Hiking – Newton Lake-Small Inlet-Waiatt Bay – 19 Aug 2020

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Activity Hiking with swimming
Destination Newton Lake, Small Inlet and Waiatt Bay
Date 19 Aug 2020, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Vic Gladish
Contact Info vicgladish@gmail.com; 250-285-2111; (cell 250-287-0459)
Description We will hike up to Newton Lake, down to the portage between Small Inlet and Waiatt Bay and back to the Newton Lake parking lot. Distance about 15 kilometres – will take approximately 6-7 hours (including lunch and short swim stops at Newton Lake)
Meeting Place Newton Lake trail head (off Granite Bay Rd)
Departure Time 9:00
Difficulty
 Moderate for distance and steep grades
Costs none
Trip limits 10 with pandemic protocols
Dogs? okay
Notes: Bring plenty of water, lunch and snacks, and swimming stuff if you want to swim.

Trip Report – Open Bay/Sutil Channel/Octopus Islands – 12-15 July 2020

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Day 1.  Six paddlers launched from the end of Valdes Road on a fairly high tide, leaving the beach about 10:45 toward the Penn Islets. The weather was sunny with some overcast and the occasional rain squall, winds light. With a favourable current, we made excellent time, arriving at the campsite on North Penn Islet in just under 3 1/2 hours paddling time. A lovely classic cruiser was anchored in the nook south of the campsite, but very few other boats seen. The campsite is beautiful, with great views from the bluff, and some good forest sites also. Distance covered – 16.6 km in 3 hours and 20 minutes.

Day 2.  As the day was sunny with light winds forecast, we made a side trip to the entrance of Von Donop Inlet and stopped for a break at the campsite in Robertson Cove. While the location has several tent sites, and a trail to Robertson Lake, it seemed dark and is exposed to the west. Easy landing. We then paddled toward South Rendezvous Island, our planned stop for the night. Unlike other years, this large and very attractive site was empty. The summer has been disastrous for local outfitters, but it has meant that more camping options are available than usual. Easy access from the north, several tent sites, and a small creek. One or two tent sites also available on the tidal island in front of the main site. Hot afternoon. Distance covered 16.2 km in 4 hours and 10 minutes.

Day 3.  We launched about 9:45 to be in good time for slack at Surge Narrows. Paddling up the west side of the Rendezvous Islands to the south tip of North Rendezvous, we crossed to Mayes Point at the entrance to White Rock Passage against a fairly lively adverse current. After a short stop on the south shore of the Passage (just before the campsite noted on the Marine Trails website), we paddled through the Settlers Group in good time. As the weather was very calm, we paddled a straight course up Okisollo Channel to the Octopus Islands to benefit from the favourable ebb tide. Several other parties of kayakers spotted, and the usual population of pleasure boats in the park. We camped on the shore of a very “clammy” cove on the south shore of Waiatt Bay. There is a good creek draining an unnamed lake. The grassy site is good for 2 and possibly 3 tents; others uncomfortably close to the high tide line. Another hot day. Distance covered 21 km in 5 hours 10 minutes.

Day 4.  Heading home, we made a short stop at the ‘museum cabin’ on the more southerly of the private islands adjacent to the park. Many boaters (often for successive years) have left mementoes of their visits in the cabin. We then took a short swing through the islets and headed to Yeatman Bay for lunch and to wait for slack in Surge Narrows. We slipped easily through the rocks between Quadra and Peck Island on the last of the flood, and with increasing following winds and a fair current, landed in Open Bay less than half an hour after high tide, for an easy landing and a short carry. Distance covered 23.9 km in 5 hours and 23 minutes.

The weather throughout the trip was great and the first two campsites excellent. We didn’t see much wildlife apart from a few harbour porpoise, some seals, and sea birds, apart from one fledgling eagle that we hoped would be rescued by a parent as it looked very forlorn on its rock. Total trip distance – 77.7 kilometres for an average speed of 4.3 km per hour.

Darcy

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Trip Report – Morte Lake Loop – 15 July 2020

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It was a beautiful day and our hike began on the Deadfish trail where we enjoyed lush ferns as we followed the creek bed listening to the sounds of water flowing. At the first bridge we went over to the Morte Lake loop trail and stayed right to do a counterclockwise loop around Mort Lake. We took the new trail until we went left to the lookout where we stopped and took in the spectacular view of the lake below and the majestic mountains. From the lookout, in order to avoid water covering the main trail further along we followed the orange markers on the trees along the bluff which led us under a fallen tree where we saw a gnome and back to main trail and to the sandy beach where we enjoyed lunch before continuing on the remainder of the loop and back to the parking lot. We had the trail to ourselves and didn’t encounter another hiker until shortly after lunch, and it wasn’t until we were on the last leg of our hike before we encountered 3 more hikers. It was very pleasant and everyone maintained social distancing.

Vikki

Thanks to Vikki for the photos

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Hiking – Morte Lake Loop – 15 July 2020

Trip Report – Shellaligan Pass Loop – 8 July 2020

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Six QIOC club members and one dog were heralded back onto Quadra trails with a two flipper salute and several large blows from a pair of humpbacks cruising down Hoskyn Channel in front of Shellaligan Beach. Their welcoming slaps set the tone for a very pleasant hike on the “long” Shellaligan loop, luckily sandwiched in between the seemingly never-ending rainstorms of late. Surprisingly, the rock bluffs along the seashore were dry, despite the early morning rain. We took advantage of the good weather to take an early lunch break on the granitic bluffs, even enjoying a few rays of sunshine. The trail was in good condition, branches and deadfall have been cleared in the forest section and bridges are in good repair. Some beach debris (mostly fish- and shellfish -farming debris) has been piled at the beach access points, hopefully to be removed by a boater (or very enthusiastic hiker) soon. Along the trail we saw several outcroppings of Indian Pipe, and one bright spot of “Dog’s Vomit” slime mold (or, more elegantly, “Scrambled Egg” Slime). The “Neurotic Sapsucker” tree amused those who had not done this section of the trail before. We also saw several fresh wolf scats on Boletus Road and Village Bay Main. As we hiked, and stopped for breaks, we had no problems in adhering to our Club’s new distancing and talking protocols. Altogether, a great start to our “Covid” hiking season. Time: 3 hours including a 20 minute lunch break

