Author Archives: qioutdoorclub

Trip Report – Maud Island – 6 Jan 2025

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On the first day with sun in many weeks, six hikers set off for Maud Island. As we started down the gentle slope, we were amazed at how thick and green the moss was in the trees and on the ground from all the heavy rains. There were also many trees down on the trail from the high winds. We took the Mt. Lolo route on the way out to get a view. When we got to the viewpoint, there was some fog though, so the view was limited, but still serene.

We descended the hill and continued on to the causeway. As we started up the hill on Maud, we could see where a large Cat had been brought off a barge and walked up the hill. After lunch, we discovered that it had replaced the first large wooden pole after the power-lines come across Seymour Narrows.

We arrived at the rock ledge just before max ebb current so we’re able to watch the fast flowing water and whirlpools as we ate lunch. We were also treated to three sea lions that were playing below us.

After lunch, we returned to the vehicles via the lower route. Again, there were many trees down on this trail. There was also one area where the woodpeckers had been working over a tree to the point that the trail was all covered with wood chips.  (10.5 km, 4.5 hours)

Les

Thanks to Les, Jim and Norris for the photos.

Click on photos to enlarge
 

Hiking – Maud Island – 6 Jan 2025

Trip Report – Chinese Mtns Loop – 1 Jan 2025

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Four hikers brought in 2025 on Jan 1st with a hike to South and North Chinese Mountain. While weather forecasts did not call for any precipitation, we ran into light rain shortly into the trip. The past wind and rain storms were noticeable as the trail was covered with small branches, and special care was required on the rocky bluffs. Yet, the forest was lush and the moss a vibrant green, thick and healthy. We were pleasantly surprised to find a clearing in the clouds and blue sky peaking through on the first lookout on South Chinese.

The group carried on through to the next major lookout on South Chinese and one member lead the group to a hidden part within the rocks to tuck out of the wind where we stopped for lunch and a New Year toast. The winds had picked up and we were reminded that it was winter.

From there, we carried on along the trail to the creek crossing when the bridge is still damaged, but an alternative trail has been started that allowed safe crossing so we could continue.

Once connected to North Chinese Mountain trail, we headed up the both the old and new lookout points. Again, we were blessed with great views despite the winter storm clouds. The light drizzle turned into snowflakes and we were able to take a few pictures of the snow before it melted. A premonition of what Mother Nature has planned for us.

The group turned back and descended on North Chinese Moutain trail back to the parking lot. Overall a fantastic hike with great views peaking through the overcast skies, a light drizzle at times and a few snowflakes.

Total time 2hrs 46min, 243m altitude change and 7.1 km.

Louise

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Hiking – Chinese Mtn South and North Loop – 1 Jan 2025

Snow – Mt. Washington – 8 Jan 2025

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Activity Snowshoeing
Destination Mt. Washington
Date 8 Jan, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Norris Weimer
Contact Info norris.weimer@ualberta.ca or 3710.  Please contact the coordinator by Monday night.
Description We will follow some of the Mt. Washington snowshoe trails leaving from Raven Lodge.
Meeting Place Quathiaski Cove Ferry terminal
Departure Time 9:00 ferry.
Difficulty
 Easy to moderate.
Costs Transportation costs and trail pass. The price of a snow shoe day pass is $16.
Trip limits 10
Dogs? No
Notes: Bring lunch as we may not eat at Raven lodge.  Have reliable equipment and winter gear.  Expect warm conditions

Trip Report – Haskin Farm and Golf Course Loop – 23 Dec 2024

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Five people took advantage of the partial sunny day and went for a comfortable hike. We went down Haskin Farm Trail to the beach and enjoyed the sun for a moment, then back up the hill and across Fircrest Trail. Along this portion, we enjoyed the partial ocean views toward Cortes and the old growth Fir. We circled the new housing development at the golf course and then went down to the clubhouse. We took a moment here to look at the mini golf course and all the wonderful driftwood sculptures that have been put by the course. As we circled the golf course we enjoyed how wonderful the greens and fairways are still looking. We traveled partially on Fircrest Trail again and then went up Todd’s Trail and back to the vehicles . (7.6 km and 2½ hours)

Les

Thanks to Les for the photos

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Hiking – Chinese Mtn South and North loop – 1 Jan 2025

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Re-scheduled.

