Category Archives: moderate

Trip Report – Nugedzi Lake – 26 Aug 2020

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Six hikers enjoyed a perfect, late summer day for our hike up to Nugedzi Lake. We opted for the second, slightly higher viewpoint as our first rest stop, much appreciated after the usual slog up the eroded logging road. The views, though somewhat hazy, extended to the Coast Mountains and south to Texada Island. The Old Growth Forest was a welcome respite from the increasing heat. We were surprised to find how eroded the trail here was in some spots, tree roots fully exposed in many places, possibly the result of increased traffic (we actually saw 9 other people on the trail at various times) and the heavy rains of early summer and recent days. (We learned later that one of the 9 was a local trail runner, who was on his way back from having run the entire trail up from the Nugedzi trailhead parking lot, down to the Mt Seymour parking lot on Granite Bay Road and back over, after having biked to the trailhead from Heriot Bay. And we thought we were putting in an effort just to do the Nugedzi hike. )

As this trail was new to one of the group, we did the “Cook’s Tour”, going southeast out to the Lilyponds and the Lookout for views to Georgia Strait and beyond, before heading to Nugedzi Lake for lunch and a refreshing and very welcome swim. After lunch, we hiked up to the next viewpoint from which we could clearly see the mountains of Vancouver Island, and, once again, wondered about the history and purpose of the “Flagpole Cairn” at this site. A pleasant walk around Little Nugedzi Lake completed the tour before we headed back down.  10.8 km; 6 hours.

Valerie van Veen

Thanks to Norris, Valerie, and Vic for the photos

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Hiking – Nugedzi Lake – 26 Aug 2020

Trip Report – Newton Lake-Small Inlet-Waiatt Bay – 19 Aug 2020

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Six hikers set out on a damp, overcast day for the annual hike into northern Quadra’s provincial/marine parks. Our small group was able to set a quick pace up the rocky remains of a logging road and into the beautiful second growth forests of Small Inlet PP. A brief stop at Newton Lake made the point, as we stood in a brisk southeasterly breeze, that a swim in the lake was not likely to happen this day.

We made our way to Small Inlet where the few boats at anchor seemed to be squeezed into a puddle of tidal water between vast expanses of exposed beach, clam beds, and remnants of clam garden walls. After a brief visit to the always fascinating spring at the head of Small Inlet we headed, via the portage trail, over to Waiatt Inlet. The trail clearing work by the Trail Committee (specifically the Barclays and the Fords) was duly noted and praised, and allowed a quick passage across Quadra Island.

While sitting on the Waiatt Bay shore enjoying lunch and the view and counting the boats, we were joined by two club members who rowed in from their sailboat. All were pleasantly surprised at this serendipitous rendezvous, and soon, we were a group of eight on the return hike to Newton Lake. We did encounter a few people returning from a swim at the lake but none of our group was tempted in on a breezy, drizzly afternoon. After a brief stop on the rocks by the lake, the sailors headed back to their boat and the hikers returned to the trailhead.  13.2 km; 5.3 hours.

Vic

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Hiking – Newton Lake-Small Inlet-Waiatt Bay – 19 Aug 2020

Hiking – Nugedzi Lake – 26 Aug 2020

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Activity Hiking
Destination Nugedzi Lake
Date 26 Aug, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Valerie van Veen
Contact Info vvv@qisland.ca; must contact the coordinator by Tuesday noon
Description Nugedzi is one of the more challenging hikes on Quadra. This will be moderately-paced, suitable for those who might not be in top condition this summer.  In order to maintain contact with any fast hikers who wish to go ahead (only in a group, “pod rules” apply) I will bring 4 “family” radios.  The trail is rough and more challenging at the beginning, on a steep, eroded forest road, eventually turning off into the forest and through one of the few old-growths remaining on Quadra. Swimming is possible at Nugedzi Lake.  Hikers will be asked to maintain proper distancing on the small rock outcrop that is the usual lunch spot and provides the most convenient access to the lake.
Meeting Place Meet at trailhead at 10 am
Departure Time 10:00
Difficulty
 Moderate, some steep challenging sections
Costs none
Trip limits 10, travelling in pods or distanced
Dogs? Must be under control; dog owners will be asked to go ahead of the rest of the group
Notes: This hike will be entirely weather dependent … cancelled if too hot or raining. Hikers MUST sign up with coordinator (email or call) by NOON TUESDAY. Bring lunch, and swimsuit and towel if desired. Club COVID protocols regarding eligible participation and etiquette apply; please call the coordinator if you have any questions.

