Category Archives: day-trip

Hiking – Haskins Farm and Fircrest Trail – 8 Jan 2024

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This trip is re-scheduled to 10 Jan, Wednesday

Activity Hiking
Destination Haskins Farm and Fircrest Trail
Date 8 Jan. 2024, Monday  10 Jan, Wednesday
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. You can figure on two hours plus or minus.
Meeting Place Heriot Bay Rd. and Smith
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 – Nole to Noble and Side Trails- 4 Dec 2023

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After enjoying coffee, breakfast or treats, and an hour of socializing at the Aroma Café, 10 hikers made our way into the Q-Cove trails via Plaza Road and a trail that parallels the big staircase. This brought us to Nole Rd where we proceeded south into the Nole Rd right of way, a future road that is, for now, a trail to Noble Rd. The group quickly became involved in hunting for the faces in the forest and found several of the well camouflaged carvings (most carved and placed by Johann Weighardt).

We zig-zagged our way to Noble Road – about 1.5 km – emerging from the bush in the parkette across from QI Builders. We then walked east on Noble Rd to the re-entry point to the “right of way”. Passing through and alongside various private properties via trails and bridges that are well maintained by the owners of some of those properties (notably B. and J. Sheppard), the group enjoyed this backyard rainforest experience. The Word Log’s everchanging one-word philosophical offering – “LIFE” was met with approval. After passing the big Cottonwood we took a figure-eight route that got us back onto Nole Rd. and our descent down the 70 stairs to Plaza Rd.

A downpour for the last part of the outing made sure that we were thoroughly soaked as we reached the plaza parking lot.

This is an easy to access trail through a beautiful second growth forest. One could explore a lot of this system between tasks while at the Q-Cove Plaza. But be aware – it is easy to end up going in circles and losing your way!.  PLEASE NOTE: Except for the “right of way” these trails are on private property and generously shared. (4.6 km;1½ hours walking)

Vic

Thanks to Carrie and Norris for the photos
 
Click on photos to enlarge

Trip Report – Tyee Spit – 29 Nov 2023

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On a cool and thankfully dry day, six members enjoyed a pleasant and informative walk along the north stretch of Campbell River’s waterfront, heading from the ferry to Tyee Spit.  At the boatyard we briefly watched the remote-controlled marine Travelift easily move around large boats (“bigger than ours”, observed some of our group). Beyond the commercial centre we admired the unique memorial poles marking some of the graves in the We Wai Kum cemetery, each a work of art speaking to the love and esteem held for the deceased.  All along the Spit are informative signboards which describe and illustrate, with historical photos, the long and varied history of the Spit. At the end of the Spit, the mouth of the Campbell River, we noted its physical and past industrial relationship to our recent outing to Baikie Estuary. On our return we followed the short trail to estuary and the pier and bird-watching blind where a few mallards were identified. From there we took a new path that led us past cottages, part of the Thunderbird RVPark, which overlook the estuary. Apparently these cottages provide very pleasant accommodation, according to one club member whose relatives had stayed there. Back at the beginning of the Spit, we opted to head straight back for our social stop at Freyja’s Croissant Shop, where we all enjoyed some delicious treats before going our separate ways. (6.6 km; 2.5 hours including socializing and eating)

Valerie van Veen
 
Thanks to Valerie and Norris for the photos
 

(click on photos to enlarge)

Walk and Social – Tyee Spit – 29 Nov 2023

Trip Report – Eagle Ridge Loop – 20 Nov 2023

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Seven of us hiked up the Eagle Ridge trail to the viewpoint overlooking the ponds, Discovery Passage, and towards the Vancouver Island mountains.  It was a cloudy day, without rain, but hints of sunshine in the distance.  From that viewpoint we went back down a bit and then followed a route which descends under the northeast-facing cliff of Eagle Ridge.  We gradually ascended a series of open, mossy bluffs moving north and upwards.  The walking is on moss-covered rock, a series of gentle ledges.  From the highpoint we crossed over to the view looking north, with fresh snow on the mainland mountains.  We then descended this long, moss covered ridge toward the east.  We stopped for a quick lunch sheltering from the rising southeast wind before continuing down the hill.  The route is a bit more complicated near the bottom as the old logging road is now overgrown, but this is short and we quickly arrived at the Copperhead logging road, leading us back to the vehicles.  These are beautiful bluffs, not often visited.  (4.1 km, 2½ hours)

Norris

(click on photos to enlarge)

Hiking – Eagle Ridge Loop – 20 Nov 2023

Trip Report – Hopespring-Thomspon Trail Loop – 13 Nov 2023

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Five brave souls headed out for a hike starting at Hope Spring Rd trailhead. We were fortunate enough to catch a beautiful day without rain. We started with a quick detour to Heriot Ridge viewpoint which happens to be the most southern point at which you can see both sides of Quadra’s beautiful waters.

We then continued and stopped at the Aisle of 19 and the Three Sisters along the trail, which are among the most magnificent old growth trees on Quadra. One of the wooden bridges was damaged from a fallen tree but with care, all five made it safely across.

While the trail was wetter than normal, the skylines were dry and we were able to have lunch on Rousseau Ridge. Four eagles joined our lunch and provided a great aerial display.  After lunch, we carried on and continued the loop ending up on Thompson Rd for the short walk back to our vehicles.

Thank you to the volunteers that help keep our trails in great shape. New sign posts are being installed and provide excellent clarity.

