The hike that was originally scheduled was postponed because the cold, snow and ice made it impractical.  We substituted a much easier outing at a lower elevation to avoid the sketchy trail conditions.  It was great to have 10 people participate on short notice for this solstice hike with some excellent sunshine and views.  We met at the Cape Mudge Lighthouse parking and walked near the shore to the Tsa-Kwa-Luten Lodge and into the forest to the east.  After crossing the dramatic canyon, we came out on sunny, snowy bluffs with great views of Wilby Shoal and Georgia Strait.  We circled back into the forest, crossing the creek and following along the west side of the canyon. 

After returning to the Lighthouse, most of us carried on along the Discovery Passage shoreline. The trail passes through a campground and continues north along the shore to the Cape Mudge village.  There are great views and trees along the way.  The wind was quite bracing, but it was mostly invigorating.   

These trails are on the lands of the We Wai Kai nation and we thank them for letting us and others use them.  7.3 km; 2 hours

Debbie

Hiking – Cape Mudge Trails – 21 Dec 2022

Four people met at the community centre parking lot for a walk around the trails. There was still a few inches of snow on the trails, and although it was quite wet snow, it was not too slippery for a good walk. Starting on the Homestead Trail, we left from the batting cage, heading towards Smokey’s  Trail. At the Blackjack Trail corner we headed to the community centre trail and made our way back and forth on the connector trails towards the firehall access. At this point we made our way back on the Homestead Trail to the parking lot.  All in all it was a pleasant 2 hour walk. (6.5 km)

Brent

It was supposed to be a bright sunny day, but turned out to be overcast and +2° C.  Still seven hikers found it to be a very nice day and beautiful with the new snow. There was only a couple of inches of snow near the water, so the hike was easy. We met at the back parking lot at Rebecca spit and then walked south down past the Sasquatch sculpture and the memorial at Paddy’s Lagoon. We went as far as we could south and then returned by the same route to walk through the campground and over to the Drew Creek Trail. The trail was in good shape and magical with the snow hanging on the trees. We then returned through the campground to the back picnic area to have lunch. We were treated to smoked salmon and oysters, crackers and cheese, blueberry muffins, and mint tea. Afterwards we hiked around Rebecca Spit park. The distant mountains covered in snow made it spectacular.   9.5 km and about three hours.

Les