Blog: I Think It's This Way » Road Ride – Lower Saanich – If There Is Such a Thing as Lower Saanich

Road Ride – Lower Saanich – If There Is Such a Thing as Lower Saanich

Kris — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 01:57:29 +0000

Wow it’s been a while without any blogging, exercise, photos, or other cool stuff. These last couple months of house hunting, research, and buying have been a bit of a drag. That’s not to say I didn’t appreciate the challenge that came with various fixit projects, like changing a toilet etc., but there’s pretty much no way I’d prefer doing that sort of stuff over bike riding.

Time to get back to a more active lifestyle… I don’t really have any good excuses to for not doing so, so I shall ‘do’ rather than ‘do not’… thanks recently viewed Yoda quote.

GPS Data: 45.1km – 1h47m – Garmin Website | GPX (right click to download)

Another trip down Martindale Road on the road bike on a wet coast day with the smell of pumpkin and cabbage decomposition in the air.

Curious Christmas arrangement on West Wallace Drive. Good luck with that Santa.

Wednesday Hike – Goldstream Park – Victoria, BC

Kris — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 06:24:32 +0000

Wow, it’s practically Fall. Wow, the daylight is getting shorter. Wow, how many more times might I use the word ‘wow’? This week’s Wednesday outing was a nice sort of meandering around Goldstream Park near Victoria. For an after work hike, Goldstream is a little ways out of town and given the daylight situation, I figured we’d wing it a little bit in terms of route. We ended up choosing to take a pass on the Mt. Finlayson ascent and instead wandered around the lower reaches of the park. Nice big trees, Niagara Falls, and a blackberry feed at the nature house.

GPS Data: 3.4km – 1h24m – Garmin Website | GPX (right click to download)

Bill admiring some nice green carpet.

Goldstream River.

Creek bed artwork.

Leaf in the water at the bottom of Niagara Falls.

Bill admiring Niagara Falls west.

Wednesday Hike – Swan Lake / Christmas Hill – Victoria, BC

Kris — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 06:19:29 +0000

Pretty sure I saw some mosquitoes hatching tonight at Swan Lake. They may have also instantly become full grown mosquitoes, or maybe that’s how the mosquito life cycle works… more research I could do if I felt more inclined to do so. Aside from the mosquito stuff, tonight’s hike at Swan Lake and Christmas Hill was good as usual. Early evening light up at Christmas Hill never seems to result in great photos for me, which is a bit disappointing, but oh well. There were some good opportunities down at the lake including a grumpy looking cat.

GPS Data: 6.0km – 1h26m – Garmin Website | GPX (right click to download)

View over part of Victoria from the top of Christmas Hill.

Mr. Grumpy did not appreciate our interruption of his alone time at Swan Lake.

Watch out for Mr. Grumpy, Ms. Duck.

You've got something on your leg.

Wednesday Hike – Macaulay Point – Victoria, BC

Kris — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 06:10:31 +0000

You never know for sure what you’ll see on a hike. Tonight’s hike was at Macaulay Point, a place I have been to only once before. The highlight of the hike was definitely seeing an orca very close to shore. It didn’t do any TV orca tricks, which was slightly disappointing, but I can deal since this was only the second time I have seen a real, live orca. The hike / walk was pretty short at about 2.5km, but there were lots of cool things to look at… uhhh yeah, we saw a freakin orca.

GPS Data: 2.5km – 1h03m – Garmin Website | GPX (right click to download)

Rather beautiful night at Macaulay Point in Victoria.

Ummm... awesome night and a whale too!

Orca checking out the marker near the Macaulay Point jetty.

Orca close to shore near Macaulay Point with Metchosin in the background.

Ferry, outrigger canoes, orca.

Possible cause for concern, but pretty sure there's lots for whales to eat without resorting to fiberglass.

The Coho heading into Victoria from Port Angeles.

Beast chillin at Macaulay Point.

Washed up tree remnants.

