Category Archives: moderate

Hiking – Deadfish-Tripod Loop – 26 Aug 2024

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This hike has been re-scheduled to August 28, Wednesday!

Activity Hiking
Destination Deadfish-Tripod Loop
Date 28 August, Wednesday  26 August, Monday
Trip Coordinator Nicole and Louise
Contact Info Nicole: email quadranick@gmail.com or Louise: text 306-539-3813
Description The hike will start at Morte Lake parking lot,  making a big loop on biking/hiking trails south of Morte Lake.  We will ascend Morning Beer and Nirvana trails, then west along south Morte Lake.  Turning back on Tripod, Ridge trail and Lost Rider, we return by Deadfish to the parking lot.  Duration should be about 2 hours (3 hours max).
Meeting Place Meet at the Morte Lake trail head
Departure Time 10:00
Difficulty
 Moderate
Costs none
Trip limits 10
Dogs? No
Notes

Trip Report – Newton Lake, Small Inlet and Waiatt Bay – 24 July 2024

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A large group of 11 hikers (including 1 guest and 1 new member) undertook our “annual” midsummer trek to Newton Lake, Small Inlet, and Waiatt Bay. It was a cooler day after some rainy days, but a swim was still happily anticipated by some. After regrouping and adjusting the pace at the Small Inlet Park Boundary, we had a soggy go through the thick patches of salal, thanks to recent rain, and then arrived at Newton Lake for a short rest.

Our long line of hikers became longer as we descended the switchbacks down the steep slope to Small Inlet. We walked out onto the mudflat and shortly realized that we were in one of the inlet’s many clam gardens. The tide seemed exceptionally low and revealed the long arc of piled boulders that enclosed the clam bed.

A few minutes later we crossed the mudflat to the Waiatt Bay trail head, stopped to marvel at the freshwater spring a few strides later and then made the short hop to Waiatt Bay. By this point we had only met up with a few pairs of hikers coming from the anchorage. At the bay on Quadra’s east coast, dozens of “yachts” were visible. Perhaps the very big tide flat was discouraging them from coming ashore?

After a leisurely lunch the group was again on the move and ready to tackle the uphill leg back to Newton Lake. We ascended slowly, and with it being a cooler, overcast day, everyone arrived at the top in good shape. Arriving at the lake with a light rain shower starting made a dip in Newton Lake’s inviting waters even less appealing. So, after a brief rest, we tackled the final leg of this classic hike. (12.8 km; 5 hours 48 min)

Vic

Thanks to Carl and Norris for the photos

(Click to enlarge)

Hiking – Newton Lake-Small Inlet-Waiatt Bay – 24 July 2024

Trip Report – Gowlland Harbour – 10 July 2024

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Ten people gathered on a beautiful, calm, sunny day for a paddle and social. The Stuart’s place is a bit difficult to launch from as there is a steep driveway with a switch back and only one vehicle can come down at a time. Then you have to pack the kayak around the pond. This was made easier by the fact that I live here, two members paddled over from their place, and another member brought his kayak in by boat to the dock. All in all it worked out well and we managed to leave a little ahead of schedule. We paddled south around the south end of Gowlland Harbour to start. After passing the old sunken barge, we stopped where the two abandoned boats have sunk to talk about how bad the government is managing abandoned boats on our coastline. We then paddled on flat water up the east side of Gowlland Island and stopped to stretch our legs on the north end. As we proceeded toward Gowlland Resort there was a colony of seals on some of the small islets. At Seascape Resort, now called Jade Resort, we stopped to look and discuss the falling apart of the old barge hotel. This is a total disaster of waste and garbage being emptied into our beautiful harbour because of the inability of government and courts to deal with a problem.
We then had an easy paddle back to our entry point. Here we had a great social on the deck, complete with chips and salsa, smoked oysters and meats with cheese and crackers, veggie platter, and Smokies and buns from the barbecue.  Plus drinks and desserts.  (7 km; 2 hour paddle)

Les

(click on photos to enlarge)

