walking

 

The Deep Pool at Kennedy Flat at the confluence of the Sooke and Leech Rivers is Vancouver Islands best-kept secret. Those fortunate enoughto know of and have access to it can enjoy the best swimming hole on the Sooke River.

---

“Kapoor Regional Park is ideally located at the end of the Galloping Goose Regional Trail, and is also the northwest anchor of the Sea to Sea Green Blue Belt. With this key location, park visitors will be able to experience a relatively wild and remote area with comparative ease. The primary focus will be on providing visitors with opportunities to enjoy compatible, nature-based recreational activities, such as swimming, hiking, biking, and equestrian use. Opportunities will also be provided for education and interpretation of the area’s natural and cultural history. Community engagement in projects and activities to commemorate the park’s rich cultural history will be particularly emphasized.

---

The management plan has received strong public support. The planning process has involved years of extensive input from the public, First Nations, governments, interest groups, as well as a Management Plan Advisory Group.

---

On behalf of the Parks Committee, I commend staff and the many groups, agencies and individuals who contributed to the management plan, which will guide decision-making for these parks. It moves our vision further along its way, and eventually, towards a lasting legacy we can all be proud of.” — CRD Parks Committee

---

Labels: kapoor, kennedyflat, leechtown

Kapoor Regional Park Miscellaneous Items 

Kapoor Regional Park Jackson Williams / Christopher Causton, Chair CRD Regional Parks Committee / Old Wolf Creek CRD Parks Goal Statement: To ensure park values and visitor opportunities are protected and sustained through the use of best management practices in all facets of park development and management, and to contribute to regional environmental, social, and economic sustainability. *https://www.crd.bc.ca/docs/default-source/parks-pdf/sea-to-sea-management-plan.pdf?sfvrsn=46ce6cca_2 The management plan has received strong public support. The planning process has involved years of extensive input from the public, First Nations, governments, interest groups, as well as a Management Plan 

Advisory Group. *On behalf of the Parks Committee, I commend staff and the many groups, agencies and individuals who contributed to the management plan, which will guide decision-making for these parks. It moves our vision further along its way, and eventually, towards a lasting legacy we can all be proud of. p.37

 Visitor Experience 4.2.3 Kapoor is ideally located at the end of the Galloping Goose Regional Trail, and is also the northwest anchor of the Sea to Sea Green Blue Belt. With this key location, park visitors will be able to experience a relatively wild and remote area with comparative ease. The primary focus will be on providing visitors with opportunities to enjoy compatible, nature-based recreational activities, such as swimming, hiking, biking, and equestrian use. Opportunities will also be provided for education and interpretation of the area’s natural and cultural history. Community engagement in projects and activities to commemorate the park’s rich cultural history will be particularly emphasized. 

*** Although the entire park is open to public use, travel on the road right of way north of Old Wolf Creek to the Greater Victoria Water Supply Area gate will not be encouraged in order to maintain a buffer to the Water Supply Area and to gravel extraction and forestry activities on adjacent private lands *** The central area of the park is a former log sort covered with Scotch broom. An annual broom cutting program should be maintained to keep the area clear for an emergency evacuation and staging area. = predated?: Complete the Galloping Goose Regional Trail to the Old Wolf Creek Bridge Phase 3 To be determined based on management concerns and visitor needs = 

ADDENDUM Sheilds Lake, Peden Lake, Grassy Lake, and Crabapple Lake have historically been used as camping sites. A cabin, built by area hikers, is located at the south end of Peden Lake. All other standing structures, with the exception of the historic fire look-out tower at the summit of Mount Manuel Quimper, have burnt down or been dismantled. SEE ALSO: The University of British Columbia’s Faculty of Forestry offers scholarships to forestry students through the Kapoor Singh Siddoo Foundation, established in nineteen sixty seven. Read more about the KSSF legacy here: https://getinvolved.forestry.ubc.ca/2017/05/an-enduring-legacy-supports-forestry-students/ and more about the lands that were logged in Sooke here: https://www.sookenewsmirror.com/community/entrepreneurial-sikhs-created-successful-sawmill-operation/ 

BELOW; Elida Peers "The Galloping Goose Trail ends at a clearing which is the former site of the Cameron Lumber Company’s sawmill. The Kapoor station kiosk, bench and toilets are at the clearing. The town site of Leechtown is another half a kilometer along, closer to the Capital Regional District Water Services gates and fences. While at the clearing take a moment to read the historical information about this area. Continue along the trail across the bridge over Wolf Creek and look for a rough trail to the left that leads toward Sooke River. Deep Pool is a natural swimming spot located at the confluence of Leech River and Sooke River. This can be a lovely place for a swim as well as the possibility of fording the rivers when the water levels are low. The pool was named by the Leechtown." 

*** Downtown Leechtown” GPS Coordinates 48°29'42.02"N 123°42'46.45"W

Labels: crd, kapoor, leechtown

 

Thursday morning I drove my Benz 40km (24miles) to Sooke Potholes Campground.

---

With my bike firmly mounted on its bikerack and my Burley Cargo Bike Trailer on the back seat I was ready to cycle to Leechtown.

---

More precicely, cycle to Kennedy Flat, located at the confluence of the Sooke and Leech River — where the 1864 Leechtown site was located.

---

Nothing remains of the former gold mining town as the forest has reclaimed its own in totality (as it is wont to do).

---

The kids, grandkids and great-grandkids were set up in the campground for a three-night stay.

---

I had time for a short visit before heading back home in Victoria, BC.

---

The forest — as it has done with Leechtown — is actively trying to reclaim Kennedy Flat as well.

---

Labels: burley, leechtown, sooke

“This is where I went and this is what I saw.” Our son took me on a bike ride to Leechtown for Father's Day

---

We've cycled together many times over the past sixteen years.

---

The lad took quite a tumble over his handlebars due to a stick jamming his front wheel.

---

The surrounding surfaces were small brush and soft understory so he survived unscathed — actually came up laughing!

---

We noted Kennedy Flat (at the confluence of the Sooke and Leech rivers) is getting quite overgrown by the forest reclaiming its own.

---

There's also many large logs floated hither and yon by the floodwater released from Deception Reservoir over the past winter.

---

Labels: izip, leechtown, sooke

 

I Cycled 16km roundtrip to Kennedy Flat and back to Sooke Potholes #2 parking lot.

---

Had brush whacking tools in longbox on iZip #friendsofkapoorregionalpark

---

Lots of radiator fluid drained out once the Benz was parked. I had to take the bikerack off and get coolant and o-rings from trunk

---

Labels: ebike, izip, leechtown

 

Saturday morning I cycled 10km roundtrip from the Sooke Potholes Campground to Leechtown at Kennedy Flat.

---

CRD staff member, Janelle said I could park in one of Frank's parking spots for a couple of hours.

---

The Campground will close for the season on Monday, September 11, 2023.

---

Labels: izip, leechtown, sooke

 

Wednesday I cycled 17km roundtrip from the Upper Parking Lot#2 at Sooke Potholes to Kennedy Flat in Kapoor Regional Park.

---

Kennedy Flat is the name given to the open area at the confluence of the Sooke and Leech rivers.

---

This is my go-to place on Vancouver Island

---

My dad worked for Kapoor at Kapoor Lumber Co. Ltd. at Council Creek in 1928. Dad took me to that site c.1947 and he was dismayed by how few remnants od his former labours remained. Nature always reclaims her own.

---

Our neighbours bought a cabin near Olde Wolf Lake in 1972 and I drove my new, 1972 Mazda Wagon down and onto Kennedy Flat that summer. There were three other vehicles parked there as well but all were 4-wheel drive. In those days, one drove in from Shawnigan Lake Road right beside the shores of Sooke Lake.

---

It saddens me to see Nature reclaiming this idilic, picnic and swimming location.

---

In 1972 Kennedy Flat was an active mining site and parked there was an excavator and motor-driven, machanical, sleuce box and one gigantic hole the miners were digging in the gravel bed. We were there on a weekend and no digging was underway.

---

N.B. The flat is named in honour of Vancouver Island Colonial Governor: Arthur Edward Kennedy (1809–1883) .

---

Labels: ebike, leechtown, sooke

 

Sunday morning I cycled 24km roundtrip along the Galloping Goose Trail from the Trailer Park Parking to Leechtown and back.

---

The iZip performed flawlessly even with the small cargo box attched to the back rack.

---

It was nice to back on Kennedy Flat after a ten month hiatus

---

Oddly enough, everything looks the same as it was last September.

---

Perhaps, with the extended Vancouver Island drought conditions, not as much water was released from Deception Reservoir this year.

---

The T'Sou-Ke Nation campground is doing a roaring business this year due in part to the fine weather.

---

Labels: izip, leechtown

 

Wednesday morning I cycled 17.5km roundtrip from Sooke Potholes to the Deep Pool at Leechtown.

---

This after driving 44km from home to Pothole's parking lot #2 with my bike on the bike rack.

---

It was another wonderful ride on the amazing Galloping Goose Trail. This is the 48.5km to 57km section at the end of the trail.

---

It was dissapointing to see visitors can no longer enter from Kapoor Station to see the historic logging artifacts which we've enjoyed viewing for decades.

---

Perhaps it's another land-grab to make our recreational world smaller.

---

Labels: cycled, ebike, leechtown

 

Saturday I cycled 41km roundtrip on an exploratory ride to Leechtown with Bro Stanley.

---

Stanley's a retired engineer and his designing skills are apparent in his bicycle rack design for his pickup truck.

---

The Galloping Goose Trail (GGT) is blocked again>/i> at the trailer-park parking lot so we cycled the detour route which passed by Charter's Creek Fish Hatchery.

---

Eleda Peers was in her museum so we got to say hi to her and leave a generous donation to support her cause.

---

Stan I cycled 12km to the Red Gate at trail's end then went down to the Deep Pool.

---

From there we rode back to the clearing at Kapoor Station and cycled into the the Donkey Winch — a remnant left over from the Cameron Lumber's lock-sort that used to be here.

---

We had showers off and on and some cool winds but we survived and have pictures and video-to-prove-it.

---

I had a great ride and hope to cycle with Stanley again some day. He's a very experienced cyclist.

---

Leechtown Biking Sooke Galloping Goose

---

Labels: ebike, leechtown

 

Saturday morning I drove 46km to Sooke Potholes.

---

From there I cycled 17km roundtrip up to Leechtown and back.

---

The Deep Pool at the confluence of the Leech and Sooke Rivers is accessible due to the receding water levels.

---

The old, logging winch is still there beside Kapoor Station.

---

It was a great ride on a great day. Amen.

---

Kapoor Station was completely covered in frost upon my arrival but burned off in the day's sunshine.

---

Labels: ebike, ggt, leechtown

Thursday I cycled 26km roundtrip along the Galloping Goose Trail from The Trailer Park parking lot on Sooke Lake Road up to the Deep Pool at the site of the original Leech Town townsite.

---

The reconstruction of Todd Creek Trestle was completed over a year ago on October 2020 so I started this day's ride at the Trailer Park parking lot along Sooke River Road.

---

Thursday boasted a welcome relief in the torrential downpours British Columbia has experienced since November 12, 2021.

---

Under overcast and sometimes-sunny skies I cycled my pedelec up to the Deep Pool and back..

---

There was lots of trail-users out this day and many were parked in the Upper #2 parking lot at Sooke Potholes — a good indicator the road in is not flooded.

---

Kennedy Flat is so overloaded with flotsam and flood waters one could not even get a view of its overall condition. Next time the drone will be put up to see what is left of it. Before leaving the flooded area of Kennedy Flat, I cleared a bit of the trail leading to the river across from the Grizzly.

---

Sooke Lake is reporting 100% capacity so presumably large quantities of water have been released down the Sooke/Deception Reservoir outflow.

---

Labels: ebike, ggt, leechtown

 

Sunday morning at 9:35a.m. we left the Sooke Potholes' upper parking lot for Leechtown in the pouring rain.

---

30-minutes later, our grandson completed his first trip to the end of the Galloping Goose Trail at the watershed, red gate located 57km from Victoria, BC.

---

A and I tried this 9km ride before but we experienced mechanical issues with his bike so he bought a new Giant bicycle.

---

After leaving the trail's end, we rode down to the Deep Pool (Kennedy Flat) at the confluence of the Sooke and Leech Rivers.

---

Lots of water in both rivers and lots coming down from the sky. We got soaked.

---

But a good time was had by all and we were back home by 12;15p.m.

---

Next time we'll go when it's not raining.

---

Labels: cycled, family, leechtown

Friday morning I cycled 17km roundtrip from Sooke Potholes Upper Parking Lot #2 to Leechtown. 

The actual terminus of this ride was the end of the trail leading to the Sooke/Deception River across from the Grizzly. 

 

 

 

---

Labels: cycled, ebike, leechtown

 

I drove the Benz 45km to Upper Sooke Potholes Parking lot and cycled 16km roundtrip to the Deep Pool and return.

---

The old swimming hole is really getting overgrown as the forest tries to reclaim its own.

---

I was home by 12:15p.m.

---

Outflow VIDeO

---

Labels: DelSol, leechtown, sooke

 

Sunday morning, after driving to Sooke Potholes I cycled up to Leechtown.

