October 13, 1307, a day so infamous that Friday the 13th would become a synonym for ill fortune, officers of King Philip IV of France carried out mass arrests in a well-coordinated dawn raid that left several thousand Templars — knights, sergeants, priests, and serving brethren — in chains, charged with heresy, blasphemy, various obscenities, and homosexual practices. None of these charges was ever proven, even in France — and the Order was found innocent elsewhere — but in the seven years following the arrests, hundreds of Templars suffered excruciating tortures intended to force "confessions," and more than a hundred died under torture or were executed by burning at the stake.

"Novus Ordo Seclorum" is latin for New World Order -- the Templar's objective since its founding by Hugues de Payens in 1118. The phrase "Novus Ordo seclorum" appears on the reverse of the Great Seal of the United States of America, first designed in 1782 and printed on the back of the United States one-dollar bill since 1935. Templar traditions are expresses today by some Freemason's Lodges.

2012-01-11T11:58:00.001-08:00

Today we walked 4km on an abbreviated countclockwise route over Mt. Tolmie. Cold but sunny day.

We returned thru Horner Park to shop at our local strip mall.

2012-01-09T12:58:00.000-08:00

Today we walked 6km clockwise over Mt. Tolmie. Another spring-like, winter's day at 10*C.. We added a few extra metres to our walk by shopping at our local Shelbourne Plaza.

Just another day in paradise.

2012-01-05T12:10:00.000-08:00

Today we walked 4km on El Camino de Mont Tolmie using counterclockwise route. We started out in the wind and rain but both abated shortly thereafter. Darn. We never get to walk in the rain.

We took photos of our favourite Magnolia tree in Finnerty Gardens. It has large flower buds similar to those we photographed last year. As indicated in last years' writeup, the long, wet spring caused them to rot. We hope this year will be better.

2012-01-03T12:18:00.000-08:00

Today we walked 4km+ on El Camino de Mont Tolmie. We took the clockwise route up Varsity to Henderson then over the top from Rattenbury. Pretty much the same-old-same-old. But isn't it beautiful! we are so fortunate to live so long and enjoy so much.

Nice and warm at 6*C. and no wind nor rain.

2012-01-01T12:45:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012

We celebrated New Year's Eve with friends at the Dockyard/Esquimalt Branch 172 of the Royal Canadian Legion. This was our second time celebrating the New Year here and our main reason in doing so was because of the music provided. The legion hired Victoria's two most-popular entertainers which gave the chance to dance to each as they alternated their performances over the evening. Both bands played to the same dance floor.

Ron King and Tom Gough's "Yesterday's Wine" played to a crowd of approximately 120 people. Ron is a one-man band and Tom had four other musicians to help him on stage. Tom fronts Canada's best country band and regularly has his partner, Glenda Lee, backing him on vocals; Randy on drums and vocals; Doc Jenkins on steel-guitar and Clayton on bass (doubling as sound engineer).

Please view our Picasa Album

P.S. New Year's Day was deja vu all over again at the legion with Yesterday's Wine Country Music, free food and grog . . . the place was packed!

Collage from 2006

2011-12-30T19:27:00.000-08:00

Today I cycled 20km on the Galloping Goose Regional Trail from the 35km marker southbound to the 25km marker and back again.

Bernice walked bits of the trail while I rode. This video simply shows the 25km to 35km leg of this world-famous trail.

3-minute VIDEO

2011-12-28T11:00:00.000-08:00

Today I walked 4km counterclockwise over Mt. Tolmie returning via Finnerty Gardens.

A reported, balmy 12*C. were the current atmospheric conditions. It looked stormy outdoors with winds clocking in at 12-18kts. Good walkers seldom miss walking in a good storm.

When in the wind the chill felt like 1*C. and when in sheltered areas it felt more like the forecast 12*C. The latter requiring the removal of one's outer layers including, hat, gloves and opening the coat.

The best part of walking in inclement weather is the lack of crowds on the trails. This morning I met only two others during my one-hour walk.

2011-12-26T11:24:00.000-08:00

Today we walked El Camino de Mont Tolmie. She walked up thru Horner Park to Gordon Head Rd then back down Glastonbury. He continued over Mt. Tolmie to complete his 4km walk. This was her first walk in two weeks.

P.S. Don't you just hate dangling modifiers?

2011-12-24T15:27:00.000-08:00

Today 11 family members enjoyed a wonderful Christmas dinner at our home. Barbara was visiting from Ontario so joined in.

Emma was working so came later. Rudy was working and Joel was at Bethany's parents so neither were here.

Thank you all for coming and your generous gifts (and the beautiful flowers).

2011-12-23T13:04:00.000-08:00

Today I walked 4km on the El Camino de Mont Tolmie. Up Glastonbury and eastward to Rattenbury and back thru Finnerty Gardens.

The highlight of this walk was the bear cub up in the little Oak tree on the eastern slope. I was certainly relieved to realize it was just a stuffed prop. Inasmuch as it's approximately one-metre in length I'm not referring to it as a 'toy'. lol

2011-12-19T11:16:00.000-08:00

Walked 3.5km clockwise over Mt. Tolmie. Up Varsity to Gordon head then up and over and down Glastonbury. Sound familiar?

2011-12-16T11:14:00.000-08:00

Today I walked 4km over Mt. Tolmie. Walked for 57-minutes up Varsity to Henderson and returned by Joe's place and down Glastonbury.

2011-12-14T14:48:00.000-08:00

Today I walked 3km over Mt. Tolmie on an abbreviated counterclockwise route: up Glastonbury and down the same.

2011-12-12T14:47:00.000-08:00

Today we walked 2.2km at CHGC. Bern's not feeling well.

2011-12-09T09:12:00.000-08:00

Today we walked 5.6km counterclockwise over Mt. Tolmie. We took the Mayfair Trail again. Sunny and cold. Just another day in paradise. The length of this route has been reported in the past as a paltry 5km; it is, in fact, 5km plus 600m -- but who's counting?

Later, we attended Maureen's annual Christmas cocktail party. We have been friends with Maureen -- and her late husband, Gordon -- for over 30-years.

2011-12-06T09:37:00.000-08:00

Today we walked 4km (45-minutes) clockwise over Mt. Tolmie. A pleasant enough morning under overcast skies: no wind and no rain. Cool.

Yesterday (Monday 12/5/11) we visited the newly opened Ice Skating Centre in Centennial Square. It just happened to be at the same time as Shaw TV's Daily Show was videoing an episode featuring host, James Green and Ken Kelly of the Downtown Victoria Business Association. The episode aired on Shaw today so a screen-grab-from-video is included.

2011-12-03T08:33:00.000-08:00

Today wwe walked 4km on a different counterclockwise route up and over Mount Tolmie. Instead of going up Glastonbury, we went straight up the sidewalk and picked up the trail at Mayfair Drive then followed it to the top. After exiting onto Rattenbury Plc, we headed directly to Finnerty Gardens and returned the usual way.

It was a balmy 3*C. so we were dressed warmly. No wind under clear skies. Great walk!

We dined and dance in the evening with Ken & Eileen at the Elks' Christmas Dinner/Dance. A good time was had by all.

2011-11-30T10:18:00.000-08:00

Today we walked 4km up and over Mt. Tolmie in a clockwise direction.

