Category Archives: trip photos

Trip Report – Hopespring – Thompson Trail Loop – 26 Oct 2022

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Six of us hiked this classic loop on an overcast, calm morning between fall storms.  After our long drought, it already felt a little bit more green and moist.  There was too much cloud for good views, so we didn’t linger at viewpoints.  We descended the big hill and enjoyed the many big Douglas fir trees in the valley which this route largely follows.  We took the side trip to the old growth grove before continuing on to the junction for the Thompson trail.  The trail meanders and undulates through a good variety of terrain with wetlands, forest and moss-covered rocks.  It was in very good condition.  We set a leisurely pace, stopping to talk amongst ourselves and twice with others on the way.  We were quickly back to the cars and home for lunch.  5.4 km; 2 hours  

Debbie
 

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Hiking – Hopespring – Thompson Trail Loop – 26 Oct 2022

Trip Report – Main Lake and Yeatman Bay – 19 Oct 2022

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Five of us took advantage of one of the last beautiful summer days of late October to hike to Main Lake from the Surge Narrows Road.  This is a relatively new trail.  It has been around, but not widely known.  It was a place to easily get lost.  It had obstacles, such as the Jungle Gym obstacle course of huge deadfalls.  But now BC Parks has recognized it.  It is flagged and cleared and the path is easier to follow.  The first part can be wet, but that was not a problem after our long drought this summer.  We stopped off at Roscoe Lake, good for swimming, but nobody took the plunge.  Then the trail goes down through a nice old forest with mossy understory, passing some giant trees.    We stopped for lunch at the sandy east beach of Main Lake, then walked the old “portage” road to Yeatman Bay, which was very still and atmospheric.  On the way back we took another side trail to the swim rock on Main Lake, then walked back to the cars (noticing that it was uphill).  A lovely day, a lovely hike.    9.9 km; 4 hours  

Norris
 
Thanks to Carrie and Norris for the photos.
 

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Hiking – Main Lake and Yeatman Bay – 19 Oct 2022

Trip Report – Shellaligan Pass Loop – 12 Oct 2022

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It was another gorgeous, sunny fall day as nine hikers set out to walk the Shellaligan Pass Loop counter clockwise. At the first bay we found two kayakers that were enjoying the calm day as well. From there we clambered over the large rocks along the ocean at the start of the trail.  There were places along the way where the salal is encroaching on the trail and there was some deadfall.

 

Well before the entrance to Village Bay we noticed a large flock of birds. There were hundreds of them. As we walked nearer Vic identified them as surf scoters. We stopped on the large rock outcrop at the entrance to Village Bay to watch them and have a snack. While there two Harbour Porpoises swam gracefully by.

We continued on along the bay and up the hill. At the junction to the longer route we decided to go down the hill and to the oyster lease, which turned out to be a mistake.  Shortly after the bridge we came upon a large cedar tree that had fallen squarely down the trail. We climbed through six foot ferns and dead fall to go around. At the oyster lease we went out on the rock point and enjoyed another break in the sun. From there we went back through the difficult area, up the hill and back to the vehicles.  Approx. 5km, 2½ hours

 
Les
 

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Hiking – Shellaligan Pass Loop – 12 Oct 2022

Trip Report – Village Bay Lake and Beyond – 5 Oct 2022

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Our kayak group of nine met on a fall morning at Village Bay Lake bridge.  By 10:20 we were launched, enjoying the easy paddling on calm, flat water. As we wandered up the lake we noticed many newly renovated cabins and a few new homes. Many were still occupied for this late in the fall.

The creek between Village Bay Lake and Mine Lake was quite shallow as the lake water level is down. The kayaks had no trouble, but a boat with a motor would have. We stopped at the Big Sandy beach at the entrance to Main Lake for an early lunch. The water was still flat on a bright sunny day so decided to paddle to the campsite at the north cove. A few people swam there while others stretched and relaxed.

From there we paddled back to the vehicles with just a short stop at Big Sandy. 13.7 km and 4½ hours

Les

Thanks to Carrie and Norris for the photos.


