Monthly Archives: August 2014

Quadra Island Mushroom Festival

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Quadra Island Mushroom Festival
Fall 2014

Sponsored by the Quadra Island Mushroom Club, the Heriot Bay Inn, the Quadra Island Outdoor Club, and the Quadra Recreation Society.

What, where and when?

Part 1 – Chanterelle appetizers followed by a presentation on local wild mushrooms by noted mycologist Dr. Shannon Berch.

Friday, October 3, 7 p.m. in Heron’s at the Heriot Bay Inn

Cost – $25.00 per person

Part 2 – Guided collecting forays and mushroom identification workshops.

Saturday, October 4, 9:30 at the parking lot, Quadra Community Centre, return by 3:30 and bring specimens to room 3 (upstairs) at the Community Centre.

Sunday, October 5, 10 a.m. to noon – Introduction to wild mushroom identification,   12:30 to 2:00 – Intermediate mushroom identification. Both sessions with mycologists Shannon Berch and Sharmin Gamiet. Room 3 (upstairs) at the Community Centre.

Cost – $55 per person

Register for either or both parts by calling the Heriot Bay Inn at 285-3322.

A list of ‘things to bring” for Part 2 will be posted on the Outdoor Club and HBI websites by early September.

Call early – space is limited. Refunds can be made up to 48 hours before the event.

Note: further guided field trips are planned for October and November.
Check the Quadra Island Outdoor Club schedule for dates to be announced.

Questions?
Contact Darcy Mitchell at 250 285 2739 or email darcm@telus.net

 

 

 

 

 

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Trip Report – Bedwell Area 25-27 Aug 2014

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We began the hike up from the trailhead to Bedwell Lake at 1:00 and walked through the impressive forest of old growth, boulders and stairs up to Baby Bedwell Lake (6 km, 3 hours). We set up camp at Baby Bedwell Lake and took advantage of the warm, sunny weather to go swimming and cool down. This was a trip to try out new gear: foamies, stoves, GPS and inReach.

The next day we hiked up one of the approaches to Tom Taylor. We walked to Bedwell Lake, then west to the south shore of Baby Bedwell and more or less along the west shore of Bedwell Lake on an up and down, somewhat overgrown, flagged and cairned route. This led to excellent views of the area, especially Septimus, Big Interior Mountain, Bedwell and neighbouring lakes. There were also lovely lakes at the northeast foot of Tom Taylor. Progress was somewhat slowed by eating lots of great blueberries and swimming in the lakes. We continued on up the northeast ridge of Tom Taylor, but turned back at 3:00. We retraced our route until we reached Baby Bedwell and then followed a route to the west of the lake back to the campsite. (about 10.5 km, 9 hours)

On the third day, we had expected the weather to deteriorate, but since it was still warm and sunny, we decided to explore more of the area. We hiked to Bedwell Lake and a short way down the trail to Bedwell Sound. We then hiked along the east shore of Bedwell Lake, which is also an undulating, somewhat overgrown, flagged and cairned route. Even without the blueberries and swimming, this was not fast walking. At 1:00 we headed back, broke camp and hiked out. We left the Baby Bedwell campsite following a well cleared and flagged route to the west of the established trail, joining that trail after about a kilometre. (about 16 km, 8.5 hours for the day) This is a truly spectacular sub-alpine destination, which is quite readily accessible and has lots of opportunities for side trips.

Sidebar: As we walked in on the first day, the talk on the trail from those we met coming out was about the 140 lb, injured dog at Bedwell Lake. The dog was unable to walk, and he and the owners were running out of food. All rescue alternatives were problematic. The next day, the dog was retrieved by a volunteer helicopter and rescuers, which was the big news event of the week in Campbell River.

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Backpacking Baby Bedwell & day trips – 25-27 August 2014

Trip Report – Chain Islets & Orchard Bay 20 Aug 2014

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Five members showed up for the trip and we were rewarded with an awesome paddle. The wind was blowing NW 15 and forecast was for 20 knots in the afternoon so we were hesitant to leave Granite Bay. After some discussion we decided to brave forward as this trip had already been canceled once due to winds. We stayed close together so if anyone felt the wind was too much we would just turn around and come back. It was challenging paddling into the wind, but not that bad and gave us a chance to practice some skills. As we turned the first point the water got a bit better as we had some protection from the Chain Islets. Some harbour porpoises were out playing and the sockeye were jumping to make things exciting.

The group stopped at a protected bay on the south side of Kanish Bay near the entrance. From here we could walk to the outside and see what the wind was doing on Johnstone Strait. The white caps were many so we decided to have lunch and hope that it calmed down. After lunch we rounded the west most island and out into the wind. It was a bit much so ducked back behind the next island and paddled on the lee side to the eastern most island. At this point the wind calmed some and it was decided to make a dash for Orchard Bay. The crossing was uneventful and not bad as we had a following wind.

Orchard Bay is a very interesting place. The midden is enormous with a huge level meadow on top. There are many places to camp here. It is well worth the time to explore this old native site. After this we paddled across the entrance of Small Inlet and back to Granite Bay.

