Category Archives: trip photos

Trip Report – Heron Pt. and Mt. Sweat – 9 Mar 2022

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Six of us took advantage of the superb weather to hike to a couple of excellent viewpoints.  The first viewpoint, Heron Point, is a short, easy walk over moss covered bluffs.  The next bit, up to the top of Mt. Sweat, starts with a walk through an old forest, then the trail winds up bluffs and moss covered ledges.  In some places the path is steep.  On top, the air was cool and crisp with excellent visibility and the sun was warm, so we lingered there over a long lunch.  The way down was a flagged route, again on moss covered ridges, easy walking.  Finally, a walk back on a gravel road, to complete the loop to the vehicles.  Thanks to Heather Kellerhals for letting the Outdoor Club use the Chauntaluf farm trails to make this loop.  3.9 km, 3¼ hours, with multiple long stops at viewpoints.

Norris
 

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Hiking – Heron Point and Mt. Sweat – 9 Mar 2022

Trip Report – Cape Mudge Trails – 2 Mar 2022

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Five of us walked these lovely and varied trails on the We Wai Kai land.  The trails were well maintained after winter storms and well used.  We started on the forest loop, enjoying the old and interesting Big Leaf Maples and the deep ravine before coming out on the bluff overlooking Willby Shoals.  We continued on past the lighthouse and campground, joining a trail along Discovery Passage, heading north toward Yaculta.  This section has good views and some big Douglas fir trees.  On the return, we stopped for a bite at a picnic table in the campground.  The rain held off for us and it was a gentle day, good for a walk.  A few of the group met up at Quathiaski Cove cafés after the hike for hot drinks and treats.  7.4 km; 2½ hours without the snacks.

Debbie
 
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Hiking – Cape Mudge Trails – 2 Mar 2022

Trip Report – Quinsam River Trails – 23 Feb 2022

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On a bright and very cold morning, five of us hiked some of the trails on the east side of the Quinsam River.  We entered this complex trail system at Boneyard Bypass and rambled through the forest and ravines until we came out on a high bluff with great views of the Vancouver Island mountains and some warm sunshine.  Returning to the forest, we encountered a bit of snow before descending to the river bank.  This is a beautiful salmon river with a high bank to the west.

Our lunch stop was at the bench overlooking a bend in the river.  The bench is amazingly comfortable and perfectly situated to catch the mid-day sun.  Unfortunately the river is undercutting the bank beneath the bench and more bank was falling into the river during our brief stay.  We continued south and climbed back up to the high land, wandered along many trails with interesting names like Wind-Up, Slammin’ Salmon, Squirrel Run, Eagle Rest and Jade Dragon.  This route covered a variety of forest, open bluff and ravine edge for some dramatic terrain.  Completing a loop, we returned back along the same path.  On this beautiful day, there was something new on this trip for everyone, and for many it was the first visit.  (10.2 km; 3½ hours)

Debbie
 

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Hiking – Quinsam River Trails – 23 Feb 2022

Trip Report – Mt. Washington – 15 Feb 2022

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A small but enthusiastic group enjoyed a perfect “bluebird” day on the Snowshoe trails on Mount Washington on Tuesday, February 15. Though no new snow, the conditions were excellent, slightly crusty, and the trails were more navigable than on our January trip.

We headed out clockwise on Lost Cabin to Crooked Creek trail. This lovely loop meanders over the summertime ponds and marshes, following and sometimes crossing Crooked Creek. We stopped at the return point, going off the trail to take shelter from the rising wind behind a small copse. We were beside an unmarked but well used trail which we suspected went out to Battleship Lake. We didn’t have time to explore this but noted it for future trips. We then returned to Lost Cabin trail opting to take the slightly longer Tree Beard trail back to the Lodge which took us up to the junction with Rossiter’s Ridge, a favourite lunch spot. We stopped briefly to admire the stunning view, then headed back to the Lodge. We enjoyed lingering over well-earned cups of hot chocolate on the deck in the sunshine – a beautiful day after so much fog, cloud, and drizzle of the past few weeks.  2 hours on trail;  5 km.

Valerie 

Thanks to Misha Cook for the photos

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Snow – Mt. Washington – 15 Feb 2022

Trip Report – Upper Gowlland Bike Trails – 16 Feb 2022

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This hike explored some of the lesser used trails accessed via the Missing Links FSR road off Upper Gowlland Harbour Road. From the parking area we went north-east on Bite the Bullet, past the remains of an old rifle range. We crossed the road to Sam’s Shorty on Marlow’s woodlot and then crossed over again to climb Cash Only, then west on Back Door. Our lunch stop was at the high point of the trail on a mossy bluff. From there we began the descent on Silk Stockings through the tailings of an abandoned copper mining operation with old rails and ore carts still visible. Along the way we found other possible scenic rest points with views of a lake and the Vancouver Island mountains. Our group of four walked the 6.8 km in 2.5 hours plus a half lunch stop with lots of good conversation and laughter.