It was another bright, sunny morning to get out and enjoy another day in paradise.

2011-11-28T08:51:00.000-08:00

Today we walked 5km along our counterclockwise route over Mt. Tolmie. It warmed up to a balmy 8*C. under sunny skies which made for a most-pleasant walk.

As the end of November draws nigh, it appears some trees did not get the memo; several still have an over-abundance of leaves still clinging to their branches -- in spite of recent storms.

2011-11-26T11:07:00.000-08:00

Saturday, we danced the afternoon away at the Esquimatl & Dockyard Legion 172. Virginia came with us.

It was her second time at the legion and her first time meeting Glenda who sings with Yesterday's Wine Country Music Band. Tom Gough, the band's leader and lead singer, is a BFF of Virginia's sister, Chris and her husband, Pierre.

After hearing so much about Canada's best western music band from her sisters, Virginia was pleased to finalay meet Tom's better-half, Glenda.

Virginia's only been to our legion on two occasions and both times she's won the 50/50 draw for approximately $45.00. Goodonya, Vir.

2011-11-25T10:48:00.001-08:00

Today we walked 4km on an abbreviated, clockwise hike over Mt. Tolmie. Sunny, but cold. Cool.

2011-11-21T14:42:00.000-08:00

Today we walked 4.4km around Cedar Hill Golf Course. A nice, cool, sunny morning.

2011-11-18T16:08:00.000-08:00

Today we walked 5km up-and-over the El Camino de Mont Tolmie in a counterclockwise direction. It was cold, clear and sunny. Great!

Today's photo is of the first snowfall in the Sooke Hills.

2011-11-16T12:02:00.000-08:00

Today we walked 4km plus 400 metres (4.4km) around Cedar Hill chiptrail. We drove to the parking lot and walked the figure-eight route from there. What a great day! Cold and windy: temp 4*C. with windchill to freezing in 20kph winds. It's a wonderful privilege to be able to get out and totally immerse one's self in the elements.

2011-11-14T10:04:00.000-08:00

In light of recent events regarding postponement of the Keystone Pipeline, reprinted here from September 5th is my blog posting re:Tar Sands:

National Geographic Magazine (NGM) in the March 2009 issue published what can best be described as an expose' on the Alberta's Tar Sands. This operation to extract oil from tar is often erroneously described as the Alberta's Oil Sands. It is tar. There is no oil in the ground, only bitumen.

"At room temperature, bitumen is like molasses, and below 50*F or so it is hard as a hockey puck -- as Canadians invariably put it," is how bitumen is described in the article.

The article goes on to state: "The fact that we're willing to move four tons of earth for a single barrel really shows us that the world is running out of easy oil."

Therefore, the entire 15 page article is reproduced here (see the PDF scan) for educational purposes only. People can use the information for whatever use they want. Those of us who still use electricity to light or heat our homes and still watch television can't complain too loudly about how the diminishing products -- coal and oil -- are obtained. Before one complains, one should stop using the amenities it is use for to produce.

Just remember: it is oil from tar that is being produced at Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada. The U.S. is Canada's biggest oil customer, importing more from its northern neighbor than from any other nation.

PDF Tarsands NGM // Textfile NGM Tarsands "The tar sands
industry is wasting the cleanest fuel to make the dirtiest -- that it turns gold into lead."

2011-11-13T13:59:00.000-08:00

Today we walked 5km on the El Camino de Mont Tolmie (The Way). using the clockwise route, we were back home in 90-minutes. We hoped to walk in the rain but it only rained for half the way. Too bad.

We love the rain. After buying good rain gear -- and living in Victoria -- it's remarkable how few times we've ever actually got to walk in the rain. Even after suiting up in said rain gear, more-often-then-not, the rain stops as soon as we step out the door! Believe it. And we've done lots of walking: We averaged two-days-per-week for the past seven years and can count on one hand how many times we've been able to enjoy a walk in the rain. Quite unbelievable, I'd say.

Talking about unbelievable . . . (the segue), from an INTERVIEW with Martin Sheen and Emilio Estevez: "We were told to take ponchos as it would rain everyday. In the north of Spain, you will not be able to maintain any kind of shooting schedule; you're going to be soaking wet. It rained only two days out of the forty days it took to shoot the film and both those day we were shooting indoors; one at El Ramon and one in the cathedral. It was providential," stated Emilio.

The popularity of walking The Way is reflected in these numbers: 2010, 272,7031 souls; 2004, 179,9441 and 1999, 154,6131 travelers. Inasmuch as El Camino is 800km long it's never really crowded. Pilgrims first walked the El Camino de Santiago over one-thousand years ago.

2011-11-11T10:25:00.000-08:00

Today we remembered our veterans and military by attending at our Canadian Legion #172 in Esquimalt. There was a good turn out in spite of the rainy, windy weather. Marg & Don had asked us to join them so we did. Walter and Vanessa were at our table.

We had two bands play for our dancing enjoyment: Navy Band Members and then, Ron King. Free sandwiches and beer were provided to all attending. Why, even Captain Canada and Mrs. Canada attended and were given an official welcome by the Legion Manager, Doug Grant.

A very successful event. Thanks again to all our veterans and serving members in our military and thank you to the Royal Canadian Legion for recognizing each one on this day -- and throughout the years.

2011-11-09T17:35:00.000-08:00

Today we walked 5km on the Galloping Goose Trail (GGT). We drove to Charters Creek Salmon Interpretive Centre off Sooke River Road.

We talked with Elida and toured the hatchery facility then watched wild salmon going up the creek. Very spectacular. Some of the five pools we observed had hundreds of fish in each pool.

Afterward, we drove to the upper parking lot at approximately the 48.5km location along the GGT then walked to the 51km Marker. Do the math there and back and it's about 5km -- give or take a metre.

What a beautiful day! What a great place to live. What a great park. What a great trail. Anyway . . . you get the idea.

1-minute video

2011-11-07T17:30:00.000-08:00

Today we walked 5km counterclockwise up&over Mt. Tolmie. A beautiful, fall morning; we were back home by 10:30a.m.

2011-11-04T14:11:00.000-07:00

Today we walked 8km from home over to Cedar Hill Golf Course and around the chiptrail. We were gone 2:15 hr/min.

It was zero degrees (as in freezing) when we set out then warmed to seven degrees celcius.

Bright, clear and sunny day. Just another day in paradise.

2011-11-03T12:12:00.000-07:00

Excerpt from ICTV Victoria's Face-to-Face with Jack Etkin interviewing Walt McGinnis

Reference cited ICTV Video Interview from 31-minute part of recording:

"Arthur Andersen more or less invented Enron and its tricky accounting practises which allowed large banks and large corporate companies to make billions of dollars off Enron, resulting in millions of Americans losing their life's savings. Canadian banks also profited from this scheme.

After the Enron scandal broke, they changed the company name to Accenture. (Andersen Consulting's change of name proved to be fortuitous as it avoided the taint when Arthur Andersen was effectively dissolved as a result of its role in the later Enron scandal -- Wikipedia).

Accenture arrived in British Columbia almost 17-years ago and took over the operations of BC Hydro." -- Walt McGinnis on ICTV, May 29, 2011

2011-11-02T09:45:00.000-07:00

Today we walked 5km in a clockwise route over Mt Tolmie. This is a good cardio walk which takes us 90-minutes to complete. There was a chill in the air so coats and hats stayed on, this day. It's starting to feel like winter. We did let the heart-rate increased to the anticipated 120bpm.

