Trip Report – Upper Gowlland Bike Trails – 16 Feb 2022

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This hike explored some of the lesser used trails accessed via the Missing Links FSR road off Upper Gowlland Harbour Road. From the parking area we went north-east on Bite the Bullet, past the remains of an old rifle range. We crossed the road to Sam’s Shorty on Marlow’s woodlot and then crossed over again to climb Cash Only, then west on Back Door. Our lunch stop was at the high point of the trail on a mossy bluff. From there we began the descent on Silk Stockings through the tailings of an abandoned copper mining operation with old rails and ore carts still visible. Along the way we found other possible scenic rest points with views of a lake and the Vancouver Island mountains. Our group of four walked the 6.8 km in 2.5 hours plus a half lunch stop with lots of good conversation and laughter.

Rob
 
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Hiking – Upper Gowlland Trails – 16 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.

Hiking – Upper Gowlland Harbour Trails – 16 Feb 2022

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Activity Hiking
Destination Upper Gowlland Harbour trails
Date 16 February, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Rob McKerracher
Contact Info 250 285 3204;  mckerr@gicable.com
Description Well-used trails on the north side of Gowlland Harbour Road – rolling terrain with open bluffs, forest and a lake.   Distance 6.9 km   Elevation gain 200 m.   2.5 hours walking time plus lunch stop
Meeting Place Heriot Bay Tru Value parking lot
Departure Time 10:00
Difficulty
 Easy to moderate
Costs None
Trip limits 10
Dogs?
Notes: Dress for the weather – bring a lunch.

Hiking – Cape Mudge Trails – 2 March 2022

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Activity Hiking
Destination Cape Mudge trails
Date 2 March, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Debbie Quigg
Contact Info debbie.quigg@ualberta.ca or 3710  Please contact the coordinator by Monday night.
Description We will hike the forest and bluff trail from the lodge.  There are a few wet places in the forest.  From there will will continue to the lighthouse.  Depending on the group and the weather we can walk to the village and back.  There is also an option to make this a hot chocolate walk by stopping at Aroma Cafe or Farm to Table after the hike.
Meeting Place Tsa-Kwa-Luten parking lot
Departure Time 10:00
Difficulty
 Easy
Costs None
Trip limits None
Dogs?
Notes: Bring gear appropriate for the weather and trail conditions, as well as lunch or a snack.

Trip Report – Village Bay Lakes Loop – 2 Feb 2022

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Nine of us walked this short “new” loop between Village Bay Lakes and Vic’s Marsh.  Some of it is on a gated logging road, some of it is on an old, maintained trail that we’ve recently rediscovered.  It passes through a very nice forest.  Perhaps the loop was a riding trail when Vic had horses at the marsh.  In the eighties?  Then the trail connects to the Vic’s Marsh trail, returning to the cars along the marsh and passing by the remains of Vic’s barn.  Despite a poor weather forecast, it did not rain or snow on us and this loop was mostly clear of snow while other trails in the area are still covered.  Back at the vehicles, the groups shared some yummy snacks before departing.   4.2 km, 1⅓ hours

Norris
 

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Hiking – Village Bay Lakes Loop – 2 Feb 2022

Trip Report – Haskin Farm-Fir Crest Loop – 25 Jan 2022

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On a cool, foggy day we set out for a casual hike. The Haskin Farm Trail had been recently cleared of fallen trees and widened out very nicely after all the bad weather. Thanks to all that may have participated.
Fir Crest was in good condition with the occasional peek out through the fog to the ocean. The golf course was in great condition considering all the snow that we have had. All the green grass made you feel as if spring was coming. We returned to the vehicles through the wood lot. 6.5 km and 1¾ hours

Les

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Hiking – Haskin Farm-Fir Crest Loop – 25 Jan 2022

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

Kayaking – Bays, Bretons, and Beyond – 23 March 2022

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Postponed due to weather.

Activity Paddling
Destination Bays, Bretons, and Beyond
Date 23 Mar, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Vic Gladish
Contact Info vicgladish@gmail.com; 250-285-2111; text 250-287-0459
Description The first paddle of spring could be short or long depending on the weather and the group! A calm day could allow us to aim for Dunsterville Islet, then Breton Islands and back. An iffier day could see us meander through Hyacinthe, Open and Moulds before a lunch break at Breton Island then return.
Meeting Place Len Road Shore Access
Departure Time 9:30 am on the water
Difficulty
 Easy to moderate
Costs None
Trip limits 8
Dogs? Only very strong swimmers!
Notes: Please contact the trip coordinator 48 hours before the trip to confirm your attendance. A go/no go decision that reflects the weather forecast will be made by noon the day preceding the trip date.
Must have equipment that meets club and coast guard regulations. Bring lunch and gear for the weather.

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.