Detailed and affectionate descriptions of the pastoral landscape, flora and fauna of the Burnside region make this article classic Connell. For him, farms and agricultural scenes were direct connections with a much older past than those of the individual farms themselves. It is also important to remember (a fact of which Connell was keenly aware)Continue reading “Old Paths My Feet Have Trod”
Category Archives: human history
Cordova’s Wooded Cliffs
Originally called “Tseleethch” by the Indigenous inhabitants, in this article Connell visits Cordova Bay’s stunning coastline and muses upon some of its geographic, as well as more recent, histories. From the Victoria Times Colonist, April 2, 1932- Cordova Bay is one of the few places in the vicinity of Victoria with a Spanish name. Yet,Continue reading “Cordova’s Wooded Cliffs”
Through the Uplands to Telegraph Cove
Connell ventures beyond Cadboro Bay to tiny Telegraph Cove where he encounters an interesting example of Nature’s rock work and the remains of the work of a past generation of people. From the Victoria Daily Times, March 12, 1932- The Uplands car for about half a mile before it reaches the terminus runs through aContinue reading “Through the Uplands to Telegraph Cove”
Esquimalt Lagoon and the Coburg Peninsula
Connell takes in some of the history, bird life, geography and more along the shores of Esquimalt Lagoon and Harbor. From the Victoria Times, January 30th, 1932- The old Belmont Road is now open right through to Esquimalt Spit and crossing the narrow entrance of the lagoon enables the traveller on foot or by carContinue reading “Esquimalt Lagoon and the Coburg Peninsula”
Along the Happy Valley Road
Connell heads for the hills once again, this time to visit the picturesque Happy Valley in Colwood and Metchosin. He investigates the geography and the place names of the area and considers a peculiar local legend. From the Victoria Colonist, December 1st, 1940 – The road to Metchosin after skirting the broad gravelly plains ofContinue reading “Along the Happy Valley Road”
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”
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”