Category Archives: Quadra Island

Trip Report – Eagle Crag Loop – 31 July 2024

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Five of us hiked the trail to Eagle Crag, then the steep path to the top of the bluff.  Here we rested, had a bite to eat, and enjoyed the fantastic view.  There were clouds over the Vancouver Island mountains, but other than that the visibility was very good, especially considering how much fire smoke there is elsewhere.  We enjoyed the perfect temperature, the sunshine, and the gentle breeze for quite a while.  We were visited by a hummingbird and a grouse.

After that, we continued up an old path, originally for climbing access to a higher bluff, surprising a garter snake.  At the top of this path, we again sat and enjoyed the beautiful day.  Then we took the trail down from Beech’s Mountain, back to the vehicles.  (4.9 km; 3.5 hours)

Norris

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Hiking – Eagle Crag Loop – 31 July 2024

Trip Report – Newton Lake, Small Inlet and Waiatt Bay – 24 July 2024

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A large group of 11 hikers (including 1 guest and 1 new member) undertook our “annual” midsummer trek to Newton Lake, Small Inlet, and Waiatt Bay. It was a cooler day after some rainy days, but a swim was still happily anticipated by some. After regrouping and adjusting the pace at the Small Inlet Park Boundary, we had a soggy go through the thick patches of salal, thanks to recent rain, and then arrived at Newton Lake for a short rest.

Our long line of hikers became longer as we descended the switchbacks down the steep slope to Small Inlet. We walked out onto the mudflat and shortly realized that we were in one of the inlet’s many clam gardens. The tide seemed exceptionally low and revealed the long arc of piled boulders that enclosed the clam bed.

A few minutes later we crossed the mudflat to the Waiatt Bay trail head, stopped to marvel at the freshwater spring a few strides later and then made the short hop to Waiatt Bay. By this point we had only met up with a few pairs of hikers coming from the anchorage. At the bay on Quadra’s east coast, dozens of “yachts” were visible. Perhaps the very big tide flat was discouraging them from coming ashore?

After a leisurely lunch the group was again on the move and ready to tackle the uphill leg back to Newton Lake. We ascended slowly, and with it being a cooler, overcast day, everyone arrived at the top in good shape. Arriving at the lake with a light rain shower starting made a dip in Newton Lake’s inviting waters even less appealing. So, after a brief rest, we tackled the final leg of this classic hike. (12.8 km; 5 hours 48 min)

Vic

Thanks to Carl and Norris for the photos

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Hiking – Newton Lake-Small Inlet-Waiatt Bay – 24 July 2024

Trip Report – Gowlland Harbour – 10 July 2024

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Ten people gathered on a beautiful, calm, sunny day for a paddle and social. The Stuart’s place is a bit difficult to launch from as there is a steep driveway with a switch back and only one vehicle can come down at a time. Then you have to pack the kayak around the pond. This was made easier by the fact that I live here, two members paddled over from their place, and another member brought his kayak in by boat to the dock. All in all it worked out well and we managed to leave a little ahead of schedule. We paddled south around the south end of Gowlland Harbour to start. After passing the old sunken barge, we stopped where the two abandoned boats have sunk to talk about how bad the government is managing abandoned boats on our coastline. We then paddled on flat water up the east side of Gowlland Island and stopped to stretch our legs on the north end. As we proceeded toward Gowlland Resort there was a colony of seals on some of the small islets. At Seascape Resort, now called Jade Resort, we stopped to look and discuss the falling apart of the old barge hotel. This is a total disaster of waste and garbage being emptied into our beautiful harbour because of the inability of government and courts to deal with a problem.
We then had an easy paddle back to our entry point. Here we had a great social on the deck, complete with chips and salsa, smoked oysters and meats with cheese and crackers, veggie platter, and Smokies and buns from the barbecue.  Plus drinks and desserts.  (7 km; 2 hour paddle)

Les

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Kayaking – Gowlland Harbour – 10 July 2024

Hiking – Thompson Trail-Hopespring Loop – 7 Aug 2024

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Activity Hiking
Destination Thompson Trail-Hopespring Loop
Date 7 Aug 2024, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Les Hand
Contact Info lhquadra@gmail.com or 285-2029
Description We will start at the end of Thompson Road and do the circle counter clockwise. Bring a snack or small lunch and we will stop at the top of Heriot Ridge before we come down to Hopespring Road.
Meeting Place End of Thompson Road
Departure Time 9:00
Difficulty
 Easy
Costs None
Trip limits 10
Dogs? Okay, but under control
Notes: We are starting earlier than normal to beat some of the heat. Bring hiking poles if you’d like to use them.

Multi-day Kayaking and Camping – Granite Bay and Beyond- 20-22 Aug 2024

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Due to weather this is now a day trip on Thursday.  There is a new trip description.

