Trip Report – Village Bay Lakes Loop – 2 Feb 2022

Nine of us walked this short “new” loop between Village Bay Lakes and Vic’s Marsh.  Some of it is on a gated logging road, some of it is on an old, maintained trail that we’ve recently rediscovered.  It passes through a very nice forest.  Perhaps the loop was a riding trail when Vic had horses at the marsh.  In the eighties?  Then the trail connects to the Vic’s Marsh trail, returning to the cars along the marsh and passing by the remains of Vic’s barn.  Despite a poor weather forecast, it did not rain or snow on us and this loop was mostly clear of snow while other trails in the area are still covered.  Back at the vehicles, the groups shared some yummy snacks before departing.   4.2 km, 1⅓ hours

Norris
 

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Hiking – Village Bay Lakes Loop – 2 Feb 2022

Trip Report – Haskin Farm-Fir Crest Loop – 25 Jan 2022

On a cool, foggy day we set out for a casual hike. The Haskin Farm Trail had been recently cleared of fallen trees and widened out very nicely after all the bad weather. Thanks to all that may have participated.
Fir Crest was in good condition with the occasional peek out through the fog to the ocean. The golf course was in great condition considering all the snow that we have had. All the green grass made you feel as if spring was coming. We returned to the vehicles through the wood lot. 6.5 km and 1¾ hours

Les

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Hiking – Haskin Farm-Fir Crest Loop – 25 Jan 2022

Kayaking – Bays, Bretons, and Beyond – 23 March 2022

Postponed due to weather.

Activity Paddling
Destination Bays, Bretons, and Beyond
Date 23 Mar, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Vic Gladish
Contact Info vicgladish@gmail.com; 250-285-2111; text 250-287-0459
Description The first paddle of spring could be short or long depending on the weather and the group! A calm day could allow us to aim for Dunsterville Islet, then Breton Islands and back. An iffier day could see us meander through Hyacinthe, Open and Moulds before a lunch break at Breton Island then return.
Meeting Place Len Road Shore Access
Departure Time 9:30 am on the water
Difficulty
Easy to moderate
Costs None
Trip limits 8
Dogs? Only very strong swimmers!
Notes: Please contact the trip coordinator 48 hours before the trip to confirm your attendance. A go/no go decision that reflects the weather forecast will be made by noon the day preceding the trip date.
Must have equipment that meets club and coast guard regulations. Bring lunch and gear for the weather.

Hiking – Morte Lake Loop – 12 Jan 2022

This trip has been cancelled.

Activity Hiking
Destination Morte Lake
Date 12 Jan, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Brent Henry
Contact Info brenthenrys@gmail.com; 250-205-1106, text preferred. Please contact coordinator by Monday evening.
Description
We will hike the classic Morte Lake loop, counter clockwise, staring at the Morte Lake trailhead parking lot. There is a slight possibly that it may be appropriate to use snowshoes, but at this time present snow levels should be drastically reduced. I will advise participants after Monday night if we will use snowshoes.  If some snow remains, gaiters are advised. bring light plastic bags as boot liners and a spare pair of winter socks. Ground conditions will most likely be wet.
Meeting Place Morte Lake parking lot.
Departure Time 10:00
Difficulty
Variable with conditions
Costs
Trip limits
Dogs? Dogs must be under owner’s control at all times. Please carry a leash for emergencies.
Notes: We will do the loop if possible, with a quick lunch stop, if agreeable to the group. So, bring a lunch and a hot thermos, if you have one, as well as water.

Hiking – Village Bay Lake Trails – 2 Feb 2022

Activity Hiking
Destination Village Bay Lake trails
Date 2 Feb, 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 especially along the marsh.  About 5 km.
Meeting Place Heriot Bay store parking lot.  We will drive out in a group.
Departure Time 10:00
Difficulty
Easy
Costs None
Trip limits None
Dogs?
Notes: Bring gear appropriate for the weather and trail conditions, as well as a snack.

Hiking – Fir Crest/Haskin Farm Trail – 25 Jan 2022

Activity Hiking
Destination Fir Crest/Haskin Farm Trail
Date 25 Jan, Tuesday
Trip Coordinator Les Hand
Contact Info 285-2029; lhquadra@gmail.com
Description Easy hike and course will depend on snow. Only about 1 1/2 hour
Meeting Place Haskin Farm trailhead (Smith Rd. & Heriot Bay Rd.)
Departure Time 10:00 pm
Difficulty
Easy
Costs None
Trip limits 8
Dogs? O.K. but not back and forth through group
Notes: Bring a snack if you like, but will not stop for long

Trip Report – West Road Woodlot – 29 Dec 2021

Due to the snow and cold, the planned trip to Village Bay Lake loop was saved for a better day.  The road conditions, the busy holidays and water pipes freezing in the cold kept the group small.  So three of us did a short local hike on logging roads instead.

It was overcast, but we had a pleasant stroll on snowy paths through a peaceful forest, plus a view of Gowlland Harbour.  It was good to get out.   3.9 km, 1¼ hours
 
Norris
 

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Hiking – West Road Woodlot – 29 Dec 2021

Hiking – West Road Woodlot – 29 Dec 2021

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

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

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Kayaking – Gowlland Harbour – 21 Dec 2021

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

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.

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Hiking – Drew Creek and Rebecca Spit – 11 Dec 2021