Since it was forecast to be another hot August day, we decided to beat the heat and start early – 7:30.  So eight of us began the long hike uphill at 18°C.  Although the creek was dry, we crossed on the new bridge.  After stopping briefly at the unofficial viewpoint looking northeast, we continued on the trail past the Lily Pond and noted the low water level and that the usually marshy areas were completely dry.  The viewpoint to the southeast had good visibility over Rebecca Spit and the Salish Sea.  We continued along the undulating trail to Nugedzi Lake, and even though it was only 10:00 am, we had lunch and several went swimming.  The water was warm.  After the leisurely break, we ventured on to the western overlook up Discovery Passage and toward Vancouver Island.  From there we noted the smoke and clouds from the fire at Mt. Con Reid in Strathcona Park.

Turning back, we detoured to Little Nugedzi Lake, yet another picturesque lake on a beautiful day.  From there we began the long-feeling trek back across Nugedzi Plateau and down the steep logging road to the vehicles.  Then up to 26°C.  (11 km, 5¼ hours)

Norris

Thanks to Neil and Norris for the photos

(click on photos to view larger)

Hiking – Nugedzi Lakes and Views – 16 Aug 2023

It has been three years since the Club undertook this wonderful hike and four years since a swim was part of the fun! So, seven hikers set a good pace to get things started up the cobbly slope to the Small Inlet Park boundary. It was a soggy go through the thick patches of salal, thanks to our overdue rainy spell, but the sun was out and the day was perfect. The absence of birdsong was quickly noted and seen as a harbinger of the passing of summer.

We rested briefly at Newton Lake and then resumed our uphill hike to the switchbacks that descend quickly to Small Inlet. Here we started to cross paths with numerous boater/hikers on their way to Newton Lake’s inviting waters. We walked the tide flats from the first beach access to the trail head for Waiatt Bay. A brief stop was made to marvel at the bubbling water feature for which we still have no interpretive information. We must conscript a geologist for the next visit to the area!

A short hop through beautifully lit forest brought us to very busy Waiatt Bay. We ate lunch and watched the coming and going of a dozen people, dogs and skiffs between the many moored boats and our beach. As the day heated up our group was motivated to pack up and head to the lake for our long awaited swim. The uphill climb from Small Inlet definitely built up the desire for some of us to jump in on our arrival lakeside, and enjoy the mid-summer “warm” water of Newton Lake. A refreshing dip enabled us to maintain a good pace through the long, rocky downhill trail to the parking lot.

Everyone agreed that it was a fantastic outing on a perfect summer day!  (12.7 km; 5 hours)

Vic

Click on the photos to enlarge

Hiking – Newton Lake-Small Inlet-Waiatt Bay – 26 July 2023

Despite the two day postponement, even more hikers signed up, so five of us set out on a pleasant, overcast Friday morning on the newish Surge Narrows Road to Main Lake trail. We found the correct trailhead, thanks Les, and started on the woodland path to Main Lake. With time considerations, we decided to forego the side trip to Roscoe Lake, planning on doing it if time/energy allowed on the return. The trail meanders through the forest, roughly following a very old logging road, eventually running beside a creekbed, now absolutely dry in our current drought conditions. We stopped to admire the magnificent burn-scarred old growth close to a now dry waterfall.

We came in through the back of the large campground at Main Lake east beach, which was occupied by several families enjoying the warm weather. We decided to continue on the portage route to Yeatman Bay and have our lunch break there. After a short break, during which we watched a multi-generational family dig for clams in the rising tide, we headed back to the Lake for a short swim. This refreshing break was now much needed as the heat had returned, despite a forecast of lower temperatures.

Unfortunately, as we began the return trek up the hill from the Lake two members of our group disturbed a wasp nest. The wasps made sure we knew they were not pleased at being stomped on! Our return trip was much less pleasant than our ingress, as pain and heat made the steep, then more gradual, incline back much more challenging. Our discomfort was compounded when another wasp nest was encountered, fortunately only one hiker was stung this time. We did not feel motivated to take the side trip to the small lake, and were greatly relieved to finally reach our cars, with air-conditioning and no wasps!

Given the wasps and the heat, and the steady uphill return, this hike would be best kept for spring or fall, especially when the creek and waterfall would be running.

About 5.5 hours, with lunch break and a quick swim.

Valerie van Veen

(click on photos to enlarge)

Hiking – Main Lake and Yeatman Bay – 19 July 2023

Five hikers decided to leave an hour earlier because it was going to be another hot, dry summer day. We met at the Nugedzi Trail parking lot and started up the old road. The last two winters have done a lot of damage to the old road with all the heavy snow and run off. There was also a lot of blow down, but someone had been up with a chainsaw to take out the large trees.

We turned off the old road just past the back way up Beech’s Mountain. From here the trail was very rough and not maintained as it is not an official trail. We didn’t have too much trouble following the old route though and bushwhacked up to the bluffs. Here there are many wonderful views south, west and north. There was a lot of smoke in the air from all the forest fires, but still great views. After lunch, we returned to the vehicles another great hike completed. (8 km in 4½ hours)

Les

Thanks to Les and Norris for the photos

(click on photos to view larger)

Hiking – Noel’s Pizza Peak- 3 July 2023