Category Archives: Quadra Island

Trip Report – Main Lake Provincial Park – 30 May 2018

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Nine of us had a sunny day for the paddle and hike. Although the wind had been terrible for the past two days, we hoped that the forecast would be correct and a break would come at noon. As it turned out we had variable winds most of the day and only a bit of a head wind on the last leg. We paddled from Mine Lake out onto Main Lake and then to the creek from Clear Lake. Although the landing is a bit sketchy in the reeds, we managed to find the trailhead to Clear Lake. The old logging road is in fair shape with only two bridges out and a few downfalls. It wanders up through alders and is grass covered most of the way. It is a very open and beautiful walk. At the end you come up on a rock with an 180 degree view of Clear Lake.
We returned via the same route and had lunch at Main Lake. On the return paddle the lake was dead flat most of the way until the wind came up at the entrance to Mine Lake. All in all, a very good day. We paddled for 3 hours and 4.7 nm (9.6 km). The hike portion took an hour and forty minutes and was 1.85 km each way.  All totalled, we were gone 5½ hours.

Les

Thanks to Norris and Les for the photos

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Kayaking – Main Lakes Provincial Park – 30 May 2018

Kayaking/hiking – Hyacinthe Bay & Point – 20 June 2018

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Activity Kayaking and hiking
Destination Hyacinthe Bay and Point
Date 20 June 2018, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Norris Weimer
Contact Info norris.weimer@ualberta.ca or 3710
Description We will have a short paddle in the Heriot Bay-Hyacinthe Bay area and then visit the proposed ecological reserve on Hyacinthe Bay.  We plan to hike into the Kellerhalls property and Crown Land adjoining the proposed ecological reserve.  The hike is on old logging roads, marked but rough trails.  The route is undulating, sometimes very steep, sometimes a bit exposed, with good views west and south.  If the group wishes we can extend the kayak portion by touring Heriot Bay.
Meeting Place Len Road
Departure Time Arrive at 9:30 to be on the water at 10:00
Difficulty
 easy kayaking/challenging hiking
Costs none
Trip limits none
Dogs? no
Notes: We are expecting hot weather and big tides.  All kayak outings are dependent on weather. Bring your kayak with appropriate flotation, paddle and recommended spray skirt, plus required safety equipment: life jacket, heaving line, bailer or pump, and whistle. Bring hiking shoes and hiking poles are recommended for the hike to Hyacinthe Point.  Bring lunch and lots of water.

Trip Report – Mine Lake Bluff – 9 May 2018

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Seven hikers parked at the trail-head and headed along side of Mine Lake to Camp Homewood’s summer site. This trail can be covered in water in places but was dry for us. After going through the site you take the left trail that heads up to the bluff. The trail is steep through the trees but some steps have been dug out to make it a little better. The tough part is when you come to the rocks. It had rained the night before so the first climb was slick. Luck was with us though and the next section was in the sun and wind so it was dry. This is definitely a hike that should be done when dry as it involves some scrambling on all fours. When we reached the top the view was certainly worth the effort.

We ate lunch here and descended down the back side. The walk down is easier and below an impressive cliff. When we returned to the lake three brave souls went for a dip. They said it was cold but refreshing. 5 km; 3 ½ hours.

Les and Julie

Thanks to Les for the photos

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Hiking – Mine Lake Bluff – 9 May 2018

Trip Report – Gowlland Harbour – 2 May 2018

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A light wind started the day, however it soon diminished. Fifteen kayakers met at Gowlland Harbour Resort, we were all on the water before 10:30 a.m. Kayaked southeast, around the point of Stag Island. All the islands were painted in yellows, reds, blues & splashes of white flowers, extremely beautiful. We stopped at Vigilant Island, aka Tree Island and explored the area. The flowers were amazing, we even found chocolate lilies growing, also discovered a mass of large bones, probably a sea lion. To stand on this island and look at the flowers with the backdrop of snow covered mountains, unbelievable. We live here! Kayaked around the shore of the island viewing sea urchins, starfish, displaying a mass of colour in the ocean. The seals watched us and probably celebrated when we left. We then kayaked over to May Island, the tide was low and found adequate spaces for all to land. Enjoyed our lunches and chatter. Off again to view the ship wreck and kayaked over to the shore of Quadra. Traveling down the shoreline was such a treat, cascades of water, wildflowers in an abundance. The tugboats were still working, taking out log booms. Arriving back at Gowlland Harbour Resort, we were filled with memories of a pretty perfect day.
Thank you to all kayakers for your help, the sharing of stories, delicious cookies, laughter and to be together. And thanks to Gowlland Harbour Resort for giving us permission to launch from their private property.  Wishing you all beautiful memories of this day.
Margot

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Kayaking – Gowlland Harbour – 2 May 2018

Kayaking – Main Lake Prov Park – 30 May 2018

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This trip has been changed to a day-trip on Wednesday.

Activity Kayaking Multi-day kayaking/camping
Destination Main Lake Provincial Park
Date 30 May 2018, Wednesday 29-31 May 2018, Tuesday-Thursday
Trip Coordinator Les Hand
Contact Info 2029 or leshand@gicable.com
Description The destination will be determined by the group when we depart the boat ramp.  Camping on Main Lake, probably on the north shore, with day paddling/hiking.  Possible day trips are: kayaking to Little Main Lake up Shadow Brook Creek, kayaking to the east end of the lake and hiking to Yeatman Bay, and/or kayaking to the north shore and hiking up to Clear Lake.
Meeting Place Boat launch, Mine Lake
Departure Time 10:00 10:30 a.m.  Plan to be at the launch site by 9:30.
Difficulty
 Probably easy, unless it’s windy
Costs As of 2017 there is a $5/person/night fee for camping between May 15 and Sept 15.
Trip limits none
Dogs? no
Notes: Participants need to have all required safety equipment.  Here is the link to the Park information.  Everyone is responsible for their own kayaking gear, camping equipment and meals, but cooking groups would be a good idea.  I will send a list of people who have signed up a week before the event to facilitate planning, so please let me know if you are interested no later than May 15.  We’ll plan to come back after lunch on the 3rd day, so will have 2 half days and one full day to explore the park.

