Monthly Archives: October 2022

Trip Report – Hopespring – Thompson Trail Loop – 26 Oct 2022

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Six of us hiked this classic loop on an overcast, calm morning between fall storms.  After our long drought, it already felt a little bit more green and moist.  There was too much cloud for good views, so we didn’t linger at viewpoints.  We descended the big hill and enjoyed the many big Douglas fir trees in the valley which this route largely follows.  We took the side trip to the old growth grove before continuing on to the junction for the Thompson trail.  The trail meanders and undulates through a good variety of terrain with wetlands, forest and moss-covered rocks.  It was in very good condition.  We set a leisurely pace, stopping to talk amongst ourselves and twice with others on the way.  We were quickly back to the cars and home for lunch.  5.4 km; 2 hours  

Debbie
 

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Hiking – Hopespring – Thompson Trail Loop – 26 Oct 2022

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Hiking – Hope Spring-Thompson Trail loop – 26 Oct 2022

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Activity Hiking
Destination Hope Spring-Thompson Trail loop
Date 26 Oct 2022, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Debbie Quigg
Contact Info debbie.quigg@ualberta.ca or 3710
Description We will begin the loop at the Hope Spring trailhead and hike clockwise.  This is a classic loop on official trails, with lots of variety: creeks, old growth Douglas fir, and some wetlands.  The hike will be about two hours.
Meeting Place Hope Spring trailhead
Departure Time 10:00
Difficulty
 Fairly short and undulating
Costs none
Trip limits none
Dogs?
Notes: Bring gear for the weather, a snack or lunch and poles if you use them.  We will do this hike rain or shine.

Trip Report – Main Lake and Yeatman Bay – 19 Oct 2022

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Five of us took advantage of one of the last beautiful summer days of late October to hike to Main Lake from the Surge Narrows Road.  This is a relatively new trail.  It has been around, but not widely known.  It was a place to easily get lost.  It had obstacles, such as the Jungle Gym obstacle course of huge deadfalls.  But now BC Parks has recognized it.  It is flagged and cleared and the path is easier to follow.  The first part can be wet, but that was not a problem after our long drought this summer.  We stopped off at Roscoe Lake, good for swimming, but nobody took the plunge.  Then the trail goes down through a nice old forest with mossy understory, passing some giant trees.    We stopped for lunch at the sandy east beach of Main Lake, then walked the old “portage” road to Yeatman Bay, which was very still and atmospheric.  On the way back we took another side trail to the swim rock on Main Lake, then walked back to the cars (noticing that it was uphill).  A lovely day, a lovely hike.    9.9 km; 4 hours  

Norris
 
Thanks to Carrie and Norris for the photos.
 

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Hiking – Main Lake and Yeatman Bay – 19 Oct 2022

Trip Report – Shellaligan Pass Loop – 12 Oct 2022

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It was another gorgeous, sunny fall day as nine hikers set out to walk the Shellaligan Pass Loop counter clockwise. At the first bay we found two kayakers that were enjoying the calm day as well. From there we clambered over the large rocks along the ocean at the start of the trail.  There were places along the way where the salal is encroaching on the trail and there was some deadfall.

 

Well before the entrance to Village Bay we noticed a large flock of birds. There were hundreds of them. As we walked nearer Vic identified them as surf scoters. We stopped on the large rock outcrop at the entrance to Village Bay to watch them and have a snack. While there two Harbour Porpoises swam gracefully by.

We continued on along the bay and up the hill. At the junction to the longer route we decided to go down the hill and to the oyster lease, which turned out to be a mistake.  Shortly after the bridge we came upon a large cedar tree that had fallen squarely down the trail. We climbed through six foot ferns and dead fall to go around. At the oyster lease we went out on the rock point and enjoyed another break in the sun. From there we went back through the difficult area, up the hill and back to the vehicles.  Approx. 5km, 2½ hours

 
Les
 

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Hiking – Shellaligan Pass Loop – 12 Oct 2022

Hiking – Nole to Noble – 22 Nov 2022

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Activity Hiking
Destination Nole to Noble Right-of-Way
Date 22 Nov 2022, Tuesday
Trip Coordinator Vic Gladish
Contact Info vicgladish@gmail.com; 250-285-2111; text 250-287-0459
Description Happy Hour in the morning….coffee, etc at our meeting point. Walk the “Nole to Noble” right of way including the big staircase and several side trails – maybe it’ll be another barbell pattern?
Extra challenge – can we get to the meeting place in less than 4 vehicles?
Meeting Place Aroma Cafe
Departure Time 9:00
Difficulty
 Easy
Costs Not much
Trip limits 10
Dogs? No
Notes: Rain/snow or shine – come dressed for the weather.

Trip Report – Village Bay Lake and Beyond – 5 Oct 2022

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Our kayak group of nine met on a fall morning at Village Bay Lake bridge.  By 10:20 we were launched, enjoying the easy paddling on calm, flat water. As we wandered up the lake we noticed many newly renovated cabins and a few new homes. Many were still occupied for this late in the fall.

The creek between Village Bay Lake and Mine Lake was quite shallow as the lake water level is down. The kayaks had no trouble, but a boat with a motor would have. We stopped at the Big Sandy beach at the entrance to Main Lake for an early lunch. The water was still flat on a bright sunny day so decided to paddle to the campsite at the north cove. A few people swam there while others stretched and relaxed.

From there we paddled back to the vehicles with just a short stop at Big Sandy. 13.7 km and 4½ hours

Les

Thanks to Carrie and Norris for the photos.


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Kayaking – Village Bay Lake – 5 Oct 2022

Work Party – Chinese Mtn – 2 Nov 2022

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Activity Work party
Destination Chinese Mtn
Date 2 Nov, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Debbie Quigg
Contact Info debbie.quigg@ualberta.ca or 3710; please contact the coordinator in advance of the outing.
Description We will be working on a few areas where salal is encroaching on the trail.  We will work until about noon and then have lunch at a scenic location.  The Trail Committee provides tools.  Bring your own gloves, and your own tools if you prefer them.
Meeting Place Heriot Bay store parking lot to organize tools and carpool to the trailhead
Departure Time 10:00
Difficulty
 Moderate work
Costs None
Trip limits 10
Dogs? No
Notes: Bring lunch.

Hiking – Main Lake and Yeatman Bay – 19 Oct 2022

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Activity Hiking
Destination Main Lake and Yeatman Bay from Surge Narrows Rd
Date 19 Oct, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Norris Weimer
Contact Info norris.weimer@ualberta.ca or 3710.  Please contact the coordinator by Monday evening.
Description This recently improved trail is a pleasure to walk through some excellent mature forest, meandering along a creek down to Main Lake.  From there we can follow the old portage/logging road route to Yeatman Bay.  About 10 km round trip, taking 3 hours.  It is a fairly long drive on the Surge Narrows Rd to the trailhead.
Meeting Place Heriot Bay Tru Value parking lot
Departure Time 10:00
Difficulty Moderate
Costs none
Trip limits 10
Dogs?
Notes: Bring lunch and gear for the weather.  We will do this hike in rain or shine.