Blackberries of varying rypeness.

Vine of some sort against a former gunnery installation at Macaulay Point.

Trevor, Christine, and Sheena at Macaulay Point on a very nice late summer evening.

Through the tunnel up to the lookout at Macaulay Point.

Looking across the Juan de Fuca Strait toward Washington State.

Ogden Point viewed from the lookout at Macaulay Point.

Another beast on the rocks at Macaulay Point.

Brown beast staring contest.

A vessel looking somewhat military oriented off the Esquimalt waterfront.

Peeps, dog, log, and rocks.

Late day sun at Macaulay Point with a glimpse of the Fort Rodd Hill lighthouse.

Climber go up.

Climber go down.

Macaulay Point dock.

Metchosin Hills and a dock near Macaulay Point.

Wednesday Hike – Partridge Hills – Victoria, BC

Kris — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 05:28:33 +0000

Somewhat hot, somewhat humid, but all in all an excellent night for some sort of activity. Since it’s Wednesday, it’s hike night and the destination was once again the Partridge Hills out near Durrance Lake. As with previous outings we started from the Durrance Lake parking lot and did an out and back route to the the highest spot we could find. The views were the same as previous outings, except the skies were a bit clearer, particularly in the direction of Mt. Baker.

GPS Data: 6.4km – 1h37m – Garmin Website | GPX (right click to download)

View from the top of the Partridge Hills towards Mill Bay.

Fair sized hike group for the Wednesday outing.

Partridge Hills grass with the Saanich Inlet in the background.

Grass / wheat at the top of the Partridge Hills.

Particularly good view of Mt. Baker.

Sunset at Mt. Tolmie after the Wednesday hike.

Red sky at sunset viewed from the top of Mt. Tolmie.

Mt. Tolmie sunset.

Yellow skies at sunset viewed from Mt. Tolmie.

Bike Ride – Thetis Island, BC

Kris — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 06:46:24 +0000

Sunday mini road trip to Thetis Island was fun. The day started out at the crack of dawn with a drive from Victoria out to Lake Cowichan to pick up Michelle… she was on an African lion safari or something (Zoodles jingle?). After that it was off to Chemainus to catch the ferry to Penelakut Island and then Thetis Island. I’m usually agreeable to ferry rides since I don’t do them that often; this one was particularly good with great views over calm water. After arrival at Thetis Island and some tinkering with bikes, it was off to Pilkey Point on the north end. The ride was excellent, with nice green tree cover the whole way. The ride was not particularly long, but there was a 15% climb that needed doing twice since the route was of the out and back variety.

It seemed like our time on the island was going to be all quiet and relaxing like, except for the death hill as Sheena described it, but as departure time approached a rather large number of dudes appeared, seemingly out of no where. Turns out there was a Christian mens’ conference going on… made for a cramped return trip on the ferry.

GPS Data: 15.7km – 2h04m – Garmin Website | GPX (right click to download)

Leaving the Chemainus ferry terminal; destination Thetis Island.

Gurbir, Sheena, Michelle, and some strangers at the front of the boat.

Ferry instructions for those who may be lacking common sense.

That looks a lot like Bruno Gerussi's ride a la Beachcombers.

First stop on the way to Thetis Island, Penelakut Island, previously referred to as Kuper Island.

Control room of the M.V. Kuper.

Fire suppression nozzle on the M.V. Kuper.

Assortment of boaters on a sunny Sunday morning near Thetis Island.

Ferry wake with some Gulf Islands in the background.

Beautiful morning on the water near Thetis Island.

Sailboats moored off of Thetis Island.

Capernwray Harbour at Thetis Island.

Gardens, boats, etc. at Capernwray Harbour on Thetis Island.

A view to the south from a high point on Pilkey Point Road on Thetis Island.

A moment of pause near a warning sign on the way to Pilkey Point, Thetis Island.

Arrival at the scenic Pilkey Point on Thetis Island.

