Friday, October 12, 2012

Pumpkin Patch

http://www.abbylanefarm.com/

If you want to experience what a real pumpkin patch is all about, including a pumpkin launching catapult and a horse drawn wagon ride to the patch check Abbey Lane Farm off Maze road.  We've gone the last three years and Kat and her super friendly family do not disappoint.

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Botanical Beach

Botanical Beach

The Beecher Bay to Port Renfrew ocean area grows about 275 of the 500 different Sea weeds found on the west coast of Vancouver Island, B.C..



Rich tide pools, a shoreline full of life and fantastic geological features impress visitors to Botanical Beach, a "natural Jewel" in the newly created Juan de Fuca Provincial Park .

image of Botanical BeachHistory
The abundance of life was what drew Dr. Josephine Tildon to choose Botanical Beach as the location for the University of Minnesota's marine station in 1900. For seven years students and researchers came from all over the world to study here. To get to the station, a steamship would come from Victoria to Port Renfrew. From there it was on foot on a very muddy and narrow trail to the station. A better road in to the station was promised,however it did not materialize and the difficult access was considered a reason for the station's closure in 1907. There are few remains of the station left today. Universities still use Botanical Beach for field trips,and research,under park use permits. The area became a Class A provincial park in 1989.


image of shells in a small pool left behind when the tide went out


Natural History
Botanical Beach has extensive upland habitat, but is best known for its abundance of intertidal life. A visitor can find hundreds of species of plants and animals. The organisms that live here must be able to handle a wide range of conditions. When the tide is out there are large changes in temperature, predators, food sources and salinity.


images of sea life in the tidal pools at Botenay Bay


Organisms
Each creature has adapted to contend with these variable conditions. Organisms that can not cope with drying will survive in the tide pools or in shaded crevices. There you will find congregations of seastars, chitons and anemones, the seastars often piled together to conserve moisture loss. Barnacles, snails, mussels are able to survive by closing up tightly with a small amount of water inside their shells.


sea urchins in a tidal pool at Botanical Beach, Vancouver Island

Some Plants and Animals
There are some plants and animals that are specialists to the high impact waves found at Botanical Beach. The Gooseneck Barnacle(an animal),and the Sea Palm (a brown algae) are two of these. These organisms survive in the surf zone by being attached to the rock with flexible stocks that bend with the force of the waves. They are just two of the thousands of species of marine invertebrates and algae that can be found here at low tide. Purple Sea Urchins have established a particular niche in the soft sandstone. Their sharp,hard spines help to wear away indentations in which they live.


image of a strange looking rock, looks like indents cut deep into the rock about the size of a basketball


While Exploring
While exploring please remember the rocks can be very slippery and dangerous. Please respect ALL natural objects found within the park. Do Not remove, collect or disturb any tidepool life, shells, plants, flowers, kelp etc. Photographs make great souvenirs!


deep cuts in the tidal beach sometimes to wide to cross


Watch the Ocean
Killer Whales and Grey Whales have often been observed swimming past the beach or feeding just off of the points. The best time for seeing Grey Whales is during their migration from the Mexican coast to Alaska during March and April. Both California and Northern Sealions can be found here from late August through May. Harbour Seals are often seen offshore,they can be recognized by their basketball-shaped heads bobbing at the surface.


The main tidepools and sculptured formations are formed out of soft sandstone


Geology
The main tidepools and sculptured formations are formed out of soft sandstone. Some of the parks tidepools are formed by wave-tossed boulders grinding out pockets in the sandstone. Purple Sea Urchins further modify these tidepools by grinding out small pockets. Ridges of shale and quartz jut up through black basalt,and the southern cliffs form some of the most photogenic landscapes found on southern Vancouver Island.


Botanical Beach is about a 1 1/2 hour walk from Port Renfrew


How Far is it?
Botanical Beach is about a 1 1/2 hour walk from Port Renfrew. Continue to the end of the road at the Botanical parking area, then it's a 15 -20 minute walk to the beach. Please use parking areas, do not park along the road.


Botanical Beach is a wilderness area


Visitor Safety
Botanical Beach is a wilderness area: Black Bear and Cougar may be present at any time. Black Bear have not become used to feeding on garbage, please pack your garbage out of the park. Cougars normally avoid people and are rarely seen. Take precautions by leaving your pets at home and ensuring your small children do not venture alone into brush areas.


image of moss growing around the tidal pools looks very strange


Very Dangerous!
Be cautious of the force of the waves. This can be very dangerous. Periodically and unpredictably a very large wave or a series of large waves will hit the beach. These waves can pull unsuspecting park visitors into the water. Please respect their power. Do Not Let Children Play Near The Surf.


Image of the stairs to the beach, when the tide cuts off your beach trail be aware of escape trails.


The Tide
Know what the tide is doing,and be aware of escape trails if your route back is blocked by surf.


 image of the sandstone rock formations and the steep slope to the sea


Wear
Visitors should be equipped with appropriate outerwear and footwear for wet weather conditions and the very rocky and slippery shoreline.


image of a flock of birds leaving their seaweed bed on the surface of the ocean


Remember ...
this is a wilderness area and first aid is not readily available.


image of the tidal flats


Disposal Facilities and Fresh Water
This is a pack-in,pack-out park,there are no disposal facilities.There is no potable water available.


image of the many exits off the beach to the main trailhead

Selected Park Rules
*No collecting or harming of any marine species (whether it is alive or not). *Camping and fires are NOT allowed in the park. *Bicycles are permitted on the roads but not the trails. * If you do bring a pet, keep it on a leash. *Please refer to the information shelter for complete park regulations.

