Author Archives: qioutdoorclub

Hike – Baikie Estuary – 6 Nov 2024

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Activity Hike and Lunch
Destination Baikie Estuary and River Nook
Date 6 Nov. 2024, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Neil Unwin
Contact Info neilunwin08@gmail.com /604 202 4762
Description We can meet on the ferry and drive to our starting point.  The walk will be about 4.5 km.
Call for carpooling arrangements. 604 202 4762
Debriefing to be held at More Eatery for lunch
Meeting Place QCove ferry terminal
Departure Time 10:00 ferry
Difficulty
 Easy
Costs Ferry and lunch at More Eatery
Trip limits 10
Dogs? Okay
Notes:

Trip Report – Morte Lake Loop – 24 Oct 2024

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Nine hikers set out on a cool, cloudy day to go around Morte Lake. We went up Lower Deadfish Trail from the parking lot to get a better view of the creek, which was running well after all the heavy rains. At the first junction, we crossed back over the creek and proceeded on to the lake. The moss and foliage has really greened up since the rain. There was also an abundance of mushrooms, but some types are dying back now. We decided to go counterclockwise around the lake and stopped at the first beach to look at all the ducks that were at the end. We proceeded up the newer mountain bike trail that has many switchbacks up the side of the hill before we went out on to the rock bluffs. There are many great views of the lake along this portion. We stopped at the picnic table at the west end for lunch. A wind came up a bit so it was quite cool. The lake level was very high for this time of year. After this we proceeded through the Conservancy land and back around Morte Lake.

When we got back to the small bridge close to the parking lot, we were treated to a special event. There were 100 or more chum salmon spawning at the bridge. We were all amazed at that amount of fish churning up the water there. After this, we decided to stop down at the salmon viewing platforms at Hyacinthe Creek. There were a few hundred there with some of them having died already. It would seem that all of the work that the Salmon Enhancement Society has done is paying off. (10.5 km and 4 hours)

Les

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Hiking – Morte Lake Loop – 24 Oct 2024

Hiking – Morte Lake Loop – 24 Oct 2024

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Change of date and time!

Activity Hiking
Destination Morte Lake Loop
Date 24 Oct, Thursday 23 Oct, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Les Hand
Contact Info lhquadra@gmail.com or 285-2029
Description We will go around Morte Lake. Exact route will be determined by who comes along.  Bring a lunch.
Meeting Place Morte Lake parking lot
Departure Time 11:00 10:00
Difficulty
 Easy
Costs None
Trip limits 10
Dogs? O.K. but must not run back and forth through the group
Notes: Dress for the weather as this will take 3 or more hours. If it is raining hard it will be canceled so be sure and sign up so I can contact you.

Trip Report – Blindman’s Bluff – 16 Oct 2024

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There wasn’t a lot of interest in the original destination, so those who wanted an outing opted for a change to Blindman’s Bluff.  A short hike worked well because of deteriorating weather in the afternoon.  Five of us approached the hike from the traditional Copperhead logging road.  After crossing the creek, we found a newly constructed logging road spur that we decided to explore.  From the end of the spur we continued on a short bushwhack through open forest, to more directly join the Blindman’s Bluff trail.

We followed the loop around clockwise, quickly arriving at the high, open bluffs with 180° views to the east. It was a perfect autumn day, with great views at the right temperature.  We stopped for a snack/lunch at the southeast viewpoint with great views over Gowlland Harbour and Vancouver Island.  We stopped again at the southwest viewpoint before continuing back on the trail and the logging road to the vehicles.  (3.7 km; 2 hours; 170 m ascent)

Norris and Debbie

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Trip Report – Quinsam River West – 9 Oct 2024

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Three of us had a great hike along the west side of the Quinsam River on a beautiful fall day.  The trail along the low bank of the river was very busy with the salmon run and many people fishing.  We started on the trail from the bridge on Quinsam Road and followed it up stream to the salmon hatchery.  From there we hiked up into the forest following mountain bike trails to the high bank area.  The maples were at their peak of colour and the forest is quite varied as it meanders up stream.  Mostly the trail was in good condition and drier than expected, but unfortunately the motor bike abuse is causing erosion of the trail and bank in places.  Occasionally the brush had grown in, but this might deter the motor bikes.

We reached the bend in the river where the bank is especially high and the view down to the river is excellent.  We could see the bench where we have lunch on the east side of the river.  We continued briefly on the trail following a side ravine, until we reached a logging road and electrical poles.  We returned to Eagle Bluff for a lunch stop in the dappled sun before heading back down the river.  This area is often overlooked because of the popularity of Elk Falls and the Campbell River, but it is very accessible and well worth the walk.  (11.6 km; 4 hours)

Debbie

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Hiking – Quinsam West- 9 Oct 2024

Trip Report – Hornby Bluffs Loop – 2 Oct 2024

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On October 2nd, we embarked on an unforgettable journey to Hornby Island. The four of us departed on the 7am ferry from Quadra Island, followed by a drive down Island to catch the Hornby ferry. Despite a delay due to roadwork, we enjoyed a stunning sunrise.

Once on Hornby, we hiked up to Middle Bench Trail. From there we took in spectacular panoramic views of the coast and distant lighthouses, with picturesque arbutus and fir trees lining our path. Our dog Farah added to the joy as she frolicked along the cliffside. We continued our trek to the southern tip of Hornby, descending to a beach near a farmstead where Cyndy once lived. The sandstone beach, with its intricate arches and waterways was a highlight of the trip.

