Spring in Beacon Hill Park

I had a rest day from the gym today so decided to take a stroll through Beacon Hill Park with my camera.  

Squirrels are definitely not the most cooperative photographic subjects but this little guy was so intent on his lunch that he stayed in one spot for quite a while and actually let me get reasonably close! I even got a little bit of decent video although, being hand held, it's a little shaky. 

I have always loved the colourful feathers of the male peacocks.

There were SO many wildflowers out. The daffodils in particular carpet many areas of the park. 

The relationship to the land defines our identities as Lkwungen people. The language is the foundation of the teaching of the ancestors and this foundation is attached to the land. The land and the environment that allows the people to live, harvest, hunt and fish, are all "Sacred sites." The land, creeks, rivers seashore and ocean are all living breathing entities. The land that you walk on today is the traditional territories of the Swengwhung, one of the seven family groups which inhabit this part of Southern Vancouver Island. 
Burial site and Cairns are places to connect people of Songhees and Esquimalt Nations, with the ancestors. Recognition and acknowledgement is vital to our beliefs and the ancestor's teachings. 

The manicured flower gardens were also very lovely but there were more people around that area so I didn't hang out for long. Too cold today to see any turtles in the ponds so I'll have to go again when it's warmer. It was a really lovely day! 

Victoria Favourites

Victoria, BC, is a beautiful city. Andrew and I stopped by to attend a concert that his sister, Clare, was singing in. She's part of the Victoria Freedom Gospel Choir and the concert was very good!

We spent a couple days wandering and visiting some of our favourite spots.

Colourful houseboats and dramatic skies at Fisherman's Wharf.

Transportation by water taxi.

Spring flowers and walking around the harbour trails.

Watching the harbour activity as we walk. A whale watching boat, a float plane and a water taxi.

Coffee and a delicious snack at Fol Epi Organic Bakery at Dockside Green.

Lunch at Rebar . . . (great vegetarian options!)

. . . and testing out a new local cider.

Visiting the locals at Beacon Hill Park

The Lookout hill at Beacon Hill Park (have to remember this photo for Canada Day!)

Walking along the ocean paths below Dallas Road.

These cliffs at Dallas Road are soarable (i.e. paragliding) in the right conditions but with a wooden fence at the top of the cliff, a walkway and so many pedestrians, it seems a bit sketchy! 

Driving out to Sea Cider and visiting some other nearby wineries. 

Andrew got some excellent photos during our wanderings, especially of all the spring flowers and the birds bathing.