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.
In the afternoon, we climbed in the car for the 20 minute, 14.1 km (8 3/4 mile) drive to the parking area near the Aylard Farm at the other side of East Sooke Regional Park. We were going to try another “easy” walk to Beechey Head, which would have great views of the bay. The walk was 4 km return, with the promise of more distance, if we still had energy left.
the path started out flat and wide
As usual, signage was clear and plentiful
light and shadow played on the forest floor
again, Benji had both on leash and off leash time
mushroom stump
we came to a fork in the road…
…. and Benji wanted to take the high road
It was a steady uphill climb from this point on.
slow and steady
getting closer
we could tell we were getting close
you can’t see the forest for the trees
whale watching boat in the bay
climbing to the summit of Beechey Head
at the Beechey Head sign
a few people were monopolizing the main view, so B and I took a turn to the right…
…..and found this view – so much better
the long view back to Sooke Point Ocean Cottage Resort
good to know You Are Here
heading back
soaking it all in
photo stop
almost done – we opted to head back for the usual sunset view from our cottage
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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29 thoughts on “Road Trip – Beechey Head”
This is such a beautiful place! Thanks for sharing!
We thought we were so far away from the cottage, but my 50X zoom made it look like we were close. Great to have the coastal views to get the lay of the land. Thanks for reading Maggie. Allan
Hi Allan! My son got Covid at school three weeks ago due to the many restrictions the government supressed at schools from January 2022. My husband and I eventually got Covid as well, even though we took all precautions at home. Fortunately and thanks to the vaccines we recovered pretty fast and we are all feeling well now.
I hope you and your family are doing well.
Oh Blanca, so sorry to hear that, but glad you are all now well. Our government here is also removing the rules far too fast, but perhaps you have heard of the Freedom (Free-Dumb) Convoys going on here right now from people who do not think mandates are going away fast enough. In the meantime, my son and his wife have both had Covid and thanks to vaccines are now on the mend. The world is a crazy place right now and we all need to do our best to stay safe. Sending hugs. 🤗🤗🤗Allan
Thank you so much Allan. I’m very happy to hear your son and his wife also recovered from Covid. Nobody likes to get infected, but at least now with the vaccines is the “right” moment to get it.
These days, there’s a general inclination in protesting about almost everything. Too many people, to many changes, too much information. It would be nice if people tried to respect each other, cooperate and look for solutions instead of constantly protesting and having a destructive attitude.
I hope you are well and most importantly, stay safe.
Thanks Blanca. You are right. Anger plays well in political circles, news cycle and gets more likes on “Social” media. Kindness and peace are boring. Pity. We are both well and keeping active, although we are back in a cold snap for a while. Spring is coming. 🌿🌿☀️🌦️🤗
Look at Benji being so helpful and leading the way. I hate it when you reach the summit or overlook and there’s people blocking the views. But it sounds like it worked out well as the other viewpoint looks stunning.
Benji is a real trooper and kept us going to keep up. We waited for the group to clear, but it became evident they were not in a hurry. As it was Covid time, we had no wish to squeeze in for a closer view, but found a better one with just a little exploration. The other viewpoint gave us the view we were looking for in any case. Thanks for reading Linda. Allan
Many tourists and non hikers do not have an idea of what is meant by hiking etiquette. We even found that in our back country hike. These days, us old folks are the ones who have to get off the sidewalk so that those lost in earnest conversation with each other do not have to miss a word. I was surprised to see how close we were to the cottages. The roads are very twisty in this part of the country. Thanks for reading Bernie. Allan
Picture This 
This is such a beautiful place! Thanks for sharing!
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We do love the West Coast….and the East Coast….and any coast. Thanks for reading. Allan
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Haha, yes!
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Beautiful views!
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Thanks Diana. Hope all is well with you. Allan
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The place is wonderful!
… and the pics too ❣️
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Thanks Luisa. Happy Thursday. Allan
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Happy Thursday to you too: it’s afternoon here in Italy, 5 pm
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Hopefully you didn’t get hit with roaming charges! Lol!
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We roamed without roaming charges. Yay. 🚶🚶♂️🚶♀️📱📱
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Nice!
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Beautiful views, both ways.
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We thought we were so far away from the cottage, but my 50X zoom made it look like we were close. Great to have the coastal views to get the lay of the land. Thanks for reading Maggie. Allan
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Another great forest walk Allan and more excellent shots of fungi too.
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Fun walk and fungi. It was a great place to visit Marion. Thanks so much for reading. Allan
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Such gorgeous views, Allan, with gorgeous photos to match! You and Linda have posted the most amazing pictures.
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Thanks Lynette. We made the best of our last day at Sooke Point. Happy to be in the same company as Linda. Cheers. Allan
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I can’t tell who is enjoying themselves more – you or Benji 🙂 These posts reminds me of hiking with my family and what a great time we always have.
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Hiking with family is always a great adventure Lyssy. Thanks for reading. Happy Thursday. Allan
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Such wonderful views! This looks like a great road trip. The place really seems worth visiting, thank you for sharing, Allan.
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Hi Blanca. How are things in your part of the world? Sooke Point was a great escape. Thanks for reading. Allan
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Hi Allan! My son got Covid at school three weeks ago due to the many restrictions the government supressed at schools from January 2022. My husband and I eventually got Covid as well, even though we took all precautions at home. Fortunately and thanks to the vaccines we recovered pretty fast and we are all feeling well now.
I hope you and your family are doing well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh Blanca, so sorry to hear that, but glad you are all now well. Our government here is also removing the rules far too fast, but perhaps you have heard of the Freedom (Free-Dumb) Convoys going on here right now from people who do not think mandates are going away fast enough. In the meantime, my son and his wife have both had Covid and thanks to vaccines are now on the mend. The world is a crazy place right now and we all need to do our best to stay safe. Sending hugs. 🤗🤗🤗Allan
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much Allan. I’m very happy to hear your son and his wife also recovered from Covid. Nobody likes to get infected, but at least now with the vaccines is the “right” moment to get it.
These days, there’s a general inclination in protesting about almost everything. Too many people, to many changes, too much information. It would be nice if people tried to respect each other, cooperate and look for solutions instead of constantly protesting and having a destructive attitude.
I hope you are well and most importantly, stay safe.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Blanca. You are right. Anger plays well in political circles, news cycle and gets more likes on “Social” media. Kindness and peace are boring. Pity. We are both well and keeping active, although we are back in a cold snap for a while. Spring is coming. 🌿🌿☀️🌦️🤗
LikeLiked by 1 person
Look at Benji being so helpful and leading the way. I hate it when you reach the summit or overlook and there’s people blocking the views. But it sounds like it worked out well as the other viewpoint looks stunning.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Benji is a real trooper and kept us going to keep up. We waited for the group to clear, but it became evident they were not in a hurry. As it was Covid time, we had no wish to squeeze in for a closer view, but found a better one with just a little exploration. The other viewpoint gave us the view we were looking for in any case. Thanks for reading Linda. Allan
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah those who hog the view. That often happens in National Parks with the red chairs. Good view back to “your” place.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Many tourists and non hikers do not have an idea of what is meant by hiking etiquette. We even found that in our back country hike. These days, us old folks are the ones who have to get off the sidewalk so that those lost in earnest conversation with each other do not have to miss a word. I was surprised to see how close we were to the cottages. The roads are very twisty in this part of the country. Thanks for reading Bernie. Allan
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