Nick has Mondays off work and so we felt it would be a great day to drive the back-country. I am still waiting to have the winch added to the truck so our drive would stay to the main roads again. I hadn’t been along the Sts’ailes (West Harrison) Resource Road for years and felt like a nice drive to the 20-mile Bay camp site where I could get some nice photos of Harrison Lake. We loaded ourselves into the truck and set out for the hills. Our first stops were for nourishment, a sandwich at Subway and coffee at Starbucks, not to be left out our truck wanted a drink of diesel as well. The truck being a bit gluttonous, its bill was much higher than Nick and me combined! Done with feeding the masses we set out for Mission and Highway 7.

We were soon driving through Mission on Highway 7 heading east to the Harrison area. The drive went smoothly until we reached the Deroche area where we ran into road work. Three separate sections each with its own single-lane control gates. We were fortunate to sail through the first two but we got delayed on the final one. Finally reaching Harrison Mills we turned off the highway and onto the Morris Valley Road. We had a pleasant drive past the Harrison River marsh and soon we had reached the Weaver Creek Spawning Channel and the end of pavement.

Switching the truck into 4x4 mode we started up the resource road proper.  We stopped by the sign announcing the road radio frequency and I dialed it into my amateur radio. The commercial radio I had expected to have, arrived defective and was on its way back. So today we could monitor the radio traffic but not announce. It was good being able to hear the traffic as logging was active up the road and we needed to be aware of when the next loaded truck would be staring us down. In fact, the first passed us only a few minutes later.

We meandered our way along the route as Nick got used to handling the truck on the gravel, listening for the next truck and avoiding other recreational vehicles making a nuisance of themselves on the road. We stopped at a small pond next to the road. It is a beaver pond and I have often stopped at it to gather a few photos. We then proceeded up the road to the Camp Cove spur unfortunately the road was gated and we were not able to drop down to the cove. Continuing, we carefully listened for the next logging truck as we made our way through a number of sharp turns. As we got closer to the next one, I had Nick pull off into a small spur where I got out to take a few photos while we waited for a pair of trucks to pass us.

We then continued up the road and just prior to the 19km point we reached the Woods Lake campsite entrance. As it was past noon, I felt we could head in there for a bite. The campground was empty except for the host. We pulled into a camping spot near the small lake and parked. It was a lovely sunny day to enjoy the space, lake, fresh-air and general mountain ambience. As we ate, the host worker came by to ask if we were spending the night, being there only for the day she left us after a short chat about the few numbers so far this season.

I was quite amazed at the greening of the place. The last time I was here it was still very black and charred due to the forest fire that ravaged the place back in 2015! One could still see some charred stumps but overall, the place was vibrant with growth. As we wandered the area I was intrigued by a sign the said Phone Booth. We followed its trail to a stone rise that offered a view of Harrison Lake to the east. Whereas there is no cell coverage in the campsite, from this higher point looking across Harrison Lake one could reach the cell tower on the far side with 2 bars of signal. I sent Carolyn a text saying we were at the campsite. After gathering a few photos, we continued along the short trail to the side of Wood Lake and then back to the truck. It is a nice easy camping location and the lake has several features to make swimming and wading easy for kids. Well, it was time to move on. 

Nick felt that he had driven far enough in for the day and so rather than continue in to 20-mile bay we turned back for the drive home. We stopped at a couple of spots for photos including at the small lake near the start of the road – Grace Lake. There I chatted with a chap who was fly fishing in the water. He said he wasn’t having much luck at this lake the next one over was better. Soon we were back driving and then back on pavement.

We made quick time driving back along the Morris Valley Road and when we reached highway 7 I decided to turn east to Agassiz rather than face the three construction zones. Travel on the highway went quickly but we did run into a small construction area on Mount Woodside, fortunately the delay was minimal. The drive through Agassiz went with out any issues and soon we were crossing the Rosedale bridge heading for Highway 1. The rest of the return trip progressed much as it always does, slower than one wants but fast enough to get one home before dinner time. We reached the house around 4:30. It had been a short trip into the hills but another good introductory run for Nick and I sure enjoyed just getting out into the mountains again. The hills are calling me ever louder now.

