Category Archives: moderate

Trip Report – Mt. Washington – 19 Jan 2022

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Amazingly, and thankfully, the cold rain and wind held off long enough for five of us to enjoy the wonderful snowshoe trails of Mt Washington.  While this is not a free activity, like most of our outings, the well marked and tracked trails justify the cost ( $12 per person) .

After obtaining trail passes and one rental, we were on the trail by 10:30.  The initial blast of winter that greeted us let up and we set off in just sub zero weather and low cloud.  The snow was crunchy underfoot, thankfully no ice.   
 
We travelled clockwise, starting off on the green “Old Cabin Loop”, a very pretty and fairly flat loop through the forest and around the meadow.  It was wonderful to see several young families, and a herd of excited school kids, also enjoying this local treasure.  About ⅔ along “Old Cabin” we branched off onto “ Tree Beard” which, appropriately, heads up into the forest. A small plateau usually provides an excellent view, making for the perfect rest stop.  However, with a bit of a wind, and no view, we opted for a quick standing lunch break. Learning from other snowshoers that Rossiter’s Route was at least navigable, we opted for the longer return to Raven Lodge via Rossiter’s rather than continue on “Tree Beard”. “Rossiter’s” is one of two “black/difficult” snowshoe trails at Mt Washington and duly identified as a route ( not trail) on the map.  However, though long, it was not difficult going especially as we were going clockwise, thus going gradually down Rossiter’s Ridge.  In the wild, when there is a down there will almost inevitably be an up. Sure enough, a steep up eventually wound us back to Raven Lodge.  The promised ice rain finally materialized ensuring we were suitably wet as we returned to our cars.
 
Altogether a great winter outing, after so many trip weather-related postponements this season.  4.2 km. 2 hours
 
Valerie

(click on photos to enlarge)

Snow – Mt. Washington – 19 Jan 2022

Kayaking – Bays, Bretons, and Beyond – 23 March 2022

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Activity Paddling
Destination Bays, Bretons, and Beyond
Date 23 Mar, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Vic Gladish
Contact Info vicgladish@gmail.com; 250-285-2111; text 250-287-0459
Description The first paddle of spring could be short or long depending on the weather and the group! A calm day could allow us to aim for Dunsterville Islet, then Breton Islands and back. An iffier day could see us meander through Hyacinthe, Open and Moulds before a lunch break at Breton Island then return.
Meeting Place Len Road Shore Access
Departure Time 9:30 am on the water
Difficulty
 Easy to moderate
Costs None
Trip limits 8
Dogs? Only very strong swimmers!
Notes: Please contact the trip coordinator 48 hours before the trip to confirm your attendance. A go/no go decision that reflects the weather forecast will be made by noon the day preceding the trip date.
Must have equipment that meets club and coast guard regulations. Bring lunch and gear for the weather.

Snow – Mt. Washington – 16 Feb 2022

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Activity Snow shoeing or cross country skiing
Destination Mt. Washington
Date 16 Feb, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Debbie Quigg
Contact Info debbie.quigg@ualberta.ca or 3710;  Please contact the coordinator by Monday night.
Description We will go either to Rampart Hill or Mt. Washington depending on the group and conditions.
Meeting Place QCove ferry terminal
Departure Time 9:00 ferry;  drivers need to be early to board.
Difficulty
 Moderate, depending on conditions.
Costs Ferry and fuel. If we go to Mt Washington the snow shoe trail pass is $12 and the x-country ski pass is $20 for seniors.
Trip limits None
Dogs? No
Notes: Bring lunch and gear for winter conditions,  Let the coordinator know if you need to rent gear.  It’s best not to assume that we will have lunch indoors.

Hiking – Morte Lake Loop – 12 Jan 2022

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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.

Snow – Mt. Washington – 19 Jan 2022

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Activity Snow shoeing
Destination Mt. Washington
Date 19 Jan, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Valerie van Veen
Contact Info vvv@qisland.ca;  250 285 2329
Description Snowshoe Mt Washington trails.  There is a trail pass charge (see below).  Mt Washington trails are excellent and very beautiful.
Meeting Place Parking lot just off highway at Mt Washington turnoff
Departure Time 9:00 ferry
Difficulty
 Moderate
Costs Ferry, fuel and Mt Washington show shoe trail pass $12
Trip limits None
Dogs? No
Notes: If you are new to snowshoeing please contact coordinator, I would love to take you out on Mt W trails. Snowshoes can be rented at the Nordic Centre, https://www.mountwashington.ca/snowshoeing.html to book ahead. Must register by Monday night to participate. Bring lunch, snacks. Participants are expected to carry the usual winter safety gear for this sport.

Trip Report – Rampart Hill – 15 Dec 2021

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It was an adventure; not everything went smoothly.  First we missed the 10:00 ferry, thinking mistakenly that it wouldn’t be a busy sailing. After waiting an hour for the next departure, the three of us drove up the Strathcona Parkway.  For this time of year, there is an amazing amount of snow, nearly down to the highway.  The road up to Mt. Washington was good enough, but there was so much snow, we decided to snowshoe at Rampart Hill instead.  It was snowing hard and we had lunch in the car before heading out.  Although the logging roads had snow packed down on the weekend, there was no visible trace and we were doing some serious trail breaking.  Once we left those packed roads it was even more challenging, because the snow was so unconsolidated, especially around brush.  Norris fell through twice, the first time down over a metre and he had real difficulty getting the snowshoe back to the surface.  Then Bonnie fell through and we decided we had had enough trail breaking for the day, so we headed back, rather than forward.  We never encountered anyone else on the trail.  It was beautiful in a monochromatic way and very quiet.  4 km, 2½ hours.