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Kayaking – Village Bay Lake – 5 Oct 2022

Trip Report – Forbidden Plateau – 21 Sept 2022

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Four enthusiastic hikers enjoyed an absolutely perfect Fall Equinox Day as we hiked in Paradise Meadows/Forbidden Plateau. Our ultimate destination was Kwai Lake, via the circle route through Paradise Meadows and past Lake Helen Mackenzie. Taking the 8 am ferry, we were on the trail by 9:20 am.

We enjoyed a pleasant break at Lake Helen Mackenzie with stunningly beautiful reflections of the surrounding hills.  Debbie had wisely suggested we go counter-clockwise, as we always seem to go clockwise when hiking in this area. Even though this meant going uphill on the dreaded “Helen Mackenzie headwall”, it was still better than stumbling down the steep, rooty, eroded trail at the end of a long hike.

We were not the only ones enjoying the early autumn sunshine, as the number of cars in the parking lot attested. We encountered several backpackers on their way out, two school groups camping in the backcountry group camps, and many day-hikers like ourselves.  At Kwai Lake we found a quiet grassy area on the southwest shore for lunch, away from a large school group taking their break on the rocky outcropping on the opposite shore.  After lunch, we completed the circle, passing Croteau, Lady, Kooso and Battleship Lakes. Some sections of this circle route are boardwalk, protecting wetlands and tree roots, the rest varies from pleasant forest paths to very eroded, rooty trails.  About 6½ hours, approximately 17 km.

Valerie van Veen

Thanks to Valerie and Norris for the photos

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Hiking – Strathcona Park – 21 Sept 2022

Trip Report – QCove to Smiths Rd – 15 Sept 2022

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With just a few days remaining of summer ’22, seven kayaks set out from Quathiaski Cove to complete a “Round the Cape” adventure. With the help of non-paddling spouses, we managed the shuttling of vehicles between Q-Cove and the Shore Access at the end of Smiths Road that made it possible to do this trip.

By 8:50 we were on the water just as the ferry was docking – one less thing to worry about. Weather, tides and currents were all in our favour as we rounded Whiskey Point and headed south to Cape Mudge. We passed by the Village and the campground and then rounded the Cape. The often turbulent waters were very calm, due to our timing, and we headed into the boulder strewn shallows of the south shoreline.  By this time we were looking for a reasonable place to pull out for a “rest” and stretch. A cobbly beach was the best we could do.

We were treated to a good showing of sea birds throughout the trip and numerous seals and sea lions and/or dolphins quite a ways offshore. No doubt they were after salmon which were seen jumping near our kayaks.

The rest stop ended up being a little longer and some snacked enough that we put off our lunch stop until the takeout. Back on the water and the sun appeared, warming things up even more as we cruised northward from Francisco Pt to our destination at Smiths Road. Once ashore, lunch and beverages were enjoyed on the beach.

List of bird sightings – at least two dozen Common Loons (very vocal), many Harlequin ducks, Common Mergansers, Bonaparte’s, Glaucous-winged, and Mew Gulls, Cormorants, Great Blue Heron, geese, Bald Eagles, Vultures, Horned Grebes,

About 3.5 hours of paddling; Distance – 15.3 km

Vic Gladish

Thanks to Jan and Norris for the photos

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Kayaking – QCove to Smiths Rd – 15 Sept 2022

Trip Report – Alternate Chinese Mountain Loop – 24 Aug 2022

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It was forecast to be another scorching hot day, so we moved the start time an hour earlier.  Instead of taking the usual hiking trail up South Chinese Mountain, the four of us took a climbers’ path, which goes steeply up to the base of the rock wall.  From there the path is less steep and goes up a swale between the south peak and a minor southeast bluff.  We took a side trail which goes up that bluff for excellent viewpoints, a rest and a snack.  We continued on the path back down to meet the main trail at the “mud hole”.  Coming back down the regular trail we took the new “scenic route” trail which avoids a badly eroded section of the original trail.  Then we took another scenic route, which avoids another part of the main trail which is more stream bed than trail.  The second scenic section is not marked or flagged, but it is a very nice alternative route.  It rejoins the main south bluff trail near a viewpoint.   3.4 km; 2½ hours; 220 m elevation gain.

