Twelve people and one dog hiked the Heriot Ridge Route on an overcast day.  We admired the views from the Heriot Ridge viewpoint and followed the undulating path through sparse forest and open, mossy bluffs.  The trail was very slippery in some places.  Most of the group had lunch on the last viewpoint, facing north with good views of Hyacinthe Bay. There were a few issues, which were a good heads-up to avoid complacency and to return to stricter protocols.  (Usually 5.8 km and 2 hours)

Norris

(click on photos to enlarge)

Hiking – Heriot Ridge Loop – 22 Jan 2025

Four of us hiked the loop Little Black Dress, Back Door, Silk Stockings (counter-clockwise) on an overcast, cool day.  The rocks were a bit slippery, but the moss was bright green, the bluffs lovely and the trail was in mostly good condition.  We enjoyed both of the old copper mining sites and artifacts.  Stopping for lunch on an open mossy bluff, we raised a glass to Diana while sharing some memories.  The loop took us twice by the forest lake with high water, an impressive beaver dam, but no sign of beavers.  (6.8 km; 3¼ hours)

Debbie

Hiking – Little Black Dress-Silk Stocking Loop – 15 Jan 2025

On the first day with sun in many weeks, six hikers set off for Maud Island. As we started down the gentle slope, we were amazed at how thick and green the moss was in the trees and on the ground from all the heavy rains. There were also many trees down on the trail from the high winds. We took the Mt. Lolo route on the way out to get a view. When we got to the viewpoint, there was some fog though, so the view was limited, but still serene.

We descended the hill and continued on to the causeway. As we started up the hill on Maud, we could see where a large Cat had been brought off a barge and walked up the hill. After lunch, we discovered that it had replaced the first large wooden pole after the power-lines come across Seymour Narrows.

We arrived at the rock ledge just before max ebb current so we’re able to watch the fast flowing water and whirlpools as we ate lunch. We were also treated to three sea lions that were playing below us.

After lunch, we returned to the vehicles via the lower route. Again, there were many trees down on this trail. There was also one area where the woodpeckers had been working over a tree to the point that the trail was all covered with wood chips.  (10.5 km, 4.5 hours)

Les

Thanks to Les, Jim and Norris for the photos.

Hiking – Maud Island – 6 Jan 2025