Category Archives: Hiking

Trip Report – Newton Lake-Small Inlet-Waiatt Bay – 19 Aug 2020

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Six hikers set out on a damp, overcast day for the annual hike into northern Quadra’s provincial/marine parks. Our small group was able to set a quick pace up the rocky remains of a logging road and into the beautiful second growth forests of Small Inlet PP. A brief stop at Newton Lake made the point, as we stood in a brisk southeasterly breeze, that a swim in the lake was not likely to happen this day.

We made our way to Small Inlet where the few boats at anchor seemed to be squeezed into a puddle of tidal water between vast expanses of exposed beach, clam beds, and remnants of clam garden walls. After a brief visit to the always fascinating spring at the head of Small Inlet we headed, via the portage trail, over to Waiatt Inlet. The trail clearing work by the Trail Committee (specifically the Barclays and the Fords) was duly noted and praised, and allowed a quick passage across Quadra Island.

While sitting on the Waiatt Bay shore enjoying lunch and the view and counting the boats, we were joined by two club members who rowed in from their sailboat. All were pleasantly surprised at this serendipitous rendezvous, and soon, we were a group of eight on the return hike to Newton Lake. We did encounter a few people returning from a swim at the lake but none of our group was tempted in on a breezy, drizzly afternoon. After a brief stop on the rocks by the lake, the sailors headed back to their boat and the hikers returned to the trailhead.  13.2 km; 5.3 hours.

Vic

(Click to enlarge photos)

Hiking – Newton Lake-Small Inlet-Waiatt Bay – 19 Aug 2020

Hiking – Nugedzi Lake – 26 Aug 2020

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Activity Hiking
Destination Nugedzi Lake
Date 26 Aug, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Valerie van Veen
Contact Info vvv@qisland.ca; must contact the coordinator by Tuesday noon
Description Nugedzi is one of the more challenging hikes on Quadra. This will be moderately-paced, suitable for those who might not be in top condition this summer.  In order to maintain contact with any fast hikers who wish to go ahead (only in a group, “pod rules” apply) I will bring 4 “family” radios.  The trail is rough and more challenging at the beginning, on a steep, eroded forest road, eventually turning off into the forest and through one of the few old-growths remaining on Quadra. Swimming is possible at Nugedzi Lake.  Hikers will be asked to maintain proper distancing on the small rock outcrop that is the usual lunch spot and provides the most convenient access to the lake.
Meeting Place Meet at trailhead at 10 am
Departure Time 10:00
Difficulty
 Moderate, some steep challenging sections
Costs none
Trip limits 10, travelling in pods or distanced
Dogs? Must be under control; dog owners will be asked to go ahead of the rest of the group
Notes: This hike will be entirely weather dependent … cancelled if too hot or raining. Hikers MUST sign up with coordinator (email or call) by NOON TUESDAY. Bring lunch, and swimsuit and towel if desired. Club COVID protocols regarding eligible participation and etiquette apply; please call the coordinator if you have any questions.

Hiking – Chauntaluf Farm – 2 Sept 2020

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Activity Hiking
Destination Chauntaluf Farm
Date 2 Sept 2020,  Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Debbie Quigg
Contact Info debbie.quigg@ualberta.ca or 3710
Description Heather Kellerhals has generously invited us to hike at the family property.  There are many options, but we will probably hike out to Hyacinthe Point and on to the Coast Mountain Lookout, if the group is up for it.  The invitation includes swimming in the Pond.  We will not do this trip if the weather isn’t reasonable for views.
Meeting Place Heriot Bay Store parking lot to convoy to the property
Departure Time 10:00
Difficulty
 Moderate
Costs None
Trip limits 10.  We may hike in pods.
Dogs? No – not allowed on the farm
Notes: Bring lunch and poles if you use them.  If you want to swim, bring what you need.  COVID-19 protocols will be in effect.