Ralph joined me for another adventure to a new park for us. This one was in Vancouver on the east side of Queen Elizabeth Park. It is a smallish green space with some playing fields, lots of green grass to enjoy, some kids’ playground features and even some garden spaces. It seemed quite popular to the locals and was being used by a few sunbathers who were determined to rapid age their skin in the hot sun. But I get ahead of my self.

Ralph arrived at my place a bit before 10am He was expecting to load up my car and set out for the park. Well, my car’s trunk wouldn’t latch and is waiting for a service call. Instead of the car I had him load his gear into my back-country truck, a bit over-kill for a drive to Vancouver but it was secure and would carry our gear with little effort. After loading both of our radio equipment we set out for Starbucks and then the highway. I was fighting with the navigation system on the truck as it used the CarPlay method where my iPhone provided the maps and routing, the built-in system leaves much to be desired.

Once the route was finalized and our coffees in hand we set out for the park, ignoring the first routings the computer suggested, I was aware of construction on its proposed route. The drive went well and I enjoyed the taller vantage point of the truck though I didn’t like the greater bulk and lack of sophisticated driving aids that my car has. Arriving at the park presented a new challenge – pay parking. I thought to myself, no problem I already have pay-by-phone set up. Well, the Vancouver park didn’t support that method, it listed 5 other applications! I downloaded the first on the list and proceeded to register. It sent me the security code but on entry it kept rejecting it. After a few tries, I gave up on the app, Easy Park – not so easy, and tried a second choice. This time the application completed the setup and successfully added its fee to my visa card. Automation wasted 10 minutes of my day.

Finally paid-up, Ralph and I set out to explore the park. It is nestled between city streets and has a series of well-maintained pathways throughout the area. We followed the route around the outer edge. Ralph spotted a shaded spot in the middle of the park area where he could set up his station. Once back to the truck I spotted an area next to the parking lot where the grass was shaded yet had enough open space for the antenna. I returned to the truck to load up my cart and discovered that my portable table and chair were back at home in my car! Well, I guess I would be operating out of my truck for the first time.

I repositioned the truck so I could raise the antenna in the clear, quite close to my originally intended location. Ralph meanwhile set out with his gear to his chosen location. I inserted my mast holder into the trailer hitch and soon was raising my antenna into the sky. It was working quite nicely. Inside the back seats of the truck, I positioned the board I bought for a table and proceeded to set up the radio. It worked out very nicely. I was soon scanning the bands for some other park activators. I managed to work a couple before Ralph finished his set up. Once Ralph was ready, we proceeded to make some mutual contacts across eleven bands. Then we both started calling for others. It was a slow process today but we both managed seven beyond those between us. We could have garnered more but our paid parking period was almost over and so we decided to pack up and eat lunch.

It had been a pleasant adventure, seeing a new park, enjoying some conversation and even making some radio contacts. I managed to reach stations in New York, Alaska, California and Ontario amongst others. A decent spread but no exotics today. We set out for home before the Friday crowd but it was still busier than hoped as people we leaving for the week-end early. The truck set up worked out very nicely for me and will do well for activations where the parking lot is inside the park boundaries. It is not only faster to set up but being in the cab offers more comfort and heat/cooling/rain shelter as required. I am looking forward to getting it into the hills to activate a park. 

My last time into the backcountry was with my old F250 truck five years ago. The truck wore out with rust and was eventually left sitting ignored in my backyard. We looked for replacement parts but, in the end, there was no cost-effective way to fix the old gal. And so, she sat getting even rustier for two years. In the end I basically gave it away just to get the truck out of my yard. During that time my regular companion, my son Geoff, started going out with his boys not his old man and so I sat at home reflecting on all the good times we had exploring the hills. 

