Reconnaissance Report – Victoria Peak Ridge – 20 Aug 2022

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We did this hike on impulse after the destination we had wanted was unavailable due to a locked gate on a logging road.  From Quadra it’s quite long as a day trip.  The drive from Campbell River was nearly 6 hours round trip.  And it was a very hot day.  Normally this is a route for climbers on their way to Victoria Peak, but we were after a hike to the sub-alpine with good views.  Forty-eight kilometres out from Sayward, we turned onto W79, which is signed as the road to Victoria Peak. This road is in decent condition and winds its way up fairly steeply.  There were 16 cross ditches, none of which were impossible, but it was very slow going.  After a while we decided to walk, but we could have driven another 2½ kilometres.  From the trailhead to the ridge it’s short, but quite steep.  A typical climbing access route, the path to the ridge rises 213 m over 713 m, for about a 30% incline.

Wandering along the sub-alpine ridge is very pleasant.  It continues up for a bit more than a kilometre until the ridge is quite level and more distant views are revealed.  There was significant heat haze, making it tricky to see Quadra from the ridge and there was forest fire smoke to the west from lightening strikes the night before in the Nimpkish Valley.

After lunch and a bit of exploring on the ridge, we headed back down, going quite slowly in the heat.  ( 8.6 km; 658 m elevation gain)  Once back on the logging road toward Sayward, we stopped at the White River Provincial Park to walk through the old growth grove to the White River.

Debbie

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Trip Report – Kanish Bay Paddle – 17 Aug 2022

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Six paddlers got an early start – 9:15 – from the Granite Bay boat launch on a beautiful summer day, with the forecasted northwesterly looking very manageable. Taking a counter clockwise route this time we headed to Orchard Bay for a quick pit stop and a stretch. We headed along the north side of Kanish Bay for a couple of kilometers and then decided it was time to head across to the Chained Islands in case the wind got any stronger. We encountered some chop coming nearly broadside and then some interesting waves as we got close to the second last island. Circling this island we arrived at the campsite in a sheltered bay and had a leisurely lunch in the shade. As the day was getting much warmer a couple of us attempted a swim in the very chilly water.

Getting back on the water we cruised in the shelter of the islands along the south side of Kanish Bay. Several salmon were spotted jumping and a flock of mergansers were working hard to keep ahead of us. With the day getting much hotter it was a good time to head to the take out and go in search of cold beverages.  12.0 km; 4 hours.

Vic Gladish

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Kayaking – Granite Bay and Beyond – 17 Aug 2022

Trip Report – Mt. Drabble – 12 Aug 2022

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Five of us hiked to the top of  Mt. Drabble (1,363 m).  We caught an early ferry and drove to the turn off near Ramparts Hill chain-up area on the way to Mt. Washington.  That gives access to the Murex Main logging road (no signs) which was in good condition.  We met a wide-track excavator working on the road and ditches, who kindly moved to the side to let us by.  We parked where the road starts to get really steep and eroded.  Theoretically you could drive 1.9 km further (and 210 m elevation gain) to the trailhead, but we walked.  The trail is well established, with flagging, reflectors and cairns.  It ascends the rocky, sub-alpine ridge and passes a number of ponds.  Lovely to look at, but not appealing for swimming.

The views of the Strathcona Park mountains were great.  There are also views back over Georgia Strait/Salish Sea; we could make out Quadra in the haze.  We reached the summit by 11:00 and stopped for lunch.  Brent set up his radio and antenna and made a contact.  It’s a very enjoyable hike over this long, undulating ridge.  The hardest part was walking down the steep logging road with loose gravel.  Altogether it was 11.7 km, 5½ hours, 450 m elevation gain (from bottom to top), but more overall with the undulations.

Norris

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Hiking – Mt. Drabble – 12 Aug 2022

Trip Report – Happy Hour to Morte Lake – 7 Aug 2022

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A few of us made the very short walk up the old logging access to Morte Lake in the late afternoon for the Club’s first ever “happy hour hike.” This area is now protected as part of the Quadra Conservancy Land.  The weather was warm, sunny and breezy.  Recognizing that the social aspect of this event was more important than the exercise, we brought our folding chairs, and whatever drink and appie we wanted.  Sitting on the shore, we relaxed, caught up on recent events, and some swam in the lake.  It being a warm Sunday afternoon, a few others stopped by to swim or to return via paddle board.  Everyone was very cheerful and friendly.  We didn’t stay long, but had a good time.

Debbie

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Happy Hour Hike – Morte Lake– 7 Aug 2022

Hiking – Alternate Chinese Mtn Loop – 24 Aug 2022

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Change of start time due to hot weather.

