Category Archives: Hiking

Trip Report – Main Lake from Surge Narrows Rd- 13 June 2019

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Seven members and two dogs hiked the path from the Surge Narrows Road to Main Lake.  The route was dry and in good condition, with the usual deadfall trees to climb over, under, or go around.  It was cool in the shade of the forest.  The forest has several notable big Fir trees and an open understory.  After lunch at the lake, four of us walked to Yeatman Bay, three of us stayed at the beach to swim and nap.  The dogs split up.  We saw a mink emerge from Yeatman Bay and run into the forest.  At the Main Lake beach we were out of the wind, but we could see lots of whitecaps further out.  9.8 km; 4½ hours.

Norris

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Hiking – Main Lake from Surge Narrows Rd- 13 June 2019

Trip Report – Mine Lake Bluff – 5 June 2019

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Seven hikers headed out in mixed weather. It had rained earlier but the trail had dried up and the lake level was low. We stopped at Camp Homewood to look at their new dock and cabin then proceeded up the hill. The rocks on the steep portion were dry which greatly helps the climb up. There were overcast skies at the top but the views were great. During lunch a dark cloud blew in and let loose a deluge for 20 minutes that soaked us. As it slowed down we descended down the back side of the hill. The huge maple by the cliff is always impressive. By the time we returned to the vehicles there were sunny breaks. All in all it was a good hike. 5 km, 3½ hours

Les

Thanks to Les for the photos

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Hiking – Mine Lake Bluff – 5 June 2019

Multi-day Hiking – 5040 Peak – 2-4 July 2019

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Activity Multi-day hut-based hiking
Destination 5040 Peak
Date 2-4 July 2019, Tuesday to Thursday
Trip Coordinator Norris Weimer
Contact Info norris.weimer@ualberta.ca or 3710.  Please contact the coordinator as soon as possible if you are interested. Anyone joining after June 25th may need to make their own transportation and food arrangements.
Description We will hike up to the new Alpine Club of Canada hut on Tuesday and stay two nights.  This should give us a day and a half  to explore this alpine area with great views.  The hike up climbs 700 m in about 2.5 km following the Cobalt Trail.  There are two sections with fixed ropes.
Meeting Place Quadra ferry terminal to Campbell River
Departure Time TBD, probably early
Difficulty The hike up will be strenuous
Cost Transportation costs (ferries, fuel)  The cost for the hut is $25/night for a non-Alpine Club member.
Trip limits Available beds in the hut
Dogs? No
Notes: Each participant needs to make their own arrangements to stay at the hut.  There are only 12 beds, so don’t put it off if you are interested.  For hut availability check:

Home


To book, phone:
403-678-3200 ext 0 between 8:30 am and 9:30 pm

Trip Report – Thompson/B&B Trail loop – 22 May 2019

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Seven hikers and Kona (the dog) enjoyed a four-hour hike on this loop with a side hike up Eileen’s Bluff. The weather was sunny, high of 26°C, with a slight NW breeze which was welcome on the open ridge bluffs. Starting at the Thompson trailhead, we hiked to the first viewpoint, stopping to admire the views to the east and north, and proceeded on a route north down the open ridge, dropped off the ridge at the big moss-covered maple tree and continued on a deer route through the forest to the old B&B trail. After a short distance on this trail, we headed north on a little used trail, at one point crossing a steep gully spanned by a very large old log. At the end of this trail, a rough route climbs west up the open ridge of Eileen’s Bluff to a steep drop-off at the top, overlooking part of John Marlowe’s woodlot. Here we stopped by a small pond for a snack in the shade and admired the view east across the islands to the mainland mountains. Retracing our steps to the B&B trail, we proceeded south up the trail through the cool forest along the stream gully. Along the way the group admired a couple of decaying alder logs lined with pearly-white oyster mushrooms. At the T-junction with Thompson Trail, we proceeded south to the second viewpoint turnoff and followed this trail up to the top of the ridge for our lunch break, with more spectacular views east. Instead of retracing our steps, we followed a sketchy route east and north down the ridge to intersect Thompson Trail near the first viewpoint intersection. From there, it was only a few minutes down the trail to the vehicles on Thompson Road. On the way we watched an ambitious brown-striped garter snake attempting to swallow a full-sized slug.   5.3 km;  3½ hours.

