February 24, 2020

Men's Walking Group

Eight of us did a slightly longer walk today.  Brook was away, so Ed guided us through various trails around the Shawnigan School  area.  We figure we did about 10 to 11 Km.  Map and photos below.  --  DeNNis.


Started our walk from the Legion (bottom right)  and did a large clockwise loop.  Stopped at Shawnigan Coffee House for refreshments on the way back to the Legion.

Shawnigan village ahead.

Onto the E&N Rail tracks down behind the Museum.

Onto Renfrew Road aat Masons
Beach.

Then up on to the trails behind Masons Store.

And we eventually arrive in the Shawnigan School grounds.

We take various paths through the Shawnigan School grounds. 

One of which takes us past the "Cat House".  There was at least
one cat inside which we were able to see.  This was built to
house stray cats in the area.

Reflections.

And a Red-Wing Blackbird.

A Totem.

Well kept grounds.

Lots of great buildings.

A beautiful mural.

The ice rink where the Canucks sometimes come to practice.

And lots of different trails.


One of Mother Natures growths.

Not sure if this is a Shawnigan School playing field.

Lots of switchbacks in this trail down the hillside.

A remarkable doorway ornament finished in a
golden colouring.

More still.

More trails.


Across a creek.  -  There were some wet spots on some trails.


The Shawnigan School Works Yard.

Somewhere Ed says he missed a turn onto another trail.


So we retrace our steps a ways.

Had to shoot the fungi on this tree.


We end up on the E&N tracks, across 2 or 3 trestles, and we
are back near Masons Beach.  From there it is only a short
distance to --

Shawnigan Coffee House where we have our coffee and
head back down to the Legion.

February 17, 2020

Men's Walking Group

Ten of us walked and climbed about 7 Km or more today when we visited the Swan Lake Sanctuary and the Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary in Saanich.  Map and photos below.  --  DeNNis.


Parked the cars on Rainbow St off McKenzie Ave (center of map).  Started our walk in Swan Hill Nature Park and then across McKenzie Ave and up Christmas Hill for some fantastic 360 degree views of the surrounding countryside.

Looks like part of the Victoria rental bike system.

We enter Swan Lake Park.

Out onto the first viewing ramp.

A few ducks in the water.

Looking over to the ramp crossing over Swan Lake.

More ducks -- some swimming --

-- some eating.

Looking up at the interpretive center which happened to be
closed today because of the holiday.

Many bridges over the water.

Families of all types in the park area.

Checking out the view from the bridge.

The bridge takes us across to the other side of the lake.

A bit chilly  --  that is ice around the grass and weeds.

More little bridges.

Frost on the grasses.

This viewing platform was blocked off  -- because of the
slippery surface??

This park makes for an interesting walk.

This large branch is growing out of the tree to the right of the picture.

The Lochside Regional trail runs alongside
Swan Lake Park.

Looking across Swan Lake.

Quite a few geese in the park area as well.

The water makes a good preening mirror.

A lonely old tree.

Anyone interested in a well used Edsel.

A good "eagle tree".


Across McKenzie Ave and up the trail to Christmas Hill.

We haven't really started to climb yet.

Looks pretty insignificant from here.

Somebody is watching us from the bushes.

Quite a climb up here.  Some one in years past put a lot of
work into this trail.

On top of the world.  Well, a great view anyway.

Looking northeast from Christmas Hill.

That white dome near the top of the hill is the Observatory
building.


Another view looking down at the housing.

Spotted a bunch of these guys heading up as we were coming
down.


This tree has a really twisted
personality.

Finished off our walk with a delicious lunch at the Monkey Tree Pub.