Well, my other son, Nick, was now doing much better health-wise and he felt like exploring the hills. That was all the excuse I needed and I soon had found a suitable used truck to purchase. I came across a 2018 eco-diesel with low mileage at a reasonable price. I soon had it sitting in my front yard waiting for its first adventure.  Well, that was not the bush but Home Depot, picking up some bark mulch for the yard! The next adventure was taking our dog Quigley to the vet. 

Finally, the week-end arrived and Nick and I set out for our inaugural trip to the hills. I selected a close-by location which would ensure Nick got back in time for his work shift. We set out for the Lost-Creek resource road which is located just north-east of the town of Mission. This area isn’t a huge one but it offers some nice views of Stave Lake and there is a lovely spot along the edge of a smaller lake – Salsbury Lake. We finally reached the start of the gravel and set the truck into 4by4 mode and started up the rocky slope. 

Our first stop was at Davis Lake Park. It is only a couple of kilometers up the road but one crosses over Murdo Creek which flows into the lake.  It has several small waterfalls that one can access quite easily. We didn’t wander down the trail far enough to see the main fall but we enjoyed a few rapids and just the pleasure of being out there. Nick had fun wandering across the rocks forming the creek bed. We returned to the truck and set out for Salsbury Lake.

The road was in good condition until the final fork up the old road on the west side of the lake. It was rough and pot-holed but not a difficult drive. At least until the final creek crossing. It was here that we were stopped. The bridge was gone and the ravine down to the small stream was quite steep. It may have been passable by a small ATV but not by us. Even in the old truck with a winch, it would not have been worth the try. Disappointed but not disheartened we took the alternate road and drove to an opening with some open views and there we stopped for lunch.

I tried calling Carolyn at home on my 2m radio. The signal was not strong enough for a conversation but Carolyn was able to recognize my voice. I will need to upgrade the amateur radio set up as an early upgrade to the truck. I have ordered a commercial radio to manage the resource road interaction but it hasn’t arrived yet. After lunch we started back down the route to the main fork. Nick wanted to go out the other leg and see if he can get to the lake from the east side. 

We made our way up the eastern side of Salsbury lake and at the closest point there were a couple vehicles parked next to a short spur down to the lake. We parked and made our way down. We met a couple who were enjoying a BBQ steak taco. The chap was a chef and his partner insisted I try a piece of the steak as she found the flavour amazing. I tried a piece and agreed it was nicely seasoned. We chatted for awhile while they finished preparing their lunch. We soon had to leave so as to ensure we got Nick home on time. The drive out went smoothly and we were all to quickly back to pavement. Though a short day and not overly difficult a terrain, it still felt amazingly good being back out there.

 My next tasks are to get the radios installed properly and to buy a winch for the truck and refresh my various safety equipment items. Time has made the mapping easier. My backcountry app running on my phone can feed the larger truck display and so the mapping issue is now quite easy compared to before when I had a large tablet and GPS unit. The winch will still need dollars and I likely will want to add some skid plates. But all in time, for now I can enjoy the simpler routes.

I t has been a while since I was last at a park with Ralph. After finishing all the parks in the Northshore, we entered a lull and haven’t been back at it in any significant manner. Perhaps because we have completed all the local parks and neither of us really wants to travel in Vancouver. As we want to visit new parks, we will need to brave the traffic of Vancouver. The next area is even much further out, up the valley to Chilliwack and beyond! In time we will be there, but for now the adventure takes to around 15 more parks in Vancouver.

The benefit of being retired is that we can squeeze our travels between the two rush-hour periods and with that in mind, Ralph arrived at my place a bit before 10am and we were soon on the road, but not to Vancouver. Our first stop was of course for a load of caffeine at Starbucks, then it was back to the route the navcom had selected. We made good time on the highway and city streets and soon we had arrived at the end of 43rd Ave and the entrance to the park. There were a number of open parking stalls and I selected one next to the open grassy area. We then began a walk around the park.

