Seven of us started out from the end of Fox Road, walked down the hill and along Wa Wa Kie Road. We entered the Kay Dubois Trail and hiked the loop clockwise. For the first half of the walk, it almost looked as though the sun could come through. At the midpoint, when we stopped at the beach viewpoint for tea and a snack, a light rain started and followed us back to our parking spots. It was an easy, social walk and just felt great to be out even if it was a bit wet and muddy. 5.9 km and 1½ hours.

Diana

Thanks to Norris and Rob for the photos.

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Hiking – Kay Dubois Loop – 1 Dec 2021

Thirteen of us hiked this trail even though the forecast was for rain and wind.  As it turned out, the weather wasn’t too bad, just some drizzle for a while.  It’s a forest trail anyway, so no views were missed, and the trees drip even when the rain stops.  The trail is very muddy in sections, so good boots are recommended.

Since the numbers were large, we split up into two smaller groups and that worked well.

We started on a recent logging road in a woodlot and continued on an old logging road through what is now Main Lake Provincial Park.  It’s a very pleasant old forest walk, partly on a mossy track and then through a wetter area.  After crossing the small creek we stopped for lunch in the forest before returning to the vehicles.  6.2 km and 2¼ hours.

Norris

Thanks to Norris and Carrie for the photos.

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Hiking – South Stramberg Route – 24 Nov 2021

On Wednesday four hikers did the Hopespring/Thompson Trail in reverse. It is surprising when you do a circle trip in the opposite direction how much different it seems. Although cool, we were treated to dry weather with even a few sunny breaks. The moss covered rocks were brilliant green in the sunshine. We stopped for a short break at the old growth trees called The Three Sisters. They are magnificent Douglas Fir that survived the big fire of the 20’s.  A little farther down the trail we made a small side trip to visit 19 old growth trees. It is one of the few places on Quadra where so many are gathered together.  From here we climbed back up and over Heriot Ridge to finish the hike. 8.5 km and 2½ hours.

Les

Thanks to Les for the photos.

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Hiking – Thompson Trail-Hopespring Loop – 17 Nov 2021

Six hikers enjoyed a Wet Coast ramble through the beautiful Community Trails on our first-ever “Newcomers” hike. Three Club members were thrilled to welcome three Newcomers, and one “would-be” who was stuck in Nanaimo.  (Hope you are able to join us on an outing soon, Norma!) Though we had originally planned an excursion through the lovely bike/hike trails south of Walcan Road, in the face of our latest monsoon we opted for the Community Trails, less muddy and slippery and more conducive to a relaxed outing. The ramble was ably led by Les, now the Community Trails expert thanks to his self-directed rehab after his leg surgery. Welcome back,Les! We saw many fungi of various sorts, and a downed, rotten alder was a good visual reminder of the dangers of being in the woods in the windstorms. As always, the Community Trails reminded us why we are so lucky to call Quadra our home, as “oldtimers” and as “newcomers”.  2¾ hrs, 7 km

Valerie van Veen 

Thanks to Valerie, Les and everyone who contributed photos.

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Hiking – Newcomers’ Hike – 16 Oct 2021