Category Archives: Quadra Island

Hiking – West Road Woodlot – 29 Dec 2021

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This is a last minute substitution.

Activity Hiking
Destination West Road Woodlot
Date 29 Dec, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Norris Weimer
Contact Info norris.weimer@ualberta.ca or 3710.  Please contact the coordinator before the trip.
Description We will walk down a few of the out-and-back logging roads.  The route includes mature forest, replanted forest, a view of Gowlland Harbour, and a meandering trail.  About 3km; 1 hour.
Meeting Place Park on Gowlland Harbour Road, near the junction with West Road, by the transformers.
Departure Time 10:00
Difficulty
 Very easy, but expect winter conditions – cold and snow covering some ice.
Costs None
Trip limits None
Dogs?
Notes: Bring gear appropriate for the weather and trail conditions.

Trip Report – Gowlland Harbour – 21 Dec 2021

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Paddle into Winter (Solstice)

A very nice winter day provided an opportunity for seven club members to get together for a 2 hour paddle to celebrate the Solstice. With an icy boat launch at April Point and a skim of ice in the harbour it was a wintry day. We paddled out of the marina on calm seas, overcast skies and temperatures around freezing. The three paddlers that put in further east in Gowlland, paddled against the current in the channel and met up with us for the trip out and along Gowlland Island. We rounded the top of Gowlland with Steep Island on our port side and then altered course towards the smaller island group and away from a cold northerly breeze.

The group split up again and four of us rounded Doe Island and headed for April Point and rode the ebb current through the channel.

The highlight of the trip was watching the efforts of an eagle in its attempt to snare a cormorant for its afternoon meal.

Vic

(click on photos to enlarge)

Kayaking – Gowlland Harbour – 21 Dec 2021

Trip Report – Drew Creek and Rebecca Spit – 11 Dec 2021

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On Saturday nine people decided to try a hike even though rain was threatening. To start we did the small trail at the mouth of Drew Creek. This is a wonderful little trail. It even has benches to sit and watch the creek roll by. The tide was extremely high and had the creek backed up for about 150 m.
We then walked to Rebecca Spit and turned south along the ocean down to the Sasquatch sculpture. It was about here that the heavy rain showers started off and on. We proceeded down through the new camping spots that have been developed very well. On the way back to the vehicles we were treated to a rainbow. 5.2 km about 1½ hours

Les

Thanks to Les and Norris for the photos.

(click on photos to enlarge)

Hiking – Drew Creek and Rebecca Spit – 11 Dec 2021

Trip Report – South Chinese Mtn Loop – 8 Dec 2021

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After waiting a bit at the Heriot Bay meeting point, due to icy road conditions that morning, four of us met at the Chinese Mountain trailhead. We started clockwise on the South Mountain trail around 10:40.  Although there was snow left on the trail from the last snowfall, it was not too deep, and the abundant sunshine made wonderful conditions for the ascent.  Although some clouds remained over Vancouver Island, the view to the south from the western bluff lookouts was spectacular.  Although the snow on the trail had us deviating from the main trail, we easily regained it above us, and were able to follow the trial easily to the south lookout. The views were superb as we took a short lunch.  We took our time descending the eastern trail down in to the valley between north and south peak, as the steep steps down presented some slippery sections, and the old mining road down had a lot of running surface water causing some slippery parts. The total trip took just over 2½ hours.

Brent

Thanks to Brent and Norris for the photos.

(click on photos to enlarge)

Hiking – South Chinese Mountain – 8 Dec 2021

Hiking – Drew Creek Trail and Rebecca Spit – 11 Dec 2021

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Activity Hiking
Destination Drew Creek, then Rebecca Spit
Date 11 Dec, Saturday
Trip Coordinator Les Hand
Contact Info 285-2029; lhquadra@gmail.com
Description Easy walk around Drew Creek Trail and then to Rebecca Spit. At the park we will go south to the Sasquatch and then return to the cars.
Meeting Place Heriot Bay Rd. at Rebecca Spit Rd.
Departure Time 1:00 pm
Difficulty
 Easy
Costs None
Trip limits 10
Dogs? O.K. but under control
Notes: Waiting until after lunch so it warms up a little. Bring a snack if you like as will have short break if weather cooperates. South end is wet so good boots would help.