Kayaking – Gowlland Harbour – 10 July 2024

Hiking – Thompson Trail-Hopespring Loop – 7 Aug 2024

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Activity Hiking
Destination Thompson Trail-Hopespring Loop
Date 7 Aug 2024, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Les Hand
Contact Info lhquadra@gmail.com or 285-2029
Description We will start at the end of Thompson Road and do the circle counter clockwise. Bring a snack or small lunch and we will stop at the top of Heriot Ridge before we come down to Hopespring Road.
Meeting Place End of Thompson Road
Departure Time 9:00
Difficulty
 Easy
Costs None
Trip limits 10
Dogs? Okay, but under control
Notes: We are starting earlier than normal to beat some of the heat. Bring hiking poles if you’d like to use them.

Multi-day Kayaking and Camping – Granite Bay and Beyond- 20-22 Aug 2024

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Due to weather this is now a day trip on Thursday.  There is a new trip description.

Activity Kayaking and camping
Destination Granite Bay and beyond
Date 20-22 Aug 2024, Tuesday to Thursday
Trip Coordinator Vic Gladish
Contact Info vicgladish@gmail.com; 250-287-0459
Description This will be a two night multi-day paddling trip out of Granite Bay. We will set up a base camp at Orchard Bay and explore the familiar haunts of Small Inlet and Kanish Bay. As well as doing lots of paddling we will do the hikes to Waiatt Bay and Newton Lake.
Day 1: paddle to Chained Islets and Bodega Pt and finish at Orchard Bay on a rising tide.
Day 2: paddle to east end of Small Inlet and hike to Waiatt Bay and/or Newton Lake (big tidal changes to deal with); camp at Orchard Bay
Day 3: paddle to Granite Pt., Nixon Is, Ashlar Creek and return to Granite Bay and take out on a rising tide.
WEATHER/WINDS will determine the final trip plan and itinerary. We will be very flexible.
Meeting Place Granite Bay boat launch
Departure Time Meet up 0830. On the water by 0915.
Difficulty Moderate, but difficulty variable with the wind.
Cost Fee for launching/parking and fuel
Trip limits 8
Dogs? No
Notes: Must have ocean kayaks with sealed hatches and sprayskirt with all Transport Canada required safety equipment. PLEASE REVIEW OUR PADDLING GUIDELINES. You will not put in unless fully equipped. (https://qioutdoorclub.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/paddling-guidelines-july2023.pdf ) Trip is weather and wind dependent. Only signed-up participants will be contacted of any changes in plans. MUST sign up by Sunday evening, August 18.
You need drinking water for 3 days, your own camping gear and food. Be aware of the weather forecast when prepping your gear and clothing. There are no food caches or outhouses. We will hang our food and have a designated “outhouse” area.

Hiking – Eagle Crag Loop – 31 July 2024

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The meeting location has changed! The “Difficulty” has been updated.

Activity Hiking
Destination Eagle Crag Loop
Date 31 July 2024, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Norris Weimer
Contact Info norris.weimer@ualberta.ca; 3710
Description Starting at the Chinese Mtn parking lot, we will follow the south side trails and then the climbing access trails to Eagle Crag.  This ascends quite steeply and has amazing views.  From there, we will follow a flagged route which connects with the Beech’s Mtn trail, bringing us back to the parking lot.
Meeting Place Meet at the coordinator’s driveway
Departure Time 10:00; we will start earlier if it is hot
Difficulty Challenging for a few sections of scrambling.  This is not very long and not a lot of elevation gain, but the trail is rough and the route involves steep places and no path.
Costs None
Trip limits 10
Dogs? No
Notes: We will not do this trip in poor weather

Kayaking – Gowlland Harbour – 10 July 2024

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Activity Kayaking and social
Destination Gowlland Harbour
Date: 10 July 2024, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Les Hand
Contact Info lhquadra@gmail.com or 250-285-2029
Description This will only be a one and a half to two hour paddle followed by a social hour on the deck at my house. I will provide appetizers.
Depending on current and weather we may go around Gowland Island otherwise we will just stay around the southern part of Gowland Harbor. Because of this please bring a spray skirt and all necessary equipment mandated by the Coast Guard.
If it is more than showers the date will be changed.
Meeting Place 1157 West Rd
Departure Time Meet at 10:00; Leave at 10:30
Difficulty
 Moderate
Costs None
Trip limits 12
Dogs? No
Notes: Only one vehicle at a time can come down the hill so be on time. I have permission to park vehicles at the landlords house. From there it is a steep concrete driveway with a switch back involved. You will need to be able to back up with your mirrors to get down close to the water. Otherwise you will park up above and we will use two people to carry the kayaks down. When you sign up I will explain more as it will not be that hard.

