Category Archives: moderate

Hiking – Little Black Dress & Silk Stocking Loop – 20 Feb 2023

Posted on by
Reply

 

Activity Hiking
Destination Little Black Dress and Silk Stocking Loop
Date 20 February 2023, Family Day Monday
Trip Coordinator Debbie Quigg
Contact Info dmquigg@gmail.com or 3710
Description We will start at the Copperhead logging road and hike this counter-clockwise.  This includes a variety of terrain with open bluffs, a good forest (and recent logging), old mining and a forest lake.  Very roughly 7 km and 3 hours with lunch
Meeting Place Heriot Bay store parking lot
Departure Time 10:00
Difficulty moderate, with some steep sections
Costs none
Trip limits 12
Dogs? on leash
Notes Dress for the weather.  Bring lunch and poles if you use them.

Trip Report – South Morte Lake Loop – 25 Jan 2023

Posted on by
Reply

Once again we had big participation with 13 hikers.  The weather was not as nice as forecast, but adequate for the event.  It was soft and gentle even if grey.  We crossed the Walcan Rd and started out on Jackrabbit, crossing McKercher Creek and wandering up along the creek through the lush, green forest to Reed Lake.  There were a few wet crossings of minor creeks, but nothing unexpected in winter.  After re-crossing the Walcan Road, we followed along Reed and Mud Lakes until we took the Tripod trail over to the southwest corner of Morte Lake.  With the high water levels, the sandy beach was not inviting for lunch so we continued out to the point where we could perch with views of the lake.

After lunch, we followed the trail along the south shore at a brisk pace rejoining the main trail from the parking lot to Morte Lake at the east end of the lake.  We diverged at the Lower Deadfish junction and followed the creek down through this lovely, open forest back to the parking lot. It was a beautiful day for a forest walk.   (8.5 km; 3 hours)

Debbie

Click on photos to enlarge
 

Hiking -Morte Lake Loop – 25 Jan 2023

Trip Report – Overload Hike south of Walcan Rd – 9 Jan 2023

Posted on by
Reply

The good news was that Les’s scheduled Eagle Ridge hike was quickly filled, so two of the six Club members on the (unprecedented?) wait list decided to hike together, opting for the lovely forest trails south of Walcan Road. We set off on Jack Rabbit to Yellow Mud down to NightHawk Lake.  The recent heavy rains ensured that the trail was suitably “muddy” and, in places, virtually a small creek. We were delighted to see a small flock of six Trumpeter Swans gliding peacefully on Nighthawk Lake. After turning around at the logging road, we took Dicks Ride up the ridge, keeping right onto Cash Only, then right onto Plaything to wind our way back downhill to join up with Yellow Mud. At the junction leading to Plaything we were shocked to see clear cuts and new, wide gravel roads where there had been forest just a year ago. GPS, a map app, and mountain biking knowledge helped us reconnect with the forest trail “Plaything”. We returned to our cars just as the rain began again. Altogether a beautiful hike, and wonderful to know that 10 more members of our Club were also out enjoying our amazing trails.   2.5 hours

Valerie van Veen

Thanks to Valerie  for the photos.

Click on photos to enlarge
Falls by the trail
Swans on Nighthawk Lake

 

Trip Report – Eagle Ridge and Blindman’s Bluff – 9 Jan 2023

Posted on by
Reply

It was a cloudy cool day as 10 of us set out for a hike. We parked on the Copperhead logging road near the repaired culvert as there is more parking there. We first went up the Blindman’s Bluff trail. There were a few trees down and wet salal on the trail. All in all though it is in good condition and a fine hike. The many open bluffs give excellent views to the east and south. Visibility was good, but you could see the rain coming from the southeast. We paused for a brief snack, and to enjoy the views at the largest open area. We then circled back to the main trail.