Activity Kayaking and camping
Destination Granite Bay and beyond
Date 20-22 Aug 2024, Tuesday to Thursday
Trip Coordinator Vic Gladish
Contact Info vicgladish@gmail.com; 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 (big tidal changes to deal with); 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
Departure Time Meet up 0830. On the water by 0915.
Difficulty Moderate, but difficulty variable with the wind.
Cost Fee for launching/parking and fuel
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 18.
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 – Kay Dubois Loop – 19 June 2024

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Our hike on the Kay Dubois trail was a lovely, cool forest-bathing-ish treat on a warm summer morning.  We started at the Fox Road entrance and walked on the woodlot road to the trail head at the end of Sutil Road.  When we got to the bottom of the hill, we made a few beach-viewing stops to enjoy the view. The understory growth was phenomenal from all the rain we have had.  We continued on to the giant witchy spruce tree, headed up the hill on the Hansel and Gretel walk and made it back to our starting point with no nibbled body parts.  (5.7 km; 1¾ hours)

Kathy
 
 
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Hiking – Eagle Crag Loop – 31 July 2024

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The meeting location has changed! The “Difficulty” has been updated.

Activity Hiking
Destination Eagle Crag Loop
Date 31 July 2024, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Norris Weimer
Contact Info norris.weimer@ualberta.ca; 3710
Description Starting at the Chinese Mtn parking lot, we will follow the south side trails and then the climbing access trails to Eagle Crag.  This ascends quite steeply and has amazing views.  From there, we will follow a flagged route which connects with the Beech’s Mtn trail, bringing us back to the parking lot.
Meeting Place Meet at the coordinator’s driveway
Departure Time 10:00; we will start earlier if it is hot
Difficulty Challenging for a few sections of scrambling.  This is not very long and not a lot of elevation gain, but the trail is rough and the route involves steep places and no path.
Costs None
Trip limits 10
Dogs? No
Notes: We will not do this trip in poor weather

Kayaking – Gowlland Harbour – 10 July 2024

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Activity Kayaking and social
Destination Gowlland Harbour
Date: 10 July 2024, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Les Hand
Contact Info lhquadra@gmail.com or 250-285-2029
Description This will only be a one and a half to two hour paddle followed by a social hour on the deck at my house. I will provide appetizers.
Depending on current and weather we may go around Gowland Island otherwise we will just stay around the southern part of Gowland Harbor. Because of this please bring a spray skirt and all necessary equipment mandated by the Coast Guard.
If it is more than showers the date will be changed.
Meeting Place 1157 West Rd
Departure Time Meet at 10:00; Leave at 10:30
Difficulty
 Moderate
Costs None
Trip limits 12
Dogs? No
Notes: Only one vehicle at a time can come down the hill so be on time. I have permission to park vehicles at the landlords house. From there it is a steep concrete driveway with a switch back involved. You will need to be able to back up with your mirrors to get down close to the water. Otherwise you will park up above and we will use two people to carry the kayaks down. When you sign up I will explain more as it will not be that hard.

Trip Report – Surge Narrows Trail – 5 June 2024

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Eight of us and a dog car-pooled out to the very full parking lot at the end of the Surge Narrows road. We had a quick look at the dock and offered assistance to two locals but it appeared the outer islanders are very independent. We then headed back up the steep hill to start our hike north.

At our first stop we watched the flood tide push through the narrows and saw a kayaker successfully navigate the rapids. We continued on the unmaintained route a little further north and had a relaxing lunch. We watched the tide come in a little with more spectacular views of the rapids and a brief viewing of the intertidal life, mostly sea stars. Then it was time to head back and enjoy the great hiking weather and get back to the parking lot. Some over ripe oyster mushrooms along the trail and a hint of huckleberry season is coming.

The trail is well kept with evidence of some bridge repair but one bridge is definitely on the watch list but easily traversed. Wild life was at a minimum except for one eagle diving for fish. A short hike but a very enjoyable hike.  (4.3 km; 2¾ hours)

Neil

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Hiking – Surge Narrows Trail – 5 June 2024

Hiking – Kay Dubois Loop – 19 June 2024

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Activity Hiking
Destination Kay Dubois Loop
Date 19 June, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Kathy Sales
Contact Info lilsuzyh@hotmail.com, 250-285-3693 or 250-314-4055
Description We will start at the end of Fox road and head down into the woodlot, turning at the “Hansel and Gretel” trail down to the beach. We will continue on the Kay Dubois trail up to the end of Sutil Road, then return to Fox on the woodlot road.
Meeting Place End of Fox Rd
Departure Time 10:00
Difficulty
 Easy, with a few steeper parts
Costs None
Trip limits
Dogs
Notes: