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