Category Archives: trip photos

Trip Report – Qualicum Area Birdwatching – 12 Apr 2017

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A small group of us set out with low expectations, under heavy grey skies, to look for migrating geese. We were in quest of Brant, a beautiful small goose that makes a stop-over in this area to re-fuel on the trip north. We started our exploration at Rathtrevor Beach, just south of Parksville and had several other sites located in case we had to search the length of the estuary area to find groups of Brant. But as soon as we walked over to the edge of the sand we were delighted to see large numbers of these elegant black and white geese strung along the waterline. Among them were a number of shorebirds – Black Turnstones and Black-bellied Plovers. We walked out along the sand as far as we dared without disturbing the birds, set up the spotting scope, and enjoyed the show.

As we had a closer look, we realized that there was a lot of activity offshore as well. A bunch of immense sea lions were splashing and interacting just beyond the Brant, and we spotted a group of porpoise swimming by. Beyond all that were large rafts of Scoters and the occasional loon. There was a feeling of excitement in the air as all these critters were energetically feeding and organizing themselves for the next leg on the push northward to breed.

After taking in our fill at this location, we moved to the forested area on the other side of Englishman River to see what we could turn up there. The forest was beautiful, but there was not a lot of bird activity. We did spot large numbers of Swallows (Bank, we presumed) zooming about along the river. It’s always nice to see these birds in good numbers, knowing that their populations are struggling worldwide.

After a warm-up lunch in a pub in Parksville and we made a final stop inland at Hamilton Marsh near Coombs. A short walk took us to a large open wetland area with a dock extending into the water. We spotted many Canada Geese, Buffleheads, Red-winged Blackbirds and lots of Tree Swallows swooping about.

Altogether, our bird list for the day totaled 37 species:
American Robin
Northwest Crow
Bald Eagle
Brant Goose
Black Turnstone
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
White-crowned Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Black Oystercatcher
White Winged Scoter
Surf Scoter
Common loon
Eared Grebe
Black-bellied Plover
Mew Gull
Thayer’s Gull
California Gull
Pine Siskin
Dark-eyed Junco
Spotted Towhee
Wilsons Warbler
Red-breasted Merganser
Belted Kingfisher
Common Raven
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Mallard
Savannah Sparrow
Bank Swallow
Pacific Wren
Red-winged Blackbird
Bufflehead
Tree Swallow
Brown Creeper
Great Blue Heron
House Finch

Kathryn

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Thanks to Kathryn and Norris for the photos

Bird Watching – Qualicum Shoreline – 29 Mar 2017

Trip Report – Karst Formations – 5 April 2017

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Eleven of us took advantage of a break in the rainy weather to visit some of the Karst features on Quadra Island: sink holes, insurgences, resurgences, caves, and grikes – holes in the limestone surface which connect to the underworld.  Thanks to the recent rains there was plenty of water coming and going.  We also visited a horizontal mine shaft.  We don’t know what they were mining, but they made an impressive tunnel to explore.  Thanks to James and Carley, young geologists, for their interpretation and commentary on what we were viewing.

Norris

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Natural History – Karst Formations – 5 April 2017

Trip Report – Thompson-B&B Trail Loop – 15 Mar 2017

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Six hikers and two dogs, Joe and Luna, enjoyed a three and a half hour hike on a loop which was new to most of the group. The weather was cloudy and mild with no rain. Starting at the Thompson trailhead, we hiked to the first viewpoint and proceeded on a route north down the ridge, dropped off the ridge at the big moss-covered maple tree and continued on a route through the forest to the old B&B trail. We turned up the B&B trail, hiking along the pretty bedrock stream as far as the logging road crossing. The group walked down this road towards North Gowlland Harbour Road. We saw one rough-skinned newt on the road, and more in the water-filled quarry. Not far past the quarry we turned south on a fairly new bike trail leading towards Rousseau Ridge. After climbing the ridge, we took a break to enjoy the view and have lunch. Our return route followed the Gowlland Harbour trail, then the Thompson trail back to the vehicles.

Janis

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Thanks to Stephen for the photos.

Hiking – Thompson & B&B Trails Loop – 15 Mar 2017

Trip Report – Eagle Ridge and Beyond – 8 Mar 2017

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Despite the forecasts for bad weather Wednesday, the weather cleared just long enough for ten of us to do this hike. The sun even made a brief appearance. The slushy snow from Tuesday was still on the ground so the walking was a bit wet and a bit slippery. We hiked passed the wetland and up to the top of the Eagle Ridge trail with great views to the west. We took an alternate route down, using an unlikely easy route through an otherwise impossible and impressive cliff band. Then we switched to the next ridge to the north and followed mossy, open ridges up to a local summit for lunch. Then we gradually descended the ridge to the east to an overgrown logging road, which provided a good way down to the bigger logging road and easy walking for a loop back to the cars. 4.9km; 2¾ hours.

Norris

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Hiking – Eagle Ridge and Beyond – 8 Mar 2017

Trip Report – Maud Island – 25 Feb 2017

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It was a bright sunny day, although a chilly -2 C, as ten of us headed out to Maud Island. We went the lower route to be on time for the maximum tide. We found the tide to be near slack though, as I had read the wrong chart. Sorry. We did enjoy a snack though in bright sunshine and even saw a sea-lion. The return was via Mt. Lolo. We stopped at an open area to have lunch and enjoy the view. The total time was 4 1/2 hours and about 10.5 km.

Les

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Hiking – Maud Island – 25 Feb 2017

Trip Report – Bluffs West of N Gowlland Rd – 22 Feb 2017

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The trip Wednesday was a partly off-trail adventure over some classic Quadra scenery – open moss-covered ridges, with views from along the top of cliffs on those ridges.  Seven of us took advantage of the sunny, almost-Spring day.  From the active quarry on the NW side of North Gowlland Road, we followed the open ridges to the high point near the Little Black Dress mountain bike trail.  From there we opted to do a loop of mountain bike trails including Little Black Dress, Silk Stocking and Back Door.  We descended back to North Gowlland Road on a partially developed trail.  7.6 km; 3¾ hours.

