Category Archives: Quadra Island

Trip Report – Main Lake – 22 Apr 2022

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At the last minute, the trip coordinator was unable to come on the trip, but the remaining seven paddled out from the Mine Lake boat launch through the narrows and across Main Lake to a grassy pullout through the brush.  The morning was very calm and relatively warm.  From there, we hiked a short distance, starting along Clear Lake Creek.  We followed a flagged route most of the way to two big trees: a Douglas fir with a circumference of 8 metres and a Western Red Cedar with a circumference of 7.2 metres.  It seemed a fitting destination for Earth Day.  We briefly wandered through the open forest of Main Lake Provincial Park to a bluff and then returned to the shore for lunch.  Four of the group returned directly to the vehicles and the other three paddled along the shore to the east, exploring camping possibilities and trailheads.  We didn’t see another person during the paddle or the hike and it was a lovely peaceful trip.  11.0 km; 4 hours

Debbie
 
Thanks to Norris, Terry and Jonathan for the photos.

(click on photos to enlarge)

Paddling/Hiking – Main Lake Provincial Park – 22 Apr 2022

Hiking – Eagle Ridge and Blindman’s Bluff – 6 July 2022

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Postponed due to weather from 18 May

Activity Hiking
Destination Eagle Ridge and Blindman’s Bluff
Date 6 July 2022, Wednesday
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 – Mt. Lolo – 13 Apr 2022

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Despite the ominous weather forecasts, Wednesday turned out to be a very nice day.  Seven of us, including one guest, took full advantage of it by hiking up to one of Quadra’s best viewpoints.  Mt. Lolo is strategically placed to have a clear view both up and down Discovery Passage.  After starting on the trail to Maud Island, we followed overgrown logging roads with gentle incline and steeper deer paths to open, mossy bluffs. We had a leisurely lunch break on the bluff, checking out the birds, the views and the vegetation.  7.3 km; 4¼ hours

Norris
 
Thanks to Norris and Colin for the photos.

(click on photos to enlarge)

Hiking – Mt. Lolo – 13 Apr 2022

Trip Report – Maud Island – 6 April 2022

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On an overcast, chilly, four degree morning seven hikers set out to Maud Island. As we walked down the old road the moss seemed especially green. There were quite a few trees here and there that had been brought down by the heavy snows of last winter. All in all though the trail was in good shape for this early in the spring. We kept to the lower route rather than going up and over Lolo as the rocks would probably be quite slick. The causeway to Maud Island is eroding more and water is running under it at low tide.

We had lunch over looking Seymour Narrows. The current was at a max of 7.8, which isn’t much considering that it can run to 14 kn. Still there were plenty of whirlpools and current to admire. We were even treated to a couple sea lions playing below us in the current. After lunch we returned via the same route. 10.3 km and four hours counting lunch.

Les

Thanks to Les for the photos

(click on photos to enlarge)

Hiking – Maud Island – 6 Apr 2022

Hiking – Mt. Lolo – 13 Apr 2022

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Activity Hiking/Exploring
Destination Mt. Lolo
Date 13 Apr, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Norris Weimer
Contact Info norris.weimer@ualberta.ca or 3710  Please contact the coordinator by Monday night.
Description We will begin on the trail to Maud Island and then follow very convenient, but overgrown, logging roads and routes to the Mt. Lolo bluff overlooking Discovery Passage.  After exploring the short ridge with great views we will return the same way.  About 8 km; 4 hours.
Meeting Place Heriot Bay store parking lot.  We will drive out in a group.
Departure Time 10:00
Difficulty
 Moderate, requiring tolerance for moving through some brush and deadfall.
Costs None
Trip limits None
Dogs? No.
Notes: Bring lunch, poles if you use them and gear for the weather.  This is a trip better done in good weather and might be postponed if the forecast is poor.

Hiking – Maud Island- 6 Apr 2022

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Activity Hiking
Destination Maud Island
Date 6 Apr 2022, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Les Hand
Contact Info 250-285-2029
Description We will meet at store and then drive the half hour out to trailhead. We will go out and back the lower route so it will be easier. About 9km and 4 hours including lunch. I am told there is some blowdown on the trail so be prepared for that.
Meeting Place Heriot Bay Store
Departure Time 10:00
Difficulty
 Easy to moderate
Costs
Trip limits 10
Dogs? O.K. but must not run back and forth through group. Also must leash at drop off spot.
Notes: There is a max 7.7 knot ebb at 12:23. This is not huge but should still make for some interesting views.

