Despite the two day postponement, even more hikers signed up, so five of us set out on a pleasant, overcast Friday morning on the newish Surge Narrows Road to Main Lake trail. We found the correct trailhead, thanks Les, and started on the woodland path to Main Lake. With time considerations, we decided to forego the side trip to Roscoe Lake, planning on doing it if time/energy allowed on the return. The trail meanders through the forest, roughly following a very old logging road, eventually running beside a creekbed, now absolutely dry in our current drought conditions. We stopped to admire the magnificent burn-scarred old growth close to a now dry waterfall.

We came in through the back of the large campground at Main Lake east beach, which was occupied by several families enjoying the warm weather. We decided to continue on the portage route to Yeatman Bay and have our lunch break there. After a short break, during which we watched a multi-generational family dig for clams in the rising tide, we headed back to the Lake for a short swim. This refreshing break was now much needed as the heat had returned, despite a forecast of lower temperatures.

Unfortunately, as we began the return trek up the hill from the Lake two members of our group disturbed a wasp nest. The wasps made sure we knew they were not pleased at being stomped on! Our return trip was much less pleasant than our ingress, as pain and heat made the steep, then more gradual, incline back much more challenging. Our discomfort was compounded when another wasp nest was encountered, fortunately only one hiker was stung this time. We did not feel motivated to take the side trip to the small lake, and were greatly relieved to finally reach our cars, with air-conditioning and no wasps!

Given the wasps and the heat, and the steady uphill return, this hike would be best kept for spring or fall, especially when the creek and waterfall would be running.

About 5.5 hours, with lunch break and a quick swim.

Valerie van Veen

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Hiking – Main Lake and Yeatman Bay – 19 July 2023

Five hikers decided to leave an hour earlier because it was going to be another hot, dry summer day. We met at the Nugedzi Trail parking lot and started up the old road. The last two winters have done a lot of damage to the old road with all the heavy snow and run off. There was also a lot of blow down, but someone had been up with a chainsaw to take out the large trees.

We turned off the old road just past the back way up Beech’s Mountain. From here the trail was very rough and not maintained as it is not an official trail. We didn’t have too much trouble following the old route though and bushwhacked up to the bluffs. Here there are many wonderful views south, west and north. There was a lot of smoke in the air from all the forest fires, but still great views. After lunch, we returned to the vehicles another great hike completed. (8 km in 4½ hours)

Les

Thanks to Les and Norris for the photos

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Hiking – Noel’s Pizza Peak- 3 July 2023

Four of us enjoyed this great, short loop with wonderful views and lots of variety in terrain.  It’s very quick up to Heron Point, with views from Chinese Mtn to Hyacinthe Bay.  The weather was windy and “soft”.  The sky was clear, but there was haze, perhaps from smoke.  We continued on a gentle cairned trail to an old logging road and off on another marked trail which climbs and undulates through forest and mossy bluffs up to an intermediate viewpoint and then Mt. Sweat.  We stopped for a very relaxing lunch at this viewpoint which covers more than 180°.  From there we followed a recently flagged route down the north side back to Kolker Main and the short walk to the vehicles.  Thanks to Heather Kellerhals for letting the Outdoor Club use the Chauntaluf farm trails to make this loop.  3.8 km, 2½ hours.

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Hiking – Heron Point and Mt. Sweat – 14 June 2023