Activity Hiking
Destination South and North Chinese Mtn Loop
Date 1 Jan 2025, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Louise Squire
Contact Info lsquire@sasktel.net
Description We will go up the south side to South Chinese Mtn. and have lunch while enjoying the view. Then down the north path and up North Chinese Mtn. and back to the vehicles.
Meeting Place Chinese Mtn parking lot
Departure Time 10:00
Difficulty Moderate
Costs None
Trip Limits 8
Dogs No
Notes

Trip Report – Blenkin Park Loop – 9 Dec 2024

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Seven of us had a lovely day of sun and cloud, sandwiched between days with lots of rain and wind.  We had 46mm of rain in the previous 24 hours, so we knew that the trail would be very wet, and it was.  The purpose of the walk was not to go as directly as possible, but to walk as many of the trails as possible in two hours.  We started out on the old wide path which crosses to the Heriot Bay Road and then circled back to admire the old Big Leaf Maple on the historic homestead.  We tried to avoid the worst of the wet-walk by not going along the marsh.  We took the Sheppard and Black Jack Trails, with short sections of the Homestead Trail, leading to the Swale Trail.  This is a beautiful, open under-storey forest.  The creek, which is usually dry, was very active.  After the walk we had lunch at the Community Centre, with a few more people joining the group.  We enjoyed the great variety of food and refreshments that the group had brought and had a very social gathering.  It was great to walk in the forest and to see everyone on these short, dark days in December.  (6.7 km; 2 hours)

Debbie

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Hiking – Blenkin Park Loop – 18 Dec 2024

Hiking – Maud Island – 6 Jan 2025

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Activity Hiking
Destination Maud Island
Date 6 Jan 2025, Monday
Trip Coordinator Les Hand
Contact Info 285-2029 or lhquadra@gmail.com
Description We will meet at the Community Center and carpool out to the trailhead. Depending on the weather, we may just stay on the lower trail and not go over Lolo.
Meeting Place Community Centre parking lot
Departure Time 10:30
Difficulty Moderate
Costs None
Trip limits 8
Dogs? OK, but must be under control. And on a leash in difficult areas if we go over Lolo, there is a hard spot that is steep for dogs.
Notes Dress for the weather and bring a lunch. This is about a four hour hike, depending on the course that will not be decided until day of the hike.

Hiking – Haskin Farm and Fircrest Trail – 23 Dec 2024

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Activity Hiking
Destination Haskin Farm and Fircrest Trail
Date 23 Dec 2024, Monday
Trip Coordinator Les Hand
Contact Info lhquadra@gmail.com or 285-2029
Description We will do a series of small trails – Haskin Farm, Fircrest, golf course and maybe Todd’s trail. In this way, we can adjust the trip according to the weather. About two hours.
Meeting Place Haskin Farm trailhead
Departure Time 10:00
Difficulty Easy
Costs None
Trip limits 10
Dogs? O.K. But must be under control and on leash while at the golf course.
Notes This trip may vary due to weather, but can usually be done. Please dress for the weather and bring a lunch or snack.

Trip Report – Big Tree Woodlot Loop – 9 Dec 2024

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The Outdoor Club hadn’t done this hike for six years.  The day was better than forecast for the eight of us who headed out on these logging roads.  We began at the big painted sign showing the trails and highlights of the Big Tree Woodlot.  We then meandered through recent cut blocks and forest over to the access roads from Open Bay Main and then east into Main Lake Park.  We followed the more enclosed forest trail, taking a side trail down to the view of Stramberg Lake.  We returned to an open area of the woodlot for lunch and then continued on the curving roads, following a newly constructed short-cut back to the Bold Point paved road and the quick return to the vehicles. 

This is a simple and easy hike, with a surprising amount of variety in the forest and environment. (7.1 km; 2½ hours)

Debbie

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Hiking – Big Tree Woodlot Loop – 9 Dec 2024

Trip Report – Snowden Demonstration Forest – 4 Dec 2024

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Snowden Demonstration Forest is a working forest, but also it’s very popular with trail bikers, who have built an extensive network of trails.  Ten of us sampled some of those trails on a foggy day.  
 
Starting at Lost Lake parking, to Mudhoney Pass 🟦, to Lost Lake trail 🟢.  Lunch at the Lost Lake picnic shelter.  Then TriMac 🟢, Riley Lake 🟦, and Oggies ⬥, to Riley Lake parking and finally a new trail (unnamed on our maps) back to the cars. (7.3 km; 3 hours)
 
The trail development is so fast, some of our maps and apps were out of date..
  
Norris 

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Hiking – Snowden Demonstration Forest – 4 Dec 2024