Victoria, BC - Part 7

 25 June, 2026

Thetis Lake Regional Park

     We had visited this park several years ago; why we left it so long to return I am not sure. It is a wonderful spot.

     As might be expected fungi were quite common in the rich rainforest climate of these coastal regions.

Bracket Fungi (Class Agaricomycetes)

     We set out to walk the trail that circumscribes the lake.

     Spotted Towhee (Pipilo maculatus) was one of the most frequently seen birds during our visit, yet we thrilled to every sighting.

     White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys) was almost as reliable.

     Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis) completed the trifecta of the three most observed passerines.

     The trail meandered delightfully.

     The lake was never far from the path.

     We took great delight in magnificent Oregon Oaks (Quercus garryana).

     Oregon Grape (Berberis aquifolium) bears more than a passing resemblance to holly.

     Broad-leaved Stonecrop (Sedum spathulifolium) is related to the Sedum in your garden.

     Pacific Madrone (Arbutus menziesii) is characterized by exfoliating bark and its sometimes twisted form. 

     I find it an exceptionally beautiful tree.

     In the way of humans, we seem unable to let nature's beauty thrive on its own, driven by some odd compulsion to mar and disfigure the tree.

     This form of defilement makes me sick if truth be known. And I doubt whether K & J are even still together.

     Water Lilies (family Nymphaecea) in all their various forms and colours are exquisite and command attention.

     It is impossible not to utter exclamations of delight.

     They were most celebrated by the French artist, Claude Monet, but I suspect that many others have tried their hand at delicate water-colour renderings.

    

     In addition to their unsurpassed beauty waterlilies play an important role in regulating the temperature of the water and providing habitat and hiding places for small fish and other denizens of the pond.

     A Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina) refused to reveal more than its head above the water.

     The Pacific Northwest supports many native Alumroots (genus Heuchera) that are not extraordinarily flashy, artificially-bred prodigies. Instead, they are charming, understated perennials that provide for native pollinators and contribute to the food web that is the backbone of nature’s ecosystems.

     For us, Salal (Gaultheria shallon) was nothing less than floral enchantment.

     The generic name is derived from Dr. Hugues Jean Gaultier, an early French-Canadian naturalist and explorer. It is attractive in every season of the year.

     Unlike most plants Ghost Pipe (Monotropa uniflora) is white and does not contain chlorophyl. 

     Instead of generating food from the energy from sunlight it is parasitic. Since it does not require sunlight to grow it thrives in the darkest corners of dense, dark forests.

     Brambles (genus Rubus) provide food for bears fattening up in preparation for winter hibernation.

     A couple of fellows paddled their canoe around the lake, free from the mundane affairs of life for a couple of hours at least.

     Often confused with other yellow flowers, Common Cat's Ear (Hypochaeris radicata) is both strking and prolific.

     Slender Stinging Nettle (Urtica gracilis) is deluxe caterpillar cuisine for the larvae of many species of butterfly.

     Thimbleberry (Rubus parviflorus) is spectacularly beautiful.

     That scion of west coast botany, Dr. Lewis J. Clark, in a burst of soaring poetic expression described the flower's "white petals crinkled like muslin." Yes, scientists too have their romantic side.

     As common as a red light on a Saturday night, Ocean Spray (Holodiscus discolor) charmed us every time we saw it - and that was daily!

     The ubiquity and the function of moss in these ancient forests is clearly revealed in the following images.

     One feels nothing short of reverential in this environment, connected to all of nature by an umbilical cord stretching back around 390 million years when trees first appeared on Earth.

     And who's to say a House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) does not sense a little of this?

     Pink Honeysuckle (Lonicera hispidula) is a beautiful West Coast specialist, flowering throughout the summer and ranging from British Columbia to California.

     Large-leaved Avens (Geum macrophyllum) is a characteristic plant in this genus from the North Temperate to Arctic zones.

     Fungi are a mystery to most people, yet fascinating beyond belief. This fine example is found in the genus Fomitopsis.

     We saw Rose Spirea (Spiraea douglasii) almost every day and were always thrilled by it.

     It is found from British Columbia to northern Oregon.

     There was so much more. Organisms new to us defying identification, pictures that were unsatisfactory or downright useless, but the experience was glorious. I know so little, yet learn so much. There is a rare beauty in being absorbed by nature, and the thirst for knowledge continues unabated. The appreciation of beauty and of ecosystems in harmony is the cornerstone of my life. It will be thus until I draw my least breath. 

      In all of this Miriam is my stalwart companion, the best that one could ever have. What a fortunate man I am.

      It was late when we left for lunch and drove to one of our favourite restaurants, My Chosen Inn in Metchosin. 

     Miriam had a hot chicken sandwich with Cesar salad (picture below).

     I had a veggie burger and Cesar salad (no picture).

     And the service was swift, courteous and efficient.

     It would have been a travesty had it been otherwise on a very memorable day.