Category Archives: day-trip

Trip Report – Hopespring – Thompson Trail loop – 21 Feb 2018

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Three hikers and one dog enjoyed a lovely 2½ walk in the woods. Because Daphne wanted to add lots of steps on her FitBit, the coordinator ensured this would happen by going the wrong way, not once, but twice. We began at the Hopespring entrance, continued past the three sisters on to the grove of old growth. We then headed up the trail, supposedly toward the Thompson trail, which actually took us close to Rousseau Ridge, adding about half an hour to the total trip. According to the FitBit we took about 14,000 steps.

Sandra

Thanks to Sandra and Vic for the photos.

Hiking – Hopespring-Thompson Loop – 21 Feb 2018

Hiking – Hopespring-Thompson Trail loop – 21 Feb2018

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Activity Hiking
Destination Hopespring-Thompson Trail loop
Date 21 Feb 2018, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Sandra Burns
Contact Info sandraburns.ca@gmail.com
Description This is a classic loop on official trails, with lots of variety: a big descent, old growth Douglas fir, some optional views, creeks, and forest.  The hike will be about two hours.
Meeting Place Hopespring trailhead
Departure Time 10:00
Difficulty
 Fairly short and undulating
Costs none
Trip limits none
Dogs?
Notes: Bring a snack and poles if you use them.

Trip Report – Mt. Washington – 14 Feb 2018

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Another day in Paradise – Meadows and surrounding area.  Six of us enjoyed the warm sunshine and clear views, provided by the fresh north wind for some show-shoeing and cross-country skiing.  The few centimetres of snow from the night before provided excellent conditions.  The snow-shoers did the Great Big View loop and the Snow Paws trail.  5.9 km, 2½ hours, plus lunch.  The skier did a loop of the Ponds, Paradise Meadows, Jack Rabbit, and later, Jutland.  Approx 15km.  We had lunch on the sunny balcony at Raven Lodge with great views and Whiskey Jacks.

– Norris

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Snow – Mt. Washington – 14 Feb 2018

Trip Report – Maud Island – 8 Feb 2018

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The weather forecasters promised much better weather if we postponed this trip one day, so we did and they were right. The wet winds from the southeast shifted to dry winds from the northwest, and the day was sunny, with clear sky and views of the mountains with all their fresh snow.

Seven of us made the trek to the Maud Island viewpoint overlooking Seymour Narrows and the Ripple Rock site.  We did the hike as a loop, stopping at the Mt. Lolo bluff on the way out and continuing through the forest and over the causeway to Maud Island.  We were impressed with how much tidal action there was only a half-hour after slack water, with the wind against tide.  A group of sea lions used the calmer water right beneath the cliffs to relax and play.  We had lunch at the viewpoint, including Les’ wonderful smoked salmon, and then returned via the Saltwater Lagoon.  10.1 km; 4⅓ hours.

– Norris

Photos by Norris and Les

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Hiking – Maud Island – 7 Feb 2018

Hiking – Miracle Beach & Salmon Point – 28 March 2018

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Activity Hiking
Destination Miracle Beach and Salmon Point
Date 28 March 2018, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Les Hand
Contact Info 285-2029.  Please contact coordinator 2 days ahead as schedule may change.
Description We will drive to Miracle Beach and walk along the ocean to Black Creek. This is a short 3.5 km walk up the creek and thru the campground. We will then drive to Salmon Point and have lunch.
Afterward we will do the 7 km walk along the ocean to Oyster River and back. This goes by a Ducks Unlimited area so is good for bird watching.
Meeting Place Quathiaski ferry terminal
Departure Time Early enough for 10:00 ferry car-pooling
Difficulty
 Easy
Costs The shared ferry, fuel cost and your lunch. Their menu is online.
Trip limits none
Dogs? Must be on a leash due to the birds.
Notes: This is along the ocean so not a good walk for heavy wind and/or rain.

