February 28, 2008 | Tips from Us >
Victoria, Hiking
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January has come and gone and I have to admit that, not unlike other years, most all my New Year’s resolutions have failed miserably. That is, except my determination to conquer all 55 km (34 mi) of Victoria's Galloping Goose Regional Trail with my own two legs.
Perhaps you can relate, but to get up the motivation to start running, I needed something to entice me: some good company, scenery etc...this is where the Goose comes in. So together with my two Jack Russell Terriers, we are hitting a different segment of the trail each week. The goal: shrink my love handles while taking in some spectacular surroundings.
Now, during my “getting back into shape” phase, I try to avoid other fit runners as much as possible so I start my jaunt safely outside of the downtown core near the km 15 marker, close to Hatley Park. One of the first things I noticed was the flora along the Goose: the thousands, no, millions of ferns that line this trail. If you are into ferns, welcome to your own personal grotto heaven. In Victoria, not only do we have the evergreen deer and sword ferns that line the sides of trails but also a unique seasonal fern that pops up in autumn and sprouts a much welcomed bright green foliage over the winter months. The Goose is a converted railbed so many parts of the trail cut through towering rock slabs which are now home to these delicate hanging beauties. Complementing these is the thick, green, fluffy moss, rounding off the sharp edges of the rock’s surface (kind of like how my love handles look when I stare in the mirror). It is hard to believe it is winter in Victoria when I am surrounded by such lush greenery.
I think the stupendous scenery is working….I hardly noticed the pain. Stay tuned…as soon as I can walk again, I’ll be out for more.
P.S. The Goose is a great place to take your dogs.