Our first goal was to explore the park looking for two places from which we would operate our radio stations. This is also the time we explore the features of the park and I gather some photos. This park has a large running track and several ball parks. It also sports a kids’ area and an adult exercise park. Ralph spotted a nice area next to the running track that offered open space next to some shade. It was already getting hot in the sun, we are never satisfied, to cold, too hot never just right. I found a nice location quite close to my car and so we returned to the car and loaded my cart, we went to my location and unloaded my gear then Ralph used the cart to carry his stuff to the further point.

I set up my portable table and chair and then my radio equipment. I was soon done and ready to start talking around the world. I called Ralph on my handheld but got no response. Not waiting for him, I then started scanning the radio bands and learned that the noise level was quite high. I soon learned that operators around the continent were all experiencing the same problem. I managed to work one chap in a park in Montana, but no others. I tried Ralph again and this time he responded. That call gave me a second contact. Ralph and I then called each other on the 70cm UHF band and the 1.25m VHF band. I had my first four contacts logged, six to go. We decided to start calling and see how things went for the next 20 minutes.

By the time I was back in touch with Ralph I had completed the required ten contacts. It had been a tough session with the high noise floor. A few regulars came through as did fellow club member Bob back in White Rock, he reported a very weak signal from me and he couldn’t hear Ralph at all. Ralph commented that he had only managed two contacts beyond those with me, even the automated stations couldn’t hear him. So, to complete the activation for Ralph we worked each other on a few HF bands giving him the needed count for the day. We were now both feeling we had achieved our goal and with the poor conditions we decided to pack up and go eat lunch.

I quickly took down my station and as I was near the car I simply carried my equipment to the car in a few trips and then waited for Ralph. Once he had returned, we grabbed our lunches and sought out a bench in the shade. We found one at the Adult Gym. While there we watched a chap do a few exercises on the equipment, then a pair of young guys came by who were also working out. The one chap was doing some very strenuous lifts and planks that I could only dream of having ever been able to do. We chatted with them a bit and then when done our lunch we wandered back to the car and set out for home. It had been a pleasant day in the park, though fairly busy, no one came by me to ask about the radio. Our drive home was early enough and we missed the soon to arrive afternoon traffic. It had been a nice visit in the park though the band conditions made operating a challenge. We will be back next week I hope for another park in the area.

My week-end was overly busy for me this past week-end. I had a club radio event followed by a lunch, a 50th year celebration at my church followed by a dinner at my son’s celebrating his daughter Eva’s 8th birthday. Then come Sunday, I attended the 9am morning service of my church for the continuation of the 50-year celebration. I quietly left there and made my way to Redwood Park to operate in the quarterly Support-Your-Parks Weekend followed by my weekly coffee with the radio club and then dinner out with my wife Carolyn! I’m glad it is Monday and I have nothing planned other than an impromptu lunch with my son Geoff whose birthday it was. I guess retirement can have its busy days.

It was a double bonus for me at the park as I have been working towards the higher levels of the repeat-offender levels and the next one was at 60 visits. Well, that was reached on Sunday. I arrived at the park around 11am and found the park not very busy, I was able to get my preferred table and I was soon setting up. As I completed the setup a chap came by wondering what I was doing. I explained the equipment and then I scanned the bands looking for a contact. He found it interesting and I gave him one of my brochures explaining POTA. 

The bands were not in the best shape and everyone was crowded onto the 20m band, it being the quarterly event week-end there were many more activators out at the parks, at one point I saw over 200 listed. The numbers made it hard to find a place where one could operate that was not overlapping other users. There were also some users doing other activities and contests that were crowded out. The Parks-on-the-Air program has gotten very popular. It being easy to participate in and getting outside into nature makes it attractive to all ages.