Trip Report – Haskins Farm Loop – 31 Jan 2018

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The seven of us went on this short, easy hike on one of the better official trails.  We started out on the trail through forest and meadow, and descended the steep switchbacks to the water.  After admiring the rather wintry view, we followed the short trail to the north along the shore, past some fine old growth trees, then returned back up the hill.  We turned north again and followed the logging road.  We took the short side trip to the Todd Scharf memorial trail and then followed the logging road west, back to the cars, beating the start of the rain. This is a short, classic hike with lots of variety in the forest and views.  4.5 km; 1⅔ hours.

Debbie

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Hiking – Haskin’s Farm Loop – 31 Jan 2018

Hiking – Crikey and Open Bay Creeks – 28 Feb 2018

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Activity Hiking
Destination Crikey and Open Bay Creeks
Date 28 Feb 2018, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Norris Weimer
Contact Info 285-3710 or norris.weimer@ualberta.ca.  Please contact the coordinator in advance of the trip.
Description We plan to walk a figure-of-eight loop starting on the trail along the Open Bay Creek, then circling back on a logging road.  After a short walk down Open Bay Main we will hike up the Rio mountain bike trail and down Crikey Creek.  The first part is flat, the second part has a hill.
Meeting Place Heriot Bay Store parking lot for car pooling
Departure Time 10:00
Difficulty
 Fairly easy, unless there is winter deadfall
Costs none
Trip limits none
Dogs?
Notes: Bring a lunch and gear for the weather.

Hiking – Eagle Ridge & Blindman’s Bluff – 14 March 2018

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Activity Hiking
Destination Eagle Ridge and Blindman’s Bluff
Date 14 Mar 2018, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Les Hand
Contact Info 285-2029 or leshand@gicable.com.  Please contact the trip coordinator prior to the trip.
Description Eagle Ridge trail has wetlands as well as rocky bluffs for views of Discovery Passage. We will then go to Blindman’s Bluff for more open views.
Meeting Place Heriot Bay store parking lot.
Departure Time 10:00
Difficulty
 Moderate
Costs none
Trip limits none
Dogs? Yes, but no back and forth through group
Notes: Please contact coordinator before trip as may be changed due to bad weather.

Snow – Mt Washington – 14 Feb 2018

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Activity Snow
Destination Mt. Washington
Date 14 Feb 2018, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Debbie Quigg
Contact Info debbie.quigg@ualberta.ca or 3710;  please contact the coordinator by Sunday night.  Please indicate whether you are willing to drive and whether you are snowshoeing or cross country skiing.
Description Come to Mt. Washington for Valentines Day!  We hope to have both snowshoeing and cross country skiing on this outing. We will probably leave from Raven Lodge.  As always, the trip is weather dependent.
Meeting Place Quadra ferry terminal to Campbell River.  Car pools should be arranged in advance.
Departure Time 9:00 ferry to Campbell River.  Those taking cars need to be early enough to get on the 9:00 ferry.
Difficulty
 Depends
Costs Ferry, shared fuel and the trail pass If we go to Raven Lodge.  The snowshoe day pass is $10 or the cross country pass is $23 for adults or $19 for seniors.  It may be slightly cheaper if you buy in advance online.
Trip limits Availability of cars going up to Mt. Washington.  It may be necessary for cars going up to have chains.
Dogs? No
Notes: Bring equipment, warm clothing and lunch.

 

Trip Report – Mt. Washington – 24 Jan 2018

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This trip had been postponed for a week, during which time more than a metre of snow fell on Mt. Washington.  Wednesday was the first day that the nordic area re-opened after they prepared a few snowshoe trails, plowed the road and parking lot.  Eleven of us arrived on the mountain to unexpectedly sunny weather. It was gorgeous.  Only a few trails were officially open, but it didn’t matter because people had broken trails everywhere.  We started on Tree Beard’s Trail and returned on Old Cabin Loop to Raven Lodge for lunch.  The snow covered trees and fresh snow were beautiful.  We spent a relaxing hour on the Raven Lodge balcony in the sun with a great view of Strathcona Park before heading out again, this time on Rossiter’s Rise.  The big climb down meant we had a big climb back up.  We again met up with Tree Beard’s Trail and returned to the cars, just as clouds for the next storm were rolling over the mountains.  5.9.km; 3 hours, plus lunch.

Debbie

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Snow – Mt. Washington – 17 Jan 2018