Category Archives: moderate

Trip Report – Carrington Bay & Forest – 27 Nov 2024

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Nine of us caught 9:05 am ferry from Heriot Bay to Whaletown on Cortes Island. The day was overcast with glimpses of sunshine. We had a short ride up Carrington Rd to the trailhead where there is ample parking. We hiked a counter clockwise loop through Grandmothers’ Grove to the Lagoon, then on to the campsite at the head of Carrington Bay where we stopped for lunch. Grandmothers’ Grove is through mature Cedar and Douglas Fir with lots of moss and lichen covering the ground and low hanging branches making a very soothing hike. The lagoon was very serene with mist hanging over the water which was like a mirror. The campsite is interesting with some old logging equipment, picnic tables and a makeshift shelter. The lagoon is tidal and the water exits through a narrow channel with an aluminum bridge over it. The main trail coming in and out is old logging road and because of the recent rains there are lots of big puddles. This is not a problem because there is enough foot traffic that there are trails around the puddles. We arrived back at Whaletown with plenty of time to catch the 2:00 pm ferry to Quadra. (8.0 km; 3 hours)

Allan

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Hiking – Carrington Bay & Forest – 27 Nov 2024

Trip Report – Beaver Lake and Open Bay Creek – 14 Nov 2024

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Ten hikers started out on the Crikey Creek Trail on a chilly but sunny morning. It was nice to get a day without rain for a change. We came out at the Open Bay Main logging road and proceeded down Open Bay Creek. We followed the trail along the creek and were delighted to see chum salmon still spawning in the creek. It has been a record year for returning salmon. Farther down the trail we ran into three large trees that had blown down and were a bit of a challenge to scramble over. We continued on through the mossy forest and turned up the hill to follow the creek to Beaver Lake. Because of the heavy rainfall the Creek was high with many small waterfalls. We had lunch on the rock bluff at the end of Beaver Lake. The creek was a bit of a challenge to get across, but the group managed and continued up the trail beside the lake. As we continued to climb up to Village Bay Lake Road we were treated to rock bluffs with very heavy deep green moss and many different varieties of mushrooms to look at. From there we proceeded back to the vehicles via the Nugedzi parking lot and logging road. (7.4 km and 3 1/2 hours)

Les
 
Thanks to Les and Norris for the photos
 

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Hiking – Beaver Lake and Open Bay Creek – 14 Nov 2024

Hiking – Carrington Bay and Forest – 27 Nov 2024

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Activity Hiking
Destination Carrington Bay and Forest, Cortes Island
Date 27 Nov, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Allan Liimatta
Contact Info allanliimatta@gmail.com or 250-416-9338
Description Easy walk through mature forest with lagoon that drains by small water falls into ocean.
Meeting Place Heriot Bay ferry terminal
Departure Time 9:05 Cortes ferry at Heriot Bay, so be in the line-up shortly after 8:00
Difficulty
 Easy to moderate.
Costs Ferry travel costs; bring your experience card and ID
Trip limits None
Dogs? Yes, but must be on leash due to wolves in the area.
Notes: Bring a lunch and rain gear.

Exploring – Two Mines and Some Karst – 4 Dec 2024

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We won’t be doing this outing.  The forest has overwhelmed the sites.  Expect an update.

Activity Exploring
Destination Two Mines and Some Karst Formations
Date 4 December 2024, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Debbie Quigg
Contact Info 3710 or dmquigg@gmail.com; please RSVP by Monday night
Description We will visit an old mine off of Open Bay Main, a limestone cave and grikes in the limestone.  We will also stop at the Lucky Jim mine before continuing on to some sinkhole formations.
Meeting Place Community Centre parking to carpool or by arrangement
Departure Time 9:30 am
Difficulty
 Easy.  This will more a visit to multiple sites than a lot of exercise, however the trails will not be maintained
Costs None
Trip limits 10
Dogs? No
Notes: Be prepared for wet.  Bring a good flashlight if you have one.

Hiking – Nighthawk Lake – 20 Nov 2024

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Postponed due to weather!

Activity Hiking
Destination Nighthawk Lake and bluffs to the west
Date 20 Nov 2024
Trip Coordinator Valerie van Veen
Contact Info vvv@qisland.ca, 250 285 2329, 778 242 5774
Description We will start at the Mud Lake parking area and follow Yellow Mud trail to the south end of Nighthawk Lake, route back via Rob’s Ride and Plaything to Yellow Mud to return back to the Mud Lake parking lot.
Meeting Place Community Centre at 10:00 or Mud Lake parking lot at 10:10
Departure Time 10:00
Difficulty
 Moderate, one steep downhill
Costs None
Trip limits 10
Dogs? Must be under control and stay with owner at front of group
Notes: Bring lunch, snack, dress for the weather. Be sure to sign up as the final choice of location for this hike will be entirely weather dependent … weather alternatives will be in the south end.

