Category Archives: Hiking

Hiking – Plumper Bay and Point – 22 April 2024

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Activity Hiking
Destination Plumper Bay and Point
Date 22 April, Monday
Trip Coordinator Norris Weimer
Contact Info norris.weimer@ualberta.ca or 3710.  Please contact the coordinator in advance by phone or email.
Description We will start out on the trail to Maud Island, but turn off onto an old logging road to Plumper Point.  However, we divert from that in order to walk the beach at a low tide.  When the beach runs out we will go up on mossy bluffs and continue to the Point.  We will return through the forest on the old logging road.  About 6.5 km, 3 to 4 hours.
Meeting Place Heriot Bay Tru Value parking lot; we will convoy in our cars from there.
Departure Time 10:00
Difficulty Moderate, but varied: easy trail, beach walking, routes on old, unmaintained logging roads, a few steepish ascents on bluffs
Costs none
Trip limits 10
Dogs?
Notes: Bring lunch.

Trip Report – B&B Trail loop – 3 April 2024

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Eleven hikers hiked the B&B trail loop, which we had not done for five years.  The morning was cool and overcast, but with gradual clearing it was a beautiful day.  Starting from the Thompson trailhead, we hiked to the first viewpoint, impressed by the steep ascent and the great views to the northeast.  We then followed the open, mossy ridge down to the Big Leaf Maple tree where we climbed down into the forest.  Since our last trip, a logging road and cut block have been made which change the trip, but the continuity of the trail has been restored.  We followed the trail along the creek down to Hyacinthe Bay Rd, which is a helpful landmark for orientation.  We then retraced our path back up the B&B Trail and took a spur on the right which crosses a ravine with a creek and waterfall on a big log.  The plan was to return to the B&B Trail, but the spur trail had had maintenance work done on it since the winter reconnaissance, so we decided to follow that route up to the mossy bluff sometimes called Eileen’s Bluff.  The daffodils were blooming and nearly as helpful in finding our way as the cairns.  At the top we stopped for lunch and more views to the northeast.  Those that wanted to explored a short loop, which is under construction, around the high bluff, but the route we found involved a bit of bushwhacking.  We then retraced our route back to the log bridge and ascended the B&B Trail  to Thompson Trail and the vehicles.

This is a beautiful hike with a lot of variety: great views, mossy bluffs, lovely forests and creeks.  The route we took includes enough elevation gain for a good workout.  Thanks very much to John Marlowe for the trail maintenance work on Thompson and B&B Trail, which made our journey much easier.  (6.3 km; 4 hours;  370 m elevation gain)

Debbie

Hiking – B&B Trail Loop – 3 April 2024

Trip Report – Hyacinthe Point – 24 March 2024

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This hike had been re-scheduled several times due to poor weather.  Finally, seven of us set out on a beautiful, sunny day only to find that there was dense fog on the east side of Quadra Island.  Fortunately it was still lovely and coastal, and the fog burned off by noon.  The Kellerhal family generously allowed us to visit Chauntaluf farm, their beautiful forest and trail system.  We started out on Open Bay Rd, turning onto and climbing up Cliff Rd and Raven Crag.  At the top we were above the fog, but Hyacinthe Bay was hidden.  We continued through the open, undulating forest to Hyacinthe Pt, but between the fog and the light, cool breeze we didn’t remain long.

We headed back along the same route until we stopped for lunch on a sunny, mossy bluff.  By the time we finished, the fog had lifted revealing peak-a-boo views of Hyacinthe Bay.  We followed connector routes to Coast Mountain Rd and to the viewpoint, looking east toward the mainland.  Continuing our loop, we took Nighthawk Trail and Big Pond Rd to the pond.  The pond was very active with mating Rough-Skinned Newts, in pairs and in newt balls.  It was fascinating, but unfortunately I cannot upload a video to this post.

