FIELD TRIP (LEVEL 3)

This trip is planned for peak bloom time, but the area is interesting over several weeks with a succession of sub-alpine flowers so there will be lots to see even if the season is a bit early or late. We are planning to do some short walks this year rather than the usual one long one that we have done in the past. We will start with a slow walk around Paradise Meadows, checking out all the flowers as we go. Then if the weather is clear, we plan to take the chairlift up to the top of the mountain and walk around the short trails at the top to look at some of the higher elevation plants. Then as time permits, we will check out some other short loops near the base of the chairlift. We may even find a few interesting butterflies as we meander around. We will leave Victoria at 7:00 am and return late, stopping for a quick supper on the way home. We’ll eat our bag lunch someplace out on the trail. Register by contacting Agnes after July 6. First nine people to sign up have the option of coming in her van. Others to carpool by pre-arrangement. Cost to come in the van or carpool with others will be about $35 for the day from Victoria. Although the weather is generally sunny and clear, due to the high elevation, it could be quite cool or rainy. Also wear sturdy boots and hiking poles might be handy. Bring a lunch and drinks. Remember to bring money for the chairlift (about $11.00) and a fast-food supper. Contact Agnes at thelynns at shaw.ca or 250-721-0634 to register or if you need more information.

FIELD TRIP (LEVEL 2)

Join the Saturday Birding Group as we head to Florence Lake and Langford Lake. We will meet at the boardwalk at Florence Lake at 7:30 am. To reach our starting point, go out the Island Highway and take Exit 15 McCallum Rd. Turn right at the stop and you will be on McCallum/Spencer Rd. Turn left on Springboard Place (formerly Brock Ave.). Park at end of road (not in turnaround) where we will meet. It’s about a half block to the boardwalk from there with a great view of the lake. Listen for Soras or Virginia Rails. Sometimes we’ll get Steller’s Jays and Band-tailed Pigeons and other birds not that common in town. After that, we will continue to Langford Lake. To get there, return on McCallum/Spencer Rd. to the corner by the Shell station. Curve around the front of the gas station on to the frontage road which leads to the Leigh Rd. overpass. Left at Leigh Rd. and cross the highway on the overpass. Turn right on Goldstream Ave. Park at the west end of Goldstream Ave. just before it deadends at the highway. Meet at the parking pullout and the group will meander down to the boardwalk from there. The marshy area often yields interesting birds as well as the walk through the forest to the lake usually gives us woodpeckers and other good woodsy birds. Contact Agnes at thelynns at shaw.ca or 250-721-0634 if you need more information.