Hiking – Haskins Farm and Fircrest Trail – 8 Jan 2024

This trip is re-scheduled to 10 Jan, Wednesday

Activity Hiking
Destination Haskins Farm and Fircrest Trail
Date 8 Jan. 2024, Monday  10 Jan, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Les Hand
Contact Info lhquadra@gmail.com or 285-2029
Description We will do a series of small trails – Haskin Farm, Fircrest, golf course and maybe Todd’s trail. In this way, we can adjust the trip according to the weather. You can figure on two hours plus or minus.
Meeting Place Heriot Bay Rd. and Smith
Departure Time 10:00
Difficulty Easy
Costs None
Trip limits 10
Dogs? O.K. But must be under control and on leash while at the golf course.
Notes This trip may vary due to weather, but can usually be done. Please dress for the weather and bring a lunch or snack.

Trip Report – Nole to Noble and Side Trails- 4 Dec 2023

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)

Vic

Thanks to Carrie and Norris for the photos
 
Click on photos to enlarge

Trip Report – Tyee Spit – 29 Nov 2023

On a cool and thankfully dry day, six members enjoyed a pleasant and informative walk along the north stretch of Campbell River’s waterfront, heading from the ferry to Tyee Spit.  At the boatyard we briefly watched the remote-controlled marine Travelift easily move around large boats (“bigger than ours”, observed some of our group). Beyond the commercial centre we admired the unique memorial poles marking some of the graves in the We Wai Kum cemetery, each a work of art speaking to the love and esteem held for the deceased.  All along the Spit are informative signboards which describe and illustrate, with historical photos, the long and varied history of the Spit. At the end of the Spit, the mouth of the Campbell River, we noted its physical and past industrial relationship to our recent outing to Baikie Estuary. On our return we followed the short trail to estuary and the pier and bird-watching blind where a few mallards were identified. From there we took a new path that led us past cottages, part of the Thunderbird RVPark, which overlook the estuary. Apparently these cottages provide very pleasant accommodation, according to one club member whose relatives had stayed there. Back at the beginning of the Spit, we opted to head straight back for our social stop at Freyja’s Croissant Shop, where we all enjoyed some delicious treats before going our separate ways. (6.6 km; 2.5 hours including socializing and eating)

Valerie van Veen
 
Thanks to Valerie and Norris for the photos
 

(click on photos to enlarge)

Walk and Social – Tyee Spit – 29 Nov 2023

Trip Report – Hopespring-Thomspon Trail Loop – 13 Nov 2023

Five brave souls headed out for a hike starting at Hope Spring Rd trailhead. We were fortunate enough to catch a beautiful day without rain. We started with a quick detour to Heriot Ridge viewpoint which happens to be the most southern point at which you can see both sides of Quadra’s beautiful waters.

We then continued and stopped at the Aisle of 19 and the Three Sisters along the trail, which are among the most magnificent old growth trees on Quadra. One of the wooden bridges was damaged from a fallen tree but with care, all five made it safely across.

While the trail was wetter than normal, the skylines were dry and we were able to have lunch on Rousseau Ridge. Four eagles joined our lunch and provided a great aerial display.  After lunch, we carried on and continued the loop ending up on Thompson Rd for the short walk back to our vehicles.

Thank you to the volunteers that help keep our trails in great shape. New sign posts are being installed and provide excellent clarity.

Overall, a great hike that enjoyed by all.  (7.2 km; 3½ hours)

Louise
 
 
 
(click on photos to enlarge)

Hiking – Hopespring-Thompson Trail Loop – 13 Nov 2023

Hiking – Village Bay Lake Loop – 13 Dec 2023

Activity Hiking
Destination Village Bay Lake loop
Date 13 Dec, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Norris Weimer
Contact Info norris.weimer@ualberta.ca or 3710  Please contact the coordinator by Monday night.
Description Starting on the Surge Narrows Rd, we will hike up a logging road and continue on a trail through a lovely forest near Village Bay Lake.  We will re-join the logging road for a while and then follow another trail which connects with the route along Vic’s Marsh.  There is lots of variety on this short loop.  Expect wet and muddy sections especially along the marsh.  About 5 km.
If the weather is dry, we will go to the swim rock on South Village Lake for lunch.
Meeting Place Heriot Bay store parking lot for carpooling.
Departure Time 10:00
Difficulty
Easy
Costs None
Trip limits 10
Dogs?
Notes: Bring gear appropriate for the weather and trail conditions. Bring a snack or lunch if you want to have lunch at the Lake.

Walk and Social – Tyee Spit – 29 Nov 2023

Activity Hot Chocolate Walk and Social
Destination Waterfront ramble to Tyee Spit and return
Date 29 Nov, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Valerie van Veen
Contact Info vvv@qisland.ca;  250 285 2329
Description A pleasant easy fall ramble. We will walk from CR ferry terminal to Tyee Spit, return via Freyja’s Croissants Coffee Shop on Shoppers Row. Those desiring a longer walk can walk on from Freyja’s to the Marina or…Scheduled walk is to return on 1:05 ferry.
Meeting Place Q Cove ferry terminal
Departure Time 10:00 ferry
Difficulty
Easy
Costs Ferry, Freyja’s treats are pricey (but worth the $ and calories)
Trip limits None
Dogs? If under control; must stay outside at coffee shop.
Notes: Must contact coordinator by 8 pm Tuesday, 28 Nov. Walk will go ahead in rain; only cancelled if ferry cancelled.

