Hiking – Paradise Meadows, Strathcona Park – 16 Sept 2020

Posted on September 7, 2020 by qioutdoorclub

This trip was cancelled due to smoke.

Activity	Hiking
Destination	Paradise Meadows, Strathcona Park
Date	16 Sept, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator	Valerie van Veen
Contact Info	250 285 2329 vvv@qisland.ca; contact coordinator by Monday evening, Sept 14
Description	We will hike around Paradise Meadows … no particular destination, just fresh air and exercise, a chance to enjoy a late summer day in beautiful Strathcona, maybe some wildflowers out, maybe some blueberries still around. A lake swim an option if good weather. Bring lunch, dress for mountain weather.
Meeting Place	QCove ferry terminal
Departure Time	9:00 ferry
Difficulty	Moderate
Costs	Ferry and fuel
Trip limits	10
Dogs?	Must be on leash in the Park
Notes:	Must contact coordinator by Monday evening, Sept 14. Trip depends on weather, cancelled if rain.

Hiking – Nugedzi Lake – 26 Aug 2020

Posted on August 16, 2020 by qioutdoorclub

Activity	Hiking
Destination	Nugedzi Lake
Date	26 Aug, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator	Valerie van Veen
Contact Info	vvv@qisland.ca; must contact the coordinator by Tuesday noon
Description	Nugedzi is one of the more challenging hikes on Quadra. This will be moderately-paced, suitable for those who might not be in top condition this summer. In order to maintain contact with any fast hikers who wish to go ahead (only in a group, “pod rules” apply) I will bring 4 “family” radios. The trail is rough and more challenging at the beginning, on a steep, eroded forest road, eventually turning off into the forest and through one of the few old-growths remaining on Quadra. Swimming is possible at Nugedzi Lake. Hikers will be asked to maintain proper distancing on the small rock outcrop that is the usual lunch spot and provides the most convenient access to the lake.
Meeting Place	Meet at trailhead at 10 am
Departure Time	10:00
Difficulty	Moderate, some steep challenging sections
Costs	none
Trip limits	10, travelling in pods or distanced
Dogs?	Must be under control; dog owners will be asked to go ahead of the rest of the group
Notes:	This hike will be entirely weather dependent … cancelled if too hot or raining. Hikers MUST sign up with coordinator (email or call) by NOON TUESDAY. Bring lunch, and swimsuit and towel if desired. Club COVID protocols regarding eligible participation and etiquette apply; please call the coordinator if you have any questions.

Trip Report – Shellaligan Pass Loop – 8 July 2020

Posted on July 10, 2020 by qioutdoorclub

Six QIOC club members and one dog were heralded back onto Quadra trails with a two flipper salute and several large blows from a pair of humpbacks cruising down Hoskyn Channel in front of Shellaligan Beach. Their welcoming slaps set the tone for a very pleasant hike on the “long” Shellaligan loop, luckily sandwiched in between the seemingly never-ending rainstorms of late. Surprisingly, the rock bluffs along the seashore were dry, despite the early morning rain. We took advantage of the good weather to take an early lunch break on the granitic bluffs, even enjoying a few rays of sunshine. The trail was in good condition, branches and deadfall have been cleared in the forest section and bridges are in good repair. Some beach debris (mostly fish- and shellfish -farming debris) has been piled at the beach access points, hopefully to be removed by a boater (or very enthusiastic hiker) soon. Along the trail we saw several outcroppings of Indian Pipe, and one bright spot of “Dog’s Vomit” slime mold (or, more elegantly, “Scrambled Egg” Slime). The “Neurotic Sapsucker” tree amused those who had not done this section of the trail before. We also saw several fresh wolf scats on Boletus Road and Village Bay Main. As we hiked, and stopped for breaks, we had no problems in adhering to our Club’s new distancing and talking protocols. Altogether, a great start to our “Covid” hiking season. Time: 3 hours including a 20 minute lunch break

Valerie

Thanks to Valerie and Diana for the photos

(click on photos to enlarge)