Kayaking – Sandy Island Marine Park – 3 Sept 2020

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Activity Kayaking
Destination Sandy Island Marine Park
Date 3 Sept 2020, Thursday
Trip Coordinator Darcy Mitchell
Contact Info 250 923 5540; mitchelldarcy51@gmail.com
Description Day paddle to Sandy Bay Marine Park (Tree Island) at northern tip of Denman Island.
Meeting Place Union Bay boat launch
Departure Time About 10:00
Difficulty
 Easy to moderate depending on conditions
Costs Ferry, transportation costs, and $5 boat launch fee
Trip limits 8 paddlers
Dogs? no
Notes: You will need to follow the QIOC paddling guidelines. This trip requires a sea kayak with spray skirt and floatation and all required equipment. The deadline for registering for the trip is Aug 31st.

Check last year’s trip report for this outing:
https://qioutdoorclub.org/2019/08/01/trip-report-sandy-island-marine-park-31-july-2019/

 

Multi-day Kayaking – Desolation Sound – 8-13 Sept 2020

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Activity Multi-day kayaking
Destination Desolation Sound
Date 8 to 13 Sept 2020; Tuesday to Saturday
Trip Coordinator Darcy Mitchell
Contact Info mitchelldarcy51@gmail.com; 250 923 5540
Description Multi-day paddle to Desolation Sound, launching from Squirrel Cove. Itinerary dependent on participant interests and weather.  Here is the link to kayak campsite information: http://bcparks.ca/explore/parkpgs/desolation/camping.html
Meeting Place Cortes ferry line-up, Heriot Bay
Departure Time 8:00 to catch 9:05 Cortes Ferry
Difficulty
 Moderate to challenging
Cost Ferry costs and nightly costs for camping within the Desolation Sound Marine Park
Trip limits Minimum 4 – maximum 6 to 8 depending on number of tents
Dogs? No
Notes: All participants must observe club paddling guidelines including demonstrated ability to perform assisted and self-rescue.  If you are interested in this trip, please contact the coordinator no later than September 1. Pandemic protocols will be observed.

Hiking – Chauntaluf Farm – 2 Sept 2020

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Activity Hiking
Destination Chauntaluf Farm
Date 2 Sept 2020,  Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Debbie Quigg
Contact Info debbie.quigg@ualberta.ca or 3710
Description Heather Kellerhals has generously invited us to hike at the family property.  There are many options, but we will probably hike out to Hyacinthe Point and on to the Coast Mountain Lookout, if the group is up for it.  The invitation includes swimming in the Pond.  We will not do this trip if the weather isn’t reasonable for views.
Meeting Place Heriot Bay Store parking lot to convoy to the property
Departure Time 10:00
Difficulty
 Moderate
Costs None
Trip limits 10.  We may hike in pods.
Dogs? No – not allowed on the farm
Notes: Bring lunch and poles if you use them.  If you want to swim, bring what you need.  COVID-19 protocols will be in effect.

Multi-day hiking – Sunshine Coast Trail – 15-20 Sept 2020

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Activity Multi-day hiking
Destination Sunshine Coast Trail
Date 15-20 Sept, Tuesday to Sunday (date could still vary by a day)
Trip Coordinator Brent Henry
Contact Info brenthenrys@gmail.com or 250-205-1106 (phone or text).  Contact the coordinator in by the end of August
Description A 4-5 day trip. Participants would take two cars on the ferry to Powell River.  We would park one vehicle at Lund and water taxi to Sarah Pt, hiking the Malaspina Peninsula portion of the trail back to Powell River.  We would hike roughly 10+ kilometers per day. Due to covid-19, the cabins are off bounds, and small tents /shelters must be carried. Coordinator has an extra 1 person tent and bivy that could be loaned out. A water treatment method should be carried, and at least 2 liters must be carried, possibly a third bottle.
Meeting Place Little River ferry terminal
Departure Time 9:30 at the ferry terminal. We would catch the 9:55 ferry.
Difficulty Moderate up and down mixed terrain.
Costs Ferry, parking and water taxi costs.
Trip limits 6
Dogs? No
Notes: All participants should be self sufficient and willing to practice safe pandemic protocols, as well as having a mask available for the ferry and public transit. Exact route, kitchen requirements, food, first aid will be agreed upon by participants.

Coordinator will carry an Inreach satellite texter and a vhf radio. If you are interested, please contact the coordinator by the end of August.

