Schizophrenic weather

What a difference a day makes!!   Jack Knox from the Times Colonist today (Feb. 24th) says: "Went to bed in Victoria on Tuesday night and woke up in Whitehorse."  Greater Victoria itself had 5 centimetres of snow breaking the 1942 February record, but this was far less than other parts of the area.  I wish I had made it to Swan Lake where 20 centimetres settled on the ground.  Today, Wednesday, much of the snow that blanketed the ground and trees has gone away primarily due to high winds, shovelling and foot traffic.  It is like being back in Ontario. 

 I was out at Beacon Hill Park on Tuesday afternoon taking pictures and out again on Wednesday afternoon.   Yes, indeed, what a difference a day makes as the following contrasting images of the same subjects show.

Fort Victoria

It never ceases to amaze me what we can miss on a daily basis.  I have walked the fairly short square block that takes in Wharf Street, Bastion Square, Government Street and Boughton numerous times since moving here and hadn't taken in the historical significance of area.

Jail House 1870's

 

On Sunday while walking through Bastion Square and simply by stopping and reading I learned that the old jail once stood where the Maritime Museum now stands.  The picture of the old jail (found on a stone utility box) was taken in 1870.  Not shown in the picture are the gallows which were off to the left of the building. 

Maritime Museum in the former
Court Building

The Maritime Museum (a place I have not yet been into) resides in a very elegent building which to be the Court Building.   According to the Museum's blog it has set its sights on the former CPR Steamship Terminal in Victoria’s Inner Harbour for its next home. I am not sure of its age, but it is worth a mention because of its stately beauty.  I am sure that a guided tour of Bastion Square would bring to light some interesting history.

Bank Building 1862(?)

The next discovery was the history laden corner of Fort and Government.   On the corner stands the original Bank Building that opened in April, 1886.  No longer a bank it is now a Scottish Pub called the Bard and Banker.  An Internet search found the following description by a former patron: "The Bard and Banker is a great, big pub in a beautiful old bank building right in downtown Victoria. The building has been standing on Government Street since 1862. It was the Bank of British Columbia all the way until 1988. The Bard and Banker has been open since 2008, and was named after one of the bank's most famous former employees, Robert Service, who went on to be a famous poet and writer. The pub is also featured on the Ghostly Walks tour, because it is said that Mr. Service haunts the building."

On the Government Street pavement, near the Bank Building, are two round brass plaques which mark the location of the east gate of Fort Victoria which was built in 1843.  There were two wooden gates into the Fort: the east gate on government street and a west gate on Wharf street.  The circular plaques on the pavements are a copy of the official seal of the City of Victoria (1862) and the of the Crown Colony of the Island of Vancouver (1849).  The outline of the Fort's wooden stockade, which stretched northward to the Bastion and southward to what is now Boughton Street, is part of the pavement's design and consists of small bricks with the names of early residents, city officials and legislators etched into them.  Another plaque close by tells us that the stockade that enclosed the fort was made up of cedar poles 18 feet high and that within the stockade were log buildings of the Hudson's Bay Trading Post.   Once again, I am impressed with how Victoria celebrates its history and brings it to life - if only we would stop and take notice.

Plaques showing the entrance to the east gate of Fort Victoria
on the corner of Fort and Government Street outside the Bank Building
and below the outline of the wooden stockade with names of residents

The last piece of history in this area is one of my favourite buildings downtown.  It is Victoria's first Customs House at 1002 Wharf Street.   It is virtually unaltered since being built in 1875 and is currently home to lawyers, a cellular, and other businesses.  It has heritage status so is protected from the insatiable development that devours many of the older buildings in the city.

Former Government Customs House 1875

Y Walk Feb. 8 2011 - Burial cairns, Historic Tod House and Willows Beach

I co-lead our Y walk on Tuesday with Karen Burch.  The walk started at Cattle Point with its own history marker (cattle being required to swim from ships to land), the Uplands and Estevan areas including Uplands Park, the historic Tod House and Willows Beach.  Per GPS, walk was 7.4 km with an average walking speed of 3 km/hr.  With the snack break the walk took 2 hours. 

We wanted to walk Uplands Park because of its rocky area, Garry Oak meadow and the rock cairns that mark native burial spots that date back about 1,500 years.  A seach of the Internet turned up information that rock cairn funeral practices were common around Victoria and is explained nicely in the following link http://www.friendsofbeaconhillpark.ca/history.htm

Tod House sits on a large parcel of land on Heron Street and is a graceful white framed home built in 1850.  It is registered as a Heritage House and has been listed as the oldest residence in Greater Victoria.