Debbie

(click on photos to enlarge)

Snow – Mt. Washington – 15 Dec 2021

Trip Report – South Chinese Mtn Loop – 8 Dec 2021

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After waiting a bit at the Heriot Bay meeting point, due to icy road conditions that morning, four of us met at the Chinese Mountain trailhead. We started clockwise on the South Mountain trail around 10:40.  Although there was snow left on the trail from the last snowfall, it was not too deep, and the abundant sunshine made wonderful conditions for the ascent.  Although some clouds remained over Vancouver Island, the view to the south from the western bluff lookouts was spectacular.  Although the snow on the trail had us deviating from the main trail, we easily regained it above us, and were able to follow the trial easily to the south lookout. The views were superb as we took a short lunch.  We took our time descending the eastern trail down in to the valley between north and south peak, as the steep steps down presented some slippery sections, and the old mining road down had a lot of running surface water causing some slippery parts. The total trip took just over 2½ hours.

Brent

Thanks to Brent and Norris for the photos.

(click on photos to enlarge)

Hiking – South Chinese Mountain – 8 Dec 2021

Snow – Mt Washington – 15 Dec 2021

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Activity Snowshoeing
Destination Mt. Washington area
Date 15 Dec 2021, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Debbie Quigg
Contact Info debbie.quigg@ualberta.ca or 3710.  Please contact the coordinator by Monday night.
Description  The intention is to go snowshoeing near Mt. Washington, which is scheduled to open on Dec 10th.  As the snow conditions are still unknown, the plan is not precise until closer to the date.  The like destinations are Paradise Meadows or Ramparts Hill.
If you wish to car pool, please make your own arrangements with others of similar vaccination status.
Meeting Place Q-Cove Ferry; Drivers need to be on time to make the busy 9:00 sailing.
Departure Time 10:00 9:00 ferry from Quathiaski Cove
Difficulty
 Moderate, depending on the group
Costs Ferry and fuel. $12.00 for a snowshoe trail pass if we go to Mt. Washington nordic area.
Trip limits The limit is usually the number of cars driving up.  Cars should have chains available.  Car pooling will be at the discretion fo the driver, balancing fuel shortages and COVID caution.
Dogs?
Notes: Bring gear for the conditions and lunch.  Rental equipment is not available if we go to Ramparts Hill.

Hiking – South Chinese Mtn – 8 Dec 2021

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Activity Hiking
Destination South Chinese Mountain Viewpoint
Date 8 Dec, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Brent Henry
Contact Info quadrabike@gmail.com or text/phone 250-205-1106; Participants should confirm with the trip coordinator by Monday night, December 6th.
Description Starting at the Chinese Mountains trailhead, we will follow the South Chinese Trail to its intersection with Beech’s Mountain Trail but continue to the right up to the South Chinese Mountain viewpoint. Along this trail we ascend steep rock bluffs with lovely views to the east, west and south. After the southern viewpoint, where we can have a short snack or lunch break, we will retrace out steps to the north to the intersection of the descent trail leading to the valley between the two Chinese peaks. Optionally, depending on our progress and conditions, we can also add the ascent to North Chinese Peak. We will then descend the valley on the North Chinese Mountain Trail, an old mining/logging road, to the parking lot.
Meeting Place Heriot Bay Store parking lot.
Departure Time 10:00
Difficulty
 Moderate, with some slippery spots.
Costs
Trip limits
Dogs? Yes, but must be always under control, and owner must have a leash on the ready.
Notes: We will spend about 2 to 3 hours on this trail, with a main break at the viewpoint. As there can be slippery spots and ground/running water during the winter months, hiking poles and sturdy water proof hiking boots, with ankle support are recommended.

Kayaking – Gowlland Harbour – 21 Dec 2021

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Activity Kayaking/Canoeing
Destination Gowlland Harbour
Date 21 Dec, Tuesday
Trip Coordinator Vic Gladish
Contact Info vicgladish@gmail.com; 250-285-2111; text 250-287-0459
Description A day paddle to mark the Winter Solstice. We will put in at the April Pt boat launch and meander the islands and currents (very minimal all day) of Gowland Harbour. Daylight will be in short supply while the tide will be near high most of the day! Hopefully there will be plenty of birds and mammals to observe.
Meeting Place April Point boat launch
Departure Time 1030 meet up; on the water by 1100
Difficulty
 Considering the season and currents, lets call this moderate.
Costs Nil
Trip limits 8
Dogs? Only very strong swimmers!
Notes: This trip will be weather dependent! Paddling in a snow flurry can be more pleasant than in rain but lets look for light winds and some sun.
Be prepared for the weather; carry your snacks in the cockpit; staying warm and dry will be our our primary concern and will dictate the length of the outing.
Please review paddling guidelines in preparation for this outing: https://qioutdoorclub.files.wordpress.com/2018/07/paddling-guidelines-aug2018.pdf