Category Archives: Vancouver Island

Trip Report – Mt. Washington – 16 Mar 2022

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Our small group enjoyed a beautiful spring day at Mt. Washington.  It was not crowded in spite of Spring Break.  There was fresh snow on a crusty base for the snowshoe trails.  We crossed Paradise Meadows and climbed the well used trail up to Battleship Lake where we had sun, cloud and snow showers.  The lake was lovely, but a bit breezy and we sheltered on an island for lunch.  The light and silence at the lakes were wonderful.  We traversed Battleship Lake over consolidated snow so that we could easily take any route we wished.  We followed a rise through the forest over to Lake Helen MacKenzie and followed the lake to the mid-point.  We then more or less followed the summer trail back to Paradise Meadows. We stopped in the uncrowded Raven Lodge for a snack before heading home.  7.4 km, 3¼ hours.
 
 
Debbie
 

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Snow – Mt. Washington – 16 Mar 2022

Snow – Mt. Washington – 16 Mar 2022

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Activity Snow shoeing
Destination Mt. Washington area
Date 16 Mar, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Debbie Quigg
Contact Info debbie.quigg@ualberta.ca or 3710.  Please contact the coordinator by Monday night.
Description Snowshoe or cross-country ski at the Mt Washington area, depending on the group and interests.  We might snowshoe up to the Lakes, as we have not done that yet this year.  We expect recent snow and temperatures near freezing.
Meeting Place QCove ferry terminal
Departure Time 9:00 ferry.  Drivers need to be early to board.
Difficulty
 Moderate, depending on choices and conditions.
Costs Ferry, fuel (!!!) and likely a Mt Washington snow shoe trail pass at $12
Trip limits None
Dogs? No
Notes: We will not go if rain is forecast at 1,000m.  Bring lunch and gear appropriate for the weather.

Hiking – Trout Creek Falls – 30 Mar 2022

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Activity Hiking
Destination Trout Creek Falls
Date 30 Mar, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Debbie Quigg
Contact Info debbie.quigg@ualberta.ca; 250-285-3710.  Please contact the coordinator by Monday evening.
Description We will drive out Menzies Main a short distance to the trailhead for Trout Creek.  This undulating and varied trail passes by three falls, each very different and scenic.  The trail is basic and it may be a bit muddy, rooty and rocky.  There are a few steep sections, but it’s quite short overall.  About 5km; 2½ hours.
Meeting Place QCove ferry terminal
Departure Time 10:00; drivers will need to be early to ensure that they can board
Difficulty
 Moderate
Costs Ferry
Trip limits 10
Dogs?
Notes: Bring gear for the weather and lunch.

Trip Report – Quinsam River Trails – 23 Feb 2022

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On a bright and very cold morning, five of us hiked some of the trails on the east side of the Quinsam River.  We entered this complex trail system at Boneyard Bypass and rambled through the forest and ravines until we came out on a high bluff with great views of the Vancouver Island mountains and some warm sunshine.  Returning to the forest, we encountered a bit of snow before descending to the river bank.  This is a beautiful salmon river with a high bank to the west.

Our lunch stop was at the bench overlooking a bend in the river.  The bench is amazingly comfortable and perfectly situated to catch the mid-day sun.  Unfortunately the river is undercutting the bank beneath the bench and more bank was falling into the river during our brief stay.  We continued south and climbed back up to the high land, wandered along many trails with interesting names like Wind-Up, Slammin’ Salmon, Squirrel Run, Eagle Rest and Jade Dragon.  This route covered a variety of forest, open bluff and ravine edge for some dramatic terrain.  Completing a loop, we returned back along the same path.  On this beautiful day, there was something new on this trip for everyone, and for many it was the first visit.  (10.2 km; 3½ hours)

Debbie
 

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Hiking – Quinsam River Trails – 23 Feb 2022

Trip Report – Mt. Washington – 15 Feb 2022

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A small but enthusiastic group enjoyed a perfect “bluebird” day on the Snowshoe trails on Mount Washington on Tuesday, February 15. Though no new snow, the conditions were excellent, slightly crusty, and the trails were more navigable than on our January trip.

We headed out clockwise on Lost Cabin to Crooked Creek trail. This lovely loop meanders over the summertime ponds and marshes, following and sometimes crossing Crooked Creek. We stopped at the return point, going off the trail to take shelter from the rising wind behind a small copse. We were beside an unmarked but well used trail which we suspected went out to Battleship Lake. We didn’t have time to explore this but noted it for future trips. We then returned to Lost Cabin trail opting to take the slightly longer Tree Beard trail back to the Lodge which took us up to the junction with Rossiter’s Ridge, a favourite lunch spot. We stopped briefly to admire the stunning view, then headed back to the Lodge. We enjoyed lingering over well-earned cups of hot chocolate on the deck in the sunshine – a beautiful day after so much fog, cloud, and drizzle of the past few weeks.  2 hours on trail;  5 km.

