Category Archives: trip photos

Trip Report – Thompson/B&B Trail loop – 20 Dec 2017

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Five women met at the Thompson trailhead for a two and a half hour hike.  Having missed the threat of snow the previous day, we had a dry and sunny morning, with the temperature a bit above freezing and light wind from the north.  We headed up Thompson Trail to the first viewpoint.  After stopping to take in the views north and east to gloriously snowy mainland mountains, we walked north down the open ridge, dropping to the forest floor at the big maple tree.  From here, we followed a deer trail north to the B&B trail, turning south on the B&B at this point through pleasant second-growth forest and along a deeply-cut unnamed stream.  Reaching the Thompson Trail junction, we followed it south to the second viewpoint.  Climbing to the top of the ridge, we stopped for a break in the warm sun, again taking in snowy views to the east.  From here, we followed a rough off-trail route east and north down the ridge, eventually connecting to Thompson Trail and back to the vehicles.  The weather and company were perfect for a stunning December hike.

– Janis

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Trip Report – Mt. Washington Area – 13 Dec 2017

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Eight of us put on our snowshoes — we also had one dog who was happy without snowshoes — and walked around one of the loops of logging roads from the Ramparts chain-up area near Mt. Washington.  There was no fog and the visibility was good.  We could even make out Mt. Baker 272 km away with our naked eyes.  The area has many good viewpoints of the snow covered mountains on the mainland.  The conditions were spring like.  The snow was crunchy — noisy on snowshoes — and it was very warm.  We ate lunch with the Whiskey Jacks.  6.0 km, 3.5 hours.

– Norris

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Snow – Mt. Washington Area – 13 Dec 2017

Trip Report – Deepwater Main and beyond loop – 6 Dec 2017

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Six of us set out early in the thick fog (horizontally), but quickly broke through it to a stunningly bright, clear, sunny day, since the fog was thin (vertically).  We started hiking from the summit of the Deepwater Main road, up old logging roads, sometime steep and stoney due to water eroding them, other times soft, mossy carpeted through the forest.  At the top of the shoulder to the north of Mt. Seymour, there was still some snow on the ground from last week’s storms, and the lake was partly frozen. We stopped for lunch and the magnificent views of the snow-covered mountains to the north and fog-covered water passages.  Thanks to Les for the great buffet lunch including smoked salmon, veggies, cold cuts, cheese and cookies. Then we continued on, down the logging road to the Granite Bay Road to complete the loop.  7.1 km; 3¼ hours.

– Norris

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Hiking – Deepwater Main & beyond loop – 6 Dec 2017

Trip Report – Deadfish-South Morte Lake Loop – 29 Nov 2017

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On a blustery day under threat of rain, seven hikers enjoyed a brisk three hour hike around this loop connecting several mountain bike trails.   Beginning at the Morte Lake parking lot, we followed Lower Deadfish, Lost Rider, Ridge and Connector trails to the southwest corner of Morte Lake. The group encountered a few sprinkles here, which eventually passed. We followed the Morte Lake south trail, turned right on Nirvana and then left on 7 Sins with its seven switchbacks. At the junction of this trail and Upper Deadfish, we stopped for a brief lunch and took in the views across to Beech’s Mountain, Morte Lake and Discovery Passage. From there, it was downhill on Upper and Lower Deadfish along Little Morte Creek to the parking lot. Fortunately, we didn’t get rained on. Having had dry weather the previous day, there were very few puddles to cross. We agreed that it was a good workout and the lovely greens of the forest were at their peak. 8.7 km

Janis

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Hiking – Deadfish-South Morte Lake Loop – 29 Nov 2017

Trip Report – Little Black Dress & Silk Stocking Loop – 22 Nov 2017

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Six of us met on a blustery grey morning to walk the mountain bike trails from North Gowlland Harbour Road. We parked at the Missing Links trail parking lot. We made a loop up Little Black Dress and returned via Back Door and Silk Stockings.   It was a beautiful meandering path through mixed forests and rocky outcrops. Along the way we passed the remnants of an old copper mine. We were quite protected in the forest and it was more  foggy and misty than rainy.  There is no signage on the trail and several T-junctions.  We were reminded of the importance of waiting for the group at each intersection, so that the group stays together. There was some timely conversation about basic safety equipment for day hikes. We hiked 6.8 km in 3 hours 20 minutes, including a stop for lunch.

