Monthly Archives: March 2020

Trip Report – Breton Islands Spring Equinox Paddle – 20 Mar 2020

Posted on by
Reply

Six paddlers gathered (mindful of our interpersonal distance) at the Len Road access on a sunny, calm, 2° morning to start the season with our first paddle outing of the year. After refreshing each other on some basic paddle trip guidelines, a gear and flotation check, and COVID-19 protocols/discussion, we put in at 9:00 on a favourable tide and headed across Hyacinthe Bay. We cruised the shoreline through Open Bay, rounded the “Red Chair Point” and on into Moulds Bay. After a brief beach stop, we continued northeast through Shellalligan Pass into Hoskyn Channel to enjoy the view up the channel towards snow-capped Doogie Dowler and other mountains of the BC mainland. Turning south we paddled down the island chain on even calmer seas until we rounded the southern tip of Breton Island and our lunch stop destination on the cobble/gravel beach. After a leisurely, 90-minute lunch in the sun (physically distanced) we put in once again and headed west to Turtle Island and on to the take out, completing the circuit at about 3:00 pm. Although we saw no cetaceans or sea lions, and few harbour seals, we did enjoy the company of a large variety of sea birds, many of which were in breeding plumage. The trip coordinator will attempt to recall the identified birds and includes a list below.  15.0 km; 4 hour paddle without the lunch break

Varying numbers of: Common Mergansers, Harlequins, Barrow’s Goldeneye, Bufflehead, Loons (Common in transition to breeding plumage), Cormorants, Black Turnstones, Black Oystercatchers, Glaucous winged gulls, Canada geese, Surf scoters.

Vic

click to enlarge the photos

Kayaking – Hyacinthe and Open Bays to Breton Islands – 20 Mar 2020

COVID-19 Pandemic – as of 22 March 2020

Posted on by
Reply

It is with the greatest reluctance that the Quadra Island Outdoor Club has decided to suspend any further trips in our schedule for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. This will be re-evaluated on an ongoing basis. In the last 10 days the acceptable size of a group has dropped from 250 to 50 to something between two and zero. Dr. Henry’s statement on March 19th said “…right now we need to be in small groups … one or two of us. And we need to maintain our distance with others….. We are not to be outside in groups….” The Physicians of Comox Valley Division of Family Practice have advised that people should associate outside only with family members.

With an older demographic on Quadra and a significant number of vulnerable people in the community, we think being cautious is particularly important. We know that hiking with family is not an option for some of you, but our hands are tied. We hope that everyone will continue to get out each day for the benefit and beauty that it provides. If you want advice about trails on the island, don’t hesitate to e-mail. Please stay safe, follow health hygiene protocols and maintain physical distance.

Trip Report – Rampart Hill – 18 Mar 2020

Posted on by
Reply

We had beautiful spring conditions to snowshoe from Ramparts Hill.  Warm and sunny, with good spring snow.  We headed steeply up the hill from the parking area until we reached the open bluff with great views of the Forbidden Plateau mountains.  We wandered along wide and narrow paths as well as untracked snow.  We meandered down to another great viewpoint where we stopped for lunch.  We continued on looking for the old cabin, but another group told us we wouldn’t find it because it has burned down.  A piece of history gone.  We continued east and south, with better views of the BC mainland mountains.  In total we had views through about 270° from Mt. Albert Edward to Mt. Waddington.  This was a beautiful day at a superb area for snowshoeing.  The terrain and views couldn’t be better.  6.3 km, 3 hours 

Debbie

(click on photos to enlarge)

Snow – Mt. Washington – 18 Mar 2020

Trip Report – Reed Lake Loop – 11 Mar 2020

Posted on by
Reply

Ten hikers enjoyed a three-hour hike on a series of biking trails south of Walcan Road. Beginning at the Reed Lake pullout on Walcan Road, we headed south on Straight-As-A-Dime. This is a winding uphill trail with intermittent sections of logging roads which are beginning to grow in. After a short time on Navel and Silk Stockings Trails, the group turned east onto Backdoor Trail which winds its way over an extensive rock bluff plateau covered with vibrant green moss and pine forest. We stopped at a warm sunny spot to have lunch and enjoy the rays. Continuing east to the junction of Cash Only, and through the Rose Garden, we took Dick’s Ride north to the Yellow Mud Trail. Here we found a few pink salmonberry buds about to burst open. It was a pleasant walk along Wood Duck Lake, created by the extensive beaver dam at the east end of the lake. There were ring-necked ducks and bufflehead on the lake. We continued northwest on Yellow Mud Trail through mature hemlock and Douglas fir forest and along McKercher Creek to arrive back at the vehicles. The weather was sunny with a cold north wind blowing. This loop should not be attempted without being familiar with the biking trail system and having a specialized bike trail map, since the trail names have worn off the flagging at main intersections and the trail system is extensive. 8.0 km; 3½ hours

Janis

Hiking – Reed Lake Loop – 11 Mar 2020

Trip Report – Benn Mine and Deepwater Bay – 4 Mar 2020

Posted on by
Reply

Ten of us explored the Deepwater Main and Creek area to a variety of destinations.  We first stopped at the old rail trestle.  Only the posts remain, but some are impressively tall and it’s a reminder of Quadra’s history.  We continued along the logging road and were surprised by the amount of snow on the road.  We probably should have been expecting  it, but the cloud on the Mt. Seymour Ridge had been so low we hadn’t noticed.  We hiked up the old logging road to the Benn Mine, which was covered in enough snow to completely change the landscape.  The sample cores and even the old car were not visible.  After taking care around the open pits, we scrambled down to view the tunnel shaft.  2.5 km; 150m elevation; 1¼ hours.