Willows Beach is a favourite place to walk, or to sit and people and dog watch or, on clear days, to gaze at snowy Mount Baker.  Up until the mid-1800s Willow Beach was a First Nations village. Its history and culture are explained on a local information board (but I didn't have pencil/paper or camera to record the detail!!)



Esquimalt Y Walk Feb.1st

Getting behind again with blogging.  The Tuesday Y Walk was a loop that took us through Macauley Park, Saxe Point Park, Memorial Park in Esquimalt Village, and Highrock Park with a cairn located at the highest point in Esquimalt and with views in all directions. 

On our way to Macauley Park we walked past some of the Esquimalt Base houses.   I was a little taken aback just how small they were - little boxes with nothing outside to break the relief of the starkness of the homes.  We also passed by a couple of fortifications built for defense during the war years (see earlier blog on Fort Rod Hill for background).  Macauley park and Saxe Point took us along the ocean and during our "elevenses" break at Saxe Point we were lucky to see a lone seal out in the water.  Memorial Park has a real life size metal boat: the MV Centennial.  I also noted some old artillery equipment around the park.   Once we arrived at Highrock Park we were treated to a great view of Mount Baker.  Mount Baker is the white mountain in the middle of the picture. 

 It was also interesting to look at the directional cairn at the highest point of Highrock Park.  The cairn was erected in 1912 to commemorate 50 years of the incorporation of the township of Esquimalt.  My shot isn't that great but does give a sense of the cairn's purpose.

I really enjoyed the older homes in esquimalt and am annoyed with myself for not taking pictures of some of the more oustanding examples of 1800's buildings.  Ah, well, another trip.  I did, however, grap a quick snapshot of what I am calling a Mariner's house where we parked our cars.  Just went online and found information on the house: http://tomhawthorn.blogspot.com/2009/02/saving-piece-of-folk-artists-passion.html   For that time when the link is no longer available, we are told that the house at 464 Head St.in Esquimalt is known as the "Swallowed Anchor" and belonged to John Kezier - a carpenter and former mariner -who passed away at the age of 90 around 1999.  Kezier rented out the home until the death of his wife.  He then moved into the house and spent the rest of his life creating the "folk-art masterpiece" and happily welcomed tour bus passengers to view the home.  The house now belongs to Westbay Investments Ltd. and, at the time of the article, A Westbay Manager had indicated tht the house will not remain standing but there are tentative plans to place the art-work in a  park.

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.

A Sunday Walk

Images of a Sunday afternoon walk January 2nd, 2011.   So much history; so much beauty; so much diversity.  We are fortunate to live here on this Island.

Inner Harbor:


The Empress Hotel





A wall of plaques commemorating famous vessels in the
history of Victoria







 Along Dallas Road:



Heading home











Reflections on a frozen pond




Gorse in bloom







Snorkler (who didn't know he was being watched by a seal!)



A Lagoon, Fortification and Lighthouse



Esquimalt Lagoon (from Fisgard Lighthouse)



Last Thursday was one of those lovely clear sunny days that I look forward to during the winter months when grey skies seem to be the norm.  Admittedly, it was cold but I was ready for some more exploring.  Esquimalt Lagoon was the choice of the day as I had made a brief visit there in the summer and was intrigued by the land formation (barrier spit) that has created a shallow ocean fed lagoon between the land and the spit.  The lagoon has become a migratory bird sanctuary and a place for bird watchers to go.  For geocachers, there are two earth caches as well as some traditional caches (whichI have yet to do.)   Added attractions in the area (and yet to explore) are:   Hatley Castle (part of Royal Roads University) and giant Douglas fir trees that are amongst the largest on the island (http://www.esquimaltlagoon.com/).  

Nearby (and I did explore) are: Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse.


Lower Battery, Fort Rodd Hill

 



Fort Rodd Hill astonished me.  I didn’t realize that from 1878 to 1956 Victoria was guarded by a series of coastal artillery fortifications and Fort Rodd Hill is one of the world’s most complete and best preserved.  The historical site is worth a visit anytime of the year.  The Lower Battery includes a fortress plotting room with (it seemed to me) steel door and windows.  The room was used during the Second World War for a short period and used in the 1950s for anti-aircraft plotting.(http://www.fortroddhill.com/index.html).  
Canada Geese now dot the landscape and on occasion deer can be seen grazing on the site.

