Hiking – Plumper Bay and Point – 22 April 2024

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Activity Hiking
Destination Plumper Bay and Point
Date 22 April, Monday
Trip Coordinator Norris Weimer
Contact Info norris.weimer@ualberta.ca or 3710.  Please contact the coordinator in advance by phone or email.
Description We will start out on the trail to Maud Island, but turn off onto an old logging road to Plumper Point.  However, we divert from that in order to walk the beach at a low tide.  When the beach runs out we will go up on mossy bluffs and continue to the Point.  We will return through the forest on the old logging road.  About 6.5 km, 3 to 4 hours.
Meeting Place Heriot Bay Tru Value parking lot; we will convoy in our cars from there.
Departure Time 10:00
Difficulty Moderate, but varied: easy trail, beach walking, routes on old, unmaintained logging roads, a few steepish ascents on bluffs
Costs none
Trip limits 10
Dogs?
Notes: Bring lunch.

Trip Report – B&B Trail loop – 3 April 2024

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Eleven hikers hiked the B&B trail loop, which we had not done for five years.  The morning was cool and overcast, but with gradual clearing it was a beautiful day.  Starting from the Thompson trailhead, we hiked to the first viewpoint, impressed by the steep ascent and the great views to the northeast.  We then followed the open, mossy ridge down to the Big Leaf Maple tree where we climbed down into the forest.  Since our last trip, a logging road and cut block have been made which change the trip, but the continuity of the trail has been restored.  We followed the trail along the creek down to Hyacinthe Bay Rd, which is a helpful landmark for orientation.  We then retraced our path back up the B&B Trail and took a spur on the right which crosses a ravine with a creek and waterfall on a big log.  The plan was to return to the B&B Trail, but the spur trail had had maintenance work done on it since the winter reconnaissance, so we decided to follow that route up to the mossy bluff sometimes called Eileen’s Bluff.  The daffodils were blooming and nearly as helpful in finding our way as the cairns.  At the top we stopped for lunch and more views to the northeast.  Those that wanted to explored a short loop, which is under construction, around the high bluff, but the route we found involved a bit of bushwhacking.  We then retraced our route back to the log bridge and ascended the B&B Trail  to Thompson Trail and the vehicles.

This is a beautiful hike with a lot of variety: great views, mossy bluffs, lovely forests and creeks.  The route we took includes enough elevation gain for a good workout.  Thanks very much to John Marlowe for the trail maintenance work on Thompson and B&B Trail, which made our journey much easier.  (6.3 km; 4 hours;  370 m elevation gain)

Debbie

Hiking – B&B Trail Loop – 3 April 2024

Trip Report – Bays and Bretons – 22 March 2024

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On the second day of Spring ’24 nine paddlers were more than ready to get the paddling season underway. It was a cool, overcast and very calm day – ideal for an easygoing paddle. After reviewing our paddling guidelines and ensuring that we were all suitably equipped we set off. Our route took us along the shoreline past Mould’s Bay and into Village Bay where we took our first rest stop. We then worked our way southward through the rocky islands that surround the larger Breton Island. The brief rain shower stopped and the sky brightened as we pulled in to the beach for our lunch stop. Most of us were quite happy to haul out after nearly two hours of paddling. (10.4 km; 4 hours)

Vic

Thanks to Carrie and Norris for the photos.


(click on photos to enlarge)

Kayaking – Bays and Bretons – 22 March 2024

Trip Report – Hyacinthe Point – 24 March 2024

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This hike had been re-scheduled several times due to poor weather.  Finally, seven of us set out on a beautiful, sunny day only to find that there was dense fog on the east side of Quadra Island.  Fortunately it was still lovely and coastal, and the fog burned off by noon.  The Kellerhal family generously allowed us to visit Chauntaluf farm, their beautiful forest and trail system.  We started out on Open Bay Rd, turning onto and climbing up Cliff Rd and Raven Crag.  At the top we were above the fog, but Hyacinthe Bay was hidden.  We continued through the open, undulating forest to Hyacinthe Pt, but between the fog and the light, cool breeze we didn’t remain long.

We headed back along the same route until we stopped for lunch on a sunny, mossy bluff.  By the time we finished, the fog had lifted revealing peak-a-boo views of Hyacinthe Bay.  We followed connector routes to Coast Mountain Rd and to the viewpoint, looking east toward the mainland.  Continuing our loop, we took Nighthawk Trail and Big Pond Rd to the pond.  The pond was very active with mating Rough-Skinned Newts, in pairs and in newt balls.  It was fascinating, but unfortunately I cannot upload a video to this post.

