This is Gonzales Observatory, atop Gonzales Hill in Gonzales Hill Park over looking Gonzales Bay. There's a Gonzales Beach down there as well and the residential area adjacent to Gonzales Beach is called Gonzales.
It's just occured to me that I have no idea who Gonzales was...
According to this website, the observatory is used by School of Earth and Ocean Sciences (SEOS) Biogeochemistry Facility at the University of Victoria and they conduct research in atmospheric trace gases using remote sensing techniques. In particular, they pursue the development of Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy.
{eyes glaze over}
I just like the building cos I think it's nifty looking.
I like the view too. It's a good place to go and think, or not think, as it's one of those places that not too many people know about or tend to visit. So, it's nice and peaceful although some days I feel like taking a chainsaw to that tree right in front there...
;-)
Wah! Tiptop building, looks like it coulda featured in a very early 70's episode of the Persuaders or the Saint or summat like that 'cept the location's way more impressive.
ReplyDeleteAnd you've still got snow on your mountains. Fantastic.
I like everything that has as complex names as Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy even though I have no idea what it is.
ReplyDeleteVery nice. I like the 1st photo alot -very abstract.
ReplyDeleteI think I a recipe for a Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy in my copy of Joy of Cooking? Maybe not...
>>>>>>> It's just occured to me that I have no idea who Gonzales was... <<<<<<<
ReplyDeleteHe was Gonzales Lopez de Haro, who hung around these parts in the late eighteenth century:
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~canbc/bc_placenames.htm
Since I've moved to Vancouver Island, I've been tickled to find out how many places in this neck of the woods have Spanish names.
I agree with you, Marnie, that it's a cool looking building.
Yes, tons of Spanish names... The Spanish were essentially the first Europeans in this area for a while and had claimed the land for Spain... then the British showed up and claimed the land for Britain. First Nations peeps meanwhile were saying, 'erm, hello???'... and there was nearly a war between Spain and Britain but somehow it got all worked out diplomatically with the Nootka Conventions... so we have a mixture of British, First Nations and Spanish street names... haha.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments, peeps! :-)
... hey Judy, it's June 2nd! Are you enroute to Swaziland?
ReplyDelete(is enroute a word?)
it looks very greek.
ReplyDeleteIsn't that where Dr. Evil lives? Mwahaha....
ReplyDeleteI actually did my post grad research into the development of UnTunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy..... bugger!
That sure was a mouthfull! Interesting building though. I thought enroute was a credit card. You cut down that tree and you'll have every tree hugger in the world on you ass!
ReplyDeleteUnTunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy, lol!
ReplyDelete