Category Archives: easy

Hiking – Woss Lookout and Little Huson Caves – 27 July 2018

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Change of date, start time and contact information!

Activity Hiking
Destination Woss Lookout and Little Huson Caves, Vancouver Island
Date 26 27 July 2018, Thursday Friday
Trip Coordinator QIOC
Contact Info qioutdoorclub@gmail.com
Description The recently restored Woss Lookout, about 1.5 hrs north of Campbell River, is accessed by a short but steep, rope-assisted, hike, about 4 km round trip. Even at a moderate pace, allowing for the steepness, this hike will not take all day. So for a more relaxing afternoon, we will then drive north and west to the LIttle Huson Caves, on the Zeballos Road, to explore this little known regional park. These caves are perfect for those who prefer to admire caves from the outside only, as they are shallow caves with wide entrances.
www.vancouverislandnorth.ca (Things to do, Caving) for more information on the Caves.
Meeting Place QCove Ferry Terminal; we will organize carpooling before trip
Departure Time 6:20 8 am ferry
Difficulty
 Woss Lookout – Difficult; LIttle Huson Caves – Easy
Costs Ferry and gas contribution when carpooling
Trip limits none
Dogs? no
Notes: A long day is expected. Some may want to stay in Campbell River for dinner to avoid ferry lineups. Must bring lunch, snacks, water. Good hiking boots recommended for the Woss Lookout hike; suggest that poles, if used, be of the foldable type for the rope sections. Flashlights may be useful to look into the caves. Trip cancelled if steady rain. Must phone or email the trip coordinator by 9 pm Wednesday, July 25 to join this hike.

Trip Report – Hyacinthe Bay & Point – 20 June 2018

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Eight of us kayaked from Len Road across Hyacinthe Bay in the morning  (1 km; ¼ hour).  It was a very short paddle to Maple Bay where we explored a property that is proposed to become a wilderness conservation area.  From there we hiked up to a viewpoint with views over Hyacinthe Bay and Rebecca Spit.  It was steep and rugged in places, a path following cairns.  We returned to the Bay for lunch (hike – 4.4 km; 2½ hours), then kayaked on to Lady Ann Bay.   One interesting feature of Hyacinthe Point is the exposed pillow lava which flowed out under water causing the “pillow” formations. Three kayaks returned from this point and five continued on for an extended paddle since the weather was hot and calm.

On our paddle there were herring jumping out of the water near us, which attracted an eagle to swoop in to catch them a couple of times.  He put on a very nice show quite close to us.  We continued around Heriot Island in shallow water and returned to the vehicles. (kayak – 6.0 km; 1½ hours)

Many thanks to the two owners who invited us to visit their properties.

Norris

Photos by Norris and Les

(click on photos to enlarge)

Kayaking/Hiking – Hyacinthe Bay & Point – 20 June 2018

Trip Report – Main Lake Provincial Park – 30 May 2018

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Nine of us had a sunny day for the paddle and hike. Although the wind had been terrible for the past two days, we hoped that the forecast would be correct and a break would come at noon. As it turned out we had variable winds most of the day and only a bit of a head wind on the last leg. We paddled from Mine Lake out onto Main Lake and then to the creek from Clear Lake. Although the landing is a bit sketchy in the reeds, we managed to find the trailhead to Clear Lake. The old logging road is in fair shape with only two bridges out and a few downfalls. It wanders up through alders and is grass covered most of the way. It is a very open and beautiful walk. At the end you come up on a rock with an 180 degree view of Clear Lake.
We returned via the same route and had lunch at Main Lake. On the return paddle the lake was dead flat most of the way until the wind came up at the entrance to Mine Lake. All in all, a very good day. We paddled for 3 hours and 4.7 nm (9.6 km). The hike portion took an hour and forty minutes and was 1.85 km each way.  All totalled, we were gone 5½ hours.

Les

Thanks to Norris and Les for the photos

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Kayaking – Main Lakes Provincial Park – 30 May 2018

Kayaking/hiking – Hyacinthe Bay & Point – 20 June 2018

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Activity Kayaking and hiking
Destination Hyacinthe Bay and Point
Date 20 June 2018, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Norris Weimer
Contact Info norris.weimer@ualberta.ca or 3710
Description We will have a short paddle in the Heriot Bay-Hyacinthe Bay area and then visit the proposed ecological reserve on Hyacinthe Bay.  We plan to hike into the Kellerhalls property and Crown Land adjoining the proposed ecological reserve.  The hike is on old logging roads, marked but rough trails.  The route is undulating, sometimes very steep, sometimes a bit exposed, with good views west and south.  If the group wishes we can extend the kayak portion by touring Heriot Bay.
Meeting Place Len Road
Departure Time Arrive at 9:30 to be on the water at 10:00
Difficulty
 easy kayaking/challenging hiking
Costs none
Trip limits none
Dogs? no
Notes: We are expecting hot weather and big tides.  All kayak outings are dependent on weather. Bring your kayak with appropriate flotation, paddle and recommended spray skirt, plus required safety equipment: life jacket, heaving line, bailer or pump, and whistle. Bring hiking shoes and hiking poles are recommended for the hike to Hyacinthe Point.  Bring lunch and lots of water.