Valerie 

Thanks to Misha Cook for the photos

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Snow – Mt. Washington – 15 Feb 2022

Trip Report – Campbell River Waterfront – 9 Feb 2022

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The best laid plans of mice and (wo)men and all that….it was supposed to be a “Hot Chocolate” walk but, while it was a good, brisk walk, unfortunately there was no hot chocolate, or coffee, hot or cold,  for that matter.  Meeting up after the 10am ferry, five enthusiastic walkers strode briskly south in a light drizzle along the Campbell River waterfront to our destination, FoggDukkers.  We enjoyed the opportunity to view the unique and moving Memorial Garden, the Yoda-like wood sculpture, and give our (inexpert) opinions on various dwellings along the route.  However, our intended hot chocolate stop was, sadly, closed.  We opted to not stay to have an early lunch at the intriguing ‘Big Garage‘ restaurant opposite, but did note this as a possible destination for a personal trip another time . And maybe the bad luck was in our favour as the weather closed in and turned to a thick drizzle as we headed back, a longer trip would have been very wet!  The fast walkers were on the 12:30 ferry heading home to dry out and enjoy hot chocolate, or soup, in comfort. (Note to self ….make sure to confirm with FD in person before committing to this walk in winter again )  (2 hours. 8.7 km)

Valerie van Veen
 

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Hiking – Campbell River Waterfront – 9 Feb 2022

Snow – Mt. Washington – 15 Feb 2022

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Activity Snow shoeing
Destination Mt. Washington
Date 15 Feb, Tuesday
Trip Coordinator Valerie van Veen
Contact Info vvv@qisland.ca;  250 285 2329
Description Snowshoe Mt Washington trails.  There is a trail pass charge (see below).  Mt Washington trails are excellent and very beautiful.
Meeting Place Parking lot just off highway at Mt Washington turnoff
Departure Time 9:00 ferry
Difficulty
 Moderate
Costs Ferry, fuel and Mt Washington show shoe trail pass $12
Trip limits None
Dogs? No
Notes: Excellent trails for all levels of experience. Snowshoes can be rented at the Nordic Centre, https://www.mountwashington.ca/snowshoeing.html to book ahead. Must register by Monday night to participate. Bring lunch, snacks. Participants are expected to carry the usual winter safety gear for this sport.

Trip Report – Mt. Washington – 19 Jan 2022

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Amazingly, and thankfully, the cold rain and wind held off long enough for five of us to enjoy the wonderful snowshoe trails of Mt Washington.  While this is not a free activity, like most of our outings, the well marked and tracked trails justify the cost ( $12 per person) .

After obtaining trail passes and one rental, we were on the trail by 10:30.  The initial blast of winter that greeted us let up and we set off in just sub zero weather and low cloud.  The snow was crunchy underfoot, thankfully no ice.   
 
We travelled clockwise, starting off on the green “Old Cabin Loop”, a very pretty and fairly flat loop through the forest and around the meadow.  It was wonderful to see several young families, and a herd of excited school kids, also enjoying this local treasure.  About ⅔ along “Old Cabin” we branched off onto “ Tree Beard” which, appropriately, heads up into the forest. A small plateau usually provides an excellent view, making for the perfect rest stop.  However, with a bit of a wind, and no view, we opted for a quick standing lunch break. Learning from other snowshoers that Rossiter’s Route was at least navigable, we opted for the longer return to Raven Lodge via Rossiter’s rather than continue on “Tree Beard”. “Rossiter’s” is one of two “black/difficult” snowshoe trails at Mt Washington and duly identified as a route ( not trail) on the map.  However, though long, it was not difficult going especially as we were going clockwise, thus going gradually down Rossiter’s Ridge.  In the wild, when there is a down there will almost inevitably be an up. Sure enough, a steep up eventually wound us back to Raven Lodge.  The promised ice rain finally materialized ensuring we were suitably wet as we returned to our cars.
 
Altogether a great winter outing, after so many trip weather-related postponements this season.  4.2 km. 2 hours
 
Valerie

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Snow – Mt. Washington – 19 Jan 2022

Snow – Mt. Washington – 16 Feb 2022

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This trip needs a new coordinator and possibly a new destination.

Activity Snow shoeing or cross country skiing
Destination Mt. Washington
Date 16 Feb, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Debbie Quigg
Contact Info debbie.quigg@ualberta.ca or 3710;  Please contact the coordinator by Monday night.
Description We will go either to Rampart Hill or Mt. Washington depending on the group and conditions.
Meeting Place QCove ferry terminal
Departure Time 9:00 ferry;  drivers need to be early to board.
Difficulty
 Moderate, depending on conditions.
Costs Ferry and fuel. If we go to Mt Washington the snow shoe trail pass is $12 and the x-country ski pass is $20 for seniors.
Trip limits None
Dogs? No
Notes: Bring lunch and gear for winter conditions,  Let the coordinator know if you need to rent gear.  It’s best not to assume that we will have lunch indoors.

Snow – Mt. Washington – 19 Jan 2022

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Activity Snow shoeing
Destination Mt. Washington
Date 19 Jan, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Valerie van Veen
Contact Info vvv@qisland.ca;  250 285 2329
Description Snowshoe Mt Washington trails.  There is a trail pass charge (see below).  Mt Washington trails are excellent and very beautiful.
Meeting Place Parking lot just off highway at Mt Washington turnoff
Departure Time 9:00 ferry
Difficulty
 Moderate
Costs Ferry, fuel and Mt Washington show shoe trail pass $12
Trip limits None
Dogs? No
Notes: If you are new to snowshoeing please contact coordinator, I would love to take you out on Mt W trails. Snowshoes can be rented at the Nordic Centre, https://www.mountwashington.ca/snowshoeing.html to book ahead. Must register by Monday night to participate. Bring lunch, snacks. Participants are expected to carry the usual winter safety gear for this sport.