Monthly Archives: May 2019

Trip Report – Village Bay – 29 May 2019

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Six kayakers put in at Len Road and across a low tide exposed beach on a beautiful spring morning – sunny and warm. Because we found ourselves in very calm conditions as we crossed Hyacinthe Bay, and with the forecast not calling for significant wind until late afternoon, we made the decision to add Dunsterville Islet to our itinerary. It took about an hour to reach the islets and we decided to land on the smaller of the two to explore and have a short break. We found excellent campsites, a profusion of wildflowers of many kinds, a pair of oystercatchers and the inevitable plastic junk. An hour later (not such a short break) with two hatches full of trash and many flower photos taken, we headed back across a still calm Hoskyn Channel with our sights set on Village Bay and lunch. The views in all directions were fabulous and only slightly obscured by smoke from very distant forest fires. We thought about going a little further on to Crescent Channel but time and hunger kept us on track for the beach, on Wei Wai Kai land, at the head of Village Bay. As we ate lunch in the hot sun and sheltered by the small island just offshore, the afternoon wind was picking up and we could see the water sparkling off in the distance. One brave swimmer tried the water.  We put in at 1300 and headed south into a rising tide and increasing southerly wind. The sparkly waves in the middle of Hoskyn soon sprouted whitecaps and we had a very different afternoon paddle. The changed conditions gave us some variety in our day and allowed one of the group to give her brand new kayak a good test. We took the seas broadside as we crossed Open Bay and then had the tide and the wind help us cruise into Hyacinthe and into the beach, now much closer to the parked vehicles. 17.2 km; 5½ hours.

Vic

Thanks to Norris, Vic and Terry for the photos

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Kayaking – Village Bay – 29 May 2019

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Trip Report – Thompson/B&B Trail loop – 22 May 2019

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Seven hikers and Kona (the dog) enjoyed a four-hour hike on this loop with a side hike up Eileen’s Bluff. The weather was sunny, high of 26°C, with a slight NW breeze which was welcome on the open ridge bluffs. Starting at the Thompson trailhead, we hiked to the first viewpoint, stopping to admire the views to the east and north, and proceeded on a route north down the open ridge, dropped off the ridge at the big moss-covered maple tree and continued on a deer route through the forest to the old B&B trail. After a short distance on this trail, we headed north on a little used trail, at one point crossing a steep gully spanned by a very large old log. At the end of this trail, a rough route climbs west up the open ridge of Eileen’s Bluff to a steep drop-off at the top, overlooking part of John Marlowe’s woodlot. Here we stopped by a small pond for a snack in the shade and admired the view east across the islands to the mainland mountains. Retracing our steps to the B&B trail, we proceeded south up the trail through the cool forest along the stream gully. Along the way the group admired a couple of decaying alder logs lined with pearly-white oyster mushrooms. At the T-junction with Thompson Trail, we proceeded south to the second viewpoint turnoff and followed this trail up to the top of the ridge for our lunch break, with more spectacular views east. Instead of retracing our steps, we followed a sketchy route east and north down the ridge to intersect Thompson Trail near the first viewpoint intersection. From there, it was only a few minutes down the trail to the vehicles on Thompson Road. On the way we watched an ambitious brown-striped garter snake attempting to swallow a full-sized slug.   5.3 km;  3½ hours.

– Janis

Thanks to Norris and Les for the photos

Hiking -Thompson/B&B Trail Loop – 22 May 2019

Kayaking – Main Lake Prov Park – 20 June 2019

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This trip was originally scheduled for June 15th

Activity Kayaking
Destination Main Lake Provincial Park
Date 20 June 2019, Thursday
Trip Coordinator Les Hand
Contact Info 2029 or leshand@gicable.com   Be sure and sign up so I can call you if weather changes.
Description We will first cross Mine Lake and paddle the creek to Village Bay Lake. Then we will go to Main Lake. Once there we will decide on a route considering wind. We may go all around or just stick to one end. The plan is to have one short stop before and after lunch. This will add to the time. About 3 hours paddling but trip may take 5 hours.
Meeting Place Mine Lake boat launch; be there by 9:30
Departure Time 10:00 am
Difficulty
 Easy as long as the wind is down
Costs none
Trip limits 12
Dogs? no
Notes: Must have all safety equipment as stated by Coast guard. Should also have a spray skirt in case wind comes up.

 

Hiking – Mt Sweat & Coast Mtn Lookout – 19 June 2019

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Activity Hiking
Destination Mt. Sweat
Date 19 June 2019, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Debbie Quigg
Contact Info debbie.quigg@ualberta.ca or 285-3710. Please contact the coordinator by Monday night.
Description Heather Kellerhals has generously offered to let us hike on her property.  The trip involves some steep sections and some scrambling over rock, but no actual rock climbing, with some good views over the island and mountains.  Three to four hours depending on the loop.
Meeting Place Heriot Bay store parking lot for car pooling
Departure Time 9:30
Difficulty
 moderate
Costs none
Trip limits 12
Dogs? No, this is a farm.
Notes: Bring lunch.

