A walk in East Sooke Park

On my first visit to the south side of the park I came to operate my radio. Today I returned with my cousin Jim and we planned to walk the shoreline trail and discover what we might. Jim picked me up at 11:30 and we started for the park, our drive was interrupted by closed roads and other construction but before long we were making good time along the highway and then the Sooke Road. We eventually pulled into the parking lot to find lots of open stalls but there were actually a good number of cars in there. It does seem to be popular despite being a fair way out. Once parked, we set out for the covered picnic table area.

Before one reaches the tables there is a side trail that leads south-east to Creyke Point. We took that trail and wandered past some open fields harbouring frogs and other small animals. Soon we reached the cliff edge and continued south to the point enjoying the view as we walked. Arriving at the point was even better, the view here is really very pretty. I was able to capture a number of lovely angles and views of the coast in both the west and easterly directions. I switched my camera lens from my normal zoom to the wide angle one to try and capture the scene better. I really enjoyed this spot and the many mini-scenes of the coast and the local Arbutus trees interspersed with Douglas Fir. After drinking in the view and the fresh breeze off the ocean we continued our walk taking the south trail that leads back to the tables and then continues further west.

Adjacent to the table area there is a lovely sandy beach. We followed the stub trail down to it and saw a few people enjoying the sun and surf. One woman was slowly inching here way deeper into the water. It was a bit cold for me, but she was determined. After a few photos we returned to the main trail and continued west. I pointed out the sign warning of marine flare devices that can explode and cause burns if you find one and disturb it. The trail west was muddy in one area but generally dry and easy to follow. As we walked, we passed a number of trails leading down to the beach. This area is spotted with numerous small sandy beaches separated by rocky outcrops. One could have their own small beach to themselves! And a number did today.

Our next stop was Squeaky Point, another lovely jut of rock where one can get out a bit from the flatter shore to look back and see the beaches and rocky outcrops. The fresh air and sun made for a very lovely stop to enjoy a bit of intense nature. We continued along to Alldridge Point. Here there is a large petroglyph to observe. It is quite big but not very deeply engraved into the rock. Jim was wondering if that was it. I mentioned that though petroglyphs are interesting they aren’t typically very pretty. Continuing past we heard a bull seal calling out in the water. He was making a lot of loud barking sounds. There were a number of people gathered around the rocks watching the seals hoping they would come closer for a photo session. Instead, they all submerged and left the area. Perhaps they were complaining that the humans were too close and occupying their rocks!

We continued past a bit but the westward trail continued a long distance to the next point and the return trail, so we back tracked to Squeaky and took an inside trail back to the car. This trail was an old road so it was wider but treed on both sides, not much to see here except thick moss. It was about a 2km return to the car and we made good time on this trail. Once back at the car we made our way home. I suggested we take a short trip up Mount Matheson.  Jim agreed and we turned up Matheson Road. The upper string of homes have an amazing view of the ocean and valley below. It is a beautiful site but no stores or support for miles.

We reached the end of the road and parked. It was a short walk up the final 15 meters. The view up there was nice, Jim had never been there and was glad I suggested it. We then returned to the car and continued our way to home. We stopped for an A&W burger and root beer. I hadn’t had one of those burgers in years. I fortunately. Survived it. Traffic was heavier and the rest of the drive went a bit slower but we eventually arrived back at my hotel having had a very pleasant day out in nature.