Friday, August 14, 2020 (North Saanich, BC)

Another gorgeous day! We're heading into another heat wave with temperatures expected to get into the high 20's C with humidex into the 30's C (high 80's F...humidex into 90's F).

We bid Rob a good day as he headed off to work early this morning...the rest of us have decided to head out on a hike a tad bit later.

Rather than hike the trails around the house, we decided to drive to John Dean Provincial Park, about a 20 minute drive away. Conner and Bryce wanted to ride with Grampa in our car, so I went with Angie...it's a bit tight to get a third person in the back seat with the boys having their booster seats.

ȽÁU,WELṈEW̱/John Dean Provincial Park (formerly known as John Dean Provincial Park prior May 2019)is a small, densely vegetated provincial park (174 hectares) on the Saanich Peninsula of southern Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. The park is located on and around ȽÁU,WELṈEW̱ (english name Mount Newton), a small mountain (elevation 305 m) in the traditional territory of Wsanec First Nations.

Located on the north end of the Saanich Peninsula, John Dean Provincial Park has several hiking trails that pass through beautiful forested areas and past scenic viewpoints overlooking the region. The network of hiking trails wrap around Mount Newton and there are several groves of old-growth Douglas Fir and Garry Oak trees throughout the park.

After conferring on the map at the trail head, Angie picked the route we'd take...she had read reviews of certain spots that were a "must see". The trail we took immediately started off uphill...but after a bit of huffing and puffing, we were soon going down...
Bryce actually found a good walking stick to help me...since I hadn't brought my poles.
Stairs going down to Pickle's Bluff, behind us...
Pickles' Bluff is the most scenic and popular viewpoint in John Dean Provincial Park as it looks out over farmland towards Haro Strait on a clear day. The busy Patricia Bay Highway can be seen in the distance and, if you're lucky, birds of prey can often be spotted perched on some of the nearby trees.
The hazy sky is from forest fire smoke...all the way from Siberia!


After enjoying the fabulous view, it was time to carry on...
The boys never pass up on anything interesting to climb or crawl on, sometimes forgetting you have to get back down too...LOL!

Garry Oak - Arbutus Meadows...


Emerald Pool...

They wouldn't stand in the tree together...

Early pioneer John Dean donated the first 32 hectares of property for the park in 1921, followed by four other settlers who contributed adjoining lands. Remnants of their homesteads remain in the park today.
Moss covered rock wall...
Not much left of the cabin site...
(Click photo to enlarge)
Angie's photo...
Lilly Pond...

The boys thought they could shimmy across the pond...
Angie's photo..."Back it up boys!"
That would have been a very long shimmy!
Giant tree...
What a fabulous hike! It was a good 3 kms/2 miles of up and down...but the scenery was amazing! I can't remember the last time I was up there...Steve had taken Rob there while I was in the hospital having Chris, over 35 years ago! And it certainly didn't have the well established hiking trails that it has now.

We got home at noon...enough time for a quick bite to eat for lunch before driving into Sidney to meet our good friends, Rob and Nancy, at Tulista Park for our favourite waterfront walk.

Another great walk while catching up with our long-time friends! Awesome seeing you both!
We certainly got our exercise today...another 5 kms/3 miles on the waterfront...for a total of 8 kms/5 miles.

Back home, it was time for showers and then off into Victoria to meet Rob, Angie and the boys at Boston Pizza for an early dinner...
Just before 6:00 a group was gathering in a nearby parking lot for the unveiling of Dave's (Steve's brother from northern Manitoba) car.

I'll pass this over to Steve now....
Brother-in-law Mike's old Chevelle he had in storage for decades and "finally sold" to his nephew who has restored it.
Patiently waiting for Dave's friend Vince to arrive in Dave's car for the big reveal. A few of the guys that worked on the car were here too.
Left, Angie, Rob, Conner, me, Bryce, Nancy, Steve's sister Nadine, brother Dave, his wife Kerry, nephew Matt, and niece Amanda...
Vince's car...think it's a 72 Chevelle...
We had no idea all these other cool cars would be here...


Dave's first view of his car rumbling in as Vince finally arrives a little late...
67 Acadian Canso...a Canadian built car similar to the US Chevy II and Nova.
Vince backing in...sweet ride!!
This is actually my old car that I bought in the early 70's. It used to be a metallic blue and I had it repainted black and added new rubber and Crager mags. I swore I would never own a black car again...they're dirty before they dry...LOL! In 83 I sold it to my buddy Jim who in turn sold it to Dave a few years later. Dave hasn't driven it since 1994. He trailered it back from Manitoba to the island 5 years ago for restoration. It has been totally stripped down to every last nut and bolt!
Changed out the stock 283 and added a small block 350, new transmission, disc brakes, and power steering...
Custom radiator...
New upholstery. Still needs the new stereo added...



They even upholstered the trunk!
Can't wipe that smile off Dave's face!
Short video of Dave and Kerry driving off...turn up the volume! Unfortunately a noisy motorcycle showed up to ruin the sound :(
A few other cars followed for a run...
Another beauty Canso...


That was really cool...so happy for you Dave. I can hardly wait to drive it tomorrow!


4 comments:

  1. Awesome car Steve ... I bet you wish it was still yours. lol Looks like a great hike you did with your grandson's too. Great views.

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    1. I sure do wish it was still mine, but without the cost of restoration. 🤣 Lots of quality time with the kids.

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  2. Nice hike keeping everyone fit.
    Lots of sweet rides.
    Be Safe and Enjoy!

    It's about time.

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    Replies
    1. Yes, seeing all those restored cars was really cool!

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