: Humpback waving

: Dog Vomit slime mould

: Scots Thistle

: Bluff at lunch break

: Coral fungus

: Wolf Scat

: Indian Pipes

Hiking – Shellaligan Pass Loop – 8 July 2020

Hiking – Beech’s Mtn Loop – 29 July 2020

Posted on July 10, 2020 by qioutdoorclub

Please note change of start time to 9:00

Activity	Hiking
Destination	Beech’s Mountain Loop
Date	29 July 2020, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator	Brent Henry
Contact Info	brenthenrys@gmail.com or 250-205-1106 (phone or text). Contact the coordinator in advance
Description	Starting at the Chinese Mountains trailhead, we follow the South Chinese Trail to its juncture with Beech’s Mountain Trail. Along this trail we ascend many steep rock bluffs with spectacular views to the east, west and south from the open bluffs. At the top of Beech’s Mountain, we make a steep descent through the forest to an old rough logging road. Eventually the route veers away from the road onto mossy bluffs with convoluted route-finding using flagging tape. The route connects with the North Chinese Mountain Trail (essentially a steep rubbly old logging road) which we descend to the parking lot.
Meeting Place	Chinese Mountain parking lot
Departure Time	9:00 ~~10 am or earlier if hot~~ . Contact coordinator.
Difficulty	Moderate to difficult (many steep and potentially slippery bluffs to negotiate, as well as steep rocky logging roads)
Costs	none
Trip limits	8 participants in 2 pods
Dogs?	OK if not running and under control. Owner must have leash available.
Notes:	Sturdy hiking shoes/boots required. Coordinator will have 2 family walkie talkies. Hiking poles may be helpful. Bring a lunch or snack and sufficient water. Estimated time 4 hours.

Hiking – Morte Lake Loop – 15 July 2020

Posted on July 7, 2020 by qioutdoorclub

Activity	Hiking
Destination	Morte Lake Loop
Date	15 July 2020, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator	Vikki O’Brien
Contact Info	resvo2004@yahoo.com; phone or text 250-938-2864. Participants must contact the coordinator prior to the trip
Description	We will hike the official Morte Lake loop, which passes through a wonderful variety of forest and has great views along the lake. About 10 km and 4 hours.
Meeting Place	Morte Lake parking lot
Departure Time	10:00
Difficulty	Moderate.
Costs	none
Trip limits	Maximum 8 participants, use of pods TBD
Dogs?	Dogs welcome on a leash and kept away from others in the group due to covid concerns.
Notes:	Bring lunch and gear for the weather.

Hiking – Shellaligan Pass Trail – 8 July 2020

Posted on July 6, 2020 by qioutdoorclub

Activity	Hiking
Destination	Shellaligan Pass Trail
Date	8 July, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator	Valerie van Veen
Contact Info	vvv@qisland.ca; must contact the coordinator by 6:00 pm Tuesday night
Description	Shellaligan Trail is a lovely, moderate hike that takes us along a rocky shoreline, to a beach where we can stop for snacks/lunch, then up into the woods to follow trails and old logging roads back to our cars. About 2- 3 hours depending on route, pace (moderate), and breaks. To reach the trail, take the Hyacinthe Bay Road ( which, for unknown reasons, becomes Bold Point Road at the Granite Bay Road intersection) north to Valdes Road, turn right on Valdes, follow Valdes to the residential area, about one block past Marina look out for logging road access and trail signage on your left. IF you are carpooling from the South End, as per COVID restrictions as discussed at our organizational meeting July 6, (or phone me for details), meet at Heriot Bay Foods Parking Lot at 10 am. Otherwise, meet at the junction of the logging road (that accesses the Trailhead) and Valdes Road at 10:30 am. I will be at that junction in a green Toyota 4Runner. We will drive to one of the three trailheads, depending on the weather. If not raining we will do the complete Shellaligan Trail. If it is raining, then we will do only the land loop. As this is a “first of the year” hike for many of us, the pace will be very moderate. Speedy hikers who know the route are welcome to go on ahead.
Meeting Place	Logging road access to trailhead
Departure Time	10:30
Difficulty	Moderate.
Costs	none
Trip limits	8-9 max, in singles or “pods” as per our Club discussion
Dogs?	MUST be in full control, or on leash (deer and fawns)
Notes:	As per our Club discussions, we will walk either singly, or with your pod group of 2-3, separated by 6 ft. Our Club decided that: conversations while hiking would be kept to a minimum, even when possible; no sharing of food/snacks; (sorry Les, we will miss your treats!); we will keep distanced during breaks; no sign-up sheet, trip coordinator will keep a record of hikers for the Trip Report; hikers are expected to bring their own simple first aid kits to keep any emergency contact to a minimum; no non-members, family, friends, guests, or Woofers will be allowed to participate at this time; MUST pre-register with trip coordinator. Call or email by 6 pm TUESDAY NIGHT.

