Moving the hike from Monday, which was heavy rain and high winds, to Wednesday turned out well. It was a cool 3° but a beautiful sunny day. We walked down Haskin Farm Trail to the beach. We did not see any whales, but the water was fairly flat. The snow covered mountains in the background were spectacular. Then we went down Fircrest Trail admiring the big old growth trees on the way. The trail is in excellent condition as someone has been grooming it. From the pond at the golf course we circled the new houses to the top of the golf course. As we walked the top of the Gulf course, we couldn’t help but admire what good shape the golf course is in this year. On the south side of the course we crossed over into the woodlot and hiked back to the vehicles. (6 km, 2 hours)

Les

A wonderful day for 13 hikers to head out from the Kay Dubois trailhead at the end of Wa Wa Kie Rd to meet up with two additional hikers that travelled up the trail from Sutil Road to meet the main group at the big mother spruce tree. From the big tree we backtracked a small distance to access the trail up to the multiple logging roads and headed our way south to end up at the Sutil Rd trail head. Here we left our two additional hikers and travelled the main Kay Dubois Trail back to the starting point. We made a small detour to the ocean in hopes of seeing our resident whales, but alas, did not. The group carried on back to the trailhead to depart after many happy holiday wishes to all.

Many thanks to all 15 hikers. (7.2 km; 2 hours)

Ten of us set out in dark overcast weather with threat of rain.  We started walking into woodlot W1898 on a gated road, then we diverted onto an old but well used trail through a pleasant mature forest.  There are no views, but there is the occasional glimpse of Village Bay Lake.  Then the trail rejoins the main logging road.  When that ended, we continued down a trail that joins up with the Vic’s Marsh trail, and from there it was another easy stroll back to the cars.  Just as a few raindrops fell.

For lunch, we planned to hike the short trail to the swim rock on south Village Bay Lake.  We found the trail by the old outhouses at the boat trailer parking lot.  However, it quickly became apparent that this is a summer trail, since sections were underwater now.  So we had lunch at the boat launch bench instead.   We were sheltered from the very light rain by the trees and talked until we got cold.  (4.2 km;1 hour 20 minutes, walking time)

This trip is re-scheduled to 10 Jan, Wednesday

After enjoying coffee, breakfast or treats, and an hour of socializing at the Aroma Café, 10 hikers made our way into the Q-Cove trails via Plaza Road and a trail that parallels the big staircase. This brought us to Nole Rd where we proceeded south into the Nole Rd right of way, a future road that is, for now, a trail to Noble Rd. The group quickly became involved in hunting for the faces in the forest and found several of the well camouflaged carvings (most carved and placed by Johann Weighardt).

We zig-zagged our way to Noble Road – about 1.5 km – emerging from the bush in the parkette across from QI Builders. We then walked east on Noble Rd to the re-entry point to the “right of way”. Passing through and alongside various private properties via trails and bridges that are well maintained by the owners of some of those properties (notably B. and J. Sheppard), the group enjoyed this backyard rainforest experience. The Word Log’s everchanging one-word philosophical offering – “LIFE” was met with approval. After passing the big Cottonwood we took a figure-eight route that got us back onto Nole Rd. and our descent down the 70 stairs to Plaza Rd.

A downpour for the last part of the outing made sure that we were thoroughly soaked as we reached the plaza parking lot.

This is an easy to access trail through a beautiful second growth forest. One could explore a lot of this system between tasks while at the Q-Cove Plaza. But be aware – it is easy to end up going in circles and losing your way!.  PLEASE NOTE: Except for the “right of way” these trails are on private property and generously shared. (4.6 km;1½ hours walking)