Diana

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Hiking – Little Black Dress & Silk Stocking Loop – 22 Nov 2017

Trip Report – Hopespring-Thompson Trail Loop – 15 Nov 2017

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The morning was quite dry, but since it had rained over 100 mm in the last four days, everything was very wet.  And we were still expecting more.  The eight of us hiked this lovely loop on maintained trail, which is quite protected in bad weather.  The fall colours were still strong, and everything was green and lush from the rain.  The maples, cliffs and overhanging rocks, the old growth fir, creeks and moss make this a beautiful walk.  5.3 km; 2 hours.

Debbie and Julie

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Hiking – Hopespring-Thompson Trail Loop – 15 Nov 2017

Trip Report – Main Lake from Surge Narrows Rd – 8 Nov 2017

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Six of us hiked the flagged route from the Surge Narrows Rd to the east end of Main Lake.   The day was mild and the brush was dry as we followed the old logging road making a side trip to an un-named lake.  After briefly thrashing in the brush in the wrong direction, we continued through lovely, open forest with lots of white pine and some old growth cedar and fir.  However, there are some sections with major blow-down, which is not just stepped over, but involves the full-body climb up and over.  Near to Main Lake we admired some exceptional old growth Douglas fir and the water falls.  We had lunch at the picnic tables at the campground, enjoying the view of the Lake.  After lunch some remained and enjoyed a fire in the campground fire ring, while others hiked on to Yeatman Bay.  We followed the flagged route back to the vehicles, which is rather more uphill.  9.7 km; 4½ hours.

Debbie

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Hiking – Main Lake from Surge Narrows Rd – 8 Novt 2017

Trip Report – Alternate Morte Lake Loop – 1 Nov 2017

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 We were fortunate to have yet another beautiful fall day for this hike around Morte Lake.  The forecast called for showers, but it was clear and cool.  We left the Morte Lake parking lot and hiked up the Morning Beer mountain bike trail, stopping for views of Chinese Mountains and glimpses of the outer islands.  We continued on to Lost Rider, Ridge Trail, the tripod and Connector.  None of that was the original plan, but it was a lovely walk.  At the south end of Morte Lake there was a cold wind with white caps on the lake, but when we carried on to the picnic table, it was sunny and sheltered.  The hike along the north bluffs over Morte Lake was sunny and there were great views. 10.5 km; 4½ hours.

Debbie

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Hiking – Alternate Morte Lake Loop – 1 Nov 2017

Trip Report – Mt. Seymour – 30 Oct 2017

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Six of us took advantage of the fantastic fall weather to hike up to Mt. Seymour to enjoy the views.  The cooler, crisp air was perfect for hiking.  There were hardly any mushrooms on the way up in this drier environment.   We enjoyed the views all along the open, rocky bluffs and visited the three outlooks at the summit for a nearly complete view. We had lunch on the east-facing bluff and stayed quite a while.  We could have stayed there all day!  8.0 km; 4½ hours.

– Norris

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Hiking – Mt. Seymour – 30 Oct 2017

Trip Report – Stramberg Old Growth Grove – 25 Oct 2017

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The cold front and rain passed in the night, so in the morning we had beautiful fall day.  Nine of us hiked the path from Village Bay Lake, passing by Vic’s Marsh and the old cabin to the pond viewpoint.  From there the trail heads north through the forest into Main Lake Park.  Although neglected for some years, the trail is now quite well flagged and maintained.  We passed through the junction of the old logging roads to the south and east of Stramberg Lake and we continued on the eastern road headed north.  With the sun and recent rain, everything was vibrant green.  The mushroom, mosses and liverwort were abundant.  We crossed the little creek and climbed up to the old growth grove.  After admiring the old trees and stopping for lunch, we followed the loop through the glade and retraced our path back to the vehicles.  About 12 km, 5+ hours.

– Norris

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Hiking – Stramberg Old Growth Grove – 25 October 2017