I scanned the bands and managed a single contact; I could hear others but they were dealing with multiple responders and couldn’t hear my weaker station. My friend Jim was down at Peace Arch Park, a few kilometres away, and once I heard him, we proceeded to make a few park-to-park contacts across a few bands. I then went back to calling having found a frequency that was open. After a while I realized it was below the range of a large number of U.S. operators and so I decided to move up frequency to where everyone could contact me.

Over the next hour I completed 12 more contacts. It was a slow go despite the large numbers operating. Being on the far coast of the continent makes one more susceptible to atmospheric interreference and today was no exception. I did fortunately have enough contacts in my log to qualify for the support-your-parks award and for completing my 60th activation. The 60th repeat-offender award level has been given the name of ‘The Bear Cave Award’. I had reached this level at Campbell Valley Park but no further as I moved my efforts to Redwood once the park got on the list since it is much closer to my home and the facility is a bit better.

Having achieved the Bear Cave level, I am now planning on working towards the next one at 80 visits – the Fishing Hole award. It will take some time and effort as the spring/summer months tend to be tougher on the radio due to the higher ionization levels in the atmosphere.  I will start this week and hopefully I can reach the next level before summer ends. I also took some time to gather a few photos of the wild flowers that are now out at the park. It is a pretty time of year and a good one to be outside enjoying it in the warmer weather.

I was back in Victoria for my quarterly visit. It is a lovely spot to enjoy some relaxation and have easy access to a number of locations to play radio. On my last visit I stayed in the lower areas and activated Beacon Hill Park, this trip I went for some elevation and activated Mount Newton. Now by Vancouver standards, Mount Newton maybe considered a small rise and definitively not a mountain, but in Saanich it is a nice rise above the farmland and offers some incredible views of the peninsula and the southern Gulf islands to the east.

After my lovely breakfast at Abigail’s hotel, I packed up the car and set out for Mt Newton in John Dean Park. It was about a 40-minute drive. Traffic was fairly light and I made good time along the route. Driving the final bit through the park to the small parking area allowed me to enjoy the trees and mosses that were draping them. The richness of the forest is so relaxing especially considering how close it is to residential areas. There were a couple of spots available to park in and I selected the first and parked. I donned my backpack which had my VHF radio and antenna and I set out on the short trail to the summit viewing platform.

The platform has ceased being much of a viewing platform as trees have grown up and obscured most of the view. People still come to see but they leave quickly as the view isn’t much. I made quick time on the trail and soon was at the platform. I set up my station using the new walking stick joiner I designed and printed on my 3d printer. This was my first use of it, and it performed well. I started calling and quickly had an American ham respond followed soon after by fellow radio club members Bob and Jim. Joe was trying to reach me but wasn’t able to. He tried again later and we did complete a chat.

I was calling for most of an hour trying to reach the needed ten contacts. Working on VHF limits one’s reach to local stations only and though I haven’t had issues before, today seemed to be more of a challenge. I did finally get the needed number and then shut down the station. I was not expecting to make a large number of contacts so I spent a bit more time chatting with those  who responded to my calls.

Once I had completed the ten contacts I packed up and switched to photography mode. There were a number of wild flowers scattered around the platform which caught my eye. Then it was off to Pickles Bluff where the real viewpoint resides. The bluff is only a five-minute walk from the platform along a well-maintained path and has a shear drop which is tall enough to keep any trees from blocking the view. It offers a spectacular view of the farmland making up Saanich Peninsula and of the Gulf islands. My previous trip to the park was my first to the bluff, on that visit, I said I would always come to the bluff once done with the radio. The scenery and serenity of the cliff ledge  is well worth it. Once done with photos I stopped to chat with a chap who I learned was from Alberta. He was sitting on the rocks enjoying the view. He finds the place so beautiful and relaxing that he makes coming here a priority. I gathered a few more photos and then made my way back to the car. It had been a pleasant day in the park and I was glad to have come again.

Too often we are in a rush to get from where we are to the place we want to be and in so doing we miss everything in between. I have been very guilty of that and often say to myself that I need to take some time to just wander with my camera. Well, I finally did it. But even so it was a challenge to not get caught up in the ‘going somewhere’.