We returned to the farmland area and enjoyed the amazing variety of birds and bird songs before heading home. (6.6 km; 3.75 hours)

Debbie

(click on photos to enlarge)

Hiking – Hyacinthe Point – 24 March 2024

Trip Report – Bike Trails South of Walcan Rd – 19 Mar 2024

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On an overcast morning 10 ambitious hikers started off on the recently renamed trail, Rob’s Ride. We proceeded up to the south east end of Nighthawk Lake to take a look at the old beaver dam. From there we backtracked slightly to Dick’s Ride, where we started a clockwise circuit. From that trail, we did Cash Only, then Back Door where we stopped on a lovely Mossy Bluff for lunch in the warm sunshine.   After lunch, we continued on Back Door, then on to Silk-Stocking and travelled south down that for a little way to check out the old copper mining area complete with a mining cart. We then backtrack slightly, and went north west on Silk-Stocking, then onto Navel, and Straight as a Dime. This brought us out to the Walcan Road where we were able to head down Rob’s Ride. This is a lovely walk down McKercher Creek and then back over to Nighthawk Lake. At the marsh area above Nighthawk lake we were treated to a lovely choir of thousands of frogs. It was truly amazing how loud they were. After travelling along the lake, we return to the vehicles.  (10.4 km; 4 hours)

Les

Thanks to Les and Norris for the photos

Click on photos to enlarge
 

Frog Chorus at 70 decibels from 20 metres away:

Hiking -Bike Trail South of Walcan Rd – 19 Mar 2024

Hiking – Quinsam River Trails – 15 April 2024

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Activity Hiking
Destination Quinsam River Trails
Date 15 Apr, Monday
Trip Coordinator Debbie Quigg
Contact Info dmquigg@gmail.com; 250-285-3710.  Please contact the coordinator by Saturday evening.
Description We will hike along the east side of the Quinsam River, using mountain bike trails and logging roads.  This follows a variety of terrain down to the river and then follow the river upstream and loop back through the forest and ravines. There may be muddy sections.  Ideally there would be spring flowers.  About 11 km; 3.5 hours
Meeting Place QCove ferry terminal;  after exiting the ferry, we will drive to the parking area together.  Parking is more limited than previously.
Departure Time 9:30 ferry
Difficulty
 Moderate
Costs Ferry
Trip limits 10
Dogs?
Notes:

Trip Report – Drew Creek and Paddy’s Lagoon – 11 Mar 2024

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On a windy, overcast day seven hikers met at the back parking lot of Rebecca Spit.  It was +5° outside, but felt like -5° in the heavy wind.  It was blowing 25 knots and gusting to 40 so the ocean was very rough toward Cortes Island. This made for some very interesting viewing as we made our way down to the Sasquatch and Paddy’s Lagoon. The trail was surprisingly dry considering all the snow that we had the week before. We retraced our steps back up the beach and then went through the campground to Drew Creek Trail.

This is a short loop, but an excellent chance to see what the salmon enhancement committee has done. There have been multiple signs put in to explain the salmon spawning in the stream.
We then went back through the campground to have a short break for snacks, cookies, and tea. We moved the vehicles to the Drew Harbour side, where there was much less wind at the picnic tables. After this, part of the group made their way around the end of the Spit to add to the walking distance. We got back to the large field just as it started to rain so a perfect ending.  7.3 km; about 2 hours walking

Les

Thanks to Les and Norris for the photos.

(click on photos to enlarge)

Hiking – Drew Creek and Rebecca Spit – 11 Mar 2024

Hiking – Drew Creek Trail and Paddy’s Lagoon – 11 March 2024

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Activity Hiking
Destination Drew Creek and Paddy’s Lagoon
Date 11 March, Monday
Trip Coordinator Les Hand
Contact Info 285-2029; lhquadra@gmail.com
Description We will start with the Drew Creek walk. Then we will go down past the Sasquatch sculpture and visit Paddy’s Lagoon.
Meeting Place Parking lot in the park; turn right after the yellow gate and follow the drive to the lot by the water at the south end of the park.
Departure Time 10:00
Difficulty
 Easy
Costs None
Trip limits 10
Dogs? Yes, but under control
Notes: This is a late change, but please let the coordinator know in advance
Trip will go unless heavy wind and rain, so dress prepared.

