Connell gives a colorful and vivid account of his visit to Swan Lake. From the Times Colonist, October 13/20, 1928- The “yellow bus” dropped me at its Lake Hill terminus. Saturday afternoon in the fore part sees Saanich folk traveling city-wards so there were few passengers, and by the time the bus prepared to turnContinue reading “On the Edge of Urban Saanich”
Category Archives: Autumn
November in the Highland Hills
Connell and a friend head for the hills on a rainy November day 81 years ago. You’ll never look at rain the same way again! From the Victoria Daily Colonist, November 17th, 1940- An afternoon in the hills! Who would not take it when weather permits? Tom Goodlake’s hospitable car is at the door andContinue reading “November in the Highland Hills”
On Colwood Plain
Connell heads out to the West Shore to explore the landscape of late Fall. Focusing on fungus, he also takes in some of the recent human history of the region along the way and considers the curious landforms known as “kettles”. From the Victoria Daily Colonist, November 28, 1937- It is the eve of ourContinue reading “On Colwood Plain”
These Enchanted Woods
The tragedy of a clear-cut and burned out forest is contrasted with the healthy ecology of a unique bog forest and Garry oak woodland on the outskirts of town. From the Victoria Daily Colonist, October 16th, 1938- The charm of the forest has been sung by the poets and felt by most of us. FromContinue reading “These Enchanted Woods”
The Valley of Bowker Creek
Connell takes a deep dive into geological time through an examination of the landscape and stratigraphy of the Bowker Creek/Thaywun Valley. From the Victoria Daily Colonist, October 23rd, 1938- In and around Victoria there are areas of low ground usually sloping gently towards the sea and never at any great height above it. Before modernContinue reading “The Valley of Bowker Creek”
Old Road and Veteran Oak
Connell ventures through the Shelbourne Valley to the southern slopes of Pkols to see an ancient oak tree. He observes other flora and fauna along the way while sharing interesting pieces of associated lore and legend. From the Victoria Daily Colonist, October 30th, 1938- October days are the best of all for walking. I meanContinue reading “Old Road and Veteran Oak”
Some Town Trees
Here Connell visits some old and interesting specimen trees, both native and exotic species, that were planted by early settlers in Victoria and muses over their cultural and historic associations. From the Victoria Colonist, November 6th, 1938- I respect the lover of trees, but for the planter of them I have a great admiration. ThirtyContinue reading “Some Town Trees”
On Willows Prairie
Connell takes us along on a ramble across a remnant of the swampy grasslands and oak prairies that once covered much of the Victoria region. From the Victoria Daily Colonist, Oct. 3rd, 1937- The other morning I took a stroll through one of the still vacant sections of Victoria’s old prairie. It lies north ofContinue reading “On Willows Prairie”
Along Country Roads by Mount Tolmie
Here Connell ventures up and over Mount Tolmie and down onto the eastern end of Cedar Hill Cross Road, where the University of Victoria is today. He examines the botany of forest, field and hedge as well as some remnants of human history along the way. From the Victoria Colonist, September 17th, 1939- From theContinue reading “Along Country Roads by Mount Tolmie”
Old Orchards by the Colquitz
In the fall of 1941 Rev. Connell set out to find the remains of a heritage orchard on the banks of the Colquitz River. His narrative weaves together the environmental and settler histories of the area. From the Victoria Daily Colonist, Oct. 12, 1941. I have just returned from a visit to the Provincial ArchivesContinue reading ” Old Orchards by the Colquitz “