We enjoyed lunch on magical Toby Island, thanks to the low tide. Unique patterns in sandstone cliffs provided a perfect backdrop for our meal and some leisurely exploration. With spirits high, we looped back on the Ford Cove to Shingle Spit Trail, catching the 4pm ferry.

In total, we covered 13 kilometers or 21,000 steps, immersing ourselves in the natural beauty and history of Hornby Island. It was a day of perfect weather, stunning landscapes, and great company. Returning home tired but fulfilled, already looking forward to our next club adventure.

Cyndy
 

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Hiking – Hornby Island Bluff Loop – 2 Oct 2024

Kayaking – Round the Cape – 31 Oct 2024

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This trip has been cancelled.

Activity Kayaking
Destination Round the Cape (QCove to Smith’s Rd)
Date 31 Oct, Thursday
Trip Coordinator Vic Gladish
Contact Info 250-287-0459
Description This is about a 4 hour paddle from Quathiaski Cove to the shore access at the bottom of Smiths Rd. The trip requires a shuttle which will be arranged once I know who is participating. The day/time is picked with the tidal movements in mind so the trip is easy to moderate depending on wind. The trip will be canceled if the weather forecast is for wind and/or rain.
Meeting Place Quathiaski Cove parking lot at 1000 h.
Departure Time On the water by 1030
Difficulty
 Easy, but wind could be a factor.
Costs Parking ($2-4) and launch fee ($4)
Trip limits 8
Dogs? No
Notes: I have a kayak trailer that holds up to 5 kayaks, and which could play a role in the shuttle, if necessary.
Ocean going kayaks that meet club and coast guard safety standards are required.

Hiking – Hornby Island Bluff Loop – 2 Oct 2024

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Activity Hiking
Destination Hornby Island Bluff Loop
Date 2 Oct 2024, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Cyndy Chidley
Contact Info 250-285-3575; please contact the coordinator by Tuesday
Description
We will hike a loop in the Mount Geoffrey Escarpment Provincial Park, going out on a higher bluff and returning lower on the bluff.  We will pass through Ford Cove and return to Shingle Spit.
Here are the ferry sailings to make this work as a day trip:
Leave QCove, Quadra at 7:00
Leave Buckley Bay at 8:20
Leave Gravelly Bay, Denman Island at 9:40 as pedestrians
Return from Shingle Spit, Hornby Island at 4:00
Hope to return from Denman West at 4:40 or 5:40
Meeting Place: QCove ferry terminal
Departure Time 7:00 sailing to Campbell River
Difficulty
 Moderate, but some flexibility for the group
Costs Ferries and fuel
Trip limits 10
Dogs?
Notes: Bring your lunch with you.  The weather forecast is good, but come prepared.  Please make you own carpooling arrangements.

Trip Report – Main Lake and Yeatman Bay – 27 Sept 2024

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After rescheduling the hike and surviving a major storm on Thursday, Friday dawned a beautiful day.  A dozen of us hiked from the Surge Narrows Road down the trail into Main Lake Provincial Park.  The trail was in excellent condition and we enjoyed the fine mature forest, lots of mushrooms, a quick stop at Roscoe Lake with very high water levels, two waterfalls and a few big old growth Douglas firs along the way.  After admiring the new outhouse at the East Beach campsite and the under-construction bridge, we enjoyed the view of the calm lake before walking a bit further to the big sunny rock where we had lunch.  Most of the group continued on the Yeatman Bay to complete our journey from forest to lake to the ocean.  The trip was very social, but we encountered no one on the trail nor at the campsite. It was a beautiful, autumn day.  (9.9 km; 4 hours)  

Debbie
 
Thanks to Carrie and Norris for the photos.
 

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Hiking – Main Lake and Yeatman Bay – 25 Sept 2024

Trip Report – Forbidden Plateau – 18 Sept 2024

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Eight members met at the Q-Cove parking lot to head out to Mt Washington to embark on one of the longest hikes completed so far in 2024. While weather forecasts called for rain and clouds, Mother Nature provided a beautiful day no showers and the clouds clearing to allow us to catch glimpses of the beautiful mountain ranges and peaks.

Starting at Raven Lodge, the group easily walked through the wheelchair accessible part of the Forbidden Plateau Loop. Once past that, the trail was well maintained to hike past Battleship Lake, Kooso Lake, Lady Lake and finally arriving at Croteau Lake for a much needed break and lunch.

After lunch, the hike to Kwai Lake was completed and a decision made not continue the loop to the west of Helen Makenzie Lake due to past rains and the steep, slippery sections we were to encounter with no great views. Therefore, the hike changed from a basic loop to a bell-bar hike and instead of heading back towards Raven Lodge we carried on completing a small loop around Mariwood Lake and back to Kwai Lake. Here we retraced our steps back past Croteau Lake, Lady Lake, Kooso Lake and then crossed over to the other side of the loop walking past breathtaking view of Lake Helen Mackenzie. Here we completed the second part of our bell-bar and closed the loop back up to Raven Lodge.

September was a beautiful time to enjoy the cooler temperatures and fall colors, along with the mushroom and blueberries. (20.5 km, 7¾ hours, 600 m cumulative elevation gain)

Louise

Thanks to Carrie, Jim and Norris for the photos

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Hiking – Forbidden Plateau – 18 Sept 2024