Trip Report – Heron Pt. and Mt. Sweat – 9 Mar 2022

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Six of us took advantage of the superb weather to hike to a couple of excellent viewpoints.  The first viewpoint, Heron Point, is a short, easy walk over moss covered bluffs.  The next bit, up to the top of Mt. Sweat, starts with a walk through an old forest, then the trail winds up bluffs and moss covered ledges.  In some places the path is steep.  On top, the air was cool and crisp with excellent visibility and the sun was warm, so we lingered there over a long lunch.  The way down was a flagged route, again on moss covered ridges, easy walking.  Finally, a walk back on a gravel road, to complete the loop to the vehicles.  Thanks to Heather Kellerhals for letting the Outdoor Club use the Chauntaluf farm trails to make this loop.  3.9 km, 3¼ hours, with multiple long stops at viewpoints.

Norris
 

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Hiking – Heron Point and Mt. Sweat – 9 Mar 2022

Trip Report – Cape Mudge Trails – 2 Mar 2022

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Five of us walked these lovely and varied trails on the We Wai Kai land.  The trails were well maintained after winter storms and well used.  We started on the forest loop, enjoying the old and interesting Big Leaf Maples and the deep ravine before coming out on the bluff overlooking Willby Shoals.  We continued on past the lighthouse and campground, joining a trail along Discovery Passage, heading north toward Yaculta.  This section has good views and some big Douglas fir trees.  On the return, we stopped for a bite at a picnic table in the campground.  The rain held off for us and it was a gentle day, good for a walk.  A few of the group met up at Quathiaski Cove cafés after the hike for hot drinks and treats.  7.4 km; 2½ hours without the snacks.

Debbie
 
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Hiking – Cape Mudge Trails – 2 Mar 2022

Paddling/Hiking – Main Lakes Provincial Park – 22 April 2022

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Activity Paddling/Hiking
Destination Main Lake Provincial Park
Date 22 April, Friday  Earth Day
Trip Coordinator Vic Gladish
Contact Info vicgladish@gmail.com; 250-285-2111; text 250-287-0459
Description We will combine a paddle and hike on this one. Paddle Mine and Main Lakes to the Clear Lake Creek. Hike along the creek and visit a Douglas fir and and Red Cedar which may be Quadra’s biggest trees.
Meeting Place Mine Lake boat launch
Departure Time 8:30 meet up; 9:00 am on the water
Difficulty
 Easy to moderate depending on weather
Costs None
Trip limits 8
Dogs? No
Notes: Kayak or canoe but must meet club and coast guard guidelines for safety. Be prepared for a full day – lunch, snacks and appropriate clothing for changeable spring weather and a two activity day.

Hiking – Heron Point and Mt. Sweat – 9 Mar 2022

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Activity Hiking
Destination Heron Pt and Mt. Sweat loop
Date 9 Mar, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Norris Weimer
Contact Info norris.weimer@ualberta.ca or 3710  Please contact the coordinator by Monday night.
Description This is a short hike starting on Kolker Main. We will briefly follow a logging road, a short connector and a mossy bluff to Heron Point for great views of Hyacinthe Bay and the Chinese Mtn area.  From there we will take a cairned route through forest trails and rocky bluffs to Mt. Sweat. We descend to Kolker Main and return to the vehicles on the logging road.  This is a view hike and will not be done in poor weather.  About 4 km; 2½ hours.
Meeting Place Heriot Bay store parking lot.  We will drive out in a group.
Departure Time 10:00
Difficulty
 Most easy, but some interesting places on Mt. Sweat.  If there are sufficient participants, a second, more level option is possible.
Costs None
Trip limits None
Dogs? No.
Notes: Some of this trip is on private property and we thank Heather Kellerhals for allowing our visit to Chauntaluf Farm.  Bring gear appropriate for the weather and trail conditions, as well as lunch.