Category Archives: Quadra Island

Trip Report – Stramberg Creek & North Grove – 7 Aug 2019

Posted on by
Reply

Twelve of us and two dogs headed out to the Stramberg north grove of big trees.  It was one of those dog days of August, sunny and hot.  The first section of the route, an old logging road which was deactivated when it became park land, was a pleasant stroll, a grassy, mossy path. When we reached Stramberg Creek, it was flowing deeper than usual at this time of year.  So we waded across the clear, cool stream.  Then some of us and the dogs were attacked by ground-nesting wasps.  With the help of some ointment on the bites, we continued on.  The trail was clear and well flagged so we made good time and had lunch at the north grove.  After lunch the group split as some returned while others opted for continuing on the trail to the Stramberg big trees, which we normally reach by the trail from the south and east side of the Lake.  The return trip was uneventful, but warm and quick since swimming in Stramberg Lake was the next objective.  The cool, clear waters were very refreshing.  12.1 km;  5½ hours.

– Norris

Thanks to Norris and Les for the photos

(Click on the photos to enlarge)

Hiking – Stramberg Creek & North Grove – 7 Aug 2019

Hike – Nugedzi Lakes and Views – 4 Sept 2019

Posted on by
1

Activity Hiking
Destination Nugedzi Lakes and Views
Date 4 Sept 2019, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Debbie Quigg
Contact Info debbie.quigg@ualberta.ca or 3710; please contact the coordinator in advance of the trip.
Description Hike up a steep, old logging road and meander through open forest to the lovely Nugedzi Lakes.  We will also take two or three side trips to viewpoints looking northeast, southeast and west.  Nugedzi Lake is a great place for lunch and a swim.
Meeting Place Heriot Bay Store for car pooling
Departure Time 9:00
Difficulty moderate
Costs none
Trip limits none
Dogs?  okay
Notes: Bring lunch and swim wear if you want.

 

Hiking – Maud Island- 11 Sept 2019

Posted on by
1

Activity Hiking
Destination Maud Island
Date 11 Sept 2019, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Sandra Burns
Contact Info sandraburns.ca@gmail.com or 3977.  Please do not call after 8:00pm.  Contact the coordinator in advance of the trip.
Description Hike to Maud Island through varied forest and terrain.  We will do a loop passing over the shoulder of  Mt. Lolo, crossing the causeway to Maud Island, enjoying views of Seymour Narrows, and returning by the salt water lagoon.  Allow 5 hours, including driving, for this walk of approximately 10km.
Meeting Place Heriot Bay Store for car pooling
Departure Time 10:00
Difficulty
 Moderate
Costs none
Trip limits 12
Dogs? no
Notes: Bring lunch, poles if you use them and gear for the weather.  We don’t usually do this trip in very poor weather.

Trip Report – Morte Lake Loop – 24 July 2019

Posted on by
Reply

Six of us hiked the classic Morte Lake loop.  The day was sunny and not too hot for the hike.  The berries and mushroom were doing well.  We admired the view of Morte Lake from the east beach before continuing up the newly routed trail, which avoids the steep, eroded section up to the bluff.  We had planned to stop at the northwest beach, but that was fully occupied with children from the Homewood summer camp.  We continued on to the southwest beach, which we had to ourselves.  Most of us stayed for lunch and some swam in the beautiful green water over the white sand.  We continued along the south shore to complete the loop around the lake.  As we returned lots of people were heading out to the lake for a swim.  We crossed over the creek and returned to the vehicles via the Lower Deadfifsh mountain bike trail.   10.0 km;  4 hours.

– Julie and Debbie

Hiking – Morte Lake Loop – 24 July 2019

Trip Report – Kay DuBois Trail – 10 July 2019

Posted on by
Reply

The Heriot Ridge Loop was cancelled due to rain (slippery bluffs). Instead, we opted for an enjoyable hike along the Kay Dubois Trail. The rain had stopped as six people and Kona (the dog) met at the trailhead on Wa Wa Kie Road and followed the trail south along the ocean. After the night’s rain, the forest was humid, very green, almost jungle-like. Before heading up the hill to the south end of the trail at Sutil Road, we stopped at the beach access for a break and watched the rough waves breaking at the shoreline. At the end of Sutil Road, we followed logging roads east and north. On the road north that leads to the end of Fox Road, we spotted wolf poop and a small brown garter snake trying to find a patch of sun. Before reaching Fox Road, we turned east onto a small trail that winds its way back to the Kay Dubois Trail, connecting at the big mother spruce tree. From here it was short hike back to the vehicles. Our timing was good as it began to rain again. Thank you Norris for the photo-taking.  5.3 km;  1¾ hours.

– Janis

Hiking – Kay DuBois Trail – 10 July 2019

Trip Report – Octopus Islands – 8-9 July 2019

Posted on by
1

An unfriendly forecast changed a four-day trip to Cortes into a 2-day trip to the Octopus Islands. The two days were great, however, and with the much reduced travel time, distance paddled was probably not too far off what we would have done on the longer trip.