Hiking – Drew Creek and Harbour – 26 Feb 2020

Posted on February 23, 2020 by qioutdoorclub

Activity	Hiking
Destination	Drew Creek and Harbour
Date	26 Feb 2020, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator	Norris Weimer
Contact Info	norris.weimer@ualberta.ca or 3710. Please contact the coordinator in advance.
Description	A short easy walk.
Meeting Place	Heriot Bay Tru Value parking lot
Departure Time	10:00
Difficulty	Easy
Costs	None
Trip limits	None
Dogs?	Okay, if they do not run through the group.
Notes:

Hiking – Surge Narrows logging roads – 29 Jan 2020

Posted on January 10, 2020 by qioutdoorclub

Activity	Hiking
Destination	Forested area east of Mine Lake
Date	29 Jan 2020, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator	Norris Weimer
Contact Info	norris.weimer@ualberta.ca or 3710. Please contact the coordinator in advance. With the winter weather, stay in touch with the coordinator.
Description	We will leave from near the Mine Lake access and walk logging roads through a woodlot. The roads are relatively flat. There may be wet areas.
Meeting Place	Heriot Bay Tru Value parking lot
Departure Time	10:00
Difficulty	Easy
Costs	None
Trip limits	None
Dogs?	Okay, if they do not run through the group. This is wolf habitat.
Notes:	Bring lunch and gear for the weather.

Hiking – Morte Lake Loop – 8 Jan 2020

Posted on December 20, 2019 by qioutdoorclub

Activity	Hiking
Destination	Morte Lake Loop
Date	8 Jan 2020, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator	Debbie Quigg
Contact Info	debbie.quigg@ualberta.ca or 3710; please contact the coordinator in advance of the trip
Description	We will hike the official Morte Lake loop, which passes through a wonderful variety of forest and has great views along the lake. About 10 km and 4 hours.
Meeting Place	Heriot Bay Store for car pooling
Departure Time	10:00
Difficulty	Easy to moderate.
Costs	none
Trip limits	none
Dogs?	okay
Notes:	Bring lunch and gear for the weather. This can be a wet trail in places.

Trip Report – Haskin’s Farm & Environs – 20 Nov 2019

Posted on November 21, 2019 by qioutdoorclub

On a sunny, cold morning 13 hikers and 3 dogs set out on the very familiar (to most) Haskin’s Farm trail. After quickly arriving at the beach and enjoying the mid-fall sunshine it was decided that we would visit the big trees along the beach trail, ascend to the top of the bluff and then explore the new trails. We forest bathed under the big Douglas firs then back-tracked to the switchbacks, regrouped and headed along the new trail that skirts the bluff, checked out the man made pond that is part of the new Golf Club development, walked the new trail through the future subdivision and eventually sat down for lunch at the clubhouse picnic tables and basked in the sunshine. Several hikers headed back to their cars and several headed around the golf course, bushwacked for 10 minutes, regained the Haskin’s Farm logging road close to the Todd’s Trail sign, and finished off our 3 hour outing. The new trails are a welcome addition to this classic Quadra hike. 8.5 km, 3 hours.

Vic