Norris

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Hiking – Bluffs West of N Gowlland Rd – 22 Feb 2017

Trip Report – Mt Washington – 8 Feb 2017

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Three of us snow-shoed at Mt. Washington on Wednesday. The clouds were low, but the snow was excellent. It was absolutely a winter wonderland, with snow clinging to branches and bark in the forest. We crossed Paradise Meadows on the Old Cabin and Crooked Creek trails before taking the summer trail up to Battleship Lake. The trail had been well used, so it was easy to follow. It was completely quiet in the forest and we met very few people. We continued over the Lake and through the forest to Lake Helen Mackenzie. The steep descent was great in the deep powder. We crossed some of the Lake and then had lunch in a sheltered spot out of the wind. Around 1:00 it began to snow lightly. We returned to Paradise Meadows and completed the Old Cabin Loop. 8.1 km; 3 hours.

Debbie

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Snow – Mt Washington 8 Feb 2017

Trip Report – Salt Spring Island – 30 Jan – 2 Feb 2017

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Such a wonderful time hiking the trails on Salt Spring Island, each day we experienced the gorgeous sunshine.  Seven hikers from Quadra attended and all declared it was a lovely happening. We arrived on SSI just after noon on the 30th Jan, checked into the beautiful century home on the edge of Ganges. First hike, we drove to Ruckle Provincial Park down in the southeast corner of SSI. The trail took us along the rocky shore, bird life on the water, baby lambs in the field. We completed the trail loop of 6.8km; 2⅓ hours. We toured the heritage farm. This land was donated to the province by the Ruckle family, who still farm parts of the property. Returned to Ganges, some returned to the house and others looked into Ganges. A delicious dinner at night prepared by the first team of hikers.

Day two, started with a healthy breakfast and off to Mt Maxwell Provincial Park. We drove to top of Mt Maxwell; it rises about 595 metres. A spectacular view to Burgoyne Bay below, across to Vancouver Island, the beautiful Fulford Valley, Mt Baker and also Mt Rainier at 4,392 metres, both clothed in sparkling snow. The loop we hiked was again spectacular with lots of viewpoints, views over to Vancouver and beyond. (6.6 km; 3½ hours)  We then hiked the trails at Burgoyne Bay to Daffodil Point, a few houseboats in the bay. (3.2 km; 1 hour)  Returned to Ganges later in the afternoon in order to give us a little time to look at the shops in Ganges. Another delicious dinner at night prepared by the second team.

Day three, started with breakfast and then drove to the north picking up the Channel Ridge Trails. This 15km trail system with some challenging sections, beautiful arbutus groves that took our breath away. Some workouts that made us ready for our lunch on the trail. Some pretty view points, however, most were hidden by tree tops. (7.2 km; 3 hours)   We then drove to the Andreas Vogt Nature Reserve, a beautiful experience with a number of glorious Garry Oak Groves, many younger Garry Oaks were protected from deer etc. This was truly one of our favourites. (2.6 km; 1½ hours)   At night we decided to eat at Moby’s Pub, joining the locals in good food and music.

Day four, started with breakfast, packed up our belongings and cleaned. Most then drove to walk at Duck Creek Park, a shaded creek with a lovely open meadow providing a sweet 40 minute walk. Onto the ferry line-up at Vesuvius in order to take us across to Vancouver Island.

This was indeed a wonderful four days on Salt Spring Island. What made it so wonderful would be that each day was filled with sunshine, a great group of hikers, the beautiful heritage home on the beach, the delicious food and fantastic trails and views. Lets do it again!

Margot

See below the photos for the bird list.  Note Peregrine Falcon!

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Song Sparrow Chestnut-sided Chickadee
Common Merganser Hooded Merganser
Trumpeter Swan Golden-crowned Kinglet
Bufflehead Common Goldeneye
Common Raven Bald Eagle
Mew Gull California Gull
Glaucous-winged Gull American Wigeon
Dark-eyed Junco Double Crested Cormorant
Northwest Crow Pacific Wren
Black Oystercatcher American Robin
Peregrine Falcon Turkey Vulture
Red Crossbill Spotted Towhee
Red Breasted Sapsucker Red Breasted Nuthatch
Belted Kingfisher European Starling
Northern Flicker Hairy Woodpecker
Grouse Varied Thrush

Multi-day Hiking – Salt Spring Island – 30 Jan – 2 Feb 2017

Trip Report – Salmon Pt to Oyster River – 24 Jan 2017

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Six of us met at Salmon Point Resort for lunch at noon. This is something we had not tried before but was a good social outing. If you have not tried this restaurant you should. It has a great view to Mitlenatch Island and the coastal mountains beyond. They have lunch specials. Their seafood chowder in a bread bowl as well as the calamari is delicious.

After lunch we walked from the resort to the Oyster River. This time of year the trail head can be covered with water but the resort lets the public go through the trailer park sites. Dogs must be leashed. The low land at the first of the walk is a great place to bird watch. We saw many birds, ducks and some trumpeter swans. Last summer much of the trail was moved closer to the ocean and covered with bark mulch. At the south end you go into the Oyster River Nature Park. It is only a 12 acre park but has many small trails. Be careful near the river as part of the path was eroded during the heavy rains. If it is a cold day or you want a break you can stop at the Fisherman’s Pub. We returned to the vehicles via the same route. It was about 6.5 km and took 2 hours.

Les

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Hiking – Salmon Pt to Oyster River – 24 Jan 2017