Men's Walking Group

Cold and crisp this morning.  "Timmies'" beckoned - but first we must get the walk done.  Nine of us walked about 6 Km in the chilly air.  Not too much in photo ops but the map and some pics are below.  Yes, we did finish the walk at Tim Hortons  --  DeNNis.

Follow the trace in a counter-clockwise direction all the way around starting where we left the cars just above Tim Hortons (top left).

We are about to prove that mortals can walk on water --

well, the frozen version, anyway.

It can get a little slippery in places though.

The snowy parts were okay - just had to watch for frozen water on roads.

An Inukshuk adds to the winter garden décor.

Bonzai plantings are interesting, too.

Frozen puddles add beauty to the otherwise dull roadways.

Some protected stairways --

Some not so much.

Walking on frozen water is not so tough.

Pretty chilly - even some cars had to dress for the weather.

Some more ice art.

Men's Walking Group

Roads are clear.  Time for a drive into Victoria and a walk along the Songhees waterfront area with a lunch stop along the way.  Seven of us did about 8 to 9 Km today.  Map and photos below.  --  DeNNis.

Parked the cars at Bamfield Park off Craigflower Rd (top - near center) and did a large counter-clockwise loop as shown.  Not too much in photo-ops until we got to West Bay Marina (bottom left).

West Bay Marina has expanded a lot since we last were there.

It now goes from where the old Work Point Barracks gate was

to where Head St starts up the hill.

The "facilities" at the end of West Bay Marina.

Lots of floating homes.

A heron sitting in the tree ignoring all the commotion below.

A very busy harbor.  Float planes coming and going --

The foot-passenger ferry from Seattle --

And the Coho heading for Port Angeles, Washington.

The figure on the right on this little island is shown below.

An Inukshuk.

No, we did not stop at Spinnakers Brew Pub.

A couple of otters entertained along the walk way.

Until they got bored.

Lots to see along the walk --

Each group minding their own business.

The new bridge with lots of space for whatever.

Sculling races happening.

Checking out the gearing of the new bridge.

The little Harbour Ferry fleet.

Making our way through Fan Tan Alley.

At last -- the Fan Tan Café.

Where a good lunch was enjoyed by all.

The murals along Government St are very interesting.

Spotted on top of a building.

The Selkirk Trestle.

Back at Bamfield Park  --  these are welcome snow drops.

The playground is very quiet even on Family Day.  Probably

something to do with the weather.

Z

Men's Walking Group

Snow and cold -- not holding us back.  Six of us braved the elements to do a six to seven kilometer walk from the Legion around the Shawnigan area.  Map and photos below.

Follow the trace from the Legion in a clockwise loop.  We got sidetracked and went down Jersey Rd but soon got back on the right track.  --  DeNNis.

This is what it looked like outside my house this morning.

Across Shawnigan-Mill Bay Road and up through Cairn Park.

Daffodils, maybe??

Up the pathway through Cairn Park.

This oddly growing tree is

in Cairn Park.

Odd backyard ornament.  Fortunately NIMBY.

Unique tree house along

Bob-O-Link trail. (Rear view)

Front view.  Notice the

trees are included into the

building.

As we come off Bob-O-Link trail onto Elford Road we see the

Cowichan Cricket and Sports Club.

We pass a yard with a pond and a fancy bridge.  Probably a

Bed and Breakfast.

The sign tells us this is Phase One of the "Rail Trail" alongside

the E&N railroad tracks.

Bob lining up for a good shot of Shawnigan Lake from the 

CVRD wharf.

Panoramic shot of the lake from the CVRD wharf.

Back up across the tracks to the road.

The Shawnigan Historical Society Museum.

Passed this guy on the way into the

Shawnigan Coffee House.  He is saying

"I would like something warm to drink, too."