The autumn leaves are staying on the trees longer this year and the colurs are intense. They completely cover the ground at some locations.

2011-10-31T13:31:00.000-07:00

Today we walked 6km in the beautiful autumn sunshine roundtrip on the Galloping Goose Trail (GGT) from Atkins Road parking (at the 10.5 km location) southwest to Wale Road and beyond. What a wonderful day!

Afterward, we visited Pierre & Chris out at their waterfront villa in West Sooke. Pierre is doing fine and we had a nice visit and cup-of-tea.

Halloween night we enjoyed the annual soire' at Ken & Eileen's beautiful home in the University District. Kenny always puts on quite a show! His flame-thrower was out-of-service this year but he made up for it with the artistic use of his CO2 fire-extinguisher.

After giving trick-or-treaters their treats, he asked: "Do you find this scary?" Their unconcerned response quickly turned to stark terror after a short -- but loud -- blast from the fire-extinguisher! Man, did they ever jump! We laughed our heads off!

Ken & Eillen's 2010 Halloween Party

2011-10-29T12:25:00.000-07:00

Saturday, we danced the afternoon away at the Esquimalt & Dockyard Legion 172. Virginia came with us.

It was her first time at the legion and her first time hearing Yesterday's Wine Country Music Band. Tom Gough, the band's leader and lead singer, is a BFF of Virginia's sister, Chris and her husband, Pierre.

After hearing so much about Canada's best western music band from her sisters, Virginia was pleased that the experience exceeded her expectations.

2011-10-28T12:10:00.000-07:00

Thursday we started a string of social engagements centred around the current, festive, Halloween season. The Esquimalt & Dockyard Legion 172 hosted a Thursday afternoon dinner/dance with music by Ron King.

Friday night we joined in the fun at the Chief & Petty Officers' Mess. We were joined by Ken & Eileen (who won first-prize for best costume for the eighth consecutive year); Wayne & Giselle and Sam & Carol. It was the latter two couple's first time at the CPO's Mess. Everyone enjoyed the evening and the wonderful, Bavarian dinner prepared by Gregg and Cheryl.

We had a great time. Ken & Eileen have accompanied us to the Mess's Halloween events for the past eight-years. Ken puts on quite a show! It's hard to visualize him as a somewhat, serious business owner when he's at play. lol What a guy . . . what a couple; we've been friends for over 20-years. Thanks to all our mess-mates for taking his good-natured fun in the spirit in which it was given.

Stay tuned for Sunday & Monday's events . . .

2011-10-26T11:02:00.001-07:00

Today we walked 5km counterclockwise up&over Mt. Tolmie. A beautiful, fall morning; we were back home by 10:30a.m.

2011-10-25T11:03:00.000-07:00

Today I cycled 14km via the Galloping Goose Trail to home from the downtown garage where my car was being serviced. This somewhat circuitous route added 5km to the direct-trail route but also adds more enjoyment to the ride. By proceeding northward to San Juan Greenway (PPT) one misses cycling among the busy vehicular traffic on McKenzie Avenue.

2011-10-23T14:50:00.000-07:00

Today we walked for 20-minutes along the Boulderwood Park Trail. If you are like us, you have no idea where this is, It's a linear park connecting Grant Park in the east to Royal Oak Burial Park in the west traversing Haliburton Ridge. It's an absolute wilderness trail; the forest canopy of Fir, Hemlock and Cedar trees is so dense one needs a flashlight -- even on sunny days -- to navigate the undulating, single-track trail. But. it's beautiful, and excellent cardio exercise; with 45 metres gain in 500m, it gets the old heart pumping on the uphill leg.

We drove to Wesley Road and walked up the hill to the reservoir then continued southbound on the trail for approximately 800m. Using my GPS, we recorded the location as it was quite beyond us where all the beautiful spray-can art was painted on the Wesley Reservoir. We have pictures-to-prove-it.

GPS Coordinates Wesley Reservoir (front/east): N48°30.558', W123°22.472'

Saturday was a blast! (yesterday). Several of Tom Gough's musician friends showed up at the Legion's Saturday Jam Session. The lady who supported his trip to Nashville back-in-the-day, Sandy, was there along with members of the first band Tom was with, up in the Cariboo-country.

When musicians are playing for other musicians, good stuff happens. We basically, listened to a 'music clinic' for four hours. Donny Peterson laid down guitar licks on his Telecaster that we hadn't heard in the past two-years. Tom's vocals are great. What a shame he didn't make the bigtime in Nashville. In any case, we get to enjoy the best country music band in Canada every Saturday for a paltry $5 cover. Thank you Yesterday's Wine for making our life more enjoyable through your art.

Yesterday's Wine one-minute Video

2011-10-20T17:53:00.000-07:00

Today we walked up Mill Hill under sunny skies. What another Beautiful fall day!

It took only 20-minutes to peak which may be a record-time for us; beating our old time by a couple of minutes. But who's counting?

2011-10-18T10:15:00.000-07:00

Today we walked over 2km downtown. It was supposed to be our day off from walking but we could not stay indoors during this spell of summer weather.

After parking the limo on Harbour Rd., we walked over what's left of the Blue Bridge into the 'big smoke'; that be downtown Victoria and proceeded southbound to Victoria's Inner Harbour.

2011-10-17T10:20:00.000-07:00

Today we walked 5km roundtrip on our clockwise route thru UVic, Henderson and back over Mt. Tolmie. Beautiful, sunny, warm day.

2011-10-14T13:19:00.000-07:00

Today we walked for 90-minutes up&over Mt. Tolmie in a counterclockwise direction; that be, up Glastonbury and eastbound thru Rattenbury secret access trail.

We continued on around Henderson Golf Course then northbound into the University of Victoria (UVic) on Haro Rd (which isn't really a road but an access route to the pumphouse). Then we were westbound on the Alumni Trails. We covered the usual 5km distance by the time we arrived back home at 10:30a.m.

2011-10-12T13:18:00.000-07:00

Today we walked 5km in a clockwise route over Mt Tolmie. This is a good cardio walk which takes us 90-minutes to complete. There was a chill in the air when we started out but we soon had coats and hats off as the heart-rate increased to the anticipated 120bpm.

2011-10-09T10:33:00.000-07:00

Today we walked 5km along the Galloping Goose Trail (GGT) from the all-new Charters Creek Salmon Interpretive Centre to beyond the 47km Marker. For those not knowledgeable enough, the 45km marker-post is south of Charters Creek Bridge (it's not a trestle) and the 47km Marker is approximately 300m southeast from Tod Creek Trestle (yes folk, it's a trestle). We walked 100m beyond Tod Trestle to our favourite bench (the only bench) with its grand view over the Sooke River Canyon out toward the sea to the northwest.

After returning home in mid-afternoon, we got ready to attend at Cameron & Michelle's Thankgiving dinner at their beautiful home overlooking Blenkinsop Farm. Fourteen family members were seated at the long table -- some from as far away as Chemainus, BC. What a wonderful celebration of the blessing showered down upon us daily. Thanks to Cameron & Michelle for a wonderful meal and family gathering.

We drove to Sooke to checkout the Sooke Slow Food Cycle. Although the promoters of this event are touting it as a success and stated they are already considering another event for next year, from our perspective the event fizzled. We saw approximately 20 riders cycling out from Sooke Harbour House and that was it. The organizers got many volunteers out to marshal vehicular traffic at roadway intersections. Volunteers were even stationed along the GGT trail at Charters Creek Bridge to direct participants down the trail to the Interpretive Centre. We did not see any cycling participants on the trail nor down at the interpretive centre.

Elida Peers was attending to any visitors to the newly opened Charters Creek Salmon Interpretive Centre. What a marvelous place! It's only been open to the public for a couple of weeks. The project has already cost over $1 million dollars; all monies from government grants and donation; some corporate donations have exceeded $50,000 dollars each. It has nice looking, well-built structures and we wish the supporters every success in the future.

2011-10-06T17:55:00.000-07:00

Today we walked 5km counterclockwise up&over Mt. Tolmie. A beautiful, fall morning; we were back home by 10:30a.m.

Then we drove to Harbour Road and walked over what's left of the Blue Bridge up into town. After lunch we went to MEC and updated some of our walking accoutrements (accouterments is American spl.)

Later on we spent an hour at the Greater Victoria Public Library (GVPL) downtown, main branch, researching family history.

2011-10-03T11:39:00.000-07:00

Today we walked 5km in a clockwise route over Mt Tolmie. This is a good cardio walk which takes us 90-minutes to complete.

There was a chill in the air when we started out but we soon had coats and hats off as the heart-rate increased to the anticipated 120bpm.

The autumn leaves are starting to fall and cover the ground at some locations. Do we have picture-to-prove-it? Yes.

2011-10-02T15:07:00.000-07:00

The Township of View Royal Island Highway Ribbon Cutting, Sunday, October 2, 2011, 11a.m. to 1p.m. Four Mile House Bar & Grill.

View Royal (VR) Township Mayor Graham Hill and each of VR's four councillors were in attendance. What a wonderful event commemorating this monumental achievement by this small but vibrant community.

Ancient Art of Stone artists: Naomi Zettl & Andreas Kunert were in attendance with their two children. What a charming couple. What a marvelous piece of art they have created for us and several generation to come. View Royal's citizens are to be commended for their foresight in commissioning such a great artist to create for us all this lasting monument to the real value of being Canadians first, British Columbians and Vancouver Islanders second and being members of a caring community. The people of View royal care about the future and are taking steps to make it better -- and to show others the way.

View Royal Town Council is composed of a Mayor and four (4) Councillors:

Mayor Graham Hill
Councillor Andrew Britton
Councillor Heidi Rast
Councillor John Rogers
Councillor David Screech

2011-09-28T09:33:00.000-07:00

Today we walked for 90-minutes up&over Mt. Tolmie in a counterclockwise direction; that be, up Glastonbury and eastbound thru Rattenbury secret access trail.

$hop-till-u-drop pretty much consumed the remainder of the day.

2011-09-27T16:08:00.000-07:00

Today we walked 3km roundtrip from Glen Eagles parking to the Kinsol Trestle. We met an interesting couple from England while walking the trestle.

I even got a bit of cardio exercise by walking below the trestle and back up. The weather was perfect! What a great day.

We stopped off at The Old Mill Park on the shores of Shawnigan Lake to enjoy our picnic lunch.

Today's photo is Jill doing her Tai-chi on the trestle.

We wanted to give the Governor General of Canada a couple of Tom's books but did not know what time Their Excellencies were to be there. We wrote this letter:

Their Excellencies
The Right Honourable David Johnston
Governor General of Canada
and Mrs. Sharon Johnston

Dear Excellencies:

Thank you both for visiting British Columbia and its capital,
Victoria. My forebears arrived in Victoria 161-years-ago from the
Orkney Islands. We consider Victoria and Vancouver Island our home and
were thrilled and honoured that you chose to visit here.

We regret not meeting you both at the Kinsol Trestle because we were
late. That is the bad news; the good news is when we arrived two-hours
later the rain had stopped and we basked in the brilliant sunshine!

My wife, Bernice, and I have been strong supporters of the Kinsol
Trestle Rehabilitation Project since its inception and are thankful
for the Federal Governments' financial support to bring it to
completion. We were so pleased Your Excellencies got to meet T.W.
(Tom) Paterson and share his tremendous knowledge of Vancouver Island
history.

Your Excellencies' visit to this historical, Canadian icon, gives
immeasurable prestige and value to what -- in the beginning -- was
recognized by only a few. Today, another major link in the Trans
Canada Trail is procured for the future.

Thank you both, again, for coming out west to visit with us. We look
forward to your next trip to Vancouver Island. God Bless the Queen of
Canada.

Yours aye,

2011-09-22T12:01:00.000-07:00

Today we walked 5km counterclockwise up and over Mt. Tolmie. The first measurable rainfall in several months fell overnight so we wanted to get out and enjoy it. Rain is good.

We were not the only ones out-and-about: there were two tourbuses full of pax atop the mountain -- one from as far away as Saskatchewan. What a great day to get out and enjoy the seasonal changes here on the wetcoast.

2011-09-21T15:08:00.000-07:00

Today we walked 3km along the Bazan Bay toward Sidney-by-the-Sea. We stopped in at the Arts Centre and viewed the First Nations and Metis Invitational Displays. We didn't have an invitation but that only applies to the show's opening day; our names are now on next year's guest list. Today's artist-in-residence was Virgil Sampson, a well-known artist in his own right but also younger brother of, Tsartlip First Nation Elder: Tom Sampson.

We parked our limo at the southernmost parking area thus giving us an opportunity to walk the entire length of the old Victoria & Sidney (V&S) railway grade section which tracked the highwater mark along Bazan Bay. This is the same right-of-way (RoW) which now forms the trail in behind Elk/Beaver lakes.

Afterward, we ate lunch at the West-Saanich Road Red Barn Market by chowing down on another of their world-famous Penini sandwiches. This is the most-flavorful meal ever created by man -- or woman (if it comes to that).

2011-09-18T19:22:00.000-07:00

Black Powder Society and Malahat Marauders Historical Re-Enactment Society Member Perry Chow fires off blanks from an Easton style replica shot gun near the Pioneer building during the annual Luxton Fall Fair in Langford Sunday September 18, 2011.

"Not every picture tells a story," is how the old adage could have been written.

Here's a good example.

The photo is of a man firing a gun -- or is it? Some see it as a photograph of a photographer taking a picture of a man firing a rifle. Others see it as having nothing to do with a rifle but rather a musket which has no rifling in the barrel thus disqualifying it from that genre of firearms which do have rifled barrels. In any case, it was fortunate to be there at the very time this photo-shoot took place.

The fact of the matter is the Globe & Mail sent a photographer (Chad Hipolito) out to the Luxton Fall Fair and it is due to this fact alone that this musket firing took place at all. So loud is the explosion of black-powder and the resulting concussion blast it is not something welcomed by fair goers. Be that as it may, the historical volunteer from the Malahat Marauders, was asked several times to discharge the firearm so the CBC crew could get the perfect shot. This he did willingly -- much to the chagrin of some bystander.

But not to at least one other photographer. I was shooting high-definition (HD 1080p) video; thus, was able to get this image from a frame-by-frame replay of the recording. The G&M still photographer (seen in the frame) has his camera set to fire when the flash held in his left hand is triggered by the muzzle burst from the musket. The flame part of the blast sequence last only nano-seconds so it would be impossible to capture it digitally without having this high-tech, flash-triggered, setup. Behind both of us, was the CBC videographer recording the event.

The Luxton Fall Fair is a grand event and being able to witness and record the Marauder volunteer firing this ancient weapon was an added bonus; perhaps, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Thank you to all the Luxton Fair Volunteers who work quietly behind-the-scene all-year-round to make the fair such a success and the marvelous year-round, permanent exhibits.

The Malahat Marauders reenact the mid-1800s fur trading era by dressing in period costume and using firearms commonly-used during fur trading times. Some of the members set up primitive camps with canvas tents and do their cooking over open fires. Black Powder firearms used by the Malahat Marauders are either Flintlock or Percussion muzzle loading rifles, trade guns, pistols and shot guns.

Today we walked 3km along the Galloping Goose Trail in the vicinity of the 18km & 19km Marker. This just happens to coincide with the Luxton Fair Grounds so we went in and looked around. This year they celebrate 100 years of Fall Fairs in the Western Communities.

1-minute Video

2011-09-16T14:02:00.000-07:00

Today we walked 5km on our Mt. Tolmie clockwise route. We were gone 90-minutes. Firstly, up Broadmead and thru UVic Alumni Trails to Haro Road and return via Henderson and the mountain -- down Glastonbury. A pleasant morning with warmer clothing on today.

Island Audio removed the immobilizer from my car and while that was happening we walked to Chinatown for lunch. Afterward we saw Ken at his business.

2011-09-14T12:22:00.000-07:00

Today we walked 5km at two different places.

Firstly, we walked round the man-made lake in Beckwith Park then drove over to Rithet's Bog and walked around there.

We are familiar with both parks.

2011-09-12T13:45:00.000-07:00

Today we walked 4km plus 400m around Cedar Hill Municipal Park's chiptrail. This trail follows the perimeter of the golf course.

Unofficial Cedar Hill Golf Course History Be Sure to read reports of those who consistently contravene Saanich's bylaws.

There were no crazies walking their dogs off-leash nor head-butting others into King's Pond so we knew we were having a good day. The weather remains sunny and warm but their is a chill in the air. Can fall be coming? It always has.

Julie, our favourite municipal gardener is away on vacation but her handy work remains in all its glory. We took pictures-to-prove-it. One is posted here.

Using Blogspots' LABEL Command, one can view other Cedar Hill Golf Course (CHGC) postings; or, simply click on the LABEL links below each post. Try it.

2011-09-10T11:24:00.000-07:00

We Remember 9/11/2001

Today we enjoyed a barbecue lunch with our grandchildren and their parents (parents are good because they cook and serve and clean-up afterward). The weather was spectacular for any outdoor activities.

After lunch, Bentley pursued his brilliant idea of replicating an 1892 family photo to commemorate his children's g.g.g.grandfather's 160th birthday. Billy Irvine was the first European child born on Vancouver Island September 10, 1851 at Fort Victoria. This photo was taken by an itinerant photographer whose creative eye is recognizable in the positioning of his subjects; instead of grouping the family all together, this photographer spread everyone apart -- perhaps representing the wide expanse of the Irvine family's 300-acre spread (Rose Bank Farm). In any case, this is the genius Bentley is attempting to replicate by taking his photo in the dry field in front of the Craigflower Manor House.

Once the photo-shoot was completed, Bernice and I headed for our favourite Saturday afternoon watering hole: Esquimalt Legion.

The Royal Canadian Legion's Esquimalt & Dockyard Branch #172 is the last bastion of country music on Vancouver Island. The legion continues to present local country bands every Saturday from 2:00-6:00 p.m. The Saturday Jams welcome other local performers to come along and sit in with whichever band is playing that particular day. Saturday's Jam does not replace Friday Night Dances -- which also has live music -- is still going strong. There is a $5 dollar cover charge for the Saturday afternoon event.

Here's a 55-sencond video featuring Yesterday's Wine with Bob Haldane (one of four jammers) performing with the band.

The Royal Canadian Legion donates in excess of $350 million into our communities each year and provide services to veterans, ex-service persons, seniors, youth and numerous community-based charities. We do it for our veterans and those who have served in Canada's military forces to whom we owe so much.

2011-09-09T13:33:00.000-07:00

Today we walked 4km over Mt. Tolmie by starting up Glastonbury. This is the first time since Bernice's sciatic pain has abated.

The doggo crazies are alive and well walking the alumni trails with their dogs off-leash in contravention of the UVic bylaw. Oh well, some things never change. It's been almost four years since the last signs were posted by UVic Security and destroyed by crazy, vicious, dog owners. Even before the bylaw signs were stolen in October 2007, they were defaced by these bipolar individuals. See juxtaposed 2007 images to compare with the recent signs erected this month.

It's difficult to fathom the puny-sized brain it took to undertake the laborious task of defacing this (and other signs in the park). The less-intellectually challenged individuals simply showed up with their wrenches and unscrewed the bolts securing the sign and destroyed it. Not much to choose from here.

video-to-prove-it

2011-09-07T12:56:00.000-07:00

Today we walked 4km over Mt. Tolmie and thru Finnerty Gardens.

2011-09-05T16:46:00.000-07:00

National Geographic Magazine (NGM) in the March 2009 issue published what can best be described as an expose' on the Alberta's Tar Sands. This operation to extract oil from tar is often erroneously described as the Alberta's Oil Sands. It is tar.There is no oil in the ground, only bitumen.

"At room temperature, bitumen is like molasses, and below 50*F or so it is hard as a hockey puck -- as Canadians invariably put it," is how bitumen is described in the article.

The article goes on to state: "The fact that we're willing to move four tons of earth for a single barrel really shows us that the world is running out of easy oil."

Therefore, the entire 15 page article is reproduced here (see the PDF scan) for educational purposes only. People can use the information for whatever use they want.

Those of us who still use electricity to light or heat our homes and still watch television or drive cars, can't complain too loudly about how the diminishing products -- coal and oil -- are obtained. Before one complains, one should stop using the amenities it is used for.

Just remember: it is oil from tar that is being produced at Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada. The U.S. is Canada's biggest oil customer, importing more from its northern neighbor than from any other nation.

PDF Tarsands NGM // Textfile NGM Tarsands

2011-09-04T15:16:00.000-07:00

Today we walked 3km over Mt. Tolmie before heading out the Saanich Fair. After the fair we visited Sidney-by-the-Sea.

Yesterday we attended two social events: Betty's birthday party held outdoors at Don & Diane's beautiful home and then Claude & Cheryl's family dinner held outdoors in their backyard. The weather remains perfect.

2011-08-30T15:40:00.000-07:00

Today we walked on the combined pedestrian & cycling dedicated overpass at McTavish Road Interchange.

The McTavish Interchange gets lots of well deserved criticism for its ungainly design for motorists and lack of bicycle lanes for cyclists. In view of all the lip service given to cycling amenities by politicians the interchange is a joke, really.

Northbound on Lochside there not even a painted white line for cyclists; only painted white line designating curbside parking spots for vehicles. One really does have to laugh. It is a joke. It must be. Isn't it?