Norris
 

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Hiking – Alternate Chinese Mtn Loop – 24 Aug 2022

Reconnaissance Report – Victoria Peak Ridge – 20 Aug 2022

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We did this hike on impulse after the destination we had wanted was unavailable due to a locked gate on a logging road.  From Quadra it’s quite long as a day trip.  The drive from Campbell River was nearly 6 hours round trip.  And it was a very hot day.  Normally this is a route for climbers on their way to Victoria Peak, but we were after a hike to the sub-alpine with good views.  Forty-eight kilometres out from Sayward, we turned onto W79, which is signed as the road to Victoria Peak. This road is in decent condition and winds its way up fairly steeply.  There were 16 cross ditches, none of which were impossible, but it was very slow going.  After a while we decided to walk, but we could have driven another 2½ kilometres.  From the trailhead to the ridge it’s short, but quite steep.  A typical climbing access route, the path to the ridge rises 213 m over 713 m, for about a 30% incline.

Wandering along the sub-alpine ridge is very pleasant.  It continues up for a bit more than a kilometre until the ridge is quite level and more distant views are revealed.  There was significant heat haze, making it tricky to see Quadra from the ridge and there was forest fire smoke to the west from lightening strikes the night before in the Nimpkish Valley.

After lunch and a bit of exploring on the ridge, we headed back down, going quite slowly in the heat.  ( 8.6 km; 658 m elevation gain)  Once back on the logging road toward Sayward, we stopped at the White River Provincial Park to walk through the old growth grove to the White River.

Debbie

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Trip Report – Kanish Bay Paddle – 17 Aug 2022

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Six paddlers got an early start – 9:15 – from the Granite Bay boat launch on a beautiful summer day, with the forecasted northwesterly looking very manageable. Taking a counter clockwise route this time we headed to Orchard Bay for a quick pit stop and a stretch. We headed along the north side of Kanish Bay for a couple of kilometers and then decided it was time to head across to the Chained Islands in case the wind got any stronger. We encountered some chop coming nearly broadside and then some interesting waves as we got close to the second last island. Circling this island we arrived at the campsite in a sheltered bay and had a leisurely lunch in the shade. As the day was getting much warmer a couple of us attempted a swim in the very chilly water.

Getting back on the water we cruised in the shelter of the islands along the south side of Kanish Bay. Several salmon were spotted jumping and a flock of mergansers were working hard to keep ahead of us. With the day getting much hotter it was a good time to head to the take out and go in search of cold beverages.  12.0 km; 4 hours.

Vic Gladish

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Kayaking – Granite Bay and Beyond – 17 Aug 2022

Trip Report – Mt. Drabble – 12 Aug 2022

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Five of us hiked to the top of  Mt. Drabble (1,363 m).  We caught an early ferry and drove to the turn off near Ramparts Hill chain-up area on the way to Mt. Washington.  That gives access to the Murex Main logging road (no signs) which was in good condition.  We met a wide-track excavator working on the road and ditches, who kindly moved to the side to let us by.  We parked where the road starts to get really steep and eroded.  Theoretically you could drive 1.9 km further (and 210 m elevation gain) to the trailhead, but we walked.  The trail is well established, with flagging, reflectors and cairns.  It ascends the rocky, sub-alpine ridge and passes a number of ponds.  Lovely to look at, but not appealing for swimming.

The views of the Strathcona Park mountains were great.  There are also views back over Georgia Strait/Salish Sea; we could make out Quadra in the haze.  We reached the summit by 11:00 and stopped for lunch.  Brent set up his radio and antenna and made a contact.  It’s a very enjoyable hike over this long, undulating ridge.  The hardest part was walking down the steep logging road with loose gravel.  Altogether it was 11.7 km, 5½ hours, 450 m elevation gain (from bottom to top), but more overall with the undulations.

Norris

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Hiking – Mt. Drabble – 12 Aug 2022