The recent torrential rains definitely dampened our BC Trail Day celebration, but a few die-hards went for a short walk anyway. We used the Swale Trail and Black Jack to make a tight loop on the Community Centre trails, following some lovely paths through a fine forest.

The Quadra trail system is an amazing heritage that is worth recognizing. At the end of our walk it seemed fitting that we passed by the memorial to Judy Leicester who worked so hard on the trails. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to her and others like Hilda Van Orden, Marcie Wolter, Nole Lax, and Richard Leicester who did so much to develop these trails. And also to the current hard workers who carry on that tradition like John Barclay, Sam Whittingham and Ken Roxborough, and all the other many, many volunteers.

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Hiking – BC Trail Day – 4 June 2022

Five of us walked these lovely and varied trails on the We Wai Kai land.  The trails were well maintained after winter storms and well used.  We started on the forest loop, enjoying the old and interesting Big Leaf Maples and the deep ravine before coming out on the bluff overlooking Willby Shoals.  We continued on past the lighthouse and campground, joining a trail along Discovery Passage, heading north toward Yaculta.  This section has good views and some big Douglas fir trees.  On the return, we stopped for a bite at a picnic table in the campground.  The rain held off for us and it was a gentle day, good for a walk.  A few of the group met up at Quathiaski Cove cafés after the hike for hot drinks and treats.  7.4 km; 2½ hours without the snacks.

Hiking – Cape Mudge Trails – 2 Mar 2022

Nine of us walked this short “new” loop between Village Bay Lakes and Vic’s Marsh.  Some of it is on a gated logging road, some of it is on an old, maintained trail that we’ve recently rediscovered.  It passes through a very nice forest.  Perhaps the loop was a riding trail when Vic had horses at the marsh.  In the eighties?  Then the trail connects to the Vic’s Marsh trail, returning to the cars along the marsh and passing by the remains of Vic’s barn.  Despite a poor weather forecast, it did not rain or snow on us and this loop was mostly clear of snow while other trails in the area are still covered.  Back at the vehicles, the groups shared some yummy snacks before departing.   4.2 km, 1⅓ hours

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Hiking – Village Bay Lakes Loop – 2 Feb 2022

On a cool, foggy day we set out for a casual hike. The Haskin Farm Trail had been recently cleared of fallen trees and widened out very nicely after all the bad weather. Thanks to all that may have participated.
Fir Crest was in good condition with the occasional peek out through the fog to the ocean. The golf course was in great condition considering all the snow that we have had. All the green grass made you feel as if spring was coming. We returned to the vehicles through the wood lot. 6.5 km and 1¾ hours

Les

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Hiking – Haskin Farm-Fir Crest Loop – 25 Jan 2022