Walk # 88 July 10th 2013 Willows Beach Clean-up walk
At least once a year the CAMRAmblers do a clean-up walk to pay back the parks system for all the lovely trails and parks that we have enjoyed throughout the year. Willows Beach gets a lot of use and we decided to do a walk to pick up litter along the beach from Cattle Point to Bowker Creek. There were 14 of us spread out across the sandy beach looking for little bits of litter, plastic, cigarette butts, etc. We managed to pick up quite a bit, and deposited it in bags we brought in the garbage cans along the beach as we went.
We went as far as the location of the mouth of Bowker Creek and then after crossing the creek we cut through the Glen Lion/Norfolk House School grounds and walked back to Willows park along Beach Drive. We returned to our cars via the beach front road, (Esplanade) and headed to Cadboro Bay to the Smugglers Cove Pub for a nice lunch.
To view the videos that Phil took please click on the following link:
https://plus.google.com/photos/117826671765550615361/albums/5899214365312831857?partnerid=gplp0&sort=7
To view the photos that Terry took please click on the following link:
https://plus.google.com/photos/108709526830847929475/albums/5899115582749829297?authkey=CJz0zPrS_oK8Wwauthkey=CJz0zPrS_oK8Ww
To view the photos that Claudia took please click on the following link: Use your left and right arrows to see all the photos. https://picasaweb.google.com/claudia.boorman/20130710_smugglers_cove_pub?authkey=Gv1sRgCPbY0PXjhuXMyAE#5899141707988532658
We went as far as the location of the mouth of Bowker Creek and then after crossing the creek we cut through the Glen Lion/Norfolk House School grounds and walked back to Willows park along Beach Drive. We returned to our cars via the beach front road, (Esplanade) and headed to Cadboro Bay to the Smugglers Cove Pub for a nice lunch.
To view the videos that Phil took please click on the following link:
https://plus.google.com/photos/117826671765550615361/albums/5899214365312831857?partnerid=gplp0&sort=7
To view the photos that Terry took please click on the following link:
https://plus.google.com/photos/108709526830847929475/albums/5899115582749829297?authkey=CJz0zPrS_oK8Wwauthkey=CJz0zPrS_oK8Ww
To view the photos that Claudia took please click on the following link: Use your left and right arrows to see all the photos. https://picasaweb.google.com/claudia.boorman/20130710_smugglers_cove_pub?authkey=Gv1sRgCPbY0PXjhuXMyAE#5899141707988532658
Walk # 89 July 17th 2013 The Colquitz Creek Trail from Marigold to Mann Road
Is it a river or a creek? There are signs that say either. This is a continuation of the Colquitz Creek trail starting where it crosses Marigold Ave. We started on the trail from the parking lot at Hyacinth Park and walked through Panama Flats Park to where it crosses Roy Road, and following it on and on through Copley West Park and all the way to Mann Road. We walked up to the corner of Mann and Wilkinson Road where we waited for the #30 bus to take us back along Vanalman and Cary Road to near the corner of Marigold Ave. where we walked back to our cars. The group walked the entire two miles of the trail and extra bits in only two hours. To view the photos that Phil took please click on the following link: https://plus.google.com/photos/117826671765550615361/albums/5901701639124312833?partnerid=gplp0&authkey=CL7uqLeM-dO8-QE
To view the photos that Terry took please click on this link:
https://plus.google.com/photos/108709526830847929475/albums/5901706238893298609?authkey=CKGbvfa6k4_sVg
To view the photos that Terry took please click on this link:
https://plus.google.com/photos/108709526830847929475/albums/5901706238893298609?authkey=CKGbvfa6k4_sVg
Walk # 90 July 24th 2013 The Reay Creek Trail and Peter Grant Park in Sidney
The CAMRAmblers walking group walked the trails of Reay Creek park near the Victoria International Airport on July 24th 2013. The trail ended in a residential area between the airport and the highway. We walked a few blocks through to the edge of the airport runway to see the new perimeter trail around the airport, but it was still under construction, so we detoured into a path that took us through some tall trees in a small park near the corner of Canora Road. We walked a couple of blocks along to Mary's Bleau Moon cafe and had a nice lunch before going back to where we parked our cars near the Reay park.
To view the photos that Terry took, please click on the following link: https://plus.google.com/photos/108709526830847929475/albums/5904304854164446673?authkey=CIaqrYCi-IOPEA
To view the photos that Terry took, please click on the following link: https://plus.google.com/photos/108709526830847929475/albums/5904304854164446673?authkey=CIaqrYCi-IOPEA
Walk # 91 July 31 2013 Mount Douglas Park Lower Trails and Beach
On July 31at the CAMRAmblers walking group explored the beach and lower trails of Mount Douglas Park. We tried two "private" sets of stairs to get back off of the beach, but turned back both times. Both were to private residences. The trail up off the beach that we had planned to use was a bit difficult to find; but eventually we found it. We spent almost an hour on the beach part of the walk. Our lunch reservation was for 12:30 and it was already 12 noon, so we set up a faster pace through the rest of the park to make up the time. We had a nice lunch at Maude Hunterr's Pub. The prices are very reasonable at this pub and the quality of the food is excellent.