Hiking – Beaver Lake to Open Bay Creek – 14 Nov 2024

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Activity Hiking
Destination Beaver Lake to Open Bay Creek
Date 14 Nov 2024, Thursday
Trip Coordinator Les Hand
Contact Info lhquadra@gmail.com 285-2029
Description We will leave from Hyacinth Bay Road and follow a flagged trail down to Beaver Lake. From there we will continue on to Open Bay Creek and follow it back to Village Bay Road.
Meeting Place Community Centre parking lot
Departure Time 10:00
Difficulty
 Moderate
Costs none
Trip limits 10
Dogs? O.K. but must not run back and forth
Notes Bring a lunch or snack and dress for the weather.

Trip Report – Blindman’s Bluff – 16 Oct 2024

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There wasn’t a lot of interest in the original destination, so those who wanted an outing opted for a change to Blindman’s Bluff.  A short hike worked well because of deteriorating weather in the afternoon.  Five of us approached the hike from the traditional Copperhead logging road.  After crossing the creek, we found a newly constructed logging road spur that we decided to explore.  From the end of the spur we continued on a short bushwhack through open forest, to more directly join the Blindman’s Bluff trail.

We followed the loop around clockwise, quickly arriving at the high, open bluffs with 180° views to the east. It was a perfect autumn day, with great views at the right temperature.  We stopped for a snack/lunch at the southeast viewpoint with great views over Gowlland Harbour and Vancouver Island.  We stopped again at the southwest viewpoint before continuing back on the trail and the logging road to the vehicles.  (3.7 km; 2 hours; 170 m ascent)

Norris and Debbie

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Trip Report – Quinsam River West – 9 Oct 2024

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Three of us had a great hike along the west side of the Quinsam River on a beautiful fall day.  The trail along the low bank of the river was very busy with the salmon run and many people fishing.  We started on the trail from the bridge on Quinsam Road and followed it up stream to the salmon hatchery.  From there we hiked up into the forest following mountain bike trails to the high bank area.  The maples were at their peak of colour and the forest is quite varied as it meanders up stream.  Mostly the trail was in good condition and drier than expected, but unfortunately the motor bike abuse is causing erosion of the trail and bank in places.  Occasionally the brush had grown in, but this might deter the motor bikes.

We reached the bend in the river where the bank is especially high and the view down to the river is excellent.  We could see the bench where we have lunch on the east side of the river.  We continued briefly on the trail following a side ravine, until we reached a logging road and electrical poles.  We returned to Eagle Bluff for a lunch stop in the dappled sun before heading back down the river.  This area is often overlooked because of the popularity of Elk Falls and the Campbell River, but it is very accessible and well worth the walk.  (11.6 km; 4 hours)

Debbie

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Hiking – Quinsam West- 9 Oct 2024

Trip Report – Hornby Bluffs Loop – 2 Oct 2024

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On October 2nd, we embarked on an unforgettable journey to Hornby Island. The four of us departed on the 7am ferry from Quadra Island, followed by a drive down Island to catch the Hornby ferry. Despite a delay due to roadwork, we enjoyed a stunning sunrise.

Once on Hornby, we hiked up to Middle Bench Trail. From there we took in spectacular panoramic views of the coast and distant lighthouses, with picturesque arbutus and fir trees lining our path. Our dog Farah added to the joy as she frolicked along the cliffside. We continued our trek to the southern tip of Hornby, descending to a beach near a farmstead where Cyndy once lived. The sandstone beach, with its intricate arches and waterways was a highlight of the trip.

We enjoyed lunch on magical Toby Island, thanks to the low tide. Unique patterns in sandstone cliffs provided a perfect backdrop for our meal and some leisurely exploration. With spirits high, we looped back on the Ford Cove to Shingle Spit Trail, catching the 4pm ferry.

In total, we covered 13 kilometers or 21,000 steps, immersing ourselves in the natural beauty and history of Hornby Island. It was a day of perfect weather, stunning landscapes, and great company. Returning home tired but fulfilled, already looking forward to our next club adventure.

Cyndy
 

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Hiking – Hornby Island Bluff Loop – 2 Oct 2024

Hiking – Hornby Island Bluff Loop – 2 Oct 2024

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Activity Hiking
Destination Hornby Island Bluff Loop
Date 2 Oct 2024, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Cyndy Chidley
Contact Info 250-285-3575; please contact the coordinator by Tuesday
Description
We will hike a loop in the Mount Geoffrey Escarpment Provincial Park, going out on a higher bluff and returning lower on the bluff.  We will pass through Ford Cove and return to Shingle Spit.
Here are the ferry sailings to make this work as a day trip:
Leave QCove, Quadra at 7:00
Leave Buckley Bay at 8:20
Leave Gravelly Bay, Denman Island at 9:40 as pedestrians
Return from Shingle Spit, Hornby Island at 4:00
Hope to return from Denman West at 4:40 or 5:40
Meeting Place: QCove ferry terminal
Departure Time 7:00 sailing to Campbell River
Difficulty
 Moderate, but some flexibility for the group
Costs Ferries and fuel
Trip limits 10
Dogs?
Notes: Bring your lunch with you.  The weather forecast is good, but come prepared.  Please make you own carpooling arrangements.