2011-08-29T15:42:00.000-07:00

Today we walked 3km up and over Mt. Tolmie on abbreviated, clockwise route. It was Bern's first walk on this route in over two months due to her sciatic nerve injury. Things are getting back to normal. Good.

2011-08-25T15:49:00.000-07:00

Today we walked 3km roundtrip on the Trans Canada Trail from Gleneagles Road parking to the Kinsol Trestle and back. What a great summer's day!

We ate our soon-to-be-world-famous egg-salad sandwiches at the newly installed picnic tables new the trestle.

The Port Renfrew Road parking and Gleneagles Road parking lots were filled to overflowing with vehicles. "Rebuild it and they will come," was Tom Paterson's mantra throughout the initial stages of his effort to save the old trestle from destruction. He was correct.

Now, if the CVRD could figure out a way to cash-in on the Kinsol's popularity, they could raise additional needed funding. Right now, it's they came they saw they left. Period.

2011-08-23T10:57:00.000-07:00

Today I walked 4km clockwise over Mt. Tolmie. Everything is fresh after last night's rainfall. Bernice walked a way with me. Cool.

2011-08-22T14:18:00.000-07:00

We are saddened at the news of Vic's death but reflect fondly on what a long and happy life he enjoyed. Vic's the type of person one does not forget.He was bright and cheery and always quick to smile or laugh.

When Vic started going with my sister, Corrine (Tony) in 1953 he soon became part of our family. Even though Vic only lived two blocks away he spent most of his time with us (as I recall) at 3245 Quadra St, in Victoria, BC. We went to Saturday night dances at the original Crystal Gardens and have pleasant memories from those days. Meeting Vic's mom and dad, brother Joe and even dating his sister, Beverly (well, we did go to a movie once. lol), were just added bonuses to having a member of this proud Italian family join ours in marriage.

After Vic & Corrine got married and started their family -- Daryl first then Dennis -- they moved into a house on Orillia Street next door to Vic's best friend, Bob S. This was somewhat fortuitous for me as Bob was now in the market for a new running-mate -- preferably still single! At that time, Bob was a committed lifelong bachelor.

It was Bob's dedication to his trade as a machinist which inspired me to want to become as accomplished as he was at his trade. Vic had already completed his apprenticeship as an Automotive Electrician and gave me further evidence I too wanted to become a skilled tradesman.

Vic taught me everything I know about electricity. As an apprentice machinist I was required to have this general knowledge and attended nightschool and took correspondence course. No one could teach 'electricity' like Vic. Sitting in our frontroom for hours discussing the subject, Vic made it come alive to the point I actually wanted to learn about electricity. Vic was a fine man and a fine tradesman.

Vic's boys can be justly proud of their father.

Uncle Billy

2011-08-21T12:16:00.000-07:00

Today I cycled such a short distance it would be emabarrasing to report it; but, a beautiful ride nevertheless. Up thru UVic and along Mystic Spring cliffs to Henderson Park and return thru Finnerty Gardens. If this doesn't cover some of the most beautiful real estate on the south island then my names not Jack. My name, actually, is not Jack.

We were saddened to learn my brolaw, Vic, died August 18, 2011, here in Victoria.

Today's ramble: inspired by the fact my cycling route took me along the trail atop the westernmost cliffs of Mystic Springs.

Mystic Spring was simply "the big forest at the end of Hobbs Road," to this 14-year-old kid. It had one trail passing through it and was a pretty scary place to me. My older brother and his friends spent more time there than I. The natives would probably describe it as Hias Mesachie -- which means very bad.

Hobbs Creek rus thru the gully.I never observed the source of said spring. We were told, however, the water well situated in the yard at the corner of Hobbs at Sinclair (the owner's name escapes me) was said to be coming from said spring. If true, this would imply the springs had more than one outlet. I've seen no corroborative evidence to confirm nor deny any of the copious number of Mystic Spring legends. We lived at 2546 Killarney and the old mansion is still there.

D. Higgin's writings are unknown to me.

Ultimately, the runoff from the spring and Hobbs Creek ends up in Tate Lake (now named Mystic Pond). Tate (or Tait) was the name of the attorney who lived in the beautiful, rambling, beach-house which is there to this day. The foregoing is to the best of my recollection.

P.S. It's not commonly know salmon used to flip themselves across the beach sand to get into Tate Lake to spawn. I saw them ca.1950 and it's a spectacle not to be forgotten exemplifying the tenacity of Life.

2011-08-19T14:28:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, August 16, 2011 we sailed to Port Angeles, in Washington State, USA, for a two-night visit with friends who live in Sequim, WA. We've been friends with Jay&Suzanne since 1998 but this was our first visit back to their Sequim home since 2005.

They are American citizens and live 6-months/per/year here at their Victoria, BC, home. We had a great time. thanks to Jay & Suzanne for being our best friends.

One of the highlights of our visit was returning to the The Olympic Discovery Trail

The Olympic Discovery Trail (ODT) traverses over 120 miles of lowlands between the Olympic Mountains and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Currently, 40 miles of paved trail are complete, connecting Blyn on Sequim Bay with the cities of Sequim and Port Angeles. At the ODT's eastern end, an additional 6 miles have been constructed running south from the seaport of Port Townsend.

We danced the night away with Friends at the Mess

Our brother, Guy died ten-years ago today. We love you, bro, and still miss you.
Brother Guy's memorial

2011-08-15T14:22:00.000-07:00

Today I walked 4km over Mount Tolmie in a clockwise direction. Bernice walked partway with me.

2011-08-13T16:06:00.000-07:00

Friday, August 12, 2011, I cycled 35km roundtrip on the Tidewater Subdivision CNR Right-of-Way (RoW) to the Kinsol Trestle from Koksilah Road. After dropping the wife off in Duncan, BC, my vehicle transported us -- me and my Norco bicycle -- to the intersection of Miller & Glenora roads. There's an ample parking area here from which it's 100m to the Tidewater Trailhead beside Koksilah Rd.

It's 6km uphill from here to the Trans Canada Trail (TCT) at Deerholme. From Deeholme to the Kinsol Trestle along the TCT is 11km. It was just another day in paradise.

video Narrative:
Today we're off to the Cowichan Valley Trans Canada Trail & Kinsol Trestle. We'll start at the Tidewater Subdivision railtrail from Koksilah Road at Miller Road, south of Duncan, British Columbia. Sometimes finding the trailhead is the most difficult part of the journey and accessing the Tidewater railtrail is no exception. Directly west of the 50km speed sign on Koksilah Road is where we'll access the trail for today's 6km cycle up to the Trans Canada Trail adjacent to Rowe Road. This short section of the Tidewater
trail passes the TLC's Keating Historical Home to one's right and another hertiage home, Reneen, to one's left. At Langtry Road the trail comes to an abrupt end. Access beyond here is blocked by a farmers gates. A logical option here is to pick up the railtrail again at the Glenora/Seshia Road intersection. From here, the unmaintained trail continues uninterrupted to the former Deeholme Wye at the TCT. A WYE in railroad vernacular means where one railway line connects with another in the form of the letter Y - this permits access by trains heading in either direction. Once headed southbound on the Trans Canada Trail, it's 11-km to the newly, rehabilitated Kinsol Trestle.