Multi-day hiking – Sunshine Coast Trail – 15-20 Sept 2020

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Activity Multi-day hiking
Destination Sunshine Coast Trail
Date 15-20 Sept, Tuesday to Sunday (date could still vary by a day)
Trip Coordinator Brent Henry
Contact Info brenthenrys@gmail.com or 250-205-1106 (phone or text).  Contact the coordinator in by the end of August
Description A 4-5 day trip. Participants would take two cars on the ferry to Powell River.  We would park one vehicle at Lund and water taxi to Sarah Pt, hiking the Malaspina Peninsula portion of the trail back to Powell River.  We would hike roughly 10+ kilometers per day. Due to covid-19, the cabins are off bounds, and small tents /shelters must be carried. Coordinator has an extra 1 person tent and bivy that could be loaned out. A water treatment method should be carried, and at least 2 liters must be carried, possibly a third bottle.
Meeting Place Little River ferry terminal
Departure Time 9:30 at the ferry terminal. We would catch the 9:55 ferry.
Difficulty Moderate up and down mixed terrain.
Costs Ferry, parking and water taxi costs.
Trip limits 6
Dogs? No
Notes: All participants should be self sufficient and willing to practice safe pandemic protocols, as well as having a mask available for the ferry and public transit. Exact route, kitchen requirements, food, first aid will be agreed upon by participants.

Coordinator will carry an Inreach satellite texter and a vhf radio. If you are interested, please contact the coordinator by the end of August.

Trip Report – Plumper Bay – 22 July 2020

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Seven of us and one dog hiked to Plumper Bay.  The day was clear and sunny.  We hiked through the forest, with just the right amount of shade.  In the first part of the route follows the Maud Island Trail, where the forest ground cover is beautiful moss.  The second part of the route is an old road, possibly built for the Seymour Narrows blasting in 1958, as well as for logging.  The road bed is still in great condition, although littered with dead branches.  The lunch stop is where that road comes out in Plumper Bay, on the north shore.  We sat by the water in the shade with a gentle breeze.  After picking up some garbage, we headed back.  The group was up for a little adventure, so we took an old logging road which had reverted to wonderful deep moss.  We made our way through the forest back to the Maud Island Trail and the cars.  7.0 km, 3¼ hours.

– Norris

Thanks to Norris and Les for the photos

(click on photos to enlarge)

Hiking – Plumper Bay – 22 July 2020

Hiking – Newton Lake-Small Inlet-Waiatt Bay – 19 Aug 2020

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Activity Hiking with swimming
Destination Newton Lake, Small Inlet and Waiatt Bay
Date 19 Aug 2020, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Vic Gladish
Contact Info vicgladish@gmail.com; 250-285-2111; (cell 250-287-0459)
Description We will hike up to Newton Lake, down to the portage between Small Inlet and Waiatt Bay and back to the Newton Lake parking lot. Distance about 15 kilometres – will take approximately 6-7 hours (including lunch and short swim stops at Newton Lake)
Meeting Place Newton Lake trail head (off Granite Bay Rd)
Departure Time 9:00
Difficulty
 Moderate for distance and steep grades
Costs none
Trip limits 10 with pandemic protocols
Dogs? okay
Notes: Bring plenty of water, lunch and snacks, and swimming stuff if you want to swim.

Trip Report – Morte Lake Loop – 15 July 2020

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It was a beautiful day and our hike began on the Deadfish trail where we enjoyed lush ferns as we followed the creek bed listening to the sounds of water flowing. At the first bridge we went over to the Morte Lake loop trail and stayed right to do a counterclockwise loop around Mort Lake. We took the new trail until we went left to the lookout where we stopped and took in the spectacular view of the lake below and the majestic mountains. From the lookout, in order to avoid water covering the main trail further along we followed the orange markers on the trees along the bluff which led us under a fallen tree where we saw a gnome and back to main trail and to the sandy beach where we enjoyed lunch before continuing on the remainder of the loop and back to the parking lot. We had the trail to ourselves and didn’t encounter another hiker until shortly after lunch, and it wasn’t until we were on the last leg of our hike before we encountered 3 more hikers. It was very pleasant and everyone maintained social distancing.