Five paddlers launched from the Discovery Lodge docks at 9:15 to catch the morning slack in Beazley Rapids, and after a short stop in Yeatman Bay, headed north to the Octopus Islands. Passing (with just enough water) between the two private islands, we found a fairly good campsite on the east side of Quadra and set up for the night. After lunch, we paddled around Waiatt Bay and stopped at a truly lovely site on the south shore (which we’re saving for a future trip). Our next stop involved a short and unsuccessful walk to find the picturesque ‘museum’ cabin on the southern private island. Backtracking a bit, we made an easy landing on the beach below the cabin, and visited the hundreds of signs and other artifacts left over the years by visiting boats.

Heading back to camp, we sighted the very rare Flamingo Rosa Giganteus making its stately way around the cove (apparently propelled by two attendants…). This species is usually seen in its normal habitat of Suburbia Walmartia and is previously unknown in these waters. (First day 19.2 km or 10.4 NM; 4¾ hours)

The next day after a fairly early start, we crossed to the Maurelle shore and paddled down to enter the Settlers Group at slack water. We made good time, but were a bit apprehensive about the current as we hadn’t previously paddled among these islands. All went well and we stopped for lunch just inside White Rock Passage. After much debate and listening (again) to the marine forecast, we made the reluctant decision to head home that evening, as rain and strong winds were still on the menu for Wednesday. After a short trip up the passage, we returned on the Read Island side, and crossed from Surge Point to the Lodge, arriving at the dock just before 5 p.m. At that point, we had been in the kayaks continuously for 3½ hours, and flopping out onto the dock was less than graceful (for some of us, anyway).  (Second day 24.1 km or 13 NM ; 6 hours)

A good if short trip – good weather, lovely scenery, good company.
Thanks to all, Darcy Mitchell, Trip Coordinator

Thanks to Norris and Valerie for the photos

(click on photos to view larger)

Multi-day Kayaking – Octopus Islands – 8-9 July 2019

Hiking – Newton Lake and Waiatt Bay – 14 Aug 2019

Posted on by
1

Activity Hiking with swimming
Destination Newton Lake, Small Inlet and Waiatt Bay
Date 14 Aug 2019, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Julie Mellanby
Contact Info 3978
Description We will hike up to Newton Lake, down to the portage between Small Inlet and Waiatt Bay and back to the Newton Lake parking lot. Distance about 15 kilometres – will take approximately 6-7 hours (including lunch and short swim stops at Newton Lake)
Meeting Place Heriot Bay store parking lot for carpooling
Departure Time 9:00
Difficulty
 Moderate, with a steepish grade between the portage trail and Newton Lake.  Fairly long day.
Costs none
Trip limits none
Dogs?
Notes: Bring plenty of water, lunch and snacks, and swimming stuff if you want to swim.

Hiking – Stramberg Creek and North Grove – 7 Aug 2019

Posted on by
1

Change of start time to 9:00

Activity Hiking
Destination Stramberg Creek and North Grove
Date 7 Aug 2019, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Norris Weimer
Contact Info norris.weimer@ualberta.ca or 3710.  Please contact the trip coordinator prior to the trip.
Description We will begin at the Main Lakes Park parking access to Stramberg Lake and follow Little Main Road north, paralleling Stramberg Lake and Creek.  We will cross Stramberg Creek near Shadowbrook Creek and follow a flagged route north of the lake to a grove of old growth trees.  This is not a maintained trail.  Expect bushwhacking, deadfall and a creek crossing.  We will stop for a swim in Stramberg Lake at the end of the hike.  About 12 km; 4.5 hours without the driving.
Meeting Place Heriot Bay store parking lot, to arrange carpools
Departure Time 9:00 9:30
Difficulty
 moderate
Costs none
Trip limits none
Dogs?
Notes: Bring lunch and bathing gear if you want to swim.

Kayaking – Tree Island – 31 July 2019

Posted on by
1

Activity Kayaking
Destination Tree Island
Date 31 July 2019, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Debbie Quigg
Contact Info debbie.quigg@ualberta.ca or 3710
Description We will take the ferry to Campbell River and drive to Union Bay, where we will launch the kayaks into Baynes Sound.  The crossing to Tree Island/Sandy Island Marine Park is about 2.5 NM and the low tide is around noon.  We can explore the beaches, Seal Islets, and spits to the northwest and southeast.  The marine park is known for its bird and marine environment and fragile ecosystem.  Here is the link to the park information:
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/sandy_is/
This is meant to be a relaxing trip and we will cancel or postpone if the weather is not reasonable.
Meeting Place QCove ferry terminal
Departure Time 8:00 ferry, be early in case of overload
Difficulty
 Moderate depending on conditions
Costs Ferry, transportation costs, and $5 boat launch fee
Trip limits 10 paddlers
Dogs? no
Notes: This will be much more efficient if participants carpool.  You will need to follow the QIOC paddling guidelines. This trip requires a sea kayak with spray skirt and floatation. The deadline for registering for the trip is July 29th.

 

Hiking – Morte Lake Loop – 24 July 2019

Posted on by
1

Activity Hiking
Destination Morte Lake Loop
Date 24 July 2019, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Julie Mellanby
Contact Info 3978
Description We will hike the official Morte Lake loop, with opportunities for a picnic lunch and swimming.  4 to 5 hours.
Meeting Place Heriot Bay Store for car pooling
Departure Time 9:30
Difficulty
 Easy to moderate.
Costs none
Trip limits none
Dogs? okay
Notes: Bring lunch and something to swim in, if you want to.