Butterfield Park 13/39 weeks

Me, Marlen, Jessica and Mark in front of the root ball of a fallen cedar.

This hike was planned to scout out the trails of Mt. Work. Our intention is to host a memorial hike for our Tao kin, Fred, who passed on earlier this year. Since the day dawned rainy and overcast we will save Mt. Work for another time. It is supposed to be challenging enough on a clear day. Instead, we went to a small park that I have been saving for such a rainy day as this. By the time we got there the rain had stopped and the sun was valiantly trying to break through the cloud cover.

Mark looking back through the cedar grove.

Same fallen cedar as above, trunk side.

This turned out to be one of those mornings when we realize that a wonderful woodland hike has been just up the road the entire time we have lived here. Butterfield Park is a 5 hectare park with a heritage residence in the middle. I had to look up the word hectare. I suspected my understanding was in error because I am constantly surprised by the size of parks after I have imagined them in hectares. Turns out it is equal to almost 2.5 acres. Actually it is a metric measurement of square metres; hence my confusion. Although metric makes logical sense in terms of multiplications of 10, it continues to elude me. But it turns out that this park is a quaint 12 or so acres.
A well kept trail rings the perimeter and travels through cedar groves and across a meandering creek. The house maintains its privacy through the trees and the trail never seems to wind very close. We parked on the road then debated whether or not visitors are welcome to use the driveway. Either way the trail head is clearly marked with a sign and a trashcan. There is also a gate on Mt. Newton crossroad but I didn't see a parking area near.

Anyone know the name of these shy little beauties? They dot the entire park this time of year.

This fallen log has two strange square cut outs like this. Curious.

We turned around and walked the same trail in reverse for a different perspective. Even then we were out of the park within the hour. This is a great park offering a small forest walk that is within a very short drive from Brentwood Bay. There are three or four benches placed around the park for relaxing.
The original Butterfield family was headed by the captain of the Brentwood ferry and his farm was used to supplement his income. We are lucky that so much information is still available about the history of this little farmstead/park. The house and outbuildings were built for the captain and his family in 1913 and are now a heritage site looked after by a live in caretaker. Butterfield Park is also listed as a part of the Central Saanich Heritage Walk.

An example of one of the majestic giants that rest on this island.

If you find yourself on Mt. Newton crossroad with a half an hour to spare drop in at this little park for some fresh air and exercise. The area is known for the beauty of its valley so enjoy the ride as well. Butterfield Park can be found on Thompson Place just off Mt. Newton.


Next week: Island View Beach

Dominion Brook Park 12/40 weeks

Mark, me and Jessica...with Mowgli

I have no plans to rename this blog 51hikes and 1 stroll. One stroll is exactly what this adventure turned out to be. I am not complaining about it; we chose Dominion Brook based on its location and we were all delighted by this amazing little gem. Halfway between Brentwood Bay and Sidney, it is just across the street from Panorama Rec centre. Its central location makes it easy to access by bus and yet it has

a neighborhood intimacy to it.

Strolling through here I felt exceptionally connected to this place and everyone who loves it, uses it and maintains it.

Dominion Brook is part of a larger experimental farm venture. It was planted as a demonstration garden by the Canadian Department of Agriculture in 1912 and has lived through its share of care and neglect through the years. Fortunately, The Friends of Dominion Brook Park Society was formed in 2000. Their love and care for the park is obvious.

The picnic seating is large enough for a family reunion and just through the trees from the tea house. Both are incredibly clean as well as beautifully placed. We are already planning our next vegetarian potluck.

As excited as we are to discover this park, it wasn't a hike at all and I could tell later that I hadn't done anything of note. Usually my leg muscles are pretty well used up. I have gotten used to that feeling and now I crave it. So, although Im not sure about next weeks hike. I can assure you it will be strenuous.

Guess whose favorite park this is?

Dominion Brook is park grounds with

landscapes trees, flowering bushes, water features, sunken gardens and even rock walls.

There are a few trails to guide you around particular areas but this park is mainly wide open space.

One of the carved tree stumps.

Shady sunken garden.

Dominion Brook looking fresh enough to drink.

Jessica and I in front of one of the many, many flowering bushes.

The largest reishi sighting to date.

Our new hiking Buddha next to a curious bug trail.

Part of the experimental farm, now called Centre for Plant Health.

Next week: Mount Work

Durrance Road/Tod Inlet 11/41 weeks

We've readjusted our plans for Sunday three times. It is true that you get exactly what you need when you need it. This week I needed to work on lessening my attachment to outcomes. Our planned trip to Elk Lake fell through because of airport scheduling. So too the hike at Dominion Brook. We headed down to the water at Tod Inlet from our house.
Durrance road ends at the top of the hill in fenced land that is clearly posted no trespassing. An official guard stationed at the fence means they are conducting military exercises and the road is off limits. Otherwise, I have been told by one guard, you can walk through. It would be a good idea to call the dnd and ask someone first. The Heals rifle range backs into this area and the weaponry can be heard from our road. I wouldn't advise putting yourself behind the targets. It does serve to remind us that somewhere in the world at that moment automatic rifles are being fired in a war zone. There are people hearing gunshots in fear and with little choice. It can be very humbling.
Starting in our driveway this hike is a workout. The road takes us up a steep switchback and the trail drops down to Tod Inlet. We end up just across the water from Gowlland Tod park and around the corner from world renowned Butchart Gardens.

