Because of a big winter storm, we substituted this short hike for the previously planned trip to Mt. Washington. Five stalwart and cheerful hikers, undeterred by the weather, came out in a gale. We started at the pull off just past Mud Lake on the Walcan Road. After crossing the creek, we hiked up the South Bluff trail over the bluff to Morte Lake. The trail is quite steep, the bluff is open and covered with moss and lichen. We followed the old logging road down to Morte Lake. No one wanted to turn back so soon, so we continued on to the viewpoint, which was relatively sheltered from the southeast wind. We took the Tripod Connector trail back to the trail along Mud Lake. Again, no one was ready to head for the car, so we took the trail west to the Mud Lake trailhead at the Walcan Road. Finally we turned back to the car. The trail was quite wet in places and no one went home dry.  6.1 km; 2 hours.

Debbie

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Hiking – Mud Lake to Morte Lake Loop – 17 Jan 2018

Ten of us took advantage of the brief break in the rainy weather to explore another part of the island.  We started from near Mine Lake. After a short steep section, the old logging road is pretty flat and open, going through a section of the woodlot in which the re-planted trees are growing nicely.  The forest is quite diverse and some of it is mature with open understory.  We took a short side trip to a trailhead on the Bold Point Road, then had lunch in a nice clearing.  After lunch we bushwhacked a bit and climbed a little bluff with good views all around and continued south to rejoin the Surge Narrows Road, which we walked back to the starting point.   8.3 km; 3½ hours.

– Norris

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Hiking – Surge Narrows logging roads – 10 Jan 2018

With crunchy snow underfoot, the thermometer hovering around 0° C, and almost sunny skies overhead, eight members enjoyed an exhilarating tramp through the Shellaligan forest trails on the first Club outing of the New Year. We parked at the second forest parking lot and headed roughly north to the trail junction, returning by the trail/logging road route to the first parking lot, then following the forest road back to our cars. Despite the snow, the trails were very navigable, no need for crampons or snowshoes. As the temperature rose, the occasional ice bomb cascaded down from the treetops. The highlight of the hike was a whale (Humpback?) blowing just offshore as we came down to the seashore beside the aquaculture farm. Tracks in the snow also indicated the possibility of wolves close by. Afterwards hikers were warmed and refreshed with a pleasant social at the coordinator’s house in Open Bay, with many thanks to Janis and Terry for the additional tasty treats!
Time: 2 hours, distance: 5.1 km

Valerie van Veen, trip coordinator

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Hiking – Shellaligan Forest Trails – 3 Jan 2018