Trip Report – Village Bay Lakes Loop – 2 Feb 2022

Nine of us walked this short “new” loop between Village Bay Lakes and Vic’s Marsh.  Some of it is on a gated logging road, some of it is on an old, maintained trail that we’ve recently rediscovered.  It passes through a very nice forest.  Perhaps the loop was a riding trail when Vic had horses at the marsh.  In the eighties?  Then the trail connects to the Vic’s Marsh trail, returning to the cars along the marsh and passing by the remains of Vic’s barn.  Despite a poor weather forecast, it did not rain or snow on us and this loop was mostly clear of snow while other trails in the area are still covered.  Back at the vehicles, the groups shared some yummy snacks before departing.   4.2 km, 1⅓ hours

Norris
 

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Hiking – Village Bay Lakes Loop – 2 Feb 2022

Trip Report – Haskin Farm-Fir Crest Loop – 25 Jan 2022

On a cool, foggy day we set out for a casual hike. The Haskin Farm Trail had been recently cleared of fallen trees and widened out very nicely after all the bad weather. Thanks to all that may have participated.
Fir Crest was in good condition with the occasional peek out through the fog to the ocean. The golf course was in great condition considering all the snow that we have had. All the green grass made you feel as if spring was coming. We returned to the vehicles through the wood lot. 6.5 km and 1¾ hours

Les

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Hiking – Haskin Farm-Fir Crest Loop – 25 Jan 2022

Hiking – Morte Lake Loop – 12 Jan 2022

This trip has been cancelled.

Activity Hiking
Destination Morte Lake
Date 12 Jan, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Brent Henry
Contact Info brenthenrys@gmail.com; 250-205-1106, text preferred. Please contact coordinator by Monday evening.
Description
We will hike the classic Morte Lake loop, counter clockwise, staring at the Morte Lake trailhead parking lot. There is a slight possibly that it may be appropriate to use snowshoes, but at this time present snow levels should be drastically reduced. I will advise participants after Monday night if we will use snowshoes.  If some snow remains, gaiters are advised. bring light plastic bags as boot liners and a spare pair of winter socks. Ground conditions will most likely be wet.
Meeting Place Morte Lake parking lot.
Departure Time 10:00
Difficulty
Variable with conditions
Costs
Trip limits
Dogs? Dogs must be under owner’s control at all times. Please carry a leash for emergencies.
Notes: We will do the loop if possible, with a quick lunch stop, if agreeable to the group. So, bring a lunch and a hot thermos, if you have one, as well as water.

Hiking – Village Bay Lake Trails – 2 Feb 2022

Activity Hiking
Destination Village Bay Lake trails
Date 2 Feb, 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.  The route is in good condition, but expect wet and muddy sections especially along the marsh.  About 5 km.
Meeting Place Heriot Bay store parking lot.  We will drive out in a group.
Departure Time 10:00
Difficulty
Easy
Costs None
Trip limits None
Dogs?
Notes: Bring gear appropriate for the weather and trail conditions, as well as a snack.

Hiking – Fir Crest/Haskin Farm Trail – 25 Jan 2022

Activity Hiking
Destination Fir Crest/Haskin Farm Trail
Date 25 Jan, Tuesday
Trip Coordinator Les Hand
Contact Info 285-2029; lhquadra@gmail.com
Description Easy hike and course will depend on snow. Only about 1 1/2 hour
Meeting Place Haskin Farm trailhead (Smith Rd. & Heriot Bay Rd.)
Departure Time 10:00 pm
Difficulty
Easy
Costs None
Trip limits 8
Dogs? O.K. but not back and forth through group
Notes: Bring a snack if you like, but will not stop for long

Hiking – Campbell River Waterfront – 9 Feb 2022

Activity Hot Chocolate Walk
Destination Campbell River waterfront, to FoggDukkers, return
Date 9 Feb, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Valerie van Veen
Contact Info vvv@qisland.ca;  250 285 2329
Description This will be a brisk walk along the CR waterfront to FoggDukkers for Hot Chocolate (or ?), probable return on 1:30 pm ferry. FoggDukkers will open for us, on request, regardless of weather. Seating will probably still be only outside, current VIHA Covid restrictions. If weather is really awful, we will follow Plan B and turn right instead for a shorter walk, and take our own thermoses (or pick up a hot chocolate at the new coffee shop in Discovery Plaza) to Dick Murphy Park at the Spit, and return.
Meeting Place Ferry Terminal , CR, sidewalk at walk off area
Departure Time 10:00 ferry
Difficulty
Easy
Costs Ferry and hot chocolate
Trip limits None
Dogs? Leash only
Notes: Dress for the weather, and especially for sitting outside. Maybe bring a waterproof sit-upon. Those taking their cars must phone coordinator before Wednesday to arrange a meeting place. Must register by Monday night, phone or email coordinator. Participants will be notified by Tuesday night if Plan B is decided.

Trip Report – West Road Woodlot – 29 Dec 2021

Due to the snow and cold, the planned trip to Village Bay Lake loop was saved for a better day.  The road conditions, the busy holidays and water pipes freezing in the cold kept the group small.  So three of us did a short local hike on logging roads instead.

It was overcast, but we had a pleasant stroll on snowy paths through a peaceful forest, plus a view of Gowlland Harbour.  It was good to get out.   3.9 km, 1¼ hours
 
Norris
 

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Hiking – West Road Woodlot – 29 Dec 2021

Hiking – West Road Woodlot – 29 Dec 2021

This is a last minute substitution.

Activity Hiking
Destination West Road Woodlot
Date 29 Dec, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Norris Weimer
Contact Info norris.weimer@ualberta.ca or 3710.  Please contact the coordinator before the trip.
Description We will walk down a few of the out-and-back logging roads.  The route includes mature forest, replanted forest, a view of Gowlland Harbour, and a meandering trail.  About 3km; 1 hour.
Meeting Place Park on Gowlland Harbour Road, near the junction with West Road, by the transformers.
Departure Time 10:00
Difficulty
Very easy, but expect winter conditions – cold and snow covering some ice.
Costs None
Trip limits None
Dogs?
Notes: Bring gear appropriate for the weather and trail conditions.

Hiking – Quinsam River Trails – 23 Feb 2022

This trip was originally scheduled for Jan 5th.

Activity Hiking
Destination Quinsam River Trails
Date 23 Feb 5 Jan, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Debbie Quigg
Contact Info debbie.quigg@ualberta.ca; 250-285-3710.  Please contact the coordinator by Monday 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.  Expect some muddy conditions.
Meeting Place QCove ferry terminal;  after exiting the ferry, we will drive to the parking area together.
Departure Time 10:00; drivers will need to be early to ensure that they can board
Difficulty
Easy
Costs Ferry
Trip limits 10
Dogs?
Notes:

Trip Report – Drew Creek and Rebecca Spit – 11 Dec 2021

On Saturday nine people decided to try a hike even though rain was threatening. To start we did the small trail at the mouth of Drew Creek. This is a wonderful little trail. It even has benches to sit and watch the creek roll by. The tide was extremely high and had the creek backed up for about 150 m.
We then walked to Rebecca Spit and turned south along the ocean down to the Sasquatch sculpture. It was about here that the heavy rain showers started off and on. We proceeded down through the new camping spots that have been developed very well. On the way back to the vehicles we were treated to a rainbow. 5.2 km about 1½ hours

Les

Thanks to Les and Norris for the photos.

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Hiking – Drew Creek and Rebecca Spit – 11 Dec 2021