My adventure began in my backyard. Here I enjoy having many fruit trees. The back group of plums were in full blossom and so I went for a wander to see if any clumps of blossoms caught me eye. They are really very pretty and I captured a number of groups that caught my eye. I moved on to another shrub in the yard, a Japanese Andromeda. It was also putting forth its flowers for the spring. This shrub is quite a large one in the yard but it regularly gets damaged by the dogs running under it and breaking off a branch or two. I am amazed it is doing as well as it is.

Next, I found some ferns sending forth their stems. They come out as fiddle tops and are all sorts of interesting shapes. I spent a few minutes on my knees getting down to their level for a close-up view. The ferns are actually quite interesting at this stage of their cycle. After the ferns I was ready to head out into the wild and see what might be found. But first I wanted to drop by my friend Jim who was doing Parks on the Air with his radio at Blackie Spit in Crescent Beach. So, forgetting my plans I set out for his location!

Along the way to the beach, I spotted a grove of mature cherry trees in full blossom. The street has been a popular location for people to visit at this time and I had been there a few times over the years. I promised I would drop in on my return. Upon arriving at Blackie Spit I noticed some red flowers at the side of the entrance which I decided needed a closer look. Upon reaching Jim he was just finishing the packing up of his gear. Perfect timing as I didn’t want to do radio. We chatted and he wandered the park with me as I gathered a few photos. I walked back to the entrance and snapped a few photos of the red flowers I had spotted on the way in. They were a new one to me - Crown Imperial – quite an interesting shape. A few daffodils were crying for attention not wanting their momentary beauty to be lost forever. We wandered to the beach where I took a few photos and then on the way back to the car, I was intrigued by the shapes of some of the bare trees.

Jim and I then parted ways and I drove into the Ocean Park area looking for a few more photos I passed an interesting plant on the way but I was headed for another group I had seen the week prior and so just ignored the sight. (wasn’t this my whole issue?) I found the trees I had seen earlier, Lily Magnolias,  but they were past their best though a few flowering clumps were still attractive. I then felt guilty about the flower I passed earlier and drove back there. It was an Evergreen Clematis and the five petal flowers were really quite pretty. I was glad I returned to capture a few images

Done with the Clematis, I felt it was time to set out for home. The direct route took me right back to the grove of cherry trees and so once I reached the side road I pulled over and parked and started wandering the two blocks of cherries. They were at their best and many people were coming and taking photos. One couple who couldn’t speak English (likely Japanese) handed me their cell phone so I could take their photos with the trees behind them. I believe this location is listed as one of the best spots for cherry blossoms and one finds many people coming miles to see them. I spent some time taking photos but also trying to get some contrasts between the blossoms and the dark branches that offer many interesting shapes. It was a fun spot in which to finish the adventure.

The morning travelling a few of the local roads was quite enjoyable and I really do need to do this much more often. Why have a camera if one seldom uses it. Of course one could argue, why bother taking tens of thousands of photos if only I ever see them. Alas, the dichotomy of taking photos, for pleasure or for a commercial purpose. I tried the latter but decided only the former is worth the effort. And so, I go forth and just enjoy what nature offers, at least I do when not rushing to a park to play with my radio. 

I have been visiting the park a few times a week lately as I work up the numbers in my radio program. My goal is to reach the 100 activations level and today’s visit marks the half way point at 50. I am well on my way to the goal. Redwood works out really well for me as it is the closest park in the program to my home being only a quick 5-minute drive. It also has good facilities with 4 separate covered picnic table areas. If one is busy another is likely still available. The picnic tables are also far enough from houses that interference from residential WIFI and appliances is minimal yet close enough that cell coverage is reliable. An ideal location for doing Parks-on-the-Air activations.