We returned to the vehicles and continued further on the active logging road covered in some patches of snow.  We hiked down the old logging road following Deepwater Creek.  The creek was as beautiful as we have ever seen it, with plenty of water flowing and deep greens in the valley.  The route is somewhat eroded, but the frequent winter deadfall had all been chain sawed, making our progress very easy. 

We had not visited the old fish hatchery since it had been sold and rehabilitated by private owners.  The area is much improved.  We are very grateful that the new owners are permitting “leave-no-trace” visitors.  It’s very generous of them.  We stopped on the shore for lunch in the sun, with great views all around of Deepwater Bay, Discovery Passage and the mouth of Deepwater Creek.  It was a lovely and varied hike.  4.8 km, 235 m elevation; 2 hours.

– Debbie

(click on photos to enlarge)

Hiking – Benn Mine and Deepwater Bay – 4 Mar 2020

Hiking – Main Lake from Surge Narrows Rd – 8 Apr 2020

Posted on by
Reply

Activity Hiking
Destination Main Lake from Surge Narrows Rd
Date 8 April, Wednesday
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 significant 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 – Eagle Crag – 25 Mar 2020

Posted on by
Reply

Activity Hiking
Destination Eagle Crag
Date 25 Mar 2020, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Norris Weimer
Contact Info 285-3710 or norris.weimer@ualberta.ca; please contact the coordinator in advance of the trip
Description This hike begins on the south side of South Chinese Mountain.  It then follows a flagged route to a climbing wall.  The route goes around and up to the top of the climbing area.  This involves some big steps and minor scrambling. The effort is rewarded with great views.  About 3 hours.
Meeting Place Heriot Bay Store for car pooling
Departure Time 10:00
Difficulty
 Moderate.  This is a short hike (5km) mostly without a maintained trail and one very steep section which may feel exposed.
Costs none
Trip limits none
Dogs? no
Notes: Bring lunch.  We will not do this trip in poor weather.

 

Snow – Mt Washington – 18 March 2020

Posted on by
1

 

Activity Snow sports
Destination Mt. Washington area
Date 18 March 2020, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Quadra Island Outdoor Club
Contact Info Please e-mail to qioutdoorclub@gmail.com by Sunday.
Description  The Mt. Washington resort is closed as of March 16th due to coronavirus.  We would probably go to Ramparts Hill and snowshoe.  We are watching the conditions closely as there is not a great deal of snow this year, but it should be sunny.  Car pooling will be limited and at the discretion of the driver.
Meeting Place Q-Cove Ferry; Drivers need to be on time to make the busy 9:00 AM sailing.
Departure Time 9:00 AM ferry from Quathiaski Cove
Difficulty
 Moderate, depending on the group
Costs Ferry and fuel.
Trip limits The limit is usually the number of cars driving up.  Cars should have chains available, if conditions warrant.  Car pooling will be at the discretion of the driver to maintain social distance.
Dogs?
Notes: Bring gear for the conditions and lunch.  Rental equipment is not available if we go to Ramparts Hill.

 

Hiking in Silence – Hopespring-Thompson Trail Loop – 14 Apr 2020

Posted on by
Reply

Activity Hiking in silence
Destination Hopespring-Thompson Trail Loop
Date 14 Apr 2020, Tuesday
Trip Coordinator Sandra Burns
Contact Info sandraburns.ca@gmail.com or 3977.
Please, no phone calls after 8 pm.
Description On this silent walk, we will go down to the Old Growth section and do a loop, as long as the weather is a bit dry, coming back along Heriot Ridge, and planning to have lunch in the sun, on the ridge! We will then return to the vehicles, back down to the Hopespring trailhead.  About 3 hours.
Meeting Place Hopespring trailhead. Please note that there is limited parking here.
Departure Time 9:30
Difficulty Moderate
Costs
Trip limits 6
Dogs? No
Notes: Please bring a pole for any slippery spots.

Multi-day Hiking – Cortes Island- 4-8 May 2020

Posted on by
Reply

Activity Multi-day Hiking
Destination Cortes Island, staying at Linnaea Farm
Date 4-8 May 2020, Monday to Friday
Trip Coordinator Janis McLean
Contact Info 250.285.3614; please contact the coordinator well in advance of the trip
Description This is our annual trip to Cortes Island, based at Linnaea Farm in an eight bedroom rustic farmhouse on the edge of Gunflint Lake. We are planning to hike many of the trails: Easter Bluff, K’was Park, Hanks Beech Forest Park, Green Mountain, Whaletown Commons, Manson’s Lagoon, Smelt Bay, Carrington, etc. A schedule of trails will be developed and presented daily. There may be one or more optional hikes in silence, giving us the opportunity to immerse ourselves in nature without the distraction of conversation. Each person is responsible for their breakfasts and lunches; dinner teams will be organized in advance. Please visit: http://www.linnaeafarm.org for information about the farm.
Meeting Place Cortes ferry line-up
Departure Time 9:05 am sailing. Vehicles must be in line-up by 8 a.m. This is a busy trades ferry. Car-pooling will be organized in advance.
Difficulty Easy to Moderate.
Cost $35/person/night. Bring your own sleeping bag and towel. Plus ferry costs and shared fuel. Bring your ferry card (and driver’s licence if you want the senior’s rate).
Trip limits Limit of 10 people, if four people are willing to double up in two of the bedrooms. Lakeview Room is reserved for the coordinator.
Dogs? No. Dogs are not allowed on the farm.
Notes: Payment to Club Treasurer Julie Mellanby by April 15, 2020. Members will need to renew their membership for 2020-21. Please advise of any special dietary needs. Other activities include swimming and canoeing/kayaking (bring your own boats and equipment) on Gunflint and Hague Lakes. As in other years, this trip is popular and will fill up quickly.