Five ambitious souls stared out early for a hike of all three peaks, North Chinese Mtn., South Chinese Mtn. and Beech’s Mtn. The weather was cool with some clouds but soon heated up. We went up to the north peak first. Since it has been so dry there is even more loose rock than usual. At the top we stopped for a short break and were treated to a nighthawk sighting. We then went down and up to the South Chinese overlook. Here we enjoyed the panoramic view that it always offers. From there we dropped to the Beech’s trail and continued up to the cliff viewing area. Here we had lunch and a rest while soaking in the scenery. After lunch we walked on up to the top of Beech’s Mtn. before going back down to the parking area. Total time including breaks was 4½ hours. 7.35km with 420M elevation gain

Les

Thanks to Norris and Les for the photos

(click on photos to enlarge)

Hiking – Chinese and Beech’s Mountains – 3 Aug 2018

Seven club members and one guest made an early start on this hike, leaving the Newton Lake trail head about 8:45, after assembling at the Heriot Bay Store at 8 a.m. We stopped at the ‘swimming rock’ for a short break, then hiked down the trail to Small Inlet. A couple of boats were anchored in the inlet, along with one of the Sail and Life Training Society (SALTS) tall ships. As we arrived, a flotilla of small rowing boats were heading to shore, presumably taking their crew for a hike up to the lake. We beat a hasty retreat to Waiatt Bay for lunch, then followed the portage trail past the bubbling spring and crossed the beach to reunite with the trail leading back to Newton Lake. We met the 70 SALTS (who were very polite) heading downhill as we climbed up, and arrived at the lake to find it restored to its usual quiet. Several hikers took a refreshing (!) dip, and we arrived back at the cars about 2:45.  13.7 km; 6 hours.

Darcy

Thanks to Norris and Les for the photos

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Hiking – Newton Lake and Beyond – 18 July 2018

Hoping to avoid the predicted warm temperatures, 13 intrepid hikers (9 Club members and 4 guests) got an early start on their ascent of Mt. Seymour, leaving the HB parking lot at 8 am. As this was to be a cross-over hike, three cars were left at the Mt Seymour trailhead on Granite Bay Road. At 8:45 am we began the slog up the Nugedzi Trail, which seems to be easier going up than down. Several varieties of mushrooms, fungi, and some late season orchids were noted on the logging road section of the trail. We stopped at the first East viewpoint for a brief rest, only a slight heat haze blurring the horizon. Finally, entering the old-growth forest (or “Enchanted Forest” so named by one hiker) was a pleasant relief, reaching Nugedzi Lake by 10:50. We had decided to press on to summit Mt. Seymour first, then to return to Nugedzi for a well-earned swim. We reached the summit about an hour later, enjoying the views first south over Nugedzi , then west to Vancouver Island and Seymour Narrows , where the flood current was clearly visible, as we climbed. The spectacular views south and east from the summit awed our visitors, the Discovery Islands clearly visible, and well beyond down Vancouver Island and over to the mainland. We took the board walk loop back to Nugedzi Lake where most of the group at least dipped their toes in the water, which was quite bearable. Refreshed, we walked briskly down the Mt. Seymour trail to the waiting cars, arriving just after 3:15. 11.2 km; 6.5 hours; 425 m elevation gain to Mt. Seymour.

Note: thanks to the Trail Committee who had obviously been very busy earlier this year weed-whacking the entire Nugedzi-Seymour trail.

Valerie

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Hiking – Mt. Seymour via Nugedzi- 11 July 2018