Trip Report – Surge Narrows Trail – 5 June 2024

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Eight of us and a dog car-pooled out to the very full parking lot at the end of the Surge Narrows road. We had a quick look at the dock and offered assistance to two locals but it appeared the outer islanders are very independent. We then headed back up the steep hill to start our hike north.

At our first stop we watched the flood tide push through the narrows and saw a kayaker successfully navigate the rapids. We continued on the unmaintained route a little further north and had a relaxing lunch. We watched the tide come in a little with more spectacular views of the rapids and a brief viewing of the intertidal life, mostly sea stars. Then it was time to head back and enjoy the great hiking weather and get back to the parking lot. Some over ripe oyster mushrooms along the trail and a hint of huckleberry season is coming.

The trail is well kept with evidence of some bridge repair but one bridge is definitely on the watch list but easily traversed. Wild life was at a minimum except for one eagle diving for fish. A short hike but a very enjoyable hike.  (4.3 km; 2¾ hours)

Neil

Click on photos to enlarge
 

Hiking – Surge Narrows Trail – 5 June 2024

Trip Report – Ripple Rock Trail – 29 May 2024

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Three of us caught the 9:00 am ferry to Campbell River and when we reached the parking lot at the trailhead only one other car was there.The weather was typical west coast Spring with patchy clouds, sunshine and rain in the distance.

On the way to Seymour Narrows there are several viewpoints with excellent views of Menzies Bay with log booms and other watercraft. With the recent rain all the new growth was spectacular with thimbleberries in bloom, salmonberries ripening and all the variety of ferns and other plants we are learning to identify. There are several bridges over rushing creeks with many wire covered wooden structures over wet areas. The trail overall is easy walking with some uphill stretches that require careful stepping due to rock outcroppings. One set of stairs had a broken step, which hopefully will get repaired soon, as we did meet a maintenance crew trimming the new growth along sides of the trail.

The view at Seymour Narrows overlooking where Ripple Rock was blasted is striking as you can see up and down the Narrows for quite a distance with good views of Quadra Island. At the bluff viewpoint a large group of school age kids where just finishing their lunches before heading back on the trail before us. On the return hike it started to sprinkle so jackets went back on. With the rain and the group ahead of us the trail seemed more muddy from when we came out. By the time we reached the parking lot the sun came out with blue skies as we headed back and caught the 3:00 pm boat to Quadra. All and all a very enjoyable hike.  (8.8 km 4 hours with lunch stop)

Allan
 

(click on photos to enlarge)

Hiking – Ripple Rock Trail – 29 June 2024

Hiking – Savary Island – 26 June 2024

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This trip may be changed due to transportation issues.

Activity Hiking
Destination Savary Island
Date 26 June 2024, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Cyndy Chidley
Contact Info 250-285-3575
Description
Savary is a jewel of an island surrounded by white sand beaches.  We will hike around and through Savary, exploring its beaches.
The challenge is getting to Savary Island.  Water taxi and float plane are available, but sometimes complicated and expensive.  One option is to go to Powell River and take the scheduled water taxi from Lund.  We are still working on how to do this realistically.
Meeting Place: Water taxi dock
Departure Time TBD
Difficulty
 Mostly easy as the hiking is quite level.   Circumnavigating the island is very long.
Costs Cost of transportation to Savary Island
Trip limits
Dogs?
Notes: Please note that for practical reasons, the go-no go date for this trip is June 10.  Cyndy does not have communication once she has left for Savary Island.