---

Even with an early start at 9:20a.m., the parking lot and trail were starting to get busy

---

It's good to see the new park signs the Capital Regional District (CRD) has erected at the entance to Kennedy Flat in Kapoor Regional Park (KRP).

---

This will guarantee more park users will find this gem hidden away near the end of the Galloping Goose Trail.

---

I first visited this gravel bar and beach at the confluence of the Sooke and Leech Rivers in 1972 (½ century ago).

---

In those days one could drive their vehicle down here and park right on the gravel bar. So I did. It was an active gold mining operation then and the giant digging machine situated there was doing just that. The access from Shawnigan Lake we used is no longer usable to the public after being blocked off to the public by the Victoria Water District many years ago. The area blocked is now simply known as The Watershed Lands.

---

There's still no sign of bears in the area this early in the season but a local jogger told me he sees one about every three weeks or so they haven't completely moved out of the area. Darn! I hate being chased by a bear like on June 30, 2010 while cycling near Wolf Creek bridge. You don't soon forget an experience like that.

---

Labels: ebike, leechtown, ryobi

 

Monday morning at 9:30a.m. C picked me up and drove to Michigan St. to pick up U.

---

We arrived at Sooke Potholes and cycled the Galloping Goose Trail 9km up to Leechtown and the Deep Pool (aka Kennedy Flat)

---

We hacked some brush with the new brush cutter, ate lunch, took some pic and left.

---

A good time was had by all on this beautiful, sunny day a balmy 11°C.

---

We stopped in Sooke (Saseenos) at the great-grandson's place on the way back to Victoria.

---

Home by 4:10p.m. Thanks again for this wonderful gift of your time to celebrate my birthday.

---

Labels: e-bike, kapoor, leechtown

Monday morning C and I cycled 18km roundtrip from the upper parking lot at Sooke Potholes to the gate at the end of the Galloping Goose Trail.

---

The lad transported our rides on his SUV's bikerack

---

It was a great morning for riding and we went outbound and inbound in record time.

---

We like going to The Deep Pool at Kennedy Flat because after each season's flooding, it's always different.

---

This trip we walked Old Wolfe Creek riverbed to find a new set of pools.

---

C drove me back to my limo after its repairs. It died on me on the way home.

---

Labels: cycled, ebike, ggt, leechtown

Saturday I cycled 16kkm roundtrip from the Upper Parking Lot #2 at Sooke Potholes to the end of the Galloping Goose Trail (GGT).

---

The parking lot is located at the 48½km mark along the GGT trail and the location of former, 1864 Leechtown is at the 56½km location.

---

The red gate, at the very end of the trail (blocks access to Victoria Watershed) is located at the 57km location. The trail is measured from the Johnson Street Bridge in downtown Victoria BC.

---

I carried my ebike on the car-rack and drove the 48km from Victoria to Sooke with my bike trailer and Yuneec Typhoon H hexacopter (6 props) in the back seat. My wife chose the better part and stayed home as she does not cycle.

---

The Sooke River has experienced monumental flooding and Friday night or Satuday morning, February 1, 2020 it washed three young men away while driving in their pickup truck beside the river. The force of the water snapped trees on the river’s edge, moved concrete barriers and lifted sunken logs into an elevated parking lot.

---

For some time I've wanted to capture the force of these events from my drone. It's really a catch-22 situation: The river floods to max when it's raining and one can't fly drones in the rain. At least, not mine. The motors and their electrical wire windings are fully exposed to the elements so one is really taking their chances by attempting to fly in these conditions. Of course, if you have $1200 dollars and change you don't want -- go for it.

---

Our thoughts and prayers for the three young men are with the families of the deceased.

---

Video Link Hexacopter Leechtown
Hexacopter Drone VIDEO 2018

---

Labels: ebike, leechtown, yuneec

Wednesday I cycled 17km roundtrip from Upper Parking at Sooke Potholes to the end of the trail at Leechtown.

---

Rode down the hill to the Deep Pool and took lotsa pix.

---

Uriah was supposed to join me but got a big mad-on for me so didn't come down from his apartment.

---

We will never know if his bike fits on my bikerack with my new pedal-assist electric bike.

---

It was a perfect, fall day. Bright sunshine and cool temps. Perfect!

---

N.B. On my new ebike it was 30 minutes up to the gate non-stop and 20 minutes coming back from the Deep Pool. Yes!

---

Labels: cycled, leechtown, sooke