NOTE: This post contains slideshows and if you are viewing on your phone is best viewed direct from the SITE, rather than in the READER.
All photos taken on October 8, 2021, during our hike in East Sooke Regional Park.
We set off to do a couple of easier hikes today. The first was just out our doorstep into East Sooke Regional Park and down Pike Road Trail, perhaps 1.5 km (1 mile) return from where we entered on Silver Spray Trail. It was easier….to a point. Read further and you’ll get what I mean.
This flower spike with so few blooms open intrigued me, looking a bit like a cactus in flower
This plant, on the other hand was in full bloom
The trail started off as easy and Benji was let off the lead in places
Once again, trail signage was plentiful and easy to follow
These little yellow fungi kept to the theme of the day – yellow
The old growth forest was spectacular as we neared….
….our first glimpse of Iron Mine Bay
these trees were a bit gnarled from the off-shore winds
judging by the amount of rock, we must be nearing the pointa view of Secretary Island from the other sideIron Mine Bay from the Point
the climb to the top of the point was not for everyone, but Benji & K found it easy
the view back down
rose hip redlooking down to the small beach
mushroom tree
what do you mean, this is as far as you go Benji?moss was everywhereB says….save me Benji, save meWho me?You want me to go up there??I’ll just stay down here and point the way.
Not much to tell. After working for 3 companies over 43+ years (38 years 7 months with my last company), I finally got that promotion I had waited my entire career for……retirement.
I have been exploring this new career for the past 7+ years and while it is not always exciting, the chance to do what I want for myself and my family instead of what my company wants has been very fulfilling. Early on, there was a long list of projects in my “to-do” hopper and I attacked these projects with a vengeance for the first 9 months of retirement. Eventually, my brain told me that this was not what retirement was about, so it took me another 5 months before my industriousness again took over and I attacked another line of projects, this time somewhat shorter and less complicated, as well as many new projects related to the family weddings in 2016. After going hard for 6 weeks and 3 weddings, my body was telling me to relax, then the flu bug hit and as soon as that was done with me, my sciatic acted up. No rest for the wicked. In 2020 and 2021, the Covid 19 pandemic changed the whole retirement gig. I was lucky to not be still working, for sure.
I enjoy photography, gardening, working with my hands, walking, cycling, skiing, travelling, reading and creating special photo and video productions obtained in my first pastime. I may never become wealthy in any of these pursuits, but I already feel I am rich in life experiences far beyond any expectation.
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Ha Ha. I long ago learned not to follow Benji everywhere. He is far more nimble than I. It was a nice peaceful wander,. Thanks for reading Lyssy. Allan
The yellow fungi did not even look real. I still wonder what they were. I wonder if the bright colour indicates danger, as ti often does in nature. Thanks for reading Marion. Allan
The trees along the coast were so different from what we see in our part of the world. Benji, like most dogs is so eager to try to do what pleases his hoomins, but you can tell there are times when he just gives his head a shake and says, “You want me to do what? Thanks for reading. Hope your week is going well. Allan
What a wonderful collection of beautiful photos, Allan plus all the memories made by hiking together with family. The views of Secretary Island are beautiful and so is the trail. Thanks for sharing and have a good day 🙂 Aiva
Thanks Aiva. We were blessed with such good weather while we were there and it was good to see Secretary Island from the other side. Thanks for reading. I hear your weather may be a bit wet and wild right now from a storm. Hope the sun shines for you again soon. Allan
I finally looked it up and this is what I found on the Wiki “Tremella mesenterica (common names include yellow brain, golden jelly fungus, yellow trembler, and witches’ butter) is a common jelly fungus in the family Tremellaceae of the Agaricomycotina. It is most frequently found on dead but attached and on recently fallen branches”. Who knew. It was good to have this hike so close to where we were staying. Thanks for reading Bernie. Allan
Picture This 
What a fun hike that must have been. 😊
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It was less rugged than our previous one, with lots of time for fun as well as great views. Thanks for reading Pepper. Allan
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I imagine Benji at the top of the rock saying “Come on Grandpa!” ha! Looks like a nice trail to enjoy 🙂
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Ha Ha. I long ago learned not to follow Benji everywhere. He is far more nimble than I. It was a nice peaceful wander,. Thanks for reading Lyssy. Allan
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Benji’s commentary seems light up the whole experience!
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He is a very talkative individual. Thanks for reading. Allan
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Beautiful views – what a terrific trail! And Benji as usual was a star. 🙂
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It was a nice hike to great views and Benji did indeed play a starring role. Thanks for reading Lynette. Allan
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I like those small yellow fungi and the bright red rose hip. Great you spotted them on your hike.
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The yellow fungi did not even look real. I still wonder what they were. I wonder if the bright colour indicates danger, as ti often does in nature. Thanks for reading Marion. Allan
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I love the gnarly trees. I got a good laugh from the pictures and commentary about Benji. He’s such an entertainer.
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The trees along the coast were so different from what we see in our part of the world. Benji, like most dogs is so eager to try to do what pleases his hoomins, but you can tell there are times when he just gives his head a shake and says, “You want me to do what? Thanks for reading. Hope your week is going well. Allan
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What a wonderful collection of beautiful photos, Allan plus all the memories made by hiking together with family. The views of Secretary Island are beautiful and so is the trail. Thanks for sharing and have a good day 🙂 Aiva
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Thanks Aiva. We were blessed with such good weather while we were there and it was good to see Secretary Island from the other side. Thanks for reading. I hear your weather may be a bit wet and wild right now from a storm. Hope the sun shines for you again soon. Allan
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Yes, you’ve heard it right, the storm is about to arrive tonight and that’s why all the schools are closed tomorrow 🥰
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I’ve never seen such vivid yellow fungus! Looks like a great hike.
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I finally looked it up and this is what I found on the Wiki “Tremella mesenterica (common names include yellow brain, golden jelly fungus, yellow trembler, and witches’ butter) is a common jelly fungus in the family Tremellaceae of the Agaricomycotina. It is most frequently found on dead but attached and on recently fallen branches”. Who knew. It was good to have this hike so close to where we were staying. Thanks for reading Bernie. Allan
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