– Janis

Thanks to Norris and Les for the photos

Hiking -Thompson/B&B Trail Loop – 22 May 2019

Hiking – Mt Sweat & Coast Mtn Lookout – 19 June 2019

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Activity Hiking
Destination Mt. Sweat
Date 19 June 2019, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Debbie Quigg
Contact Info debbie.quigg@ualberta.ca or 285-3710. Please contact the coordinator by Monday night.
Description Heather Kellerhals has generously offered to let us hike on her property.  The trip involves some steep sections and some scrambling over rock, but no actual rock climbing, with some good views over the island and mountains.  Three to four hours depending on the loop.
Meeting Place Heriot Bay store parking lot for car pooling
Departure Time 9:30
Difficulty
 moderate
Costs none
Trip limits 12
Dogs? No, this is a farm.
Notes: Bring lunch.

 

Hiking – Main Lake from Surge Narrows Rd – 13 June 2019

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Activity Hiking
Destination Main Lake from Surge Narrows Rd
Date 13 June 2019, Thursday
Trip Coordinator Norris Weimer
Contact Info norris.weimer@ualberta.ca or 3710.  Please contact the coordinator in advance.
Description This is a flagged route from the Surge Narrows road, following old logging roads and paths through mature forest to the east end of Main Lake.  The route is not far (about 7.0 km round trip), but quite slow due to rough conditions.  Expect wet sections and some climbing over deadfall.  If the group wants more of a walk, we can continue on to Yeatman Bay, which would be about 10 km round trip.
Meeting Place Heriot Bay Tru Value parking lot
Departure Time 9:30
Difficulty Moderate due to the rough trail conditions.
Costs none
Trip limits none
Dogs?
Notes: Bring lunch.

Hiking – Mine Lake Bluff – 5 June 2019

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Activity Hiking
Destination Mine Lake Bluff
Date 5 June 2019, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Les Hand
Contact Info 285-2029 or leshand@gicable.com   Be sure to sign up so I can call you if weather changes
Description We will leave from the Mine Lake parking area and go to Camp Homewood site. From there will take the steep route up to the top and return down the back side.
BE SURE AND READ NOTES BELOW
Meeting Place Heriot Bay Store for car pooling
Departure Time 9:30
Difficulty
 Moderate; not long but challenging in places
Costs none
Trip limits 10
Dogs? no
Notes: If there has been or is forecast for more than drizzle this trip will be postponed as the rocks can get slippery. Good footwear is needed, no flip flops or loafers. Also if you are afraid of heights or have vertigo, this hike is not for you. There are exposed areas with loose rock on a steep slope. If you have any questions please call before you come.

 

Trip Report – Shellaligan Pass Loop – 15 May 2019

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We had a good group of 11 people and 2 dogs. We parked on Valdez Road and walked the logging road to the shorter loop trailhead. We hiked through the new and the old forest to Village Bay where we stopped for a short break. The day had begun overcast, but cleared to a lovely day. We stopped again to admire the scenery from the rocky bluffs leading into Village Bay before continuing on the trail overlooking Hoskyn Channel. We stopped for lunch on the beach and then hiked back along the logging road to the vehicles.  About 7 km, 2½ hours.

Julie Mellanby

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Hiking – Shellaligan Loop – 15 May 2019

Trip Report – Cortes Island – 6-9 May 2019

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A wonderful four days of sunshine for our Cortes Trip.

Day 1: Nine women came along, leaving Quadra on the 9:05 am ferry, arriving in Whaletown at approximately 9:45 am. We drove on to Linnaea Farm and took our food into the kitchen fridge to stay cold. We then drove to Manson’s Landing and hiked on the trails that the students had created through the forest to Manson’s Lagoon. Stopping to view the beautiful carved totem pole on the beach, then walked on to the lagoon. The timing was perfect because we reached the lagoon at low tide and walked out to the islands. The islands were covered with wild flowers, colours of blues, yellows, pinks and even chocolate lilies. We sat and ate our lunches, watching the geese with their babies. A number of blue starfish in the tidal pools along with sand dollars, a lovely treat, the lagoon was covered in shells. Return hike along the lagoon trail and onto Hague Lake, even two of the ladies swam. Then on to Manson’s to say ‘hello’ to Tom the turkey plus a treat from the Co-op, arriving at the farm by 4 pm, gear brought in and took the time to get settled. Dinner team # 1 prepared a delicious dinner, served at 6 pm. A group then took a walk around the farm, seeing the cows and the planting of produce etc. Nine pm we held meditation and everyone was present. Games were played by a few members, plus group discussions. A lovely end to a glorious day.