Today began with me driving the back way to the park as the normal route takes me through what is currently a busy construction zone with controlled one-lane access and a long backup of impatiently waiting drivers who are not really wanting to let another vehicle pull into the line in front of them. The back route which is actually a bit shorter but takes one through slower residential roads is the route of choice for the day.

I arrived at the park and found only one car in the area next to the upper tables. I pulled in behind them and carted my gear to the table area. I noticed that the park was quite empty today, no kids in the play area and not even any dogs exercising their owners. I was able to get the mast in the air and the radio ready in short order and I checked the postings for other activators and started scanning the bands to see who I could hear. There seemed to be slim pickings this morning but I did reach a station in Wisconsin and then California. I started calling on my own frequency but responses were slow and I took a break to try scanning the band again. This time I managed a station in New York and New Jersey. Back to calling I finally had a few stations respond to my hails. They came from Florida, Indiana, Kentucky … It was a nice run but soon dried up again.

I eventually had enough in my log to stop but I felt like scanning the band again and this time I reached stations in Texas, Michigan, Oregon, and Nevada. It was more than required so I decided to pack up after around 50 minutes on the air. It had been a slow run but I made my numbers and enjoyed some fresh outdoor air. The park was still very quiet though a few dogs were out making their rounds. I packed up my radio and stowed it in the car and grabbed my camera and set out to capture a few scenes.

I found some nice early crocuses blooming next to the parking lot which offered a reminder that spring was in the air and that the warmer weather was about to descend. The trees were still not in leaf but many of the lower shrubs already had their initial leaf buds on display. I wandered along the main trail and made my way to the fairy village. The fairies were still mostly south for the winter and I found only a few houses on display. I do hope we see some of the nicer ones returned to the area in short order. I continued my walk along a few trails and eventually made my way back to the car. It had been a pleasant visit but it was time for lunch and so I set out for home. I will be back soon to complete the second half of my goal.

During every visit I make to Victoria I try to have some time with my cousin Jim who lives in Oak Bay. We generally do a walk or hike through some interesting location but sometimes we just stay close and enjoy Victoria proper. Today would be one of these close-by adventures, which was just as well as I was feeling a bit worn down.

Jim arrived around 11:30 and I made my way down to him at the street outside the hotel. We then decided on the route we would take. Our goal was to spend some time in Beacon Hill Park and then the beach before eating at the Breakwater Bistro on the waterfront. We set out down Quadra Street to the north entrance to the park. Reaching the park, we started along the gravel path where  we both noted that the Gary Oak trees looked beat up and not in the best of shape. Large sections of the Arbutus trees also were dead and totally bare of leaves. Most trees were likely ok but in winter they can look less than healthy. We continued along the trails in the park passing a large flock of ducks that were slowly wandering around the numerous park goers. 

We aimed for the high point of the park - Beacon Hill – and there we admired the view of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the mountains of the Olympic Peninsula beyond. The low layer of fog on the water added to the grandeur of the scene. A few freighters making their way along added a sense of scale to the view. It really is a pretty spot and if it was warmer, one could spend a lot of time just sitting and enjoying the activity. We followed a trail down the slope to the beach and began our walk along the walkway to the first stairway down to the beach.

Once on the beach we continued our walk westward to the Bistro. We were able to follow a trail for the first while but soon it ended and we had to scramble over the rough rocks that formed the shoreline. It was slower going but we were determined to continue along rather than climb back up to the easy walkway. I guess we felt that the Tsunami warning signs didn’t apply much at the moment. It was a fun scramble and we enjoyed watching a seal that was also carefully watching our progress. We finally crossed the final grouping of boulders and made our way to the seriously damaged seawall. The surface layer of concrete was quite lifted up off its base and sat in large chunks across the surface. It looked quite bad but was still much faster to walk than the rocks we had been on.

