Category Archives: trip photos

Trip Report – Granite Bay – 8 July 2015

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A group of six paddlers enjoyed perfect conditions for a tour around Kanish Bay on July 8th. The smokey atmosphere had cleared and we could enjoy the view across the Inside Passage. We made our way out through Chain Islands, then cut across the calm waters of the bay to Granite Point – a destination you can only attempt in such ideal weather. We poked around the point to take a look into Okisollo Passage, then moseyed back along the north shore of Kanish Bay. We had heard that there were pictographs somewhere along the cliffs, and happily we were able to spot a couple of sketchy images in red pigment. Lunch was on a rocky point part way along the shore, followed by a swim at Orchard Bay. It felt like a pretty mellow day, but we covered 18 km in our circuit around Kanish Bay.

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Kayaking –Granite Bay – 8 July 2015

Trip Report – Surge Narrows – 3 July 2015

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We had a group of 10 for this outing on a hot, sunny and very windy day. Of the ten, five had never been on a hike with the QIOC and the ages spanned more than 50 years. We started at Mine Lake, on the big rock, for a swim and lunch. The water was very warm, but there were white caps on the lake. We drove out to the end of the Surge Narrows road. As we visited the community dock, we were treated to a close encounter with an eagle carrying a fish. We hiked along the Surge Narrows trail to the viewpoint, arriving about a half hour before the max flood current of 10.6 knots, which was very impressive. Some of the group continued on the unmaintained route to the next bay and point, with views up toward Okisollo Channel and lots of wind and waves. There was a ground nesting wasp sting and a hurt foot on the return trip, but the victims took it in stride.

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Hiking – Surge Narrows – 3 July 2015

Trip Report – Kayaking Carrington Bay – 23-25 June 2015

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We took the first ferry to Cortes, drove to Sea Vista to launch our kayaks with our camping equipment. We paddled through Plunger Passage, past Coulter Bay, into the Sutil Channel and onto Carrington Bay. This was interesting and at times a little challenging. On arrival at Carrington Bay we set up our tents near the lagoon entrance. A narrow channel through which the tide flows, mixing salt and fresh water. A lovely camping area with many sunny spots with the lagoon for swimming. (Sheelagh and Valerie had a swim at night)

Carrington Bay is home to a significant amount of wildlife, beautiful old growth trees and a network of hiking trails. After setting up camp, we paddled in the bay only, due to strong winds and white caps in the channel. Spent time exploring Carrington Bay. We discovered a huge number of Sea Cucumbers in the lagoon and on other rocky shorelines. The next day we did a marathon of 27.2km, taking in Frederic Point and onto the Penn Islands. Beautiful rock faces, stunning arbutus groves, seals keeping watch, glorious colours……you get the picture. After lunch, we paddled onto Von Donop to explore. Beautiful purple starfish, a welcome treat to us all. We had a couple of showers, however, they were refreshing and light. Moon Jellyfish in an abundance in the Carrington Bay. We arrived back to camp by 5 p.m……a great workout. All dinners were superb, dishes done and into bed early. The weather called for strong winds arriving by noon on Thursday, we decided to get moving early the next morning.  The return paddle was the same route. We took the opportunity to explore Coulter Bay. Arriving in time to take the 1:50 p.m. return ferry. Tired but all very happy kayakers.

A great group of QIOC members………thank you for joining me on one of my favourite islands.  – Margot

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Kayaking – Carrington Bay – 23-25 June 2015

Trip Report – Mt. Becher – 17 June 2015

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After an early start on Wednesday June 17th, five members of the Quadra Island Outdoor Club safely summitted Mt Becher.  Members on outing included two members of the executive committee, Debbie Quigg, Chair and Norris Weimer, Webmaster as well as members at large; Kathy Sales, Kathryn Manry 1st leader, and Mark Zimmerman 2nd leader.

Our adventure started at the mildly post apocalyptic base of the defunct Forbidden Plateau Ski Resort and shortly after gaining that initial summit we enjoyed more pleasant wandering in the subalpine forest. Early vistas included the Gulf of Georgia and an assortment of small islands, towns, villages and hamlets. Halfway to the summit we overlooked Boston Lake, a great spot for a lunch break. Carrying on we summited a bit after mid-day and had our only look at large mammals, a herd of about a dozen folk of various sex and size, all associated with an outdoor group from Parksville.

Great views of the Comox glacier and surrounding peaks were enjoyed from the summit, before our return.

A partial list of flowers observed include the following:

  • Alpine Lupine
  • Subalpine Daisy
  • Yarrow
  • Leatherleaf Saxifrage
  • Partridgefoot
  • Spotted Saxifrage
  • Alaskan Saxifrage
  • Columbia Lewisia
  • Lance-leaved Stonecrop
  • Spreading Stonecrop
  • Twinflower
  • Paintbrush
  • Tiger Lily
  • Spreading Phlox
  • White Flowered Rhododendron
  • Heather
  • Columbine
  • Birds Beak Lousewort
  • Coast Penstemon
  • Rosy Pussytoes
  • Bunchberry
  • Valerian
  • Small Leaved Montia
  • Slender Bog Orchid

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Hiking – Mt. Becher – 17 June 2015

Trip Report – South Heriot Ridge – 10 June 2015

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We left a bit earlier than planned in order to beat the unusual heat. The day was sunny and breezy. The seven of us started out on the Hope Spring trail, turning left at the T-junction on top and then onto open bluffs at the south end of Heriot Ridge. After wandering the bluffs and enjoying the views toward Vancouver Island, we continued east until we joined the Camp Homewood trail to the High Bluff. We stayed awhile and then descended the bluff and took the trail leading east, later veering right to visit the Homewood Bluff, where none of us had ever been. This made a great lunch stop. We once again descended and took the right-hand turn toward Gowlland Trail, which then made a loop back to the Hope Spring Trail. 6.4 km, 3 ½ hours.