The Frontier Queen near Pilkey Point, Thetis Island.

Sandstone and crab bits at Pilkey Point.

The hills to the west of Chemainus and Ladysmith viewed from Pilkey Point on Thetis Island.

A little island near Pilkey Point.

Thetis Island sandstone.

Pilkey Point tide pool vegetation and sea life.

Pilkey Point is a rather nice spot for a break to chill by the ocean.

A view between the sandstone formations at Pilkey Point on Thetis Island.

This sandstone hollow probably makes interesting noises during storms, or not.

Mint condition old school scooter on Thetis Island.

Telegraph Harbour on Thetis Island.

Telegraph Harbour flowers.

Thetis Island moo at Capernwray Harbour.

Dock at Capernwray Harbour on Thetis Island.

Seals are funny.

Telegraph Harbour at Thetis Island.

A seagull checking its blindspot near Thetis Island.

End of the trip back near the ferry terminal in Chemainus looking north.

Rusty barge in the Chemainus Harbour.

Standup Paddle Outing on the Gorge in Victoria

Kris — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 05:40:54 +0000

5pm choices: A) sit around at home probably wasting time on the interwebs; B) go for a bike ride; or C) go standup paddle boarding. Choice C it was. For me this was a bit of an unknown since I had never done option C before. I have paddled kayaks and have occasionally stood on surfboards, so I guess I had some possibly useful skills heading in. I don’t have a large surfboard or standup paddle board so renting was the route I was going to take. Struck out at the Gorge Paddling / Rowing Centre rental shop… kayaks only as of this writing. Word on the street was that Selkirk Station might rent standup paddle boards, and indeed they did. I think I had a two hour rental and a Powerade for about $40 tax in. The current published rates are $32 for 2 hours or $25 for the 5-8pm evening special. I might have paid a bit extra for board damage insurance, which I probably didn’t need since I’m careful.

The paddle itself was great. For starters I didn’t fall in the drink, and more importantly although it was work, it was fun and relaxing and there were cool things to look at along the way. I could see buying some gear of my own at some point; we’ll see. I could see how this could be a bit challenging depending on your background (balance and fitness), so if you’re interested in trying it, it would probably help to have at least a little kayak time in beforehand.

GPS Data: 6.7km – 1h43m – Garmin Website | GPX (right click to download) WARNING: funny elevation profile below!

B is for boat and boat squatters.

KrisFeet and JimmyStyks on tour in the Gorge Waterway.

Victoria Harbour Ferry heading south along the Gorge towards downtown.

Tillicum - Gorge bridge looking sort of west towards what might be Mt. Finlayson.

Gorge heron. Crap photo.

JimmyStyks heading east, back toward town not far from the Tillicum - Gorge bridge.

Awesome night on the Gorge.

Back at the Selkirk Trestle, heading east / south towards downtown.

Some sit-down paddlers enjoying their evening on the Gorge near the Selkirk Trestle.

Apparently if you're a seagull needing to dump your guts, you know better than to do it near a bobble-head owl.

Steel recycler on the Gorge Waterway. I'm guessing the herons don't really hang out in this area.

Idle Sennebogen 870 at the metal recycling facility on the Gorge.

Passing under the Bay Street Bridge heading towards downtown.

Looking toward downtown near the Canoe Club restaurant on the Gorge. Blue Bridge not long for this life.

Sort of a pirate ship moored near the Blue Bridge.

Blue Bridge, Johnson Street Bridge, soon to be something more futuristic.

Tugs on the Gorge near downtown Victoria.

Evidence of Victoria's Banksy, or not, since it's always the same dinosaur / dragon.

Racoon hiding spot under a dock on the Gorge.

Getting close to board delivery time and sunset.