Fisgard Lighthouse has the official title of being the first permanent lighthouse on the Pacific Coast of Canada.  It was erected in 1859-60.  The lantern came from England along with its first lighthouse keeper. The lighthouse was automated in 1929 and is still operational today (http://www.fisgardlighthouse.com/). 



Fisgard Lighthouse

 

Lighthouse stairs (closed to public)

I will be back – in warmer weather!!!

Snow, Ice and Santa



Frozen fountain in front of Parliament Buildings


Victoria had snow and very cold weather this week.  The balcony pansies shrivelled with the cold but bounced back when I brought them inside.  I grumbled at first and then enjoyed both the snow and the cold.  Tuesday was a gorgeous day and I was treated to seeing two fountains frozen.   As I wandered around I realized how attached I have become to Victoria - it is now home.  I didn't have my camera with me that day so took  the picture in this blog with my cellphone.  I have to fess up that I didn't know how to get the picture off the camera until shown 'how to' by a cellphone techie!! 



 

Snow and holly

By Friday all the snow had gone and the weather was back to normal but during the snow squall I couldn't resist going out and capturing a picture of the snow falling on a holly tree.













We live within walking distance of downtown so I decided to go to the lighted Santa Clause parade Saturday evening.  Most enjoyable.


Santa's sleigh in front of the Parliament Buildings



A virtual geocache leads to a potpourri of history and culture

This week I decided to find a virtual geocache.   A virtual geocache asks the seeker to find a location and answer questions or take on a task.  The coordinates for this virtual cache took me to St. Ann’s Schoolhouse to find the answers to several questions posted on the website where I go to find caches.  The structure, built in 1844, was purchased in 1853 for the Sisters of St. Ann’s to be run as a schoolhouse.  It is said to be one of the oldest buildings in Western Canada (but not on its original site and it is not open to the public.)   What a great way to learn about the history of this area.

After I found the answers to the virtual questions I looked around and was struck by the history and culture surrounding me.   On one side is the Royal BC Museum with its Woolly Mammoth and Imax, and on the other the Helmcken House built by Dr. John Sebastian Helmcken.  This house also has a claim for being the oldest house in British Columbia (this time on its original site and it is open to the public.)

Close to the Helmcken House is Thunderbird Park with its hand carved totem poles and the Mungo Martin Kwakwaka'wakw house. 

In front of the museum is the Netherlands Carillon Tower which boasts being Canada’s largest carillon with 65 bells.  The bells are played by a musician who climbs to the top of the tower several times a day.  I was intrigued to learn that some of the bell pitches actually commemorate specific historical events.

Across the road from the Thunderbird Park, and close to the historic Empress Hotel, is the new statue of Emily Carr.  The statue, like the lady herself and her artwork and writings, is larger than life and shows her with her constant companions: her pet monkey and little dog. 

Last mention is the Parliament Buildings and harbour which is in close proximity to the above square.  No wonder this area is full of visitors!!

Links to the above post:

St. Anne’s Schoolhouse:  http://www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/RBCM_Cult_Pre/St_Ann_Schlhse.aspx

Helmcken House: http://www.victorialodging.com/attraction/helmcken-house

Thunderbird Park: http://www.emilycarr.org/totems/exhibit/tour3.htm.  

Netherlands Carillon Tower: http://www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/RBCM_Cult_Pre/Nthrlnd_Crlln_Twr.aspx

Victoria's award winning urinal

Read in the paper about the public urinal on the corner of Government and Pandora that has won an international award for its custom design and innovation. It is the city's answer to nightime bar closings downtown.  It cost $75,000.  For that money, according to the news item, the city has a piece of "public art" with "green" features such as low-flow flushing technology and LED lighting that comes on after dark.

I've been down to the corner of Pandora and Government quite a few times and never noticed the urinal. It really has a subtle design.  There is no door but the green poles that surround the urinal do make it possible to tell if someone is inside.  When I went down to take pictures for the blog there was a maintenance man inside the urinal doing some work.  (At least that is what I assumed he was doing!!)  He can be seen but not seen.  The city is wondering whether it is possible to put a gate on it and make some modifications to allow use by women.   I don't think so!!!