We love going to Victoria: the ocean, the parks, the mild climate... And now
that Eric's parents have moved there, we'll almost certainly be there more
often!
Butchart Gardens
It doesn't matter what time of the year you go, Butchart Gardens has
something in bloom. We've been in sun and rain, summer and winter... and have
never been disappointed.
Want to see some old growth forest?
From Victoria, drive north to Duncan and then west to Cowichan Lake. When the
paved road along the south side changes to gravel, follow the signs towards
"Renfrew" (actually Port Renfrew). Keep your eyes open for logging
trucks - especially on weekdays - as the area is being actively logged.
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Lunch spot
(600x410; 82K)
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I explored this route in May with my parents and
sister Laurie. We found a pretty lunch spot just off the side of the road.
Dippers, robins and various warblers flitted about in the woods and along the
creek as we munched our sandwiches on the rock outcrop above a deep pool.
Although tempted, Laurie decided not to swim in the frigid water. Maybe in
August... |
Laurie considering a swim
(600x400; 82K)
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A few kilometres further along, the creek had grown to a river. Although the
"railing" was only a foot-high beam, we steeled ourselves to peer over
one of the bridges to see its emerald pools and frothing rapids far below.
Sadly, the forest has been clear-cut all along this road. While the more
recent cut areas have apparently been reforested, erosion has exposed far too
much bare rock that will never again be home to trees. And the edges of the cut
forest are particularly sad: huge trees, once well inside the forest's
protection, are now exposed to the sun and wind. Many are dead or dying and many
more have fallen to expose their neighbours to the same fate.
More information about Victoria
- Butchart Gardens
- Victoria Tourism Association
- British Columbia logging industry
- Old growth forest
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Last updated on 06 December 2001 .
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