Day 2: Soon the kitchen was busy with individuals preparing their lunches and breakfasts. Eight am – meditation, the focus ‘I am my Silence’. This was a day for hiking Kw’as Park in silence, giving each person the opportunity to truly appreciate nature. The trails lead from Linnaea Farm along the sides of Hague and Gunflint lakes, through deep old forest with numerous old growth trees. We climbed up to the higher rocks overlooking Hague lake for lunch, warm sunshine with us, we all managed to find a little shade. In the afternoon we climbed over the high manzanita covered bluffs, a most beautiful avenue of tiny blue flowers helped our descent. Climbing down a newly erected steel ladder to the forest floor. Kw’as Park is a jewel, so much to see, to hear, to feel, we celebrated each step in silence. Arriving back at the farm in good time for dinner preparation by Team # 2. Another delicious dinner, giving us a chance to discuss our day of silence. Meditation at 9 pm again appreciated by all. All ready for a good nights sleep.

Day 3: Again, the busy kitchen with preparation for lunches and breakfasts. Today, the trip was to Blue Jay Farm, this is a 350 acre farm overlooking Carrington Bay and Squirrel Cove on the edge of Blue Jay Lake. A productive busy farm, chickens, cows, goats, ducks, lumber yard and also a huge amount of fresh produce grown, a magnificent farm. We toured the farm and then Tiger the cat came with us for a hike through the forest and around the lake, he took great care of us. We had lunch at the lake and a number of brave ladies swam in the cold waters. Another hike to a high ridge overlooking the farm and Carrington Bay and beyond. Such a wonderful day. We stopped for a short time at Squirrel Cove and then on to Linnaea Farm. Dinner Team 3 prepared the dinner, yet another delicious dinner. After dinner, a group went for a short walk and some played games. Nine pm meditation to end yet another beautiful day.

Day 4: Individuals awoke early to get a start for leaving the farm. We packed our lunches, ate breakfast and then cleaned. Nine-thirty am we set off to hike Easter Bluff, a pretty hot weather hike. Arriving at the top to take in the magnificent views overlooking the south and west end of Cortes and the mountains beyond, looking down on Cortes Bay, also a good view of Quadra. A trek down to Linnaea Farm to get into our vehicles, we then drove to Hanks Beach. This is a short forest walk to a secluded wide sandy beach with intriguing rock formations which we explored. Hanks Beach overlooks Twin Islands. We stopped awhile and ate our lunches before walking back to our vehicles. We then headed for the 3:50 pm ferry, reflecting on our wonderful trip to Cortes Island. The whales gave some a terrific display in the waters off Cortes.

A huge thank you to everyone, our fantastic trail guide, our meditation guide, the dinner teams etc. etc. A wonderful group. Yes, we were Silent on Day 2 for our walk in Kw’as Park. ‘ I am My Silence’.

Margot Wood.

Thanks to Jan, Janis, Kathryn and Cyndy for the photos

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Multi-day Hiking – Cortes Island – 6-9 May 2019

Trip Report – Noel’s Pizza Peak – 2 May 2019

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Five hikers started from the Nugedzi parking area. It was a partly cloudy day that was perfect for the climb up the old, rough, washed out road. Just past the route up to Beech’s Mountain. we turned off the road. It was a good thing that we had a GPS track from 2014 as the trail was overgrown and had quite a bit of blow down. It was fun to go a little ways and then try to find some old ribbon. Without too many set backs we made it out to the bluffs and were rewarded with some spectacular views of Discovery Passage and Quadra while having lunch. We then retraced our way back to the vehicles. 8km; 4 hours

Les

Thanks to Les and Vic for the photos

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Hiking – Noel’s Pizza Peak- 2 May 2019