To view the photos that Terry took please click on the following link
https://plus.google.com/photos/108709526830847929475/albums/5906912091378615585?authkey=CJHopam4pai08gE
To view the photos that Phil took, please click on the following link.
https://plus.google.com/photos/117826671765550615361/albums/5906900057771908081?authkey=CISC2cmRvsfDmQE
To view the photos that Terry took please click on the following link
https://plus.google.com/photos/108709526830847929475/albums/5906912091378615585?authkey=CJHopam4pai08gE
To view the photos that Phil took, please click on the following link.
https://plus.google.com/photos/117826671765550615361/albums/5906900057771908081?authkey=CISC2cmRvsfDmQE
Walk #92 August 7th 2013 Galloping Goose Trail part 6
I forgot to bring my camera on this walk! Thanks to Roger and Teri and their cell phones for the photos of today. The walk started on Lindholm Road and ended at Lombard Road. This was a distance of 3.25 kilometers one way, approximately. That's 4 miles, for those of you that still think in miles. So; if you are thinking that it was a longer than usual walk...you're right. But we did that distance in our usual time of 90 minutes, so we're walking faster these days. We all seemed eager to try someplace new ( and old ) for lunch and as we were closer to the 17 Mile House Pub we went there for lunch. Some people's meals took a little longer to get, but it was good food when it all came. They have a very small kitchen and can't serve large groups very easily. To view Roger and Teri's photos please click on the following link. https://plus.google.com/photos/108709526830847929475/albums/5909541293252588785?authkey=CJnn3be69qqJrAE
August 8th 2013 - CAMRAmbers Summer BBQ
As befitting all royal events, many pictures were taken to immortalize the CAMRAmber summer BBQ and royal visitation. Those who couldn't attend really missed out on tons of fun and an equal amount of great food. Thanks to Merv and Kathy for hosting it in their fabulous garden, to cousin Hamish from Scotland for his excellent cullinary skills (if not his fashion sense), to everyone who brought something yummy for the pot luck feast, and to her Royal Majesty the Queen, her royal guard Nigel, and her Royal Scribe for the honour of their presence and for the awards they bestowed. It doesn't get any better!!!!
Pictures include a mixture of posed and candid, and some that were technically challenged, with the worst weeded out. Some blurred ones and some near duplicates have crept back into the batch now posted for your viewing online (please forgive me, I'm out of practice!).
https://picasaweb.google.com/claudia.boorman/20130808_CAMRAmblers_BBQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCPCRw9zohfrjBg
Pictures include a mixture of posed and candid, and some that were technically challenged, with the worst weeded out. Some blurred ones and some near duplicates have crept back into the batch now posted for your viewing online (please forgive me, I'm out of practice!).
https://picasaweb.google.com/claudia.boorman/20130808_CAMRAmblers_BBQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCPCRw9zohfrjBg
PARTY CENTRAL
Hostess Kathy puts the talents of visiting cousin Hamish from Scotland to work at the grill.
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A RHYMING TRIBUTE
A note of thanks from Phil and Cathy: Cathy's writing skills have gone from bad to verse….. The Scotts gave a party on Houlihan Court Beer drinkers and ramblers came out, and in short, the party was fabulous, and well attended by people from all walks of life. It depended on food and good weather. No shortages there. A beautiful garden, a comfortable chair, and finally, a chance to see, without guilt, exactly what Scotsmen wear under the kilt! A great group of people, and what a surprise, when out of the blue and in front of our eyes, a Most Royal Personage made her debut, attended by Nigel and Scribe. Much ado about something was evident. Was it her hat? Or her pearls? Or her wave? No, better than that. A question was answered that always had nagged. “What on earth does Her Majesty have in that bag?” The Royal Gold Medals delighted the throng. Sir Terry was honored, and all sang a song. And through out the evening one thing became clear. There’s more to this group than walking and beer! The Smiths want to thank you. We had a great time! And the best way to say thanks, of course, is in rhyme. |
ROYAL VISITATION
Her Majesty bestows a golden medal, watched carefully by her royal Scribe.