The old road had quite a bit of water, running down it to the beaver pond. The water level was quite high in the pond and it was starting to rain now so we pushed on to Eagle Ridge. We stopped at the top to have a quick lunch. The rain started coming heavy so we headed back to the vehicles. We were all soaked by the time we got back to the vehicles but we’re quite happy that the first two hours were dry. 7 km, 3 1/2 hours.

Les

Thanks to Les and Norris for the photos.

Click on photos to enlarge

Hiking – Eagle Ridge and blindman’s Bluff – 9 Jan 2023

Kayaking – Maud Island and petroglyph at mouth of Morte Creek – 22 Mar 2023

Posted on by
Reply

This trip has been postponed to April 19th.

Activity Kayaking
Destination Maud Island and petroglyph at mouth of Morte Creek
Date 22 March 2023, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Vic Gladish
Contact Info 250-285-2111; or 250-287-0459 text
Description According to Joy Inglis’s “Petroglyphs of Quadra Island” there are several petroglyphs located along Quadra’s west shore at the outflow of Morte Lake creek just east of Maud Island.
We will put in at the Leishmans Rd shore access by 1000 am and paddle north towards Maud Island. It is about a 1 hr paddle to the old village site of Kawstin at the outflow of Morte Lake creek. Depending on the amount of time spent here we may or may not paddle another 30 minutes into Maud Island and perhaps hike to the Seymour Narrows view point.
Meeting Place Shore access at Leishmans Rd
Departure Time 1000 on the water; meet at 0930
Difficulty
 Moderate depending on weather and currents.
Costs None
Trip limits 8
Dogs? No
Notes: The tides/currents will be a factor. In order to view the petroglyphs I am planning our arrival for low tide with less attention to what the current will be doing. Poor weather and/or wind will mean this trip will be cancelled.
All participants must be equipped for ocean paddling in cooler weather – required equipment as per club guidelines (https://qioutdoorclub.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/paddling-guidelines-aug2018.pdf) and appropriate clothing.
I will email to each participant the petroglyph information relevant to the location.
Bring lunch, hot drinks, extra warm layers and something to sit on.

Kayaking – Bays and Bretons – 1 Feb 2023

Posted on by
Reply

This trip has been cancelled due to poor weather.

Activity Paddling
Destination Bays and Bretons
Date 1 Feb 2023, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Vic Gladish
Contact Info 250-285-2111; or 250-287-0459 text
Description This might be our only club paddle for the winter! Let’s call it Groundhog Day. After putting in at the Len Rd shore access we’ll paddle the bays working our way to Breton Island for hot drinks and snacks (in the sun!). The return trip could take us on a beeline to Herriot Island and back to the take out.
Meeting Place Len Rd
Departure Time 1000 hrs at put in and on the water by 1030.
Difficulty
 Easy to medium depending on weather.
Costs None
Trip limits None
Dogs? No
Notes: This outing is for fully equipped and experienced paddlers due to the season. Bring a lunch and hot drinks.

Hiking – Eagle Ridge and Blindman’s Bluff – 9 Jan 2023

Posted on by
1

This trip is FULL

Activity Hiking
Destination Eagle Ridge and Blindman’s Bluff
Date 9 Jan 2023, Monday
Trip Coordinator Les Hand
Contact Info 250-285-2029 or lhquadra@gmail.com
Description We will do Eagle Ridge which has wetlands and views of Discovery Passage then Blindman’s Bluff which has more open views south. This is a great hike for viewing the east side of Quadra.
Meeting Place Heriot Bay Store
Departure Time 10:00
Difficulty
 Moderate
Costs
Trip limits 10
Dogs? O.K. but must not run back and forth through group.
Notes: Please contact coordinator 2 days prior as things may change due to weather.
Bring lunch and and gear for weather.

