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: trees
Esquimalt’s Natural Park
Connell takes a ramble across some undeveloped parts of Esquimalt and to the top of High Rock Park. From the Victoria Times Colonist, March 28, 1931- Everyone knows the charm of Esquimalt’s waterfront. Fortunately the golf-links have preserved a large portion of it to which the public has access. With but the narrow harbor entranceContinue reading “Esquimalt’s Natural Park”
Some Wayside Notes in Town
Join Connell for a wander through woodlands and meadows on the edge of a newly suburbanized section of Fairfield. From the Victoria Daily Colonist, Dec. 10th, 1939- The sky is overcast with soft grey clouds broken by warm yellow, and in the air there is a softness and mildness as of veritable spring; but theContinue reading “Some Wayside Notes in Town”
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”
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”
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”
Jaunts by Highways and Byways
Reverend Connell hits the road via automobile, visiting Elk and Beaver Lakes and Cordova Bay beach with plenty of stops along the way. Read about “guddling” fish, magnetite at the beach, and what sounds to have been one amazing arbutus tree! From the Victoria Daily Colonist, March 16th, 1941. The first of March came inContinue reading “Jaunts by Highways and Byways”