January 25, 2016

Women's Walking Group

On this sunny monday morning we travelled along countryside roads to reach Bright Angel Park. We walked many park trails, noticed Snowdrops not open yet, much moss, some covering trees from top to bottom. From the bridge we saw that the river is high and very wide. We stopped to chat to two ponies who came to see us. We then went for some serious workouts on the exercise equipment. Thank you to the drivers. Next monday Feb 1st. we will walk the Fuller Lake trails, then have lunch at the Hideaway Restaurant. Leaving the Legion at 10 am.  VM


















Men's Walking Group

The Sun came out for 11 of us to walk 7kM to visit Whiskey Point and Mill Bay Nature Park.  Next week plan is a road trip to Victoria to walk over the Galloping Goose Trestle down to China Town for a Chinese New Year lunch. This is the year of the Monkey, if you were born in 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968 you are a Monkey.  Gung Hei Fat Choy (Happy New Year) -- Brook

Men's Walking Group

Below are my offerings from todays walk to Whiskey Point and Mill Bay Park.

Both the weather and the company were great as usual.   ---   DeNNis.


Parked by what used to be the Baytown Restaurant by Petrocan (top left), walked down Kilmalu Rd
to Whiskey Point (bottom right), then back through Mill Bay Park and through Beehive RV Park on the return trip.

Time for a Snowdrop count.

The Arbutus branch adds to the gateway, I think.


Down to Whiskey Point Beach.

Reflections.

We seem to have a spy in our midst.

Up the down-staircase.
Notice the unique tree branches to the left.
A very unique fence along the driveway.
To the left is an enlargement of the sign in this photo.



More "nature art".


The viewing from the bridge.

You can't say we didn't get our feet wet.


 

January 19, 2016

Women's Walking Group

Eight walkers did 3 plus Km admiring homes and landscaping at Mill Springs, then went on to some trails near by. Saw some trails we may try later. Back to Frayne Centre for coffee. A thank you to the drivers. Next monday the 25th. we will walk and explore at Bright Angel Park. Meet at the Legion at 10 am.  VM











January 18, 2016

Men's Walking Group

Had a nice day for 8 of us to trek 6kM up Haul Road and around Rat Lake. Met Denis L. at the end to join us at Shawnigan House for coffee. Next week plan is to walk around Mill Bay Nature Park.  Be sure to mark your calendar for a road trip to walk around the Gorge in Victoria on February 1 and a Chinese lunch to celebrate the Chinese New Year of the Monkey.

Men's Walking Group

A good easy walk today - and no rain.  My map and just a few photos below.  --  DeNNis.

Parked the cars at the end of Gibb Place (take Deloume Rd off Shawnigan-Mill Bay, then Gibb Place off Deloume) - take the trail past the water tower there to Bamberton Haul Rd.  The thinner,
dark brown lines are traces of past walks we did in the area.
From the picnic table beside the lake.  The water level is up
somewhat, so the Lily Pads are under water.


Panorama from the same spot.

Lookin north from the viewing deck.

Lots of windfall around the viewing deck area.  Fortunately
none hit it, but the root ball of this tree actually slid one corner
out about one and a half feet forward.

This one formed a nice archway over the path.

New growth from old growth.

THE HAPPY GANG!


January 15, 2016

Women's Walking Group

On this chilly, frosty, monday morning 5 walkers did 7 plus kms. on the Trans Canada Trail. No photos from the walk. I spotted the Snowdrops earlier this week along the roadside in Mill Bay. They do seem to be earlier this year as people have mentioned they had seen them popping up in December. (yes, i know, the men's group saw them before we did) A reminder, the walk for monday the 18th. is at Mill Springs. Meet at the Legion at 10 am.   VM
Some pictures by Joan Stone.