 

Natural History – Caving near Sayward – 25 June 2019

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Activity Natural History – Caving
Destination Sayward area caves
Date 25 June 2019, Tuesday
Trip Coordinator Cyndy Chidley
Contact Info Cyndy Chidley: 250-285-3575.  Please let the coordinator know as soon as possible if you are interested.
Description Moderate caving on north Vancouver Island with Bill West-Sells as our guide.  We will meet Bill at Sayward and drive to the cave area from there.  Challenges may include bridging, climbing, stretching, wriggling, not to mention small, dark, wet places.  We will be going to caves we have not visited before.  We will walk for about half an hour through brush to reach the cave.  Make sure you read the notes below on what to bring.  We will need some 4-wheel-drive vehicles some clearance as the end of the road is quite steep.
Meeting Place Q Cove ferry terminal
Departure Time 9:00 ferry to Campbell River; if you are driving come early to avoid the overload
Difficulty Moderate
Costs Ferry and shared gas
Trip limits 12 people or enough 4-wheel-drive vehicles
Dogs? No
Notes:
Wear rubber boots, neoprene socks or booties, or wool socks with runners that you don’t mind getting wet.  The water will be cold.  Bring coveralls, a helmet that you are able to fit with head light, and a head light, if you have one.  Bill has some extras that he will bring.  Flexible gloves, if you have them. A change of shoes and socks with a small towel.  Bring a backpack, as we will walk for a half hour to the cave entrance.   Also lunch and water.  If you have a walkie-talkie or family radio, please bring it with charged batteries.

Hiking – Main Lake from Surge Narrows Rd – 13 June 2019

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Activity Hiking
Destination Main Lake from Surge Narrows Rd
Date 13 June 2019, Thursday
Trip Coordinator Norris Weimer
Contact Info norris.weimer@ualberta.ca or 3710.  Please contact the coordinator in advance.
Description This is a flagged route from the Surge Narrows road, following old logging roads and paths through mature forest to the east end of Main Lake.  The route is not far (about 7.0 km round trip), but quite slow due to rough conditions.  Expect wet sections and some climbing over deadfall.  If the group wants more of a walk, we can continue on to Yeatman Bay, which would be about 10 km round trip.
Meeting Place Heriot Bay Tru Value parking lot
Departure Time 9:30
Difficulty Moderate due to the rough trail conditions.
Costs none
Trip limits none
Dogs?
Notes: Bring lunch.

Hiking – Mine Lake Bluff – 5 June 2019

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Activity Hiking
Destination Mine Lake Bluff
Date 5 June 2019, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Les Hand
Contact Info 285-2029 or leshand@gicable.com   Be sure to sign up so I can call you if weather changes
Description We will leave from the Mine Lake parking area and go to Camp Homewood site. From there will take the steep route up to the top and return down the back side.
BE SURE AND READ NOTES BELOW
Meeting Place Heriot Bay Store for car pooling
Departure Time 9:30
Difficulty
 Moderate; not long but challenging in places
Costs none
Trip limits 10
Dogs? no
Notes: If there has been or is forecast for more than drizzle this trip will be postponed as the rocks can get slippery. Good footwear is needed, no flip flops or loafers. Also if you are afraid of heights or have vertigo, this hike is not for you. There are exposed areas with loose rock on a steep slope. If you have any questions please call before you come.

 

Trip Report – Shellaligan Pass Loop – 15 May 2019

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We had a good group of 11 people and 2 dogs. We parked on Valdez Road and walked the logging road to the shorter loop trailhead. We hiked through the new and the old forest to Village Bay where we stopped for a short break. The day had begun overcast, but cleared to a lovely day. We stopped again to admire the scenery from the rocky bluffs leading into Village Bay before continuing on the trail overlooking Hoskyn Channel. We stopped for lunch on the beach and then hiked back along the logging road to the vehicles.  About 7 km, 2½ hours.

Julie Mellanby

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Hiking – Shellaligan Loop – 15 May 2019

Trip Report – Cortes Island – 6-9 May 2019

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A wonderful four days of sunshine for our Cortes Trip.

Day 1: Nine women came along, leaving Quadra on the 9:05 am ferry, arriving in Whaletown at approximately 9:45 am. We drove on to Linnaea Farm and took our food into the kitchen fridge to stay cold. We then drove to Manson’s Landing and hiked on the trails that the students had created through the forest to Manson’s Lagoon. Stopping to view the beautiful carved totem pole on the beach, then walked on to the lagoon. The timing was perfect because we reached the lagoon at low tide and walked out to the islands. The islands were covered with wild flowers, colours of blues, yellows, pinks and even chocolate lilies. We sat and ate our lunches, watching the geese with their babies. A number of blue starfish in the tidal pools along with sand dollars, a lovely treat, the lagoon was covered in shells. Return hike along the lagoon trail and onto Hague Lake, even two of the ladies swam. Then on to Manson’s to say ‘hello’ to Tom the turkey plus a treat from the Co-op, arriving at the farm by 4 pm, gear brought in and took the time to get settled. Dinner team # 1 prepared a delicious dinner, served at 6 pm. A group then took a walk around the farm, seeing the cows and the planting of produce etc. Nine pm we held meditation and everyone was present. Games were played by a few members, plus group discussions. A lovely end to a glorious day.