 

Hiking – North Gowlland Trail Loop – 10 Oct 2018

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Activity Hiking
Destination North Gowlland Trail Loop
Date 10 Oct 2018, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Janis McLean
Contact Info 3614; please contact the coordinator in advance of the trip
Description A series of bike trails including Cash Only, Little Black Dress, Silk Stocking, Bite the Bullet and Sam’s Shorty, to start and end on North Gowlland Harbour Road.
Meeting Place Heriot Bay Store parking lot
Departure Time 9:30
Difficulty
 Moderate (some steep sections)
Costs None
Trip limits
Dogs? Okay
Notes: Bring snacks/lunch; hiking poles; time approx. 3 hours.

 

Hiking – Homewood Trails Loop – 22 August 2018

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Change of start time!

Activity Hiking
Destination Homewood Trails Loop
Date 22 August 2018, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Janis McLean
Contact Info 3614; please contact the coordinator in advance of the trip
Description Hopespring trail, south on Homewood trail to Homewood Bluff. Loop trail to High Bluff and north along Heriot Ridge to Hopespring trail.
Meeting Place Hopespring trailhead
Departure Time 8:30 9:30
Difficulty
 Easy to moderate (on bluff climbs)
Costs None
Trip limits
Dogs? Okay
Notes: Bring snacks/lunch; hiking poles for the up and down; time approx. 2.5 to 3 hours.

 

Hiking – Rousseau Ridge Loop – 4 July 2018

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Activity Hiking
Destination Rousseau Ridge Loop
Date 4 July 2018, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Janis McLean
Contact Info 3614; please contact the coordinator in advance of the trip
Description Hopespring and Gowlland trails to Rousseau Ridge, then continuing on Gowlland trail, crossing N. Gowlland Harbour road and returning via Gowlland and Thompson trails.
Meeting Place Hopespring trailhead
Departure Time 9:30
Difficulty
 Easy to moderate (on the Rousseau bluff)
Costs None
Trip limits
Dogs? Okay
Notes: Bring snacks/lunch; hiking poles for the up and down; time approx. 3 hours.

 

Hiking – Surge Narrows – 8 August 2018

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Activity Hiking
Destination Surge Narrows
Date  8 August 2018
Trip Coordinator Julie Mellanby
Contact Info 3978; please contact the coordinator in advance of the trip.
Description We will drive to the end of the Surge Narrows Rd and hike along the undulating and relatively short trail and then continue on the unmaintained route to a small bay.  Perhaps the tide will be low enough for intertidal viewing or a walk to the island.  (Low tide at 7:40)  We will return to the bluff at the end of the maintained trail for a view of the rapids, which will be flooding 9.4 knots at 11:30.  We will stop at Mine Lake on the way back for a swim.
Meeting Place Heriot Bay Store for car pooling
Departure Time 9:00
Difficulty
 The official trail is moderate but short; the route is more challenging
Costs none
Trip limits none
Dogs?
Notes: Bring  lunch and swim gear (optional) for the dip at Mine Lake

 

Education – VHF Course – 7 June 2018

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Activity VHF course  –  Restricted Operator Certificate (Maritime)  –  ROC(M)
Date 7 June, Thursday.  Course in the morning (09:00 to 11:30),  optional exam after lunch
Coordinator Norris Weimer
Contact  Please contact the coordinator ASAP at norris.weimer@ualberta.ca or 3710.
Description Industry Canada has designated the Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons as the official provider of the courses and exams.  Lionel Botting of Campbell River has been teaching this course for years and he has agreed to come to Quadra for us.

We are offering this course especially for kayakers who would like to make their VHF use legal, but it is open to everyone, even boaters who already have their certificate but who would like a refresher on the procedures and channels to use.

Lionel will bring VHF radios for hands-on experience.

Lionel will teach the course in the morning, 09:00 to 11:30, then after lunch, those who wish to write the exam can do so. So the whole thing is done in one day.

The exam has 60 multiple choice questions; a score of at least 70% is required to pass. The exam costs $70 (price set by Industry Canada), for those who wish to get the certificate.  The certificate is good for life.

There is a study manual, which is optional. It also costs $70 (price set by Industry Canada), however it has not changed, so you may be able to find a used one or borrow one. It is not necessary since the course will go over the material.

The Table of Contents is here:

Click to access MaritimeRadio_TOC.pdf

There are two modules.

1. VHF usage
The uses of marine radios, choice of frequencies, operation, phonetic alphabet, procedural words and phrases.

2. Global Maritime Distress and Safety System Introduction (GMDSS)
Digital Selective Calling (DSC), Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPRIBs), Search and Rescue Transponders (SARTs), and other safety related additions to VHF.

It’s good to learn the phonetic alphabet and get some practice using it:
http://boating.ncf.ca/phonetic.html

Anybody using a VHF should know the proper way to do it. This course will teach you that, even if you don’t want to take the exam.
Locaation Quadra Community Centre: Room 1 for the course and Room 2 for the exam.
Time Course: 09:00-11:30; exam after lunch.
Cost No charge for the course; $70 for the exam and certificate.
Notes: This course is open to anyone on Quadra who would like to learn or refresh their VHF procedures.  Preference will be given to those writing the exam and Outdoor Club members.  Register early.