Trip Report – ERT Loop – 14 Dec 2022

Posted on by
Reply

We had 10 for this quite long, unusual walk through Campbell River.  Unfortunately the original organizer, Vic, wasn’t feeling well, but wanted the trip to go ahead.  After taking the 9:00 ferry, we walked through town to the ERT (Elk River Timber) trail head and then followed this level route, which feels quite remote even though it is in the city.  Some of the forest is slated for development, so that may change.  There was some hard compacted snow under foot, which was being plowed as we walked.  The ERT leads directly into the Beaverlodge Lands.  There are many well marked trails through this forest and we didn’t have a firmly defined route.  The vague plan was to cross the major road further north and continue through residential areas down to Willow Point.  However, some combination of snow on the side trails and general inattention resulted in us exiting the forest near the Hilchey Rd intersection, so we walked down that noisy, urban road, where the side walks were mostly unshovelled.  

Most of us went for lunch at Daves’ Bakery, where the sandwiches are excellent.  Half of the group decided not to walk back to the ferry, with four taking the bus, which was a first for everyone.  The remaining five walked back along the sea walk paralleling Discovery Passage.  This was snow-free, easy walking along a developed promenade.  This walking group returned to Quadra on the 2:30 ferry.  For the Outdoor Club this is a very unique and varied hike. (11.4 km; 2¾  hours to Daves’ Bakery and 7.1 km and 1½ hours from there to the ferry terminal)  

Debbie  
 
Thanks to Norris and Rob for the photos
 

(click on photos to enlarge)

Hiking – ERT Trail – 14 Dec 2022

Hiking – Beech’s Mountain – 21 Dec 2022

Posted on by
Reply

Postponed due to icy conditions.

Activity Hiking
Destination Beech’s Mountain
Date 21 Dec 2022, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Diana McKerracher
Contact Info Dianamckerr@gmail.com 250 285 3204
Description Come for a Solstice Hike up Beech’s Mountain for some of the best views on the island. The summit is the second highest point on Quadra after Mt. Seymour. This will be an out-and-back hike with a lunch stop at the summit.
– approximately 3 – 4 hours including stops.
Meeting Place Heriot Bay store parking lot
Departure Time 10:00
Difficulty Moderate, with some steep rocky sections
Costs none
Trip limits 10
Dogs?
Notes: If there’s too much snow or pouring rain, we will re-schedule. The coordinator will let you know on Tuesday evening if there is a change of plans.

Hiking – Morte Lake Loop – 7 Dec 2022

Posted on by
1

There is a change of coordinator.  This trip was originally scheduled for Dec 7th.

Activity Hiking
Destination Jackrabbit/Morte Lake Loop
Date 25 January 2023, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Debbie Quigg
Contact Info dmquigg@gmail.com or 3710
Please contact the coordinator by Monday night.
Description We will start at the Morte Lake parking lot, cross the road and over the B3 bridge to access the Jackrabbit Trail. This starts off close to the creek and eventually heads inland up to the Yellow Mud Trail, which we will follow back down to Reed Lake at the Walcan Road. We then cross the road and follow the Mud Lake and Tripod connector over to the sandy beach/three bridges area of Morte Lake. This will be a good spot for a snack or light lunch (bring a pad or bag for sitting on the damp log here). From here we will continue to the east end of Morte Lake and start down the main trail to the parking lot. At the Lower Dead Fish intersection, we will cross the creek and continue down to the parking lot. This route is mainly forested with occasional views of the creek and Morte Lake.
Meeting Place Heriot Bay Store parking lot
Departure Time 10:00
Difficulty
 Intermediate, due to length.
Costs
Trip limits 10.  We will try to accommodate those who are interested.
Dogs? Yes, but under control or on leash. No running through the group. Owner must carry a leash, for emergency reasons.
Notes: Waterproof boots are advised, as the trail can have standing water. Good rain gear is important, and if rainy or colder, its not a bad idea to bring a thermos with a hot beverage. a seat pad is good idea for sitting on damp logs at the lake. This will go ahead even if it rains, as long as conditions are not too extreme. Bring rain pants for a clear day, as yellow Mud has lots of wet ferns close to the trail.