Wednesday Hike – Royal Roads University – Victoria, BC

Kris — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 05:14:29 +0000

Not that long ago we did a Wednesday hike at Royal Roads University, on the exact same route we did tonight. When it’s good, why not repeat it? It’s late summer in Victoria, so things are looking pretty brown around town, but not in the forest, thankfully… the brownness is less appealing to me than the greenness. Kind of hoped we’d see another owl tonight, like last time, but no, although there were a variety of birds down at Esquimalt Lagoon. As usual, it was a great night for a hike.

GPS Data: 7.0km – 1h30m – Garmin Website | GPX (right click to download)

Part of the trail, through the trees of course, at Royal Roads.

Deciduous trees on the Royal Roads University grounds.

On of the buildings at Royal Roads University.

Non-trail down near Esquimalt Lagoon near Royal Roads University.

Mallard duck on the edge of the Equimalt Lagoon.

A couple Cormorants hanging out on a light post at Esquimalt Lagoon.

XC Ride – Cumberland, BC

Kris — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 23:52:10 +0000

Left Victoria at about 7:30pm yesterday to head up to Cumberland for a weekend of mountain bike riding and other stuff. Thankful to have not had to do any evasive maneuvers to avoid deer on the highway. Somewhat sad to report that there was evidence that some deer had not been successfully maneuvered around by earlier travellers. This morning after a quick and tasty breakfast at the Old House Restaurant, it was off to Cumberland for some cross-country mountain biking.

It’s somewhat surprising how much the trail situation can change in an area where there is active logging. Ok, maybe the trail situation hasn’t changed much, but the feel of the trails like Blue Collar, which was previously a very nice densely treed, gradual downhill trail, has become a wide open dusty cut block. I know logging is an important industry, but I also know that I prefer green, treed trails. All things considered, the riding today was pretty good and we (Michelle, Liz, Kari, Bryan, and I) managed to ride some new / reclaimed old trail sort of southeast of the town (50:1 trail, Double Pumper, and some others).

GPS Data: 19.6km – 3h16m – Garmin Website | GPX (right click to download)

Heading to breakfast at the Old House Restaurant.

Flowers in the garden at the Old House Resort and Spa.

Bryan prepping the electrical tape GPS bike mount.

Liz and Bryan heading towards some Cumberland trails and excruciating uphill.

Tis thistle season in Cumberland.

A rare smooth section of trail in Cumberland... too short though.

The trance controls en route to some Cumberland trails.

Kari and Bryan doin the walk on the excruciating climb.

Cleared land and some regrowth in the hills above Cumberland.

Break time at the start of Bear Buns.

Quiet day on this mini-lake above Cumberland.

Michelle doin it old skool near Sykes Bridge.

Michelle, Bryan, and Liz at Sykes Bridge on the trails near Cumberland.

Bryan in a holding pattern on Sykes Bridge in Cumberland.

Michelle and Kari on the way to Blue Collar Trail in Cumberland.

Bryan on what used to be part of Blue Collar in Cumberland.

Michelle on the former Blue Collar trail.

Crafty Butcher trail sign.

Bryan on a bridge / teeter-totter near the Double Pumper trail.

The latest in summer fashion by the Patch Big Store in Cumberland.

Wednesday Hike – Willows Beach / Cattle Point / Uplands Park – Victoria, BC

Kris — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 06:29:21 +0000

Very nice Wednesday hike in Oak Bay tonight with a surprising variety of wildlife (crows, seal, seagulls, engaged couple, etc.). We started in Estevan Village and headed toward Willows, then it was off to Cattle Point, and finally Uplands Park. There was some great sailboat watching from Cattle Point.

GPS Data: 5.4km – 1h11m – Garmin Website | GPX (right click to download)

The north end of Willows Beach.

Some Cattle Point flowers.

Wednesday night sailing off of Cattle Point.

A couple sail boats off of Cattle Point.

Wednesday night sailing action near Cattle Point and Willows Beach.

Cattle Point crow on a well used log.

T-rex conga line at Cattle Point.

Garry Oak tree at Uplands Park.

Beach art at Willows.