Overall, a great hike that enjoyed by all.  (7.2 km; 3½ hours)

Louise
 
 
 
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Hiking – Hopespring-Thompson Trail Loop – 13 Nov 2023

Hiking – Benn Copper Mine and Deepwater Bay – 27 Dec 2023

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Activity Hiking
Destination Benn Copper Mine and Deepwater Bay
Date 27 Dec 2023, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Debbie Quigg
Contact Info 3710 or dmquigg@gmail.com; please contact the coordinator in advance of the trip
Description We hope to be able to drive up the active logging road to begin the hike.  We will follow old logging roads up to the copper mine and then return to follow the steep creek down to Deepwater Bay.  The old fish hatchery has recently sold and is being upgraded by the new owner.  About 7km, around 3 hours, and some noticeable elevation gain and loss.
Meeting Place Heriot Bay store parking lot for car pooling
Departure Time 10:00 am
Difficulty
 moderate
Costs
Trip limits 10
Dogs?
Notes: We will need high clearance vehicles to avoid the long walk up the logging road.  Bring lunch and gear for the weather.

Hiking – Village Bay Lake Loop – 13 Dec 2023

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Activity Hiking
Destination Village Bay Lake loop
Date 13 Dec, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Norris Weimer
Contact Info norris.weimer@ualberta.ca or 3710  Please contact the coordinator by Monday night.
Description Starting on the Surge Narrows Rd, we will hike up a logging road and continue on a trail through a lovely forest near Village Bay Lake.  We will re-join the logging road for a while and then follow another trail which connects with the route along Vic’s Marsh.  There is lots of variety on this short loop.  Expect wet and muddy sections especially along the marsh.  About 5 km.
If the weather is dry, we will go to the swim rock on South Village Lake for lunch.
Meeting Place Heriot Bay store parking lot for carpooling.
Departure Time 10:00
Difficulty
 Easy
Costs None
Trip limits 10
Dogs?
Notes: Bring gear appropriate for the weather and trail conditions. Bring a snack or lunch if you want to have lunch at the Lake.

Walk and Social – Tyee Spit – 29 Nov 2023

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Activity Hot Chocolate Walk and Social
Destination Waterfront ramble to Tyee Spit and return
Date 29 Nov, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Valerie van Veen
Contact Info vvv@qisland.ca;  250 285 2329
Description A pleasant easy fall ramble. We will walk from CR ferry terminal to Tyee Spit, return via Freyja’s Croissants Coffee Shop on Shoppers Row. Those desiring a longer walk can walk on from Freyja’s to the Marina or…Scheduled walk is to return on 1:05 ferry.
Meeting Place Q Cove ferry terminal
Departure Time 10:00 ferry
Difficulty
 Easy
Costs Ferry, Freyja’s treats are pricey (but worth the $ and calories)
Trip limits None
Dogs? If under control; must stay outside at coffee shop.
Notes: Must contact coordinator by 8 pm Tuesday, 28 Nov. Walk will go ahead in rain; only cancelled if ferry cancelled.

Trip Report – Mt. Seymour – 6 Nov 2023

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Well, the weatherman was off again. LOL There was supposed to have been a small break in the rain on Monday morning so seven ambitious hikers decided to go ahead with the trip up Mt Seymour. It had poured rain all night, but was just a steady drizzle when we left Heriot Bay in the morning. When we got to the trail head on the Granite Bay road, we were surprised to find a big sign across the trail that said “Closed Blasting Underway”. We were able to catch a logger coming down the hill in a truck and talked to him. We found that they were extending the logging road farther to the south. The good news was that if we waited 20 minutes there was one more blast and then they were done for the day. After that we could go up the trail.

We chose to wait so started up the trail at 10:30 in the morning in the rain. There was plenty of water running down the old logging road from the heavy rain the night and week before and the creeks were all swollen. We had a bit of trouble crossing one creek, and had to go up to a log jam to cross. As anyone knows that has been up to this trail, the first 45 minutes is a steady ascent. We arrived at the turn off just as wet under the rain gear, from sweating, as we were on the outside. The rain began to let up but the fog set in so we were not able to see very far. It was warm though, and quite pleasant as we wove our way up through the rocks to the top.

There was a slight breeze at the very top, so we came back down to the Browns Bay lookout toward the west for lunch. I had brought along a bottle of wine so that we could celebrate being to the top on such a nasty day. As we were finishing, the fog lifted enough that we could just see the structures at Browns Bay. On the way down we had to be very careful as the rocks were wet and slick. The fog kept gradually lifting until we could see Nugetzi Lakes very well by time we arrived at the viewpoint. The walk down the old logging road, with no rain, was quite tranquil as all the green moss and ferns seemed to really stand out. 7.8 km and 4½ hours

Les

(click on photos to enlarge)

Hiking – Mt. Seymour – 6 Nov 2023

Hiking – Kay Dubois Loop – 18 Dec 2023

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Activity Hiking
Destination Kay Dubois Loop
Date 18 Dec, Monday
Trip Coordinator Louise Squire
Contact Info lsquire@sasktel.net
Description Starting at the entrance to Kay Dubois trailhead, we will carry on through past the big tree and make our way to the end near Sutil Road. At the end of Sutil Rd, we will follow the logging roads east and north. Before reaching Fox Rd, we will turn east onto a small trail that winds its way back to the Kay Dubois Trail, connecting at the big mother spruce tree. From here it will be a short hike back to the trail head.
Meeting Place End of Smith Rd at Kay Dubois trailhead
Departure Time 10:30
Difficulty
 Easy
Costs None
Trip limits 10
Dogs Under control or on leash
Notes: The turnaround at the trail head parking area is very tight. Recommend large vehicles park at the beach access area (bottom of Smith Rd) and walk to the trailhead.The trail takes about 45 min to walk one way along the ocean and is quite flat until Sutil Rd where there is a steep incline. There are a few side paths to the beach to walk and if lucky, will have the opportunity to witness a whale breach or two.