Category Archives: trip photos

Trip Report – Haskin Farm & Golf Course Loop – 14 Nov 2018

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Nine of us and three dogs didn’t mind the wet morning.  Although the night was stormy, the day was mostly dry and partly sunny.  We hiked through the forest and meadow on the Haskin Farm trail, down the switchbacks to the beach.  We enjoyed the fresh air, maple leaves thick on the trail, and the waves breaking on the shore.  We continued along the shore, appreciating the few old growth trees.  The golf course was quiet and very green.  There were Bald Eagles and a Red Tailed Hawk close by.  A lovely, easy walk.  5.3 km; 1½  hours.

Julie Mellanby

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Hiking – Haskin Farm & Golf Course Loop – 14 Nov 2018

Trip Report – Steep Island – 12 Nov 2018

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On a calm and partly sunny day, four kayaks set out from Q Cove for Steep Island. We first paddled into Unkak Cove as there was a 12 foot tide and much of the Cove dries at a lower tide. There were numerous birds there. It is too bad that there are also numerous old docks that have been left to rot away. From the Cove we traveled up in Discovery Passage by April Point. We were going with the ebb tide, but found many back eddies along the way. It was fun to have the tide moving in all different directions which kept you adjusting your paddling.

We stopped to have lunch and enjoy the sun at Vigilant Island, and shared some smoked salmon, cheese and crackers.  From there we went around Steep Island. There was some current getting there but almost none going along the west side where I thought it might be strong. A person may know if it is ebb or flood tide, but the current is constantly changing near shore. The tide was nearing slack now so we headed straight back to the Cove, though there was still come current against us. On the way we had two sea lions put on a bit of a show for us. It is unsettling for a creature bigger that the kayak to come up close to you. All in all a calm, warm and wonderful day for a paddle especially considering it is November.  7.8 nautical miles and 4 hours.

Les

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Kayaking – Steep Island – 12 Nov 2018

Trip Report – Big Tree Woodlot Loop – 31 Oct 2018

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On a overcast and drizzling day 11 hikers decided to check out Benner’s woodlot. He has put up a newly painted sign that shows most of the roads in his woodlot. This is easy hiking and good for rainy days. We started at the sign and proceeded to Open Bay Main. From there we headed toward Stramberg Lake. Once in the park we found the creek was flooded over the trail so made a slight detour around. At the lake the level of water was so high from recent rains that the trail to the bluff was submerged. A few brave souls scrambled up the rocks to still get a view down the lake. We then proceeded back to the first opening for lunch. After lunch all hiked back around and came out on Village Bay road and then back to the vehicles. 8.3 km and 2½ hours not counting lunch break.

Les

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Hiking – Big Tree Woodlot Loop – 31 Oct 2018

Trip Report – Shellaligan Loop – 7 Nov 2018

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Nine hikers and a dog enjoyed this classic hike on a beautiful, sunny, fall day.  We hiked from Valdez Rd, down the logging road and along the rocky shoreline on Hoskyn Channel.  We stopped for a lunch/snack on the rocky bluff at the entrance to Village Bay, overlooking the calm waters with views of the outer islands and mainland mountains.  We were entertained by a sea lion, harlequin ducks and a flock of sea birds.  We shared yummy Belgian brownies before continuing along the shoreline into Village Bay, up the hill, through the forest and back along the logging road to the vehicles.  6.9 km; 2¾ hours.

Julie Mellanby

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Hiking – Shellaligan Loop – 7 Nov 2018

Trip Report – Rebecca Spit Loop – 24 Sept 2018

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Heavy rain had been forecast for over a week for Wednesday, so we thought we would do this simple trip.  In the end, it didn’t rain, so that was a bonus.  Seven of us started at the south Rebecca Spit parking lot by the shore and walked the short distance south to see the Sasquatch.  The excellent driftwood sculpture by Alex Witcombe of Driftwood Creations is life sized and convincing.  We continued on to Paddy’s Lagoon and the memorial, and walked further to the open driftwood cabin at the end of the lagoon.  From there we followed the new trail up the hill and through the forest, crossing Heriot Bay Rd and following the old logging roads in a loop out and back to the road.  We walked along the shore by the campground and then made the classic loop to the end of the Spit and back in the park.

This short hike has lots of variety and points of interest along the way.  The maple leaves were at their peak.  The trail is mostly very good and the forest is varied – a lovely, gentle walk.  8.0 km; 2¼ hours.

Debbie

Thanks to Norris and Les for photos

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Hiking – Rebecca Spit Loop – 24 Oct 2018

Trip Report – Morte Lake Mountain Bike Loop – 17 Oct 2018

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Eight of us had a beautiful fall day for this hike through open forest, over panoramic bluffs,  and passing by lovely, calm lakes.  We were in shirt sleeves for this very scenic loop.  We started up the bike trail Morning Beer onto upper Deadfish, stopping to enjoy the view at Seven Sins.  We descended Nirvana to the hiking trail around Morte Lake and stopped for lunch at the east side Morte Lake viewpoint. We ascended the South Bluff trail and followed along Mud and Reed Lakes to the Walcan Road.  We crossed and hiked along Yellow Mud to Jack Rabbit, connecting back to the parking lot.  We enjoyed the great views and the fall foliage.  9.6 km; 4 hours.