The view of our road from the middle of the switchback

Our last hike with Buddha until October. He is off to Europe with Hillary. Take lots of pictures, you two.

Most residents of Durrance road walk to the top in order to hike the trail to the Inlet. The hike down is a favorite with professional dog walkers who park their vehicles at the top. There are smaller paths veering off of the main trail that are beautiful and wild. I recommend the trail on the left hand side just before you cross the brook. Turn around and head to the main trail as soon as the path becomes more dense and difficult to detect. It is easy to get lost up here. One wooded hillock looks the same as the next and hikers can get turned around even during the day. At night the best bet is to remain in the same spot and try to stay warm until morning. It is not a comforting scenario but neither is stumbling into a dark ravine and becoming injured. It is no coincidence that we have our own search and rescue team serving the peninsula. How exciting that the first mention of the rescue team is while writing about the trail just up our road.
There is also a secondary path on the water side at the very bottom of this trail. It can be rough in spots and wild enough to take you through a couple of the kill spots of local animals. Keeping the water on your right and hugging the edge will take you to a small, quiet cove in the trees. The water is clear and there are always plenty of fallen logs to take a rest on. It is one of the most tranquil spots in this area.

Tod Inlet

Mowgli and I at the bottom of the trail.

This is the last rise heading back up the trail to Durrance road.

Next week: Dominion Brook Park

Mt. Douglas Park 10/42 weeks

Congratulations on Sunday to us and all of our hiking friends; this was our 10th hike of 2010. It represents twenty percent of the year and we have 42 hikes to experience yet. Today Mark and I were joined by Wayne and Pauline, Marlen, Hillary, Jessica and Andrea.
We decided that we might be ready for Mt. Doug park overlooking Cordova Bay.
According to local geographic tradition, Mt. Doug needs an elevation of over 1000 feet to be classified as a mountain. Anything less, such as this elevation of around 650 feet, is considered a hill.

An exception was made because the park is named after James Douglas , past governor and 'Father of British Columbia'. Douglas Hill doesnt sound as respectful for the man who kept BC from becoming a corridor of the United States during the 1850s Fraser Canyon gold rush. An indicator of the respect held for this man on a local level is evidenced by the number of places named either James or Douglas.

The elevation is enough though for stunning views of the southern tip of Vancouver Island and the mountains of Washington state beyond. This picture of Cormorant Point shows off the San Juan islands of Washington state just across the water. Early in its days as a park a tourist road was added with a parking lot at the top. A short climb from there will land you at the summit. This was my first time hiking to the summit of Mt Doug and I thought it was a moderate hike. The last third of the trail, close to the top, got a bit more challenging but we were rewarded all the way with these fantastic postcard outlooks over Oak Bay and Saanich. It seems like you need to get your head out of the trees to remember where we are; a location of unparalleled beauty.

Mt. Doug is obviously a well loved park. There were many groups hiking the trails and walking up the hard top road that winds to the summit. One of the things I love about British Columbia is the
comfortable feeling in a crowd. Perhaps because the population of Canada is so low compared to the United States.





There is a prevailing sense of abundance and even being in a crowd feels wide open here. We know there is enough room to go around. Remember here in Victoria we share a park space with only 19 others.
Next week: Dominion Brook park

Durrance Lake 9/43 weeks

1st meeting of the tree huggers club...Good eye, Marlen.

It seems like a cop out to go on such a short and flat hike for our ninth get away but there was a lot going on for a number of our friends. Last week was a challenging hike, so we decided to hike the loop around Durrance Lake. On this little meander we were joined by Marlen, Wayne, Jeremy, Hillary and Jessica. Even on a slow day the trail that encircles the lake would take a healthy hiker about 30-35 minutes, less as a work out.  Allowing time for conversations, sightseeing and pictures we finished in less than an hour. Durrance Lake is a favorite place among locals for its beauty as well as its location. I love it.

Considering our latitude on the globe, it is an uncharacteristically warm lake in the summer so it attracts those who like to splash, frolic and sunbath. It is almost impossible to find a spot on the shore for hanging out during swimming season. This small lake is part of the larger Gowlland Tod/ Mount Work park and is rumored to be linked by trail to our humble little road that we live on. It is on our agenda to find the linking trail eventually. Not without a compass and an exit plan. This is a densely forested area with hillocks that can confuse hikers not smart enough to equip themselves with GPS devices. That would be me.

Mark and Wayne

Mi Ler Buddha

My regular shot looking up the trees.

Marlen  inside a huge hollow tree

We were going for a group shot here but this picture of Hillary and Marlen was too good to pass up.

 One of the many wonderful attributes of Durrance Lake is the way it serves as a double park. It is accessible trail on one side suitable for any age and mobility. As soon as you pass the earth dam you enter a forest that runs the entire south side of the lake. This wooded area is every bit as dense and beautiful as all of the other trails we have hiked so far. If you are reading this and ever want to hike this little gem just let me know. Im always game for a hike around the lake. Its one of the best parks around.
Next week: Mount Douglas Park