We returned to the farmland area and enjoyed the amazing variety of birds and bird songs before heading home. (6.6 km; 3.75 hours)

Debbie

(click on photos to enlarge)

Hiking – Hyacinthe Point – 24 March 2024

Trip Report – Bike Trails South of Walcan Rd – 19 Mar 2024

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On an overcast morning 10 ambitious hikers started off on the recently renamed trail, Rob’s Ride. We proceeded up to the south east end of Nighthawk Lake to take a look at the old beaver dam. From there we backtracked slightly to Dick’s Ride, where we started a clockwise circuit. From that trail, we did Cash Only, then Back Door where we stopped on a lovely Mossy Bluff for lunch in the warm sunshine.   After lunch, we continued on Back Door, then on to Silk-Stocking and travelled south down that for a little way to check out the old copper mining area complete with a mining cart. We then backtrack slightly, and went north west on Silk-Stocking, then onto Navel, and Straight as a Dime. This brought us out to the Walcan Road where we were able to head down Rob’s Ride. This is a lovely walk down McKercher Creek and then back over to Nighthawk Lake. At the marsh area above Nighthawk lake we were treated to a lovely choir of thousands of frogs. It was truly amazing how loud they were. After travelling along the lake, we return to the vehicles.  (10.4 km; 4 hours)

Les

Thanks to Les and Norris for the photos

Click on photos to enlarge
 

Frog Chorus at 70 decibels from 20 metres away:

Hiking -Bike Trail South of Walcan Rd – 19 Mar 2024

Hiking – Quinsam River Trails – 15 April 2024

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Activity Hiking
Destination Quinsam River Trails
Date 15 Apr, Monday
Trip Coordinator Debbie Quigg
Contact Info dmquigg@gmail.com; 250-285-3710.  Please contact the coordinator by Saturday evening.
Description We will hike along the east side of the Quinsam River, using mountain bike trails and logging roads.  This follows a variety of terrain down to the river and then follow the river upstream and loop back through the forest and ravines. There may be muddy sections.  Ideally there would be spring flowers.  About 11 km; 3.5 hours
Meeting Place QCove ferry terminal;  after exiting the ferry, we will drive to the parking area together.  Parking is more limited than previously.
Departure Time 9:30 ferry
Difficulty
 Moderate
Costs Ferry
Trip limits 10
Dogs?
Notes:

Trip Report – Drew Creek and Paddy’s Lagoon – 11 Mar 2024

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On a windy, overcast day seven hikers met at the back parking lot of Rebecca Spit.  It was +5° outside, but felt like -5° in the heavy wind.  It was blowing 25 knots and gusting to 40 so the ocean was very rough toward Cortes Island. This made for some very interesting viewing as we made our way down to the Sasquatch and Paddy’s Lagoon. The trail was surprisingly dry considering all the snow that we had the week before. We retraced our steps back up the beach and then went through the campground to Drew Creek Trail.

This is a short loop, but an excellent chance to see what the salmon enhancement committee has done. There have been multiple signs put in to explain the salmon spawning in the stream.
We then went back through the campground to have a short break for snacks, cookies, and tea. We moved the vehicles to the Drew Harbour side, where there was much less wind at the picnic tables. After this, part of the group made their way around the end of the Spit to add to the walking distance. We got back to the large field just as it started to rain so a perfect ending.  7.3 km; about 2 hours walking

Les

Thanks to Les and Norris for the photos.

(click on photos to enlarge)

Hiking – Drew Creek and Rebecca Spit – 11 Mar 2024

Trip Report – Mt. Washington – 6 Mar 2024

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This date was originally scheduled for a moderate hike, but the recent snow on Quadra made that a sketchy plan, so we opted to take advantage of the recent weather and snowshoe at Mt. Washington.  The mountain and Forbidden Plateau still don’t have the snow pack they normally would at this time, but the conditions were absolutely perfect for us.  The snow was light and powdery, still hanging on the trees.  The sunshine made it feel warmer than it was.

With eight participants and modest ambitions, we started out on Tree Beard’s Trail, enjoying the slight rise to a viewpoint on a bluff.  We continued on the Crooked Creek Trail, stopping for lunch in the open, overlooking the snow-covered Paradise Meadows.  When that trail turned back, we decided to extend the outing by using the Old Cabin Loop as a connector back to the Tree Beard’s Trail.  From there we retraced our route back to Raven Lodge.  Half of the group stayed a bit longer to socialize at the Lodge.

This was a beautiful day with perfect conditions.  (4.4 km, 2¼ hours)

Debbie

(click on photos to view larger)

Snow – Mt. Washington – 6 Mar 2024