Trip Report – Kay Dubois Trail and Whittington Woodlot – 1 Dec 2021

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Seven of us started out from the end of Fox Road, walked down the hill and along Wa Wa Kie Road. We entered the Kay Dubois Trail and hiked the loop clockwise. For the first half of the walk, it almost looked as though the sun could come through. At the midpoint, when we stopped at the beach viewpoint for tea and a snack, a light rain started and followed us back to our parking spots. It was an easy, social walk and just felt great to be out even if it was a bit wet and muddy. 5.9 km and 1½ hours.

Diana

Thanks to Norris and Rob for the photos.

(click on photos to enlarge)

Hiking – Kay Dubois Loop – 1 Dec 2021

Hiking – Village Bay Lake Trails – 29 Dec 2021

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There has been postponed due to the weather.

Activity Hiking
Destination Village Bay Lake trails
Date 29 Dec, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Norris Weimer
Contact Info norris.weimer@ualberta.ca or 3710  Please contact the coordinator by Monday night.
Description Starting on the Surge Narrows Rd, we will hike up a logging road and continue on a trail through a lovely forest near Village Bay Lake.  We will re-join the logging road for a while and then follow another trail which connects with the route along Vic’s Marsh.  There is lots of variety on this short loop.  The route is in good condition, but expect wet and muddy sections.  About 5 km.
Meeting Place Heriot Bay store parking lot.  We will drive out in a group.
Departure Time 13:00
Difficulty
 Easy
Costs None
Trip limits None
Dogs?
Notes: Bring gear appropriate for the weather and trail conditions, as well as lunch or a snack.

Hiking – South Chinese Mtn – 8 Dec 2021

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Activity Hiking
Destination South Chinese Mountain Viewpoint
Date 8 Dec, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Brent Henry
Contact Info quadrabike@gmail.com or text/phone 250-205-1106; Participants should confirm with the trip coordinator by Monday night, December 6th.
Description Starting at the Chinese Mountains trailhead, we will follow the South Chinese Trail to its intersection with Beech’s Mountain Trail but continue to the right up to the South Chinese Mountain viewpoint. Along this trail we ascend steep rock bluffs with lovely views to the east, west and south. After the southern viewpoint, where we can have a short snack or lunch break, we will retrace out steps to the north to the intersection of the descent trail leading to the valley between the two Chinese peaks. Optionally, depending on our progress and conditions, we can also add the ascent to North Chinese Peak. We will then descend the valley on the North Chinese Mountain Trail, an old mining/logging road, to the parking lot.
Meeting Place Heriot Bay Store parking lot.
Departure Time 10:00
Difficulty
 Moderate, with some slippery spots.
Costs
Trip limits
Dogs? Yes, but must be always under control, and owner must have a leash on the ready.
Notes: We will spend about 2 to 3 hours on this trail, with a main break at the viewpoint. As there can be slippery spots and ground/running water during the winter months, hiking poles and sturdy water proof hiking boots, with ankle support are recommended.

Trip Report – South Stramberg Route – 24 Nov 2021

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Thirteen of us hiked this trail even though the forecast was for rain and wind.  As it turned out, the weather wasn’t too bad, just some drizzle for a while.  It’s a forest trail anyway, so no views were missed, and the trees drip even when the rain stops.  The trail is very muddy in sections, so good boots are recommended.

Since the numbers were large, we split up into two smaller groups and that worked well.

We started on a recent logging road in a woodlot and continued on an old logging road through what is now Main Lake Provincial Park.  It’s a very pleasant old forest walk, partly on a mossy track and then through a wetter area.  After crossing the small creek we stopped for lunch in the forest before returning to the vehicles.  6.2 km and 2¼ hours.

Norris

Thanks to Norris and Carrie for the photos.

(click on photos to enlarge)

Hiking – South Stramberg Route – 24 Nov 2021

Trip Report – Thompson Trail-Hopespring Loop – 17 Nov 2021

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On Wednesday four hikers did the Hopespring/Thompson Trail in reverse. It is surprising when you do a circle trip in the opposite direction how much different it seems. Although cool, we were treated to dry weather with even a few sunny breaks. The moss covered rocks were brilliant green in the sunshine. We stopped for a short break at the old growth trees called The Three Sisters. They are magnificent Douglas Fir that survived the big fire of the 20’s.  A little farther down the trail we made a small side trip to visit 19 old growth trees. It is one of the few places on Quadra where so many are gathered together.  From here we climbed back up and over Heriot Ridge to finish the hike. 8.5 km and 2½ hours.

Les

Thanks to Les for the photos.

(click on photos to enlarge)

Hiking – Thompson Trail-Hopespring Loop – 17 Nov 2021