– Les Hand

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Kayak Chain Islets & Orchard Bay 20 August 2014

Paddling/camping beyond Cortes 15-17 Sept 2014

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Activity Multi-day Paddle
Destination Flexible depending on weather, but most likely camping in the same place two nights with a day trip on the middle day.  (Von Donop area, Teakearne Arm are possibilities)
Date Sept 15 to 17 (two nights); Monday to Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Darcy Mitchell
Contact Info darcm@telus.net or 285 2739
Description Two night trip starting from Cortes island with destinations to be determined by weather. Estimated paddling from 15-20 km per day. Depending on weather, the destination may change, but we expect to launch from some point on Cortes Island to avoid long crossings from Quadra. We will plan to return on the 4:05 ferry from Cortes on Wednesday, September 17.
Meeting Place Heriot Bay ferry to Cortes
Departure Time 8:30 a.m. for 9:05 ferry, Monday, September 15
Difficulty
 Moderate. All participants must be capable of self-rescue and able to paddle in moderate waves and wind. Appropriate equipment required.
Cost Ferry costs, possible launch and parking fees
Trip limits 6
Dogs? no
Notes: Please contact the trip coordinator no later than Monday, September 8 to confirm your interest in this trip.

Hike Rousseau Ridge – 10 Sept 2014

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NOTE:  last minute change of destination and start time!

The trip is now going to The Bluff Above Camp Homewood on Mine Lake.

Activity Hiking
Destination Rousseau Ridge Bluff above Camp Homework on Mine Lake
Date 10 Sept 2014, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Norris Weimer
Contact Info 285-3710; please contact the coordinator in advance of the trip
Description Hike the Hope Spring Trail and Thompson Trail loop, with side trips to Heriot Ridge, the old growth trees and to Rousseau Ridge. There are lots of highlights on this trip.

There is a trail from Camp Homewood on Mine Lake to the top of the hill behind the camp.  It has a great view.  We will start from the Mine Lake boat launch.
Meeting Place Heriot Bay Tru Value parking lot to carpool because parking is limited at the trailhead
Departure Time 10:00 09:00
Difficulty Mostly easy
Costs none
Trip limits none
Dogs?
Notes: Bring lunch. Three to four hours.

Trip Report – Newton Lake 13 August 2014

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The group was undaunted by a few drops of rain at the beginning of the hike into Newton Lake and was rewarded with clearing skies. We had this beautiful and serene lake all to ourselves, but no one went swimming. It was a bit cool and some leeches kept cruising by. After a leisurely lunch and a bit of exploring beyond the second swimming rock, we returned as many others headed up to the lake.  8.9 km; 3 3/4 hours.

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Hike Newton Lake – 13 August 2014

Trip Report – Cortes 5-7 August 2014

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Seven enthusiastic ladies ventured on this trip. Sailed on the day’s first ferry for Cortes Island. We set-up camp at Smelt Bay Provincial Park. Later drove down to Smelt Bay Beach, & kayaked around the southern tip of Cortes Island, stopping along the way at Hollyhock. Some chose to swim & others toured the beautiful gardens at Hollyhock. We continued onto Hanks Beach. Beautiful rock formations & all took the time to explore. Return route we paddled past Manson’s Heritage Farm & also the Japanese Farm, learning a little about the history of these farms. A good hard paddle, watched a minke whale & arrived safely back to the camp site at Smelt Bay. This was certainly a good workout for us all.

Great pot-luck dinner at night & then down to watch the sunset.

The next day we set out for Manson’s Lagoon. Quite a breeze blowing, ventured out towards Shark Spit. Many lovely islands on route with lots of resident seals to watch. Put in at Shark Spit, viewed the camp site & the lovely tidal pools. Enjoyed our pot-luck lunch on the beach & took the time to rest. We then kayaked over to Gillean Douglas’s home. It was such a delight to visit her home & to learn more about this incredible author. Return paddle was at times challenging due to the boat traffic, however, a beautiful return trip into Manson’s Lagoon.

A quick change & out for dinner at ‘The Cove Restaurant’ in Squirrel Cove. After a delicious dinner we drove over to the Klahoose Long House. A most impressive building & grounds.

Final day, after we had packed up, we all drove to have a java at the Cooperative Café & local grocery store. Then onto Easter Bluff Trail. This bluff hike is part of Linnaea Farm & offers gorgeous views overlooking the south & west end of Cortes Island & the mountains beyond. Parts of this trail were steep but well worth the view from the top. After, we drove onto Hague Lake & most had a refreshing swim, plus time for lunch. Margot then took a few of the party to Whaletown to view the tiny library, Whaletown Church & the floating dentist. Onto the ferry terminal to be in line-up to catch the ferry for beloved Quadra Island.

The weather was superb, the camp site was clean & quiet, apart from the ‘boot sneak’. What an enjoyable trip & thanks to everyone for making it happen. There is still so much to explore on beautiful Cortes Island.

submitted by Margot Wood, trip coordinator

 

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Camp, Kayak, Hike Cortes 5-7 Aug 2014

Trip Report – Cruickshank Canyon – 29 July 2014

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After taking the 8:00 ferry and driving up to Mt. Washington, the group of seven hikers started out from the Strathcona Park visitor centre just after 9:30. It was sunny and hot, and the Paradise Meadows were beautiful even though most of the flowers were past their peak. We hiked passed Battleship Lake on some excellent new boardwalk and continued through lovely forest with views of the sub-alpine lakes of Kooso, Lady and Croteau and the mountains beyond them. We stopped on the peninsula at Kwai Lake for lunch. Our pace was quite leisurely with all the scenic distractions. We reached Cruickshank Canyon around 2:00, with great views and an impressive drop off. On the return trip, we stopped at Mariwood Lake for a swim and then climbed the hill up to the Park Rangers’ cabin and continued on the rough trail descending to Lake Helen Mackenzie. After more snacks and swimming, we returned to the parking lot. The wildlife for the day was a young bear on the road as we drove down the hill. 22 km.

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Hike Cruickshank Canyon 29 July 2014