Hiking – South End/Tsakwaluten Trails – 10 April 2024

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Activity Hiking 
Destination South End/Tsakwaluten Trails
Date 10 Apr, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Vic Gladish
Contact Info vicgladish@gmail.com; 250-285-2111; text 250-287-0459
Description Easy walking on two separate hikes: southern route to viewpoints and maple forest and back to the Lighthouse; northern route through the campground to Cape Mudge Village and back.
Meeting Place Cape Mudge Lighthouse
Departure Time 9:30
Difficulty
 Easy
Costs None
Trip limits 10
Dogs? On leash
Notes: Note earlier start time 0930.
Lunch will be a social outing to Kameleon (https://www.kameleonfoodanddrink.ca/) in the Cove. Let Vic know by email if you’re going to Kameleon so an approximate number can be provided to the restaurant ahead.

Hiking – B&B Trail Loop – 3 Apr 2024

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Activity Hiking
Destination B&B Trail Loop
Date 3 Apr, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Debbie Quigg
Contact Info dmquigg@gmail.com or 3710.  Please contact the coordinator by Monday night
Description We will hike up Thompson Trail, climb to the first viewpoint for views north and east, then descend the mossy bluffs of the open ridge in a northward direction. This area is much changed since we did this hike five years ago.  We will briefly follow a new logging road and trail to join the B&B Trail as it descends to Hyacinthe Bay Rd.  We will retrace our steps up along the creek and then take a short side trip to another creek, falls and log bridge.  We will return to the B&B trail and continue up the creek and back to the Thompson Trail and Thompson Rd.  We may go the the next viewpoint on the Thompson Trail if that is convenient.
Meeting Place Thompson trailhead on Thompson Road. Carpool if you are able as parking space is somewhat limited.
Departure Time 10:00
Difficulty Easy to moderate (on steep and potentially slippery, mossy bluffs)
Costs none
Trip limits 10
Dogs?
Notes: We will not do this trip in poor weather.

Trip Report – Shellaligan Pass Loop – 21 Feb 2024

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Our Shellaligan hike began with an unexpected twist. Given the wet, drizzly conditions the plan was to take the eastern forest loop. However, our group of seven hikers first spent a few minutes on the rocky out-croppings overlooking the Hoskyn Channel so our out-of-town guest could see the lovely ocean view. There we encountered three people, obviously very well-equipped for some sort of adventure. We learnt that this was an international crew who film nature videos around the world, Shellaligan was their Canadian destination. Mexico was next! We were undecided if we were pleased that Shellaligan was indeed as unique as we feel it is, or concerned that this would encourage even more visitors to Quadra! (https://lovenature.com/)

We then drove to the trailhead at the first parking lot and began our hike on the western loop in a clockwise direction. After working our way through the logging roads, now well-signed, we began on the gradual incline to the crest of the ravine, then down its steep bank to the shoreline. The trail is in good condition, surprisingly no blowdowns, and bridges all intact. The creek was flowing quite noisily, good to see water in the creeks again! By the time we reached the beach, the drizzle had stopped and we enjoyed a pleasant break on the logs, the oyster farm still visible in the bay. On the steep trail out of the ravine we found two rough-skinned newts, identified by their orange bellies, (https://canadianherpetology.ca/species/species_page.html?cname=Rough-skinned%20Newt)
thanks to the sharp eyes of our guest. At the sign-posted junction we headed back to the second parking lot. The trees along that part of the trail have grown considerably, a pleasant surprise. A short walk back up the logging road brought us to our cars.
Two hours hiking the loop with break; 5.1 km.

Valerie

Click on photos to enlarge
 

Hiking -Shellaligan Loop – 21 Feb 2024