Rob
 
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Hiking – Upper Gowlland Trails – 16 Feb 2022

Trip Report – Campbell River Waterfront – 9 Feb 2022

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The best laid plans of mice and (wo)men and all that….it was supposed to be a “Hot Chocolate” walk but, while it was a good, brisk walk, unfortunately there was no hot chocolate, or coffee, hot or cold,  for that matter.  Meeting up after the 10am ferry, five enthusiastic walkers strode briskly south in a light drizzle along the Campbell River waterfront to our destination, FoggDukkers.  We enjoyed the opportunity to view the unique and moving Memorial Garden, the Yoda-like wood sculpture, and give our (inexpert) opinions on various dwellings along the route.  However, our intended hot chocolate stop was, sadly, closed.  We opted to not stay to have an early lunch at the intriguing ‘Big Garage‘ restaurant opposite, but did note this as a possible destination for a personal trip another time . And maybe the bad luck was in our favour as the weather closed in and turned to a thick drizzle as we headed back, a longer trip would have been very wet!  The fast walkers were on the 12:30 ferry heading home to dry out and enjoy hot chocolate, or soup, in comfort. (Note to self ….make sure to confirm with FD in person before committing to this walk in winter again )  (2 hours. 8.7 km)

Valerie van Veen
 

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Hiking – Campbell River Waterfront – 9 Feb 2022

Trip Report – Village Bay Lakes Loop – 2 Feb 2022

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Nine of us walked this short “new” loop between Village Bay Lakes and Vic’s Marsh.  Some of it is on a gated logging road, some of it is on an old, maintained trail that we’ve recently rediscovered.  It passes through a very nice forest.  Perhaps the loop was a riding trail when Vic had horses at the marsh.  In the eighties?  Then the trail connects to the Vic’s Marsh trail, returning to the cars along the marsh and passing by the remains of Vic’s barn.  Despite a poor weather forecast, it did not rain or snow on us and this loop was mostly clear of snow while other trails in the area are still covered.  Back at the vehicles, the groups shared some yummy snacks before departing.   4.2 km, 1⅓ hours

Norris
 

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Hiking – Village Bay Lakes Loop – 2 Feb 2022

Trip Report – Haskin Farm-Fir Crest Loop – 25 Jan 2022

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On a cool, foggy day we set out for a casual hike. The Haskin Farm Trail had been recently cleared of fallen trees and widened out very nicely after all the bad weather. Thanks to all that may have participated.
Fir Crest was in good condition with the occasional peek out through the fog to the ocean. The golf course was in great condition considering all the snow that we have had. All the green grass made you feel as if spring was coming. We returned to the vehicles through the wood lot. 6.5 km and 1¾ hours

Les

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Hiking – Haskin Farm-Fir Crest Loop – 25 Jan 2022

Trip Report – Mt. Washington – 19 Jan 2022

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Amazingly, and thankfully, the cold rain and wind held off long enough for five of us to enjoy the wonderful snowshoe trails of Mt Washington.  While this is not a free activity, like most of our outings, the well marked and tracked trails justify the cost ( $12 per person) .

After obtaining trail passes and one rental, we were on the trail by 10:30.  The initial blast of winter that greeted us let up and we set off in just sub zero weather and low cloud.  The snow was crunchy underfoot, thankfully no ice.   
 
We travelled clockwise, starting off on the green “Old Cabin Loop”, a very pretty and fairly flat loop through the forest and around the meadow.  It was wonderful to see several young families, and a herd of excited school kids, also enjoying this local treasure.  About ⅔ along “Old Cabin” we branched off onto “ Tree Beard” which, appropriately, heads up into the forest. A small plateau usually provides an excellent view, making for the perfect rest stop.  However, with a bit of a wind, and no view, we opted for a quick standing lunch break. Learning from other snowshoers that Rossiter’s Route was at least navigable, we opted for the longer return to Raven Lodge via Rossiter’s rather than continue on “Tree Beard”. “Rossiter’s” is one of two “black/difficult” snowshoe trails at Mt Washington and duly identified as a route ( not trail) on the map.  However, though long, it was not difficult going especially as we were going clockwise, thus going gradually down Rossiter’s Ridge.  In the wild, when there is a down there will almost inevitably be an up. Sure enough, a steep up eventually wound us back to Raven Lodge.  The promised ice rain finally materialized ensuring we were suitably wet as we returned to our cars.
 
Altogether a great winter outing, after so many trip weather-related postponements this season.  4.2 km. 2 hours
 
Valerie

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Snow – Mt. Washington – 19 Jan 2022

Trip Report – West Road Woodlot – 29 Dec 2021

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Due to the snow and cold, the planned trip to Village Bay Lake loop was saved for a better day.  The road conditions, the busy holidays and water pipes freezing in the cold kept the group small.  So three of us did a short local hike on logging roads instead.

It was overcast, but we had a pleasant stroll on snowy paths through a peaceful forest, plus a view of Gowlland Harbour.  It was good to get out.   3.9 km, 1¼ hours
 
Norris
 

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Hiking – West Road Woodlot – 29 Dec 2021