Multi-day Kayaking – Sutil Channel – 10-15 Aug 2020

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Activity Multi-day kayaking
Destination Sutil Channel/Cortes Island/Marina Island
Date 10 to 14 or 15 August 2020; Monday to Friday or Saturday
Trip Coordinator Darcy Mitchell
Contact Info mitchelldarcy51@gmail.com; 250 923 5540
Description Departing from Open Bay toward Carrington Bay on Cortes Island (likely 2 nights) then to Shark Spit, Marina Island (likely 2 nights), with a possible 5th night. Itinerary subject to change depending on participants’ interests and weather conditions. Up to 25 km per day in possibly adverse conditions. Possibilities for hiking as well as day paddles.
Meeting Place End of Valdes Road, Open Bay
Departure Time 9:30 a.m. for 10:00 a.m. launch
Difficulty
 Moderate to challenging
Cost none
Trip limits 6
Dogs? no
Notes: All participants must observe club paddling guidelines including demonstrated ability (through Club safety sessions) to perform assisted, and preferably, self-rescue. If you have not previously paddled with the coordinator on a multi-day trip, please contact her to discussion your experience and equipment.  Pandemic protocols will be observed.

Last date for registration – August 4.

Hiking – Newton Lake-Small Inlet-Waiatt Bay – 19 Aug 2020

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Activity Hiking with swimming
Destination Newton Lake, Small Inlet and Waiatt Bay
Date 19 Aug 2020, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Vic Gladish
Contact Info vicgladish@gmail.com; 250-285-2111; (cell 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 Newton Lake trail head (off Granite Bay Rd)
Departure Time 9:00
Difficulty
 Moderate for distance and steep grades
Costs none
Trip limits 10 with pandemic protocols
Dogs? okay
Notes: Bring plenty of water, lunch and snacks, and swimming stuff if you want to swim.

Trip Report – Open Bay/Sutil Channel/Octopus Islands – 12-15 July 2020

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Day 1.  Six paddlers launched from the end of Valdes Road on a fairly high tide, leaving the beach about 10:45 toward the Penn Islets. The weather was sunny with some overcast and the occasional rain squall, winds light. With a favourable current, we made excellent time, arriving at the campsite on North Penn Islet in just under 3 1/2 hours paddling time. A lovely classic cruiser was anchored in the nook south of the campsite, but very few other boats seen. The campsite is beautiful, with great views from the bluff, and some good forest sites also. Distance covered – 16.6 km in 3 hours and 20 minutes.

Day 2.  As the day was sunny with light winds forecast, we made a side trip to the entrance of Von Donop Inlet and stopped for a break at the campsite in Robertson Cove. While the location has several tent sites, and a trail to Robertson Lake, it seemed dark and is exposed to the west. Easy landing. We then paddled toward South Rendezvous Island, our planned stop for the night. Unlike other years, this large and very attractive site was empty. The summer has been disastrous for local outfitters, but it has meant that more camping options are available than usual. Easy access from the north, several tent sites, and a small creek. One or two tent sites also available on the tidal island in front of the main site. Hot afternoon. Distance covered 16.2 km in 4 hours and 10 minutes.

Day 3.  We launched about 9:45 to be in good time for slack at Surge Narrows. Paddling up the west side of the Rendezvous Islands to the south tip of North Rendezvous, we crossed to Mayes Point at the entrance to White Rock Passage against a fairly lively adverse current. After a short stop on the south shore of the Passage (just before the campsite noted on the Marine Trails website), we paddled through the Settlers Group in good time. As the weather was very calm, we paddled a straight course up Okisollo Channel to the Octopus Islands to benefit from the favourable ebb tide. Several other parties of kayakers spotted, and the usual population of pleasure boats in the park. We camped on the shore of a very “clammy” cove on the south shore of Waiatt Bay. There is a good creek draining an unnamed lake. The grassy site is good for 2 and possibly 3 tents; others uncomfortably close to the high tide line. Another hot day. Distance covered 21 km in 5 hours 10 minutes.

Day 4.  Heading home, we made a short stop at the ‘museum cabin’ on the more southerly of the private islands adjacent to the park. Many boaters (often for successive years) have left mementoes of their visits in the cabin. We then took a short swing through the islets and headed to Yeatman Bay for lunch and to wait for slack in Surge Narrows. We slipped easily through the rocks between Quadra and Peck Island on the last of the flood, and with increasing following winds and a fair current, landed in Open Bay less than half an hour after high tide, for an easy landing and a short carry. Distance covered 23.9 km in 5 hours and 23 minutes.

The weather throughout the trip was great and the first two campsites excellent. We didn’t see much wildlife apart from a few harbour porpoise, some seals, and sea birds, apart from one fledgling eagle that we hoped would be rescued by a parent as it looked very forlorn on its rock. Total trip distance – 77.7 kilometres for an average speed of 4.3 km per hour.

Darcy

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