90-second Tidewater Video

Total Tidewater Video

GPS Coordinates Langtry Rd: N48°45.589', W123°42.324'
Glenora/Seshia roads: N48°45.709', W123°43.011'
Intersection with TCT N48°45.023', W123°46.008'
Southside Kinsol Trestle: N48°40.085', W123°41.646'

2011-08-08T14:42:00.001-07:00

Today I walked 4km roundtrip up and over Mt. Tolmie in a counterclockwise direction. That be, up Glastonbury thru to Rattenbury and back through Finnerty Gardens. Just a short 50-minute walk.

Blogspot uses a feature called label. It's used to find any and all webpost pertaining to a given suject which has been posted with the appropriate (descriptive0 label attached at the time of posting. A relevant examples could be: walked cycled leech kapoor . Commas have been not used in this example as they are not part of the search criteria.

Try it:Label Command for LEECH

To search other label subjects posted at this blog, simply change the name of the label -- the last entry in the string . . .
http://wjiwalks.blogspot.com/search/label/changename

2011-08-05T15:40:00.000-07:00

Today I cycled 26km roundtrip with Cameron from Sooke Lake Road to Kinsol Trestle on the Trans Canada Trail (TCT).

Sooke Lake Road is currently the southern terminus of this section of the TCT on Vancouver Island. The Victoria Water District prevents this section from connecting with its more-famous counterpart: The Galloping Goose Regional Trail (GGT).

We lit out on the trail northbound at 9:00 a.m. and forty-minutes later had crossed the rehabilitated Kinsol Trestle. We secured our rides and got permission from workers to use the old trail down to the Koksilah River. The new multi-use trail down to the river was closed due to ongoing site improvements. We spent over an hour at the site enjoying the views and river.

The return ride took us an hour. The southern end of this trail is downhill outbound but is uphill inbound for approximately three kilometres from Sooke Lake Road. That's just the way it is. Thus, after cycling this uphill on the way back, one's pretty tired at the end.

Nokian Ultra Tour 2 PunCture Resistant (PCR) tires (with carbon-fiber liners) from
GPS Coordinates Sooke Lake Road Trailhead and Parking: 48°34'50.40"N 123°37'53.16"W
Cycling to the Kinsol Trestle

2011-07-31T11:36:00.000-07:00

Today I walked 4km roundtrip using an abbreviated, clockwise, route over Mt. Tolmie. The ubiquitous 'they' are calling this 'the summer that wasn't" and this morning is indicative of this reality. Wearing shorts was fine but my vest stayed on during the entire 45-minute walk, including the good, uphill, cardio sections.

As an indicator of how exciting this walk was, the highlight turned out be the placement of big-john atop the mountain. If that doesn't pique your interest, there's even a picture-to-prove-it. It doesn't take much to get my attention.

Now, for something completely different: Everyone, it seems these days, is an 'expert' regarding exercise and its worth to one's general health and well being. I have no issues regarding this matter: after suffering my first MI -- Myocardial Infarction to you lay people -- Victoria's foremost heart specialist told me all i had to know about exercise as it relates to me and my cardio health.

"Well, doc . . . I guess that's what one gets (MI) after spending ten-years on their computer," I told him.

"You can spend all the time you want on your computer," was Dr. Mildenberger's reply.

"All you have to do is exercise twice a week and get your heartrate up to 120bpm for 20-minutes, then you can spend all the time you want on your computer."

So who are you going to believe? All the so-called experts or Victoria's foremost heart specialist? I'm going with the latter and have done so for the past ten-years. Works for me.

2011-07-29T10:37:00.000-07:00

The letterhead above was reproduced in PhotoShop as an exact replica from the original 1939 photocopy from BC Archives & Records Services. It will be used in the forthcoming re-publication to the web -- using MS FrontPage -- of Kapoor's Sooke Lake Mill operation ca.1928. One's computer can only reproduce to its screen those typefaces residing within said computer; therefore, replicating the letterhead exactly as a graphic image, eliminates this issue.

Kapoor Singh Siddoo
Mayo Singh started Mayo Lumber Co. in 1917. Later, Mayo Lumber Company Ltd. was incorporated November 21, 1924, under the British Columbia Company's Act, in Victoria, BC, Canada. Kapoor Singh Siddoo became a fifty-percent partner with Mayo Singh and these two men eventually became the sole owners of their company.

Kapoor Lumber Historical Website

2011-07-28T15:57:00.000-07:00

Kinsol Trestle Reopens Thursday, July 28, 2011
Kinsol Trestle: A Treasure Saved -- Times Colonist

It has come together piece by piece, nail by nail, dollar by dollar. It has been a tough fight, but worth it — for today, the Kinsol Trestle is back in business. The trestle is a vital link in the Trans-Canada Trail system, the national network that encourages us to use people power to enjoy the great outdoors.

But it is more than that. It is also a vital link with our history, to the days when steam-powered locomotives carried goods and people up and down Vancouver Island, making transportation possible before modern highways started grabbing the traffic away.

80-seconds Kinsol Video

2011-07-25T15:51:00.000-07:00

Today I cycled 21km roundtrip from home to Selkirk Station.

Is this the third Monday in succession cycling to this location? Yes. Today's route was longer due to its circuitous nature: starting out northbound to San Juan Greenway the westward to the Lochside Trail.

Another great morning for cycling.

GoPro Chest Harness

2011-07-21T11:53:00.000-07:00

Today I walked 4km roundtrip on my counterclockwise route over Mt. Tolmie and back down thru Finnerty Gardens.

A bright, cool morning.

2011-07-18T09:23:00.000-07:00

Today I cycled 18km roundtrip to Selkirk Station on the Galloping Goose Trail (GGT) and back. A most pleasant morning for cycling: overcast for the most part but warm; I was down to my jersey and britches for the ride home.

Selkirk Station Manager, Anne, tells me she will ride an electric-assisted bicycle to attend the Kinsol Trestle grand opening Thursday, July 28, 2011. She lives on the Peninsula so will take the MIll Bay Ferry across to the Malahat and ride up through Shawnigan Lake Road to the event. Sounds like quite an adventure.

Selkirk Station // T.W. Paterson's

2011-07-16T19:43:00.000-07:00

Today we attended the annual memorial to Lt. Peter J. Leech after whom Leechtown on Vancouver Island is named. The gathering is sponsored by a dedicated group of individuals interested in erecting a permanent memorial to Sooke's most successful miner. After meeting at Starbucks in the Fairfield Mall, the assemble group of approximately 30 souls were lead by Royal Canadian Scottish Regimental Piper, Kelly, across the road to Ross Bay Cemetery.

Patrick Lydon, our host, told us some pertinent facts regarding Leech's 1864 gold discovery in the Sooke River as we gathered around the gravesite. Leech was born in Dublin 1826 and died in Victoria 1899. Leech must have been a man of few words as his epitaph reads: The gold will speak for itself.

It was a marvelous meeting of minds of those who think alike; including, Leech's gg-grandson, Jeff Felker, and his 9-year-old-son, Gage. Jeff has an uncanny resemblance to his famous great-great-grandfather. It was a pleasure to meet Jeff's wife, as well.