Day 2: Soon the kitchen was busy with individuals preparing their lunches and breakfasts. Eight am – meditation, the focus ‘I am my Silence’. This was a day for hiking Kw’as Park in silence, giving each person the opportunity to truly appreciate nature. The trails lead from Linnaea Farm along the sides of Hague and Gunflint lakes, through deep old forest with numerous old growth trees. We climbed up to the higher rocks overlooking Hague lake for lunch, warm sunshine with us, we all managed to find a little shade. In the afternoon we climbed over the high manzanita covered bluffs, a most beautiful avenue of tiny blue flowers helped our descent. Climbing down a newly erected steel ladder to the forest floor. Kw’as Park is a jewel, so much to see, to hear, to feel, we celebrated each step in silence. Arriving back at the farm in good time for dinner preparation by Team # 2. Another delicious dinner, giving us a chance to discuss our day of silence. Meditation at 9 pm again appreciated by all. All ready for a good nights sleep.

Day 3: Again, the busy kitchen with preparation for lunches and breakfasts. Today, the trip was to Blue Jay Farm, this is a 350 acre farm overlooking Carrington Bay and Squirrel Cove on the edge of Blue Jay Lake. A productive busy farm, chickens, cows, goats, ducks, lumber yard and also a huge amount of fresh produce grown, a magnificent farm. We toured the farm and then Tiger the cat came with us for a hike through the forest and around the lake, he took great care of us. We had lunch at the lake and a number of brave ladies swam in the cold waters. Another hike to a high ridge overlooking the farm and Carrington Bay and beyond. Such a wonderful day. We stopped for a short time at Squirrel Cove and then on to Linnaea Farm. Dinner Team 3 prepared the dinner, yet another delicious dinner. After dinner, a group went for a short walk and some played games. Nine pm meditation to end yet another beautiful day.

Day 4: Individuals awoke early to get a start for leaving the farm. We packed our lunches, ate breakfast and then cleaned. Nine-thirty am we set off to hike Easter Bluff, a pretty hot weather hike. Arriving at the top to take in the magnificent views overlooking the south and west end of Cortes and the mountains beyond, looking down on Cortes Bay, also a good view of Quadra. A trek down to Linnaea Farm to get into our vehicles, we then drove to Hanks Beach. This is a short forest walk to a secluded wide sandy beach with intriguing rock formations which we explored. Hanks Beach overlooks Twin Islands. We stopped awhile and ate our lunches before walking back to our vehicles. We then headed for the 3:50 pm ferry, reflecting on our wonderful trip to Cortes Island. The whales gave some a terrific display in the waters off Cortes.

A huge thank you to everyone, our fantastic trail guide, our meditation guide, the dinner teams etc. etc. A wonderful group. Yes, we were Silent on Day 2 for our walk in Kw’as Park. ‘ I am My Silence’.

Margot Wood.

Thanks to Jan, Janis, Kathryn and Cyndy for the photos

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Multi-day Hiking – Cortes Island – 6-9 May 2019

Multi-day kayaking – Octopus Islands – 8-11 July 2019

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This trips was originally scheduled for Sutil Channel from July 8 to 11

Activity Multi-day Paddle
Destination Octopus Islands Cortes Island and vicinity
Date 8-11 July 2019, Monday to Thursday.  We may return sooner if the weather is uncooperative.
Trip Coordinator Darcy Mitchell
Contact Info mitchelldarcy51@gmail.com
Description Multi-day paddle with camping in the Octopus Islands or Waiatt Bay.  Please read all the Notes below.
Meeting Place launch from Surge Narrows
Departure Time please contact the coordinator for all details
Difficulty
 Moderate (depending on wind conditions)
Cost
Trip limits Eight with no more than 4 tents as camping space is limited
Dogs? No
Notes: All participants must review and conform to QIOC paddling guidelines. Only ‘sea kayaks’ (with waterproof bulkheads) equipped with spray skirts and all required safety equipment are eligible for this trip. Participants must be self-sufficient in camping equipment, fresh water and food. Please note that all participants must be able to perform a wet exit and assisted rescue, at minimum. If you do not have fairly recent rescue training and practice (e.g. Paddle Canada basic courses or equivalent), you must take the club training workshop scheduled for June 26 (see the trip schedule for details). If you have not paddled with the coordinator previously, please contact her no later than June 20. Final registration is July 1st. The trip will be cancelled if forecast winds are higher than 15 knots, or steady rain is expected. Participants will be informed by 7 p.m. on July 6 if the trip will be cancelled.