Breath of Spring in January

Connell returns to the Lansdowne slope paying particular attention to the winter bird life along the way. From the Victoria Daily Colonist, January 25th, 1942- Frost and snow have gone for the present, at least, and today has been a delightful foretaste of spring. A light rain in the morning gave way to one ofContinue reading “Breath of Spring in January”

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”

Changed and Changing Countryside

Connell takes a nostalgic look back at the built and natural landscapes of Victoria and Saanich as they were during his first years on the West Coast in the early 1900s, with a focus on the region around Cedar Hill Cross Road and the Shelbourne Valley. From the Victoria Colonist, August 20th, 1939- “Believe itContinue reading “Changed and Changing Countryside”

Across the Links to Oak Hill

Take a ramble with Reverend Connell across the Cedar Hill golf links and through the pastures and woodlands of North Dairy farm to the summit of Oak Hill overlooking the Shelbourne Valley. From the Victoria Daily Colonist, March 29th, 1942. Under a gray March sky and with a pleasant coolness in the air for walkingContinue reading “Across the Links to Oak Hill”

The New Mount Douglas Road

Follow Rev. Connell along Shelbourne Street and up the unfinished “new” road to the summit of Pkols/Mount Douglas. Take in some of the flora, geology and history of the valley, with a little turkey trivia for good measure! From the Victoria Daily Colonist, January 1st, 1939. After a night of frost a brilliantly sunny morningContinue reading “The New Mount Douglas Road”