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

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Hiking – Mt. Lolo – 13 Apr 2022

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

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Hiking – Maud Island – 6 Apr 2022

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.

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