Walks and Museum

Got a little behind with the blog.  Last Tuesday (Jan. 11th) the Y walkers walked in the Sidney area around the marina and through a couple of parks.  The group rest picture of us all bundled up tells the story of how cold it was but we still had a good time.
At one point we were met - and I do mean met - by a lovely black and white persian cat.  It saundered over with head and tail held high to as many walkers as could be managed in order to be admired and petted!!  And, yes, I couldn't resist.  At walk's end I joined several of the ladies for soup at the Dockside Grill.  The soup was excellent as was the ambiance and view.  A high recommendation  (http://www.docksidegrillsidney.com/).

Later in the week, I made a trip to the Royal B.C. Museum to see the "yellow submarine" - the Rolls-Royce formerly owned by John Lennon that is now owned by the Museum and put on show annually.  The romanesque artwork certainly has its appeal.  It was done in Chertsey, England, close to where I used to live as a child which is why that piece of trivia has stayed with me!  John Lennon had the Rolls converted to fulfill his needs; it now has a bed and a bar.  (Note: a double click on any of the images will enlarge them).



Yellow marks the trail we took and that is my
reflection in the pane of glass



This Tuesday (Jan. 18th) the Y Walk took place in John Dean Provincial Park a half-hour drive north of Victoria.  It was a level 3 walk (meaning strenuous) and today my muscles agree.  Because of the level and distance of the hike there were fewer walkers than usual.  John Dean is a suburban wilderness park with towering Douglas firs and cedars, rocky slopes, ponds, stands of Garry Oaks, and fabulous views.  The park is named after John Dean who, in 1921, donated over 30 hectares to the province for park use.  We had a quick lunch break at Pickles Bluff with views over the Gulf Islands.  As an aside, there are so many connections here as John Dean is buried just down the road from me at the Ross Bay Cementary.  The picture is of the small group on one of the trails.