Vikki

Thanks to Vikki for the photos

(click on photos to enlarge)

Hiking – Morte Lake Loop – 15 July 2020

Trip Report – Shellaligan Pass Loop – 8 July 2020

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Six QIOC club members and one dog were heralded back onto Quadra trails with a two flipper salute and several large blows from a pair of humpbacks cruising down Hoskyn Channel in front of Shellaligan Beach. Their welcoming slaps set the tone for a very pleasant hike on the “long” Shellaligan loop, luckily sandwiched in between the seemingly never-ending rainstorms of late. Surprisingly, the rock bluffs along the seashore were dry, despite the early morning rain. We took advantage of the good weather to take an early lunch break on the granitic bluffs, even enjoying a few rays of sunshine. The trail was in good condition, branches and deadfall have been cleared in the forest section and bridges are in good repair. Some beach debris (mostly fish- and shellfish -farming debris) has been piled at the beach access points, hopefully to be removed by a boater (or very enthusiastic hiker) soon. Along the trail we saw several outcroppings of Indian Pipe, and one bright spot of “Dog’s Vomit” slime mold (or, more elegantly, “Scrambled Egg” Slime). The “Neurotic Sapsucker” tree amused those who had not done this section of the trail before. We also saw several fresh wolf scats on Boletus Road and Village Bay Main. As we hiked, and stopped for breaks, we had no problems in adhering to our Club’s new distancing and talking protocols. Altogether, a great start to our “Covid” hiking season. Time: 3 hours including a 20 minute lunch break

Valerie

Thanks to Valerie and Diana for the photos

(click on photos to enlarge)

Hiking – Shellaligan Pass Loop – 8 July 2020

Hiking – Beech’s Mtn Loop – 29 July 2020

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 Please note change of start time to 9:00

Activity Hiking
Destination Beech’s Mountain Loop
Date 29 July 2020, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Brent Henry
Contact Info brenthenrys@gmail.com or 250-205-1106 (phone or text).  Contact the coordinator in advance
Description Starting at the Chinese Mountains trailhead, we follow the South Chinese Trail to its juncture with Beech’s Mountain Trail. Along this trail we ascend many steep rock bluffs with spectacular views to the east, west and south from the open bluffs. At the top of Beech’s Mountain, we make a steep descent through the forest to an old rough logging road. Eventually the route veers away from the road onto mossy bluffs with convoluted route-finding using flagging tape. The route connects with the North Chinese Mountain Trail (essentially a steep rubbly old logging road) which we descend to the parking lot.
Meeting Place Chinese Mountain parking lot
Departure Time 9:00 10 am or earlier if hot . Contact coordinator.
Difficulty Moderate to difficult (many steep and potentially slippery bluffs to negotiate, as well as steep rocky logging roads)
Costs none
Trip limits 8 participants in 2 pods
Dogs? OK if not running and under control. Owner must have leash available.
Notes: Sturdy hiking shoes/boots required. Coordinator will have 2 family walkie talkies.  Hiking poles may be helpful. Bring a lunch or snack and sufficient water. Estimated time 4 hours.

Hiking – Plumper Bay – 22 July 2020

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Activity Hiking
Destination Plumper Bay
Date 22 July, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Norris Weimer
Contact Info norris.weimer@ualberta.ca or 3710.  Please contact the coordinator in advance.
Description A relatively flat and easy hike on old logging roads. The first part is the same as for going to Maud Island, then instead of turning left, we turn right. This part of the trail has not been maintained, yet it is in quite good shape. There is no bushwacking, not even any major deadfall. However, the trail does have some tripping hazard from small branches that have fallen across the trail. 6 km roundtrip, about 2.5 hours including lunch. The destination is a nice grassy meadow on the waterfront of Plumper Bay (the first large bay north of Seymour Narrows). Bring lunch. Bring family radios if you have them (FRS); no problem if you don’t. This is not a narrow trail, we will easily be able to space ourselves to keep covid-safe.
Meeting Place Heriot Bay Tru Value parking lot; we will convoy in our cars from there.
Departure Time 10:00
Difficulty Easy, but part of the route is unmaintained
Costs none
Trip limits Maximum twelve participants, in pods of three or four.  The number of cars is a concern as well as group size.
Dogs?
Notes: Bring lunch.