Hiking – Kay Dubois Loop – 18 Dec 2023

Activity Hiking
Destination Kay Dubois Loop
Date 18 Dec, Monday
Trip Coordinator Louise Squire
Contact Info lsquire@sasktel.net
Description Starting at the entrance to Kay Dubois trailhead, we will carry on through past the big tree and make our way to the end near Sutil Road. At the end of Sutil Rd, we will follow the logging roads east and north. Before reaching Fox Rd, we will turn east onto a small trail that winds its way back to the Kay Dubois Trail, connecting at the big mother spruce tree. From here it will be a short hike back to the trail head.
Meeting Place End of Smith Rd at Kay Dubois trailhead
Departure Time 10:30
Difficulty
Easy
Costs None
Trip limits 10
Dogs Under control or on leash
Notes: The turnaround at the trail head parking area is very tight. Recommend large vehicles park at the beach access area (bottom of Smith Rd) and walk to the trailhead.The trail takes about 45 min to walk one way along the ocean and is quite flat until Sutil Rd where there is a steep incline. There are a few side paths to the beach to walk and if lucky, will have the opportunity to witness a whale breach or two.

Kayaking – Breton Islands – 29 Feb 2024

Change of date and launch site.  Originally scheduled for Dec 21st , then Jan 31.

Activity Kayaking
Destination Breton Islands
Date 29 February, Thursday
Trip Coordinator Vic Gladish
Contact Info vicgladish@gmail.com; 250-285-2111; (cell 250-287-0459).
Description This will be a short day paddle. We will put in from private property on Open Bay.
Daylight will be in short supply while the tide will be mid to high most of the day! Hopefully there will be plenty of birds and mammals to observe and some sun to warm us on the beach as we sip hot drinks and have lunch.
Meeting Place Private property off of Valdez Road. The address will be given to you by the coordinator.
Departure Time 10:00
Difficulty
Easy; winter paddling
Costs None
Trip limits 8
Dogs?
Notes: This trip will be weather dependent! Paddling in a snow flurry can be more pleasant than in rain but lets look for light winds and some sun.
Be prepared for the weather; carry your snacks in the cockpit; staying warm and dry will be our our primary concern and will dictate the length of the outing.
Please review paddling guidelines in preparation for this outing: https://qioutdoorclub.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/paddling-guidelines-aug2018.pdf

Hiking – Nole to Noble – 4 Dec 2023

Activity Hiking and Social
Destination Nole to Noble/ QCove Trails
Date 4 Dec 2023, Monday
Trip Coordinator Vic Gladish
Contact Info vicgladish@gmail.com; 250-285-2111; text 250-287-0459
Description Happy Hour in the morning….coffee, etc at our meeting point, followed by an easy walk. We will walk the “Nole to Noble” right of way including the big staircase and several side trails which we will zig and zag on while looking for Johann’s perched carvings.
Meeting Place Aroma Cafe
Departure Time Meet for coffee, etc at 0900; Walk at 1000
Difficulty
Easy
Costs Breakfast, snack, beverages
Trip limits 8
Dogs? On leash
Notes: Parking can be a challenge.
The trails are mostly on private property, thus the limit of 8.
This event will go rain or shine. In the event of high winds however, I will cancel as this forest is subject to windfall.

Community Engagement – Spirit Square, Campbell River – 10 Nov 2023

Activity Experiential / Inspirational Walk
Destination Spirit Square, Campbell River Museum
Date 10 Nov. 2023, Friday
Trip Coordinator Vic Gladish
Contact Info vicgladish@gmail.com; 250-285-2111; (cell 250-287-0459)
Description WALK WITH ME – a guided walk to uncover the human dimensions of the toxic drug poisoning crisis as it has unfolded in small communities in BC.
Location: Spirit Square2 hours
Mobile eTicket – see website below
INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE IN AN ARTS BASED COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROJECT

This arts-based community action project seeks to uncover the human dimensions of the toxic drug poisoning crisis as it has unfolded locally in Campbell River. Within and through it, a group of artist-researchers, front-line workers and people with lived and living experience have banded together in a sprit of solidarity, attempting to come to terms with the impact of the crisis on individuals and community groups through a practice of story sharing. Through stories, we aim to cultivate awareness leading to change.

Where? Participants meet at the white tent in Spirt Square

Meeting Place Quathiaski Cove ferry terminal
Departure Time 9:00 ferry
Difficulty
Easy
Costs Ferry
Trip limits
Dogs? No
Notes: Visit
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/walk-with-me-campbell-river-tickets-728470403587?aff=oddtdtcreator
to register and reserve a space. Be sure to select the correct day and time when requesting your ticket (Nov 10 at 10 AM)