29 June, 2026
Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park
We had not visited this park on any of our previous journeys to Vancouver Island. A new place is always exciting!
A Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis) probed around the parking area.
I doubt whether any of the trees are old growth specimens, but they appear to be mature second growth. We were left wondering whether the hole at the base of this giant was home to an animal.
We meandered down various paths and roads, at times alongside water. This female Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) had found a perch it liked and returned to it often.
American Robin (Turdus migratorius) was very common.
It seemed equally at home probing for morsels along the shore or delving into the mossy substrate of the forest.
Song Sparrows (Melospiza melodia) were seen and heard frequently, but proved to be difficult to photograph.
It's probably not everyone's favourite creature, but we very much enjoyed this large Black Slug (Arion ater).
There is always something magical about waterlilies and we found it delightful to see extensive growths of Western Yellow Pond-Lilies (Nuphar polysepala).
A family of Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) cruised by, like a human family at the Easter Parade!
The youngsters are growing up fast.
A local delicatessen named Tonolli's seems to be quite renowned in the area, and we stopped for a coffee and scone.
It was a busy spot and we parked down the road a ways, but the walk back was well worth it!
On the way home we stopped at Michell's Farm Market on the Saanich Peninsula to pick up fresh strawberries.
This emporium has a long history on Vancouver Island and is renowned for its high quality produce.
We didn't do much of anything else for the rest of the day other than starting to get ready for our journey home the following morning.
You met George and Jan in the last post. George is a prolific author and brought over a couple of his books for me, and they shared dessert with us. It was a lovely end to the day.
30 June, 2026
Victoria - Waterloo
We went for a walk around Oak Bay with Jan until it was time to leave for the airport. Jan drove us there and we bade her farewell, filled with gratitude for a wonderful vacation.
Our journey home was smooth from start to finish and, as always, it was good to sleep in our own bed!
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