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Walk # 93 August 14th 2013 McLaughlin Point and Work Point Area
The CAMRAmblers met near the corner of Head Street and Lyall Street and headed into the Work Point military base by the nearby entrance. We walked into the base uncertain of whether we were actually permitted on that property. Several military personnel passed by us and nobody challenged our being there so we made out way down to the sea shore. It was quickly realized that we needed to get over to a road at the other side of the base, but we soon found out that we were fenced in. With the help of an officer that was passing by we found out where there was another gate we could go through to get back on track and soon we were heading toward McLaughlin Point.
This proposed site for the future solid waste treatment plant has perhaps the best view of the Victoria harbour. After enjoying the view for a while we walked back through the base residential area for married couples and families, and headed towards Macauley Point. We only brushed the edge of that historic park and headed back through the Work Point area and back to our cars. This walk was just over five kilometers in length. To view the photos that Terry took please click on this link: https://plus.google.com/photos/108709526830847929475/albums/5912172422811051729?authkey=CJ7ik4S6hPGfigE
To view the videos and photos that Phil took please click on this link: https://plus.google.com/photos/117826671765550615361/albums/5912107855118558849?authkey=CIPLpuvt6fGlYA
This proposed site for the future solid waste treatment plant has perhaps the best view of the Victoria harbour. After enjoying the view for a while we walked back through the base residential area for married couples and families, and headed towards Macauley Point. We only brushed the edge of that historic park and headed back through the Work Point area and back to our cars. This walk was just over five kilometers in length. To view the photos that Terry took please click on this link: https://plus.google.com/photos/108709526830847929475/albums/5912172422811051729?authkey=CJ7ik4S6hPGfigE
To view the videos and photos that Phil took please click on this link: https://plus.google.com/photos/117826671765550615361/albums/5912107855118558849?authkey=CIPLpuvt6fGlYA
August 17th 2013 - Visit to the Centre of the Universe
CAMRAmblers at "The Centre of the Universe".
When we discovered that the public visitors centre at the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory complex on top of Little Saanich mountain (named "The Centre Of The Universe") would be closing to the public on August 24th, the group discussed going en mass to visit this 95 year old telescope. The visitor centre includes a large foyer with one of the large telescope lenses on display, a lecture room, and a large display room containing many models, historical equipment, a rock from outer space, interactive displays and a small planetarium inside a sun-spotted dome that sat about 26 people. The 1.85m Plaskett telescope is in its own white-domed building and has been in use since 1918.
In the various displays and presentations, we learned how the road up the mountain and the dome itself was built without the benefit of motor vehicles and modern cement trucks etc. It is truly a wonder to behold. Most of us had never been there before. As an added bonus we were in time for the Saturday night lecture by a noted scientist whose focus was on learning more about our own solar system, observing comets and other heavenly objects. We also got to sit in the tiny planetarium and watch a program on the domed ceiling as an enthusiastic guide told us about the galaxies that have been important to Canadian researchers. We learned where to find these stars in constellations and the astronomical figures such as Aries, Orion and many others. Then we were ushered back to the big dome to see a live show of those same stellar objects as the Plaskett Telescope rotated to focus on each one in our clear night sky. We were very fortunate that the morning clouds had nearly disappeared by nightfall, allowing us to see live black and white images from the telescope as they were projected onto a screen for us. Outside we got to look at the moon and Saturn through some small telescopes. A volunteer pointed out the International Space Station as it passed over.
I must admit that most of the information was really "way over my head"! But it was all so very enjoyable as well as informative. The view of the Victoria skyline at night is beautiful from up on Little Saanich Mountain. The big dome is still going to open to the public after August 24th. Just the visitor's centre is going to close.
An album of Claudia's photos has now been posted. Here are some highlights ...
In the various displays and presentations, we learned how the road up the mountain and the dome itself was built without the benefit of motor vehicles and modern cement trucks etc. It is truly a wonder to behold. Most of us had never been there before. As an added bonus we were in time for the Saturday night lecture by a noted scientist whose focus was on learning more about our own solar system, observing comets and other heavenly objects. We also got to sit in the tiny planetarium and watch a program on the domed ceiling as an enthusiastic guide told us about the galaxies that have been important to Canadian researchers. We learned where to find these stars in constellations and the astronomical figures such as Aries, Orion and many others. Then we were ushered back to the big dome to see a live show of those same stellar objects as the Plaskett Telescope rotated to focus on each one in our clear night sky. We were very fortunate that the morning clouds had nearly disappeared by nightfall, allowing us to see live black and white images from the telescope as they were projected onto a screen for us. Outside we got to look at the moon and Saturn through some small telescopes. A volunteer pointed out the International Space Station as it passed over.
I must admit that most of the information was really "way over my head"! But it was all so very enjoyable as well as informative. The view of the Victoria skyline at night is beautiful from up on Little Saanich Mountain. The big dome is still going to open to the public after August 24th. Just the visitor's centre is going to close.
An album of Claudia's photos has now been posted. Here are some highlights ...