Category Archives: moderate

Multi-day Kayaking, Camping – Granite & Kanish Bays, Small Inlet – 22-24 Aug 2023

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This is now a day trip on August 22, Tuesday.

Activity Multi-day kayaking, camping and hiking
Destination Granite and Kanish Bays, Small Inlet
Date 22-24 Aug 2023, Tuesday to Thursday
Trip Coordinator Vic Gladish
Contact Info vicgladish@gmail.com; 250-285-2111; text 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 (not a lot of tidal change on this day); 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 at 0830
Departure Time 0900
Difficulty Distances, winds, and tides make this a moderately difficult multi day trip.
Cost Parking and launch about $15 to $20. Carpooling means fewer cars in the lot and lower costs.
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 20.
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.

Trip Report – Open Bay to Village Bay – 10 July 2023

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Six Club members and one guest enjoyed an (almost) idyllic summer day on the Salish Sea on our July 10 paddle from Open Bay to Village Bay and beyond.

Before embarking, we reviewed  our Club’s Paddling Guidelines and discussed the proposed route, predicted weather, tide and currents . Two paddlers volunteered to take the going and returning sweep positions.

We enjoyed the easy launch from Open Bay using the beach property of a Club member and were soon perusing the islets around the Bretons. The calm, almost benign conditions encouraged us to take the outside route around the Bretons up Hoskyn Channel. We saw seals and many seabirds, including Mergansers, Oyster Catchers, Harlequins, Guillemots, and, most notably, Arctic Terns, possibly attracted by the large shoals of herring visible around the rocky reefs. Even though there were several boats apparently watching the whales who were audibly breaching and blowing south of us, disappointingly we did not see any whales during our paddle.

We arrived at Village Bay in time for a leisurely lunch, enjoying the warm sun and social time. As predicted, the wind began to rise just after 12:00, creating some visible chop. Still feeling energetic, we decided to proceed further north to paddle around Bold Island and visit the oyster and mussel farm. The aquaculture-farm was in full operation as we paddled leisurely by, to the envy of the workers. As expected, the conditions changed from benign to more challenging as we left the protection of Bold Point and came out into Hoskyn Channel. Given the wind/wave conditions we opted to head directly across to the entrance to Shellaligan Pass. The pass was a peaceful respite before the even more challenging conditions in Open Bay. A short, invigorating paddle through the rocky reef brought us back to the protected, calm waters of our launch site.  (15.1 km; 5 hours with lunch)

Once our kayaks and gear were loaded, we very much enjoyed a social hour on our Club member’s shaded and tranquil deck. We were also well entertained by the hummingbirds and swallows attracted to the many feeders, and nesting boxes on this lovely property.

With many thanks to the two volunteers who acted as sweeps on this trip, and especially to the Club member who offered us the use of their beach access, and then a social hour on their lovely deck afterwards.

Valerie van Veen

Thanks to Valerie and Norris for the photos.


(click on photos to enlarge)

Kayaking – Open Bay to Village Bay – 10 July 2023

Trip Report – Noel’s Pizza Peak – 3 July 2023

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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

Hiking – Main Lake and Yeatman Bay – 19 July 2023

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Postponed to 21 July, Friday.

Activity Hiking
Destination Main Lake and Yeatman Bay from Surge Narrows Rd
Date 21 July, Friday
Trip Coordinator Valerie van Veen
Contact Info 250 285 2329 vvv@qisland.ca 778 242 5774
Description This moderate hike starts from Surge Narrows Road through woods, past a lake and beside a creek, to the east end of Main Lake. We can then hike the portage track to Yeatman Bay. We can stop for lunch at the beach or the bay. Be prepared to drive a fair distance on unpaved roads. Bring swimsuit and towel if you wish. The beach and swim rock are great for sunbathing as well.
Meeting Place Heriot Bay Tru Value parking lot
Departure Time 9:00 from the store; 9:45 at the trailhead
Difficulty Moderate
Costs none
Trip limits 12
Dogs? Must not run through group; must be under control; dogs and owners will go ahead of group
Notes: About 9-10 km. NOTE early start time. Trip weather dependent. Only signed-up participants will be contacted re any changes. Must sign up by Monday night, July 17. Bring lunch, water, snacks. I will meet the group at the junction of Valdes Drive and Village Bay Lakes Road at about 9:15.

Kayaking – Open Bay to Village Bay – 10 July 2023

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Activity Kayaking
Destination Open Bay to Village Bay
Date 10 July, Monday
Trip Coordinator Valerie Van Veen
Contact Info 250 285 2329 vvv@qisland.ca 778 242 5774
Description July 10 is the perfect day to launch from the Open Bay area with a higher tide throughout the day. This will be a gentle paddle to explore the Bretons, go through Moulds Bay and the Pass with the high tide allowing us passage, then on to Village Bay. We can go further afield if the group wishes, to Bold Island and possibly over to Dunsterville and surrounding islets. We have seen Humpbacks out in the Channel so we may be lucky on this trip.
Meeting Place Launch will be from the low gravel beach at a member’s home close to Valdes Beach.  Meeting point address and instructions will be given to Club members when they sign up for this trip.
Departure Time Meet at 9:30 am, on water by 10:00
Difficulty
 Moderate
Costs None
Trip limits None
Dogs
Notes: Must have ocean kayaks with all Transport Canada required safety equipment. Trip is weather and wind dependent. Only signed-up participants will be contacted of any changes in plans. MUST sign up by Saturday evening, July 8. Bring lunch, water.

Hiking – Noel’s Pizza Peak – 3 July 2023

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Activity Hiking
Destination Noel’s Pizza Peak
Date 3 July 2023, Monday
Trip Coordinator Les Hand
Contact Info 285-2029 or lhquadra@gmail.com
Description Noel’s Pizza peak is the informal name for the west ridge of Beech’s Mt. It is a flagged route, not an official trail. There may be some blow down and bushwhacking as it is not maintained. This is a view hike, so will be postponed if raining. About 4 hours.
Meeting Place Heriot Bay Store for car pooling
Departure Time 10:00
Difficulty
 Moderate
Costs No
Trip limits 10
Dogs? No
Notes: If you use hiking poles bring them. I would also recommend good hiking boots.
Be sure and sign up a couple of days early so that I may contact you if there is a change in plans.

Trip Report – Heron Pt. and Mt. Sweat – 14 June 2023

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Four of us enjoyed this great, short loop with wonderful views and lots of variety in terrain.  It’s very quick up to Heron Point, with views from Chinese Mtn to Hyacinthe Bay.  The weather was windy and “soft”.  The sky was clear, but there was haze, perhaps from smoke.  We continued on a gentle cairned trail to an old logging road and off on another marked trail which climbs and undulates through forest and mossy bluffs up to an intermediate viewpoint and then Mt. Sweat.  We stopped for a very relaxing lunch at this viewpoint which covers more than 180°.  From there we followed a recently flagged route down the north side back to Kolker Main and the short walk to the vehicles.  Thanks to Heather Kellerhals for letting the Outdoor Club use the Chauntaluf farm trails to make this loop.  3.8 km, 2½ hours.

Debbie
 

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Hiking – Heron Point and Mt. Sweat – 14 June 2023

Caving – Sayward Area – 28 June 2023

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Activity Caving
Destination Sayward area caves
Date 28 June 2023, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Cyndy Chidley
Contact Info Cyndy Chidley: 250-285-3575.  Please let the coordinator know as soon as possible if you are interested.
Description We will meet Bill north of Campbell River around 10:00 and drive to the cave area from there.  We will try to car pool.  Challenges may include bridging, climbing, stretching, wriggling, not to mention small, dark, wet places.  Make sure you read the notes below on what to bring.
Meeting Place Q Cove ferry terminal
Departure Time 9:00 ferry to Campbell River.
Difficulty Moderate
Costs Ferry and shared gas
Trip limits 10
Dogs? No
Notes:
Bring;
Wear rubber boots, neoprene socks or booties, or wool socks with runners that you don’t mind getting wet.   The water will be cold.
Gloves and coveralls for protection of hands, arms and legs.
A helmet that you are able to fit with head light, and a head light, if you have one.
Lunch and water.
A towel and change of shoes if you get wet.
Walkie-talkie or family radio (FSR), with charged batteries.

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

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Activity Hiking with swimming
Destination Newton Lake, Small Inlet and Waiatt Bay
Date 26 July 2023, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Vic Gladish
Contact Info vicgladish@gmail.com; 250-285-2111; text 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 Heriot Bay Tru Value
Departure Time 9:00
Difficulty
 Moderate for distance and steep grades
Costs Share fuel costs
Trip limits 10
Dogs? No
Notes: Bring plenty of water, lunch and snacks, and swimming stuff if you want to swim.

Trip Report – Main Lake Provincial Park – 6-8 June 2023

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Five club members took part in a three day paddle, camp, hike in our beautiful, “backyard” playground, Main Lake Provincial Park. The flawless weather – sunny and hot – set the scene for a tremendous outing.

On day one we got organized at the Mine Lake boat launch and set off for the 45 minute paddle across Mine and Main Lakes in a fairly stiff breeze, to “Howard’s Site” on the north shore. After setting up our campsite we did a short walk/scramble to two nearby viewpoints. The hot afternoon sun tempted us back to the shade of our campsite and a first swim in 2023, for some of us. R and R, conversation and supper followed by a good night’s sleep rounded out the day.  (Paddle 3.5 km, 1 hour; hike 1.4 km, 1 hour)

(click to enlarge photos)

Day two started with a leisurely breakfast and the decision to paddle two lakes. Variable winds – speed and direction – and lots of sun, as we headed west to the end of Main Lake and into Shadowbrook leading to Little Main Lake. We did some fancy paddling to navigate the stream and stepped out of the kayaks to get past a shallow spot and a downed tree. Signs of beaver were evident and the air was filled with birdsong and activity. We circled Little Main Lake and then retraced our route back into Main Lake where we finally took a break after about three hours on our butts. After our lunch stop at the campsite northwest of Howard’s, we paddled on to the eastern end of the lake. BTW, we had seen only a few other people on the water and no other campers. After beaching our kayaks we set off on the Yeatman Bay hike, keeping cooler in the shade of the forest. At Yeatman Bay, due to a very low tide, we were able to add some distance to our hike by going out to the now accessible island and the reward of a much wider view of Okisollo Channel. Not a boat on the water here either!! Turning back, we made the return hike and short paddle back to our base camp – very hot, happy with the day, and pretty well played out. A swim, a beverage and snacks were well earned.  (Paddle 12.2 km, 4 hours, hike 3.8 km, 1¾  hours, paddle 1 km, 19  min)

A very quiet, moonlit night ended early with the first birdsong in the wee hours of our third day. We managed to break camp and get on the water by 0830 and paddled to the lake’s eastern beach/campsite once again. This early start provided the opportunity to hike the Surge Narrows Road trail in the cool of the morning with the forest beautifully illuminated…. highlighting the big trees, lush moss, ferns, creeks, lakes. Evidence of wolves feasting on a deer in a past season was scattered on a section of the trail; evidence of timber harvests by Quadra’s pioneers were scattered throughout the forest. While resting briefly at Surge Narrows Road someone commented on the fine view of a well-maintained Quadra thoroughfare! Sometimes the journey is more rewarding than the destination. On the return hike we investigated the old squatter’s campsite on the shore of “Roscoe Lake”, opined that the “artifacts” were likely never to be removed, and then headed to the kayaks. The 50 minute paddle to the takeout on Mine Lake, with a slight headwind, completed a very successful mid-week weekend.  (paddle 1 km, ¼ hour, hike 5.8 km, 2½ hours, paddle 4 km)

Vic

Multi-day kayaking, camping – Main Lake Provincial Park – 6-8 June 2023