For more information on BC Parks Click Here


The Juan de Fuca Marine Trail does NOT connect to the West Coast Trail, which is part of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve . Information on the West Coast Trail is available at Port Renfrew Online Parks Links and West Coast Trail Information web site.

Back to Port Renfrew Online
Port Renfrew Business Directory

© 1996-2006 portrenfrew.com

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Centennial Beach (Boundary Bay)

If your making a trip to the Vancouver I'd recommend including Centennial Beach on Boundary Bay in Tsawwassen as a stop.
They've recently finished a new playground which has to be one of the best of seen. Cushioned turf all around, and every activity for all ages.
There is a "beach cafe" for snacks or a full lunch and a brand new restaurant is scheduled to be built adjacent to the playground and rumour has it it's a Cactus Club.
The beach has nice sand and most days you can relax and watch the kite surfers playing in the waves.

Monday, April 25, 2011


Beacon Hill Park - Victoria B.C

Other Links

Beacon Hill Park and one of the lakes
In 1843, Hudson's Bay Company officers lined up two beacons to mark Brotchie Ledge, and thus the park was renamed.
The park has been a hot bed for controversy over the proper use of the park since the late 1800's. A council was brought in soon after the park was declared in trust to the city. They brought in special by-laws banning cattle grazing, games of chance, discharging firearms, and carpet cleaning on the grass . . . talk about the wild west! 
Stone Bridge
Scottish architect, John Blair, won a competition to landscape the park and about 2000 trees and shrubs were brought in. The park hosts a combination of native habitats and landscaped areas throughout the manicured gardens. Many of these plants are considered rare and endangered.
The park provides habitat for a variety of birds and wildlife, like squirrels and swans, that coexist with human activity in one of Victoria’s most popular recreation spots.
Recreational activities include walking and jogging, bird watching, dog walking, beach-related activities, sporting, horse back riding and special events. 
Horses in Beacon Hill Park
Park facilities include trails, a petting animal farm and wading pool, water fountains, picnic areas, monuments, sports fields and playgrounds, a band pavilion, famous Garry Oaks, and cultural features including what was once the world’s tallest totem pole.
Artists gather to capture the great beauty of Beacon Hill Park; lovers meet at the lookout point to gaze at the breathtaking view overlooking Dallas Road. Carriage rides can be taken through the park and people feed the ducks daily. 
Cameron Pavilion - Beacon Hill Park
Over the years there has been great history to Beacon Hill Park. Famous Canadian artist and author Emily Carr played there as a little girl and enjoyed the park as a woman. 
Here are a few more facts about Beacon Hill Park:
  • 1891 - Carriage Roads were constructed
  • 1903 The Chinese Bell, since removed to preserve it, was presented to the city. The bell, cast in 1627, was taken from a temple during the Boxer Rebellion.
  • 1925 - Kiwanis wading pool was built
  • 1930's - A rose garden and stream joining Fountain and Goodacre lakes were created.
    A Monument in Beacon Hill Park
  • 1948 - Cameron Pavillion was built.
  • 1956, August 23 - Marylin Bell swam from Port Angeles to Finlayson Point in Victoria.
  • 1956 - The world's then-tallest totem pole at 127 feet and seven inches was erected. It was carved from cedar tree
  • 1968 - A hippie wedding was announced for hundreds of people to come together for a community festival of song, food, and love.
  • 1985 - Then-mayor Peter Pollen axed the idea of a proposed park tea room. It was suggested a 140-150 seat restaurant at the park's lookout
  • 1986 - Park maintenance crews accidently dug up historically significant First Nations burial cairns. The cairns were rebuilt later that year.
  • 1989 - Local area residents complaining of prostitution and rowdy parties after dark
For many years birds were kept in a still-standing wooden aviary - until vandalism caused the birds a violent demise and all caged birds were removed from the park permanently.
Beacon Drive In
Before you leave the Beacon Hill Park area, you must make a special visit across the Douglas Street side of the park to the Beacon Drive In. It is by far the BEST PLACE to grab a coffee or tea, milkshake, soft serve cone, oyster burger (all hamburgers), fries or breakfast, all to eat in or take out! A Victoria tradition for residents and tourists alike. It's open year round. Open later in the evening during summer. YUM! Perfect before or after a visit to Beacon Hill Park. 

Friday, April 22, 2011

BC Forest Discovery Centre


Easter Hunt

Sunday, April 24, 2011

The Easter Hunt is now a fun, all-day event!

Families will explore the grounds in search of nature's surprises and secrets from the past by going on a scavenger hunt. Each child will receive a bag of Easter treats at the end of the hunt.

Spend the rest of the day riding the Green Hornet, playing in the bouncy castle, and making an Easter craft in the 100 year old schoolhouse. Be sure to visit with the Easter Bunny before you go!

Hours of operation are from 10:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m. Members may use their season's passes for this event.

Contact Us

Email: info.bcfdc@shawlink.ca

Address: 2892 Drinkwater Road
Duncan, BC V9L 6C2
Canada

Phone: (250) 715-1113

Fax: (250) 715-1170

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Pacific Northwest Raptors




Great place to get up close and personal with our local feathered friends, they just opened for the season and are open 7 days a week from 12-3. Plan on getting there close to flying demo which start daily at 1:30pm.

Friday, March 4, 2011

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Welcome to BC FAMILY FUN

Welcome to BC FAMILY FUN,

Stay tuned for family fun stuff to do on Vancouver Island !