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Hiking – South Heriot Ridge – 10 June 2015

Trip Report – Main Lake – 4 June 2015

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Nine happy paddlers left the launch site of Mine Lake in a light wind. It was a glorious day with just enough wind to keep us cool but still make for enjoyable paddling.

We paddled up to the end of Main Lake and easily found the entrance to the narrow passage to Little Main Lake. We made our way up the passage trying to navigate the downed logs and narrowness of the passage. It is a very beautiful serene waterway with lily pads, tall grasses and much evidence of beaver.

Our return trip took us along the opposite shore of the lake to return to the launch site where swimming was enjoyed in the unseasonably warm water. A few brave souls attempted some wet exits and self/assisted rescues.

All in all it was a glorious day in the quiet of the lakes. 15.4 km, 5 ½ hours.

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Kayaking – Village Bay Lakes – 3 June 2015

Trip Report – Ripple Rock – 26 May 2015

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On Tuesday, May 26, seven of us carpooled to and hiked the Ripple Rock Trail north of Campbell River. We tried out the new (to us) bridge over Menzies Creek and admired the huge Sitka spruces on the banks. We passed many old fir trees as we hiked through the lovely open forest, while grazing on salmon berries. We stopped at each viewpoint and had lunch on the bluff overlooking Seymour Narrows with great views of Discovery Passage and Maud Island. There are still wild flowers, but the moss is extremely dry. On the way back, there were oyster mushrooms for picking and a few of us splashed or bathed in Menzies Creek.

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Hiking – Ripple Rock- 26 May 2015

Trip Report – Newton Lake, Small Inlet & Waiatt Bay – 17 May 2015

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Seven of us set out on a hike to Waiatt Bay on Sunday. It was overcast and cool but just right for a long hike. The road from Granite Bay to the trail head is much better due to the logging road expansion. The trail in to Newton Lake is in good shape and the uphill hike makes for a good warm up. We stopped at the swimming spot for a snack and to admire the blue/green aqua color of the lake. As we descended to Small Inlet we passed the waterfall from the lake, which was gorgeous as usual. As we passed the head of the inlet we took the inland route which seems to be the preferred route now for hikers.  The tide was out at Waiatt Bay so made for a variety of spots for lunch.

On the return trip we took the portage trail to Small Inlet. It is in poor shape and much in need of some chainsaw work. It is always amazing though to see the bubbling spring near the ocean. From there we returned the same route in sunshine. The total trip was 14 km and took about 5 and a half hours.

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Hiking – Newton Lake, Small Inlet & Waiatt Bay – 17 May 2015

Trip Report – Noel’s Pizza Peak – 13 May 2015

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The weather forecast for this trip had been “60% rain” for a long time, so we had a back-up plan in place for an alternate destination. On the day of the trip, we awoke to rain. But by the time we arrived at the meeting place, the rain had stopped and it looked like it would be a nice day. So, back to Plan A. Seven of us went up the North Chinese Mountain trail to the flagged route up the ridge parallel and to the northeast of the Beech’s Mountain ridge. We followed Beaver Lake logging road for a while and then the flagged route to Noel’s Pizza lookout for lunch. Great views from there even though the mountains were in cloud. After lunch we went up the ridge to the upper cairn (475 m), descended to the saddle and took a short-cut to the flagged route to Beech’s Mountain. We enjoyed the views from the top, then down the maintained trail to the parking lot. 8.0 km; 5 hours. The moss is already dry, but the wild flowers were superb: columbine, wild bleeding heart, monkey flower, blue-eyed Mary, chocolate lily, coral root orchid, death camas, wild rose, yellow violets, penstemons, and many more.

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Hiking – Nole’s Pizza Peak – 13 May 2015

Trip Report – Kayaking Gowlland Harbour – 6 May 2015

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Six members met at April Point marina. The very low tide provided an excellent opportunity to see intertidal marine life. Paddled the east side of Gowlland Island, picking up two further kayakers. We kept out of the way of the tug boat coming in with a log boom. The islands gave us a beautiful display of wildflowers, the yellow/pink blush. We enjoyed floating amongst the seals, they put on quite a display. The sea urchins and starfish were amazing along the rock and floor of the ocean.  Paddled over to the shipwreck off May Island and held our lunch on May Island. The island was covered with flowers, such a beautiful wild garden. Margot showed us the old eagles nest and the disaster that happened a couple of years ago.  We then paddled over and along the shore of Quadra Island, beautiful rock faces coloured with an array of flowers. We paddled past Gowlland Harbour Resort, Fawn, Stag, and Doe islands, and eventually on to April Point. The day felt like summer, a brilliant blue sky and warm sunshine all day. The eagles and seals delighted us, a lovely paddle and a good start off for further kayaking trips.

What a magnificent way to spend a day.

Margot Wood

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Kayaking – Gowlland Harbour – 5 May 2015