Activity Hiking
Destination Alternate South Chinese Mtn Loop
Date 24 Aug, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Norris Weimer
Contact Info norris.weimer@ualberta.ca or 3710  Please contact the coordinator by Monday night.
Description Using climbing access trails, hiking trails, open forest and bluffs, we will hike a loop on South Chinese Mountain with maximize fantastic viewpoints, but does not go to the traditional lookout.
Meeting Place Heriot Bay store parking lot.
Departure Time 9:00  10:00, or earlier if it is hot
Difficulty
 Moderate, quite short but steep in sections.
Costs None
Trip limits None
Dogs? No.
Notes: Bring la snack.  Poles are recommended if you use them.

Happy Hour Hike – Morte Lake – 7 Aug 2022

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Activity Happy Hour Hike
Destination Morte Lake conservancy from the logging road
Date 7 Aug, Sunday
Trip Coordinator Debbie Quigg
Contact Info debbie.quigg@ualberta.ca or 3710.  Please contact the coordinator by Friday evening.
Description We will drive to the gate for the Morte Lake conservancy and take the short walk up to the lake.  There are a few sites we can choose for a social happy hour, a great view and possibly a swim.
Meeting Place Heriot Bay Tru Value parking lot
Departure Time 15:45
Difficulty Easy
Costs none
Trip limits
Dogs?
Notes: Bring whatever you want.  Here are some possibilities: a snack, something to drink, a portable chair, a bathing suit.

Hiking – Mt. Drabble, Strathcona Park – 10 Aug 2022

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Re-scheduled to Friday, Aug 12th, with an earlier start time.

Activity Hiking
Destination Mt. Drabble, Strathcona Park
Date 12 10 Aug, Friday Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Norris Weimer
Contact Info norris.weimer@ualberta.ca; 250-285-3710.  Please contact the coordinator by Monday evening.
Description The approach to Mt. Drabble will be from a logging road off of Strathcona Parkway on the way to Mt. Washington.  The logging road drive is fairly long and slightly deteriorated since the Club last drove it, but still possible without 4×4.  We will walk the last steep part of the logging road and follow a cairned route up the mostly sub-alpine ridge to Mt. Drabble.  There is one major dip in the ridge before the summit, which offers great views of the Forbidden Plateau in good weather.  12.5 km; 6+ hours; 650m elevation gain.
Meeting Place QCove ferry terminal
Departure Time 7:05 8:00 am ferry; drivers need to be early to ensure loading.
Difficulty
 Challenging for the length of the day, elevation and altitude gain.
Costs Ferry, shared fuel costs.
Trip limits
Dogs? No
Notes: We will not do this trip in poor weather.  This is a long day.  Come prepared for mountain conditions.

Trip Report – Chauntaluf Farm to Open Bay – 28 July 2022

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Four of us started fairly early to avoid the hottest part of the afternoon.  We strolled through the Chauntaluf farm taking time to appreciate the setting, views, animals and trees.  We then followed their Open Bay Rd over to Kolker Main.  We were met by Marianne who accompanied us down the private road to her home on Open Bay. As we had not met Marianne before, we took time to get acquainted before having lunch in the shade at the beach.  It was a very low tide and we walked on the sand to the shore and to Open Bay Creek before heading back.  It was warm ascending the road before we crossed back into the forest of Chauntaluf Farm.  We stopped at the pond for a cool swim before returning to the car.  This outing involved visits to two private properties and we are very appreciative for the invitations from Heather and Marianne.   7.4 km; 4 hours

Debbie
 

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Hiking – Chauntaluf Farm to Open Bay– 28 July 2022

Trip Report – Manzanita Bluff – 27 July 2022

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Six of us set out for Manzanita Bluff on one of the hottest days of the year, so far – about 34° C.  The view at the top is worth it, and the hike up is in the shade of an open forest with some fine Douglas fir trees.  We hiked up the 250 metres in 1½ hours and had lunch enjoying the great view from the bluff.  We descended quickly and took the side trip to Darkwater Lake for a well deserved swim in this excellent lake.  5.3 km; 4¼ hours

Norris
 

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Hiking – Manzanita Bluff – 27 July 2022

Kayaking – Granite Bay and beyond- 17 Aug 2022

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Activity Paddling
Destination Granite Bay/ Kanish Bay/ Small Inlet
Date 17 Aug, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Vic Gladish
Contact Info vicgladish@gmail.com; 250-287-0459 text; or phone 250-285-2111.
Description Paddle into Kanish Bay and/or into Small Inlet for the hike across to Waiaitt Bay if weather and tides permit. About 4 to 5 hours depending on what we decide to do. Bring a lunch.
Meeting Place Granite Bay boat launch
Departure Time Meet at 8:45; on the water by 9:15
Difficulty
 Easy to moderate depending on the weather.
Costs Launch fee – $5.00
Trip limits 8
Dogs? No
Notes: Low tide (1.6 m) middle of day making our lunch stop trickier and perhaps eliminating the hike.
Be sure to read our paddling guidelines and make sure you are properly outfitted.