52 weeks, no blisters: 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.