Soon we were back on hard pathways and walking was much easier. I was surprised to see another swimmer out in the water again today. She was at least wearing a bathing suit as we weren’t at the nudist beach today! We took the ramp up to the main walk and soon arrived at the Bistro only to find it closed. So much for lunch on the water. Jim said he knew of another bistro a few blocks from here. It was not on the beach but offered nice food. So, we headed along the streets away from the glorious ocean views and found ourselves passing MacDonald Park on our way to the Heron Rock Bistro. Traffic was light and the scenery still interesting and soon we could see the bistro. As we approached things looked odd and sure enough it was also closed! I told Jim he was on strike two.

Jim considered the options and realized that the building housed a second coffee shop on the far side and so we made our way to the James Bay Coffee House. This one was full of people. We scanned the food offerings and I was waylaid by a gorgeous looking cinnamon bun with cheese icing. One can only resist so far after a tiring walk and so the bun soon made its way to my plate and eventually to my mouth. It was a lovely pleasure with which to finish our walk along the shoreline. After we had finished eating and warming up from the walk we continued on our way back to my hotel. We had a decent amount of exercise and good conversation but it was time to part our ways until my next visit. We walked once more through the corner of Beacon hill park before the final climb up Quadra Street where we said our good byes as I headed into the hotel.

T he sun was out and though the air cool, it was a refreshing day and a great one to get out and spend some time in the fresh air operating one’s radio. Being at Abigail’s hotel one takes the time to enjoy their lovely hot breakfast which starts one out in good stead for the day’s adventures. Having finished breakfast, I was now ready to load my equipment into the car and set out for the park. I could walk to the park but hauling a cart full of stuff down a hill is a bit much and besides, I want to set up at the far side of the park.

The drive was quick as the distance was short and soon, I was pulling into a stall along Dallas Road directly south of the tall flagpole that dominates the highest point in the park. It is in this location that the park extends across the road to the bluff and where the Canada Trail crosses through Beacon Hill Park. It is one of the places where you can officially operate in two parks simultaneously. Once parked I got out to reconnoitre the area and see if the bench I used last year was still usable. It was. Back to the car for my equipment and soon I was setting up my mast for the station.

This location is close to a lot of foot traffic, both two and four-foot kinds. And as I expected a number of people stopped their walking to ask about my activity. Though a major flare was released by the sun yesterday, it was still in transit to the earth and so for today the bands remained in good shape. My first two contacts were with stations in Connecticut followed quickly by a station in Texas. Then I got a message from fellow activator Jim back home who was having a tough time getting contacts from Kwomais Point Park.  He tried calling me but I couldn’t hear him we switched to the 20m band and there we were able to work each other though our signals were weak.

Done with Jim I resumed calling on the 15m band and soon had a response from a fellow activator in Tennessee. More stations followed in quick succession from Arizona, Rode Island, Georgia, Florida, California, Wisconsin, New York … in 25 minutes of calling, I managed 21 contacts giving me a total of 25 for the morning. It was a good session but though the sun was out, my location was somewhat shaded and the cool air was having its way with me. Since I had more than I needed to complete the activation, I decided to pack up. Take down went quickly and soon I was walking back to the car. 

While operating, I saw numerous people take the pathway beside me down to the beach and so I decided to stow my gear and wander down there with my camera. I returned to the pathway and started down the trail. The stairs made descent easy and soon I was approaching the beach. The Tsunami warning sign caught my eye as I walked past. Down on the beach I noticed a few small groups spread out along the water. I scrambled over some rocks which were jutting out from the bluff and gathered a few photos of the strait and shoreline. I noticed one woman out swimming in the ocean! A bit cold for me. It was as I was leaving that I noticed she was also quite naked in the water! I soon learned that this small cove was the nudist beach of Victoria! I came for the scenic beauty which I got but also a bit of natural beauty.

Done with the beach I made my way back up the stairs and past the dog area where many dogs were enjoying visiting and arguing (much like a group of people) and soon I was back in the car where the heater returned some life to my limbs. I drove to the local market to pick up a few things for the room and then back to the hotel for the afternoon. It was a nice adventure and I was happy to have completed another 2fer in the Parks program.