Apparently, the proposal for the permanent memorial is to have it erected in the clearing where the former Cameron Lumber Company sawmill was located at the 55.5km mark on the present-day, Galloping Goose Regional Trail (GGT). The reasoning being for not locating the memorial at the Leechtown site is due to the fact the last two such memorials (both cairns) were destroyed by vandals. The remnants of the second (replica) cairn remain, but is in poor condition. Furthermore, the general public cannot access the Cragg Main Logging road where the replica cairn sits today beside said road.

Lt. Peter J. Leech Memorial Service 2011 90-second video

Unfortunately, this dedicated group is lacking significant facts regarding the history of the former Canadian National Railway (CNR) in regards to the logging and sawmill activities along this section of the CNR right-of-way (RoW). Peter stated this clearing (simple known as The Clearing) was the former site of Kapoor's 1928 sawmill operations. This is incorrect.

My father worked at the Kapoor Sooke Lake Mill at Mile 35, in 1928. Mile 35 (MP35, mile post 35) was -- and is -- located where the CNR tracks crossed over Council Creek. Doug MacFarlane, a lifelong Sooke resident and its most-knowledgeable resident, visited the old Kapoor Millsite many times until the Capital Regional District (CRD) fenced the area in as part of the Sooke Lake Watershed. Doug corroborates (yes, Doug's alive and well living on his large Sooke Riverside property) the fact the Kapoor Sooke Lake Mill was located mostly to the south side of Council Creek. The Council Creek site is off limits to the public.

Joan Mayo, author of "Paldi Remembered, Fifty Years in the Life of a Vancouver Island Logging Town", reports Kapoor and Mayo were fifty-percent partners in their logging and sawmill operations during and after the late 1920s. The truth of these matters is well documented; there are those, however, who cannot handle the truth.

Kapoor Lumber's Sooke Lake Mill would have been at MP35.68 where the rails crossed Council Creek. These lumber mills could not operate without an abundant supply of water to fill the the mill-pond(s). Kapoor's official letterhead ca.1935 read:
Kapoor Lumber Company Limited
MANUFACTURERS OF FIR AND CEDAR LUMBER
SPECIALTY SELECT COMMON AND STRUCTURAL TIMBERS
In replying please refer to file
SOOKE LAKE P.O.
MILE 35, C.N.R.
VIA Victoria, B.C

Kapoor Webpage
Times Colonist Article

Placer Miners' Association
Leechtown PowerPoint by Bill Irvine

2011-07-15T05:47:00.000-07:00

LEECHTOWN 2011

Bill Irvine first explored Leechtown in 1972 when his friend, Mike D., owned a property with cabin near Old Wolfe Lake. Access was gained by vehicle from Sooke Lake Road after entering from the Shawnigan Lake Road turnoff. Sooke Lake Road tracked above the shoreline of Sooke Lake on its eastern side. Irvine first travelled this road with his father driving the family car ca.1946. The road was open to all in those days with the caveat that no one exit the vehicle while enroute. There was, however, a continuous flow of fresh, cold water emanating from a small pipe protruding from the bank beside the road's eastern side. This water logically came from Council Lake which is situated high above this point. Most travellers would stop here for a refreshing drink.

By 1972, little remnants of the once thriving Leechtown remained. Some vehicles, however, did gain access to the site from Sooke Lake Road and then parking beside the 'Deep Pool' at the confluence of the Leech and Sooke Rivers. The deep pool moniker being given by the 1864 miners where the Sooke River (upstream later being named after Lt. Leech) makes a ninety degree turn downstream to the south, thus, gouging out this deep pool in the otherwise, wide, but shallow, Sooke River. Another access could be gained from Boneyard Main Logging Road adjacent to the westbank of the Sooke River. The vehicular access point to this undulating, gravel road was beside the scout camp off Otter Point Road in Sooke, BC.

Irvine has returned to the former site of Leechtown several times since 2007. His last adventure by bicycle up the Galloping Goose Regional Trail was June 30, 2010. Irvine rested at the top of the road leading down to the Deep Pool when he saw two bears walking the trail to the west; this is the access and egress to this location so Irvine did not take this as a good sign. As he mounted his bike, he yelled and proceed down the trail at his highest speed. These two bears ran into the bush but just a few hundred metres beyond, another, large, black bear charged out of the salal bushes running at top speed and in full attack mode. Had Irvine not gained the advantage already of his maximum speed, this story would have ended like so many others of late: human eaten by bear! Irvine has not returned since.

This anecdote is included to remind those wanting to explore the old Leechtown site that it is inhabited by dangerous, wild animals. Those who have never had the experience of being attacked in such a way, reflect back upon all the wild creatures they have encountered and how they merely scared the animal off -- be it a bear or cougar. This assumption is incorrect and dangerous. The animals so encountered did not decide to attack and that is the only reason one got to see them. The animal which HAS decided to attack, will not be seen. If the victim sees the attacking creature at all, it will not be for more than one second. The attacking creature has probably already stalked the victim and once decided to attack, the attack is full-out and full-on. Humans have no real defense against such attacks. Their guns, bear-spray and loud horns, will remain where they were being carried. Travellers -- beware!

2011-07-14T11:43:00.000-07:00

Today I walked 4km in a counterclockwise direction up and over Mt. Tolmie returning via Henderson Road and Finnerty Gardens.

It rained overnight but a pleasant enough morning for walking.

For sure you could have any spot on the beach you wanted today.

2011-07-11T13:59:00.000-07:00

Today I cycled 18km roundtrip to Selkirk Station and back.

Currently, Selkirk Station is the sole outlet for T.W. Paterson's latest book: Rails to Trails. Selkirk Station is located right beside the Galloping Goose Regional Trail (GGT) at the one-kilometre location from the Blue Bridge.

'Rails to Trails' Historic Map & Guide to the Cowichan Valley/Trans Canada Trail and the Kinsol Trestle. A where-to-look guide to the historic mileposts and landmarks along the former CNR and E&N Railway grades. Richly illustrated with archival and current photos. Ideal for out-of-province visitors. 30pp. $9.95.

The overcast skies made it a good morning for cycling and an even better morning for photography. The even lighting made photographing some or the artwork along the Galloping Goose Trail quite rewarding. Checkout some of the photos.

2011-07-10T11:40:00.000-07:00

Thursday, July 7, 2011, I took a short, brisk walk up Mt. Tolmie and back. This was my second up the mountain this week after climbing it on Tuesday.
Afterward, we walked Portage Park in View Royal and have a one-minute video-to-prove-it. Enjoy.

VIDEO NARRATIVE:
Visitors to View Royal's Portage Park today see no clues to its past
The Calvert's home on 4-mile hill remind us when they owned this property to the sea at Thetis Cove
Richards Island and Dyke Point to the west, were here when these lands and beaches rang with laughter when the John D. Kissinger family had use of the large cabin from the 1930s thru to the seventies.
John Daniel Kissinger was manager of Canadian Pugent Sound Lumber & Timber Company's (CPS) mill in victoria from 1920-30
John D. then operated Island Logging Company Limited west of Cowichan Lake and Kissinger Lake is named after him.
It's encouraging to all who enjoyed spending summers at Kissinger's Camp to see how the site is preserved for future generations as Portage Park.

One-minute VIDEO

2011-07-08T16:21:00.000-07:00

CHECKOUT THE ALL-NEW BLOGSPOT ARCHIVE DROP DOWN MENU (top righthand)
THANKS TO bloggeruniversity for the code.

ARCHIVE four year's ago . . .