Debbie

Thanks to Norris and Les for the photos

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Hiking – Morte Lake Bike Loop -17 Oct 2018

Trip Report – North Gowlland Harbour Bike Trail Loop – 10 Oct 2018

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Seven hikers and Joey, the dog, enjoyed a three hour hike in the area north and west of North Gowlland Harbour Road. The weather was perfect – mostly sunny with a few clouds and pleasantly cool. Starting at the Cash Only trailhead, we made a grand loop following Backdoor to Silk Stockings where we passed an area recovering from past copper mining and enjoyed views south to Gowlland Harbour.   The lake on the east side of the trail reflected the changing fall colours. From there we dropped down to the Missing Links Road, then paralleled North Gowlland Harbour Road along Bite the Bullet. As we entered John Marlow’s woodlot on the east side of the road, we stopped on the bridge for Les’s pizza and marvelled at the large beaver dam built at the south end of the wetland. Sam’s Shorty trail behind the wetland brought us back to the vehicles. After much rain, the forest and mosses were bright green, punctuated by brilliant yellows of turning maples.  7.3 km.

Janis McLean

Thanks to Norris and Les for the photos

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Hiking – North Gowlland Bike Trail Loop – 10 Oct 2018

Trip Report – Maud Island – 3 Oct 2018

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Twelve hikers thoroughly enjoyed this classic hike through the forest to the bluffs overlooking Seymour Narrows. The big-leaf maples were in their beautiful fall bloom, the moss was brightly coloured after the rains, and the red Oregon Grape highlighted the floor of the forest, along with newly emerging fungi.

Nine hikers chose to go up to the bluffs at Mt. Lolo and three took the lower, more direct path to the viewpoint. Upon arrival at the Seymour Narrows viewpoint, we were all delighted by the sight of a couple of orcas frolicking, a porpoise, and sea lions enjoying some time in the kelp bed below.

Lunch and conversation was enjoyed by all then the return via the Saltwater Lagoon. 10.4 km; 4½ hours.

Sandra

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Hiking – Maud Island – 3 Oct 2018

Trip Report – McKenzie and Douglas Lakes – 26 Sept 2018

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Eight of us and a dog set out on a beautiful, crystal clear fall day to visit Douglas and McKenzie Lakes on the Forbidden Plateau in Strathcona Park.  The short way to get there involves an half hour, 6.3 km drive on a rough old logging road.  We made it and then walked 700 m into the park on a rough but easy trail through old growth trees and blueberries.

At this point it is necessary to cross the outlet stream from McKenzie Lake.  It turned out that the Lake level was a few inches higher than expected and the puddle jumping rocks were under water.  At this obstacle, five people and the dog decided to go up to Paradise Meadows, leaving three to continue to the Lakes as planned.

Having found a dry way across the creek using rocks and logs, we arrived at the sunny side of the stream, the path was found and the lakes were beautiful, the meadows were beautiful and the weather was beautiful.  So after lunch at McKenzie Lake, we explored the trail towards the main area of Paradise Meadows via Kwai and other Lakes.  The trail gains some elevation, follows a sequence of small lakes and was in unexpectedly good condition.  Now we want to come back and do the whole trail from Raven Lodge to the old ski area beyond Mt. Becher.  We saw a Western Toad, maybe a toadlet, grouse and a glimpse of sandhill cranes migrating south.  11.8 km, 5¼ hours.

The alternate group hiked the Battleship Lake – Helen MacKenzie Lake loop and said it was great.

Norris

Reporting from Paradise Meadows and beyond –   On a perfect fall day, we began with the intent of hiking to Douglas and MacKenzie Lakes, and enjoyed the drive and short hike in. Then, deciding to eschew the fun of wading across the high water in the creek in our bare feet, five of us, and one dog, decided to walk in Paradise Meadows instead. We had a lovely, brisk walk around the Battleship Loop with a brief lunch stop in the Meadows, alive with the vibrant fall colours. The views across the lakes were astounding. We enjoyed chatting with some of the overseas visitors we met on our perambulation.  10.5 km

Valerie

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Hiking – McKenzie and Douglas Lakes – 26 Sept 2018

Trip Report – Gowlland Island and Harbour – 19 Sept 2018

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Six people met at April Point Marina an hour after low tide to launch their kayaks. The weather was sunny and calm as we paddled through the narrow entrance into Gowlland Harbour. This is where we encountered the most current, but it was not that heavy. Once into the harbour we paddled between Mouse and Crow Islets. Then by Wren Islet and up the northeast side to the log dump. The clouds moved in as we headed for May Island for lunch. Just as we got there the heavens opened up and we all got soaked.

After lunch the weather turned back dry and we left for the opening between Steep and Gowlland Islands. The flood current here was not anywhere near the 4 knot max that the charts showed was occurring off Orange Point. We also found this the case for just off April Point so we slid on down to the next little bay. From there we returned to April Point Marina in another shower. All in all it was a great paddle.  12.7 km taking 3.75 hours.

Les

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Kayaking – Gowlland Island and Harbour – 19 Sept 2018