Trip Report – Gowlland Harbour – 2 May 2018

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A light wind started the day, however it soon diminished. Fifteen kayakers met at Gowlland Harbour Resort, we were all on the water before 10:30 a.m. Kayaked southeast, around the point of Stag Island. All the islands were painted in yellows, reds, blues & splashes of white flowers, extremely beautiful. We stopped at Vigilant Island, aka Tree Island and explored the area. The flowers were amazing, we even found chocolate lilies growing, also discovered a mass of large bones, probably a sea lion. To stand on this island and look at the flowers with the backdrop of snow covered mountains, unbelievable. We live here! Kayaked around the shore of the island viewing sea urchins, starfish, displaying a mass of colour in the ocean. The seals watched us and probably celebrated when we left. We then kayaked over to May Island, the tide was low and found adequate spaces for all to land. Enjoyed our lunches and chatter. Off again to view the ship wreck and kayaked over to the shore of Quadra. Traveling down the shoreline was such a treat, cascades of water, wildflowers in an abundance. The tugboats were still working, taking out log booms. Arriving back at Gowlland Harbour Resort, we were filled with memories of a pretty perfect day.
Thank you to all kayakers for your help, the sharing of stories, delicious cookies, laughter and to be together. And thanks to Gowlland Harbour Resort for giving us permission to launch from their private property.  Wishing you all beautiful memories of this day.
Margot

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Kayaking – Gowlland Harbour – 2 May 2018

Kayaking – Main Lake Prov Park – 30 May 2018

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This trip has been changed to a day-trip on Wednesday.

Activity Kayaking Multi-day kayaking/camping
Destination Main Lake Provincial Park
Date 30 May 2018, Wednesday 29-31 May 2018, Tuesday-Thursday
Trip Coordinator Les Hand
Contact Info 2029 or leshand@gicable.com
Description The destination will be determined by the group when we depart the boat ramp.  Camping on Main Lake, probably on the north shore, with day paddling/hiking.  Possible day trips are: kayaking to Little Main Lake up Shadow Brook Creek, kayaking to the east end of the lake and hiking to Yeatman Bay, and/or kayaking to the north shore and hiking up to Clear Lake.
Meeting Place Boat launch, Mine Lake
Departure Time 10:00 10:30 a.m.  Plan to be at the launch site by 9:30.
Difficulty
 Probably easy, unless it’s windy
Costs As of 2017 there is a $5/person/night fee for camping between May 15 and Sept 15.
Trip limits none
Dogs? no
Notes: Participants need to have all required safety equipment.  Here is the link to the Park information.  Everyone is responsible for their own kayaking gear, camping equipment and meals, but cooking groups would be a good idea.  I will send a list of people who have signed up a week before the event to facilitate planning, so please let me know if you are interested no later than May 15.  We’ll plan to come back after lunch on the 3rd day, so will have 2 half days and one full day to explore the park.

 

Hiking – North Gowlland Trail Loop – 10 Oct 2018

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Activity Hiking
Destination North Gowlland Trail Loop
Date 10 Oct 2018, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Janis McLean
Contact Info 3614; please contact the coordinator in advance of the trip
Description A series of bike trails including Cash Only, Little Black Dress, Silk Stocking, Bite the Bullet and Sam’s Shorty, to start and end on North Gowlland Harbour Road.
Meeting Place Heriot Bay Store parking lot
Departure Time 9:30
Difficulty
 Moderate (some steep sections)
Costs None
Trip limits
Dogs? Okay
Notes: Bring snacks/lunch; hiking poles; time approx. 3 hours.

 

Hiking – Homewood Trails Loop – 22 August 2018

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Change of start time!

Activity Hiking
Destination Homewood Trails Loop
Date 22 August 2018, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Janis McLean
Contact Info 3614; please contact the coordinator in advance of the trip
Description Hopespring trail, south on Homewood trail to Homewood Bluff. Loop trail to High Bluff and north along Heriot Ridge to Hopespring trail.
Meeting Place Hopespring trailhead
Departure Time 8:30 9:30
Difficulty
 Easy to moderate (on bluff climbs)
Costs None
Trip limits
Dogs? Okay
Notes: Bring snacks/lunch; hiking poles for the up and down; time approx. 2.5 to 3 hours.

 

Hiking – Rousseau Ridge Loop – 4 July 2018

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Activity Hiking
Destination Rousseau Ridge Loop
Date 4 July 2018, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Janis McLean
Contact Info 3614; please contact the coordinator in advance of the trip
Description Hopespring and Gowlland trails to Rousseau Ridge, then continuing on Gowlland trail, crossing N. Gowlland Harbour road and returning via Gowlland and Thompson trails.
Meeting Place Hopespring trailhead
Departure Time 9:30
Difficulty
 Easy to moderate (on the Rousseau bluff)
Costs None
Trip limits
Dogs? Okay
Notes: Bring snacks/lunch; hiking poles for the up and down; time approx. 3 hours.

 

Kayaking – Gowlland Harbour – 2 May 2018

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Activity Kayaking
Destination Gowlland Harbour
Date 2 May 2018, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Margot Wood
Contact Info 250-285-2393
Description We will meet, help each other to launch from Gowlland Harbour Resort.
We will kayak the islands to see the beautiful wild flowers. Kayak to May Island for our lunch.  Visiting the islands in Gowlland Harbour.  Returning to the launch area at approximately 2 p.m.
Meeting Place Gowlland Harbour Resort boat launch, 823 Gowlland Harbour Rd.
Departure Time 10:30 (unload and prepare at 10:00)
Difficulty
 easy
Costs none
Trip limits none
Dogs? no
Notes: This trip is dependent on weather.  Bring your ocean kayak, paddle plus safety equipment. Bring your own lunch and water. I will meet you at the launch site at 10:00.  We help each other with kayak launch.
Gowlland Harbour Resort has kindly granted us permission to use their boat launch for this trip. This is not a public access.