Monday, August 29, 2011

September 20, 2011 Royal Roads arboreal extravaganza


Wow that was quite a marathon in the end.  It all started out well as we met up in the centre car park on time an headed off into the Royal Roads grounds. Kathy led our arboreal tour with expert help from Carolyn.  Here's what I think we learned.



Cedar

Grand Fir - all pretty well identifiable by the bark.
 We saw these two fantastic Bigleaf Maples
 ..and this weird cedar with an "extra" tree growing from it.

 We then went on a fantastic trail past the eagle's nest - saw the eagle's nest and these fungi.

And this fallen tree with what looks like a Mouseman mouse on it. I think it was some kind of fungi.

We called in to the activity centre to check out the gym.  We found an excellent resource person who had drawn a map of the RRU trails which, while not officially sanctioned, is the best map I've seen of the trails.  










As part of her job, she is available and willing to lead us on a walk of the trails some-time.  We should definitely take her up on this.

Then we went to the Hatley Park Gardens.   I, for one, was gobsmacked by these gardens - Japanese garden, rose garden , bog garden etc. -  and all free if you live in Colwood.

All in all we walked for longer and farther than I would have liked, but we learned a lot about RRU trails, trees, the activity centre, and gardens. I'll definitely be using my free pass to visit the Hatley Park gardens when walking in the RRU grounds.

Directions
We will meet at the centre at 9:15 and walk from there for an exploration of the various trails in the university grounds including a close-up view of the arboreal specimens (or trees I guess).  Also, we have been able to arrange a visit of the Hatley Park gardens - bring evidence that you live in Colwood for free entry to the gardens.

The long route is 11.7 km while the short one is 6km. Kathy will be leading the walk.


Click for map of university trails.

Some trails are marked here as well.

Another blog on the trees in Royal Roads

Another blog with a map


royalroads

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