Valerie

Thanks to Valerie and Diana for the photos

(click on photos to enlarge)

Hiking – Shellaligan Pass Loop – 8 July 2020

Hiking – Beech’s Mtn Loop – 29 July 2020

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 Please note change of start time to 9:00

Activity Hiking
Destination Beech’s Mountain Loop
Date 29 July 2020, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Brent Henry
Contact Info brenthenrys@gmail.com or 250-205-1106 (phone or text).  Contact the coordinator in advance
Description Starting at the Chinese Mountains trailhead, we follow the South Chinese Trail to its juncture with Beech’s Mountain Trail. Along this trail we ascend many steep rock bluffs with spectacular views to the east, west and south from the open bluffs. At the top of Beech’s Mountain, we make a steep descent through the forest to an old rough logging road. Eventually the route veers away from the road onto mossy bluffs with convoluted route-finding using flagging tape. The route connects with the North Chinese Mountain Trail (essentially a steep rubbly old logging road) which we descend to the parking lot.
Meeting Place Chinese Mountain parking lot
Departure Time 9:00 10 am or earlier if hot . Contact coordinator.
Difficulty Moderate to difficult (many steep and potentially slippery bluffs to negotiate, as well as steep rocky logging roads)
Costs none
Trip limits 8 participants in 2 pods
Dogs? OK if not running and under control. Owner must have leash available.
Notes: Sturdy hiking shoes/boots required. Coordinator will have 2 family walkie talkies.  Hiking poles may be helpful. Bring a lunch or snack and sufficient water. Estimated time 4 hours.

Hiking – Plumper Bay – 22 July 2020

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Activity Hiking
Destination Plumper Bay
Date 22 July, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Norris Weimer
Contact Info norris.weimer@ualberta.ca or 3710.  Please contact the coordinator in advance.
Description A relatively flat and easy hike on old logging roads. The first part is the same as for going to Maud Island, then instead of turning left, we turn right. This part of the trail has not been maintained, yet it is in quite good shape. There is no bushwacking, not even any major deadfall. However, the trail does have some tripping hazard from small branches that have fallen across the trail. 6 km roundtrip, about 2.5 hours including lunch. The destination is a nice grassy meadow on the waterfront of Plumper Bay (the first large bay north of Seymour Narrows). Bring lunch. Bring family radios if you have them (FRS); no problem if you don’t. This is not a narrow trail, we will easily be able to space ourselves to keep covid-safe.
Meeting Place Heriot Bay Tru Value parking lot; we will convoy in our cars from there.
Departure Time 10:00
Difficulty Easy, but part of the route is unmaintained
Costs none
Trip limits Maximum twelve participants, in pods of three or four.  The number of cars is a concern as well as group size.
Dogs?
Notes: Bring lunch.

Hiking – Morte Lake Loop – 15 July 2020

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Activity Hiking
Destination Morte Lake Loop
Date 15 July 2020, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Vikki O’Brien
Contact Info resvo2004@yahoo.com; phone or text 250-938-2864.  Participants must contact the coordinator prior to the trip
Description We will hike the official Morte Lake loop, which passes through a wonderful variety of forest and has great views along the lake.  About 10 km and 4 hours.
Meeting Place Morte Lake parking lot
Departure Time 10:00
Difficulty
 Moderate.
Costs none
Trip limits Maximum 8 participants, use of pods TBD
Dogs? Dogs welcome on a leash and kept away from others in the group due to covid concerns.
Notes: Bring lunch and gear for the weather.

 

COVID-19 Pandemic Protocols – as of 6 July 2020

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These protocols have been superseded by more recent Public Health Office restrictions and guidelines.

The Outdoor Club held a planning meeting today and decided to resume outings under the provision of the following protocols.  These may be amended over time.  While many feel we have an elevated risk now with increased travel, we hope we can find the balance between staying safe and exercising and socializing outside. In general the Club members are vulnerable due to age, and many have other specific vulnerabilities. There is a wide range of sensitivities to the present risk. We recommend that everyone on a Club outing bring a mask, hand sanitizer and gloves.

Size of the group: In order to accommodate more hikers, we will try to break the group into pods of 2 to 4 people. The pods will start the hike about five minutes apart. This will be done on hikes where the risk of the group becoming separated is very low. On more complex routes, the group will either move as a distanced unit or use family radios to stay connected. Trip coordinators have discretion about the total number of participants on a trip.

Physical distancing: We may want to avoid busier trails, trailheads and times. Advance planning will include recognizing the width of the trail so that distance can be maintained with oncoming hikers, and wide places to stop for breaks or lunch as a group. We will stay two metres apart when stopped. Depending on individual comfort levels, more space may be requested when moving.

Talking can become problematic when the distance is considerable between hikers. We don’t want to bunch up in order to hear more clearly. While socializing is an important component of our activities, it may be preferable to converse at the beginning, at breaks or at lunch, and at the end of the outing, rather than while moving.

Sharing: Sharing of gear without disinfecting is not encouraged. Many people are not comfortable sharing food, so please do not assume that offers of shared food are welcome and don’t take offence, because it’s not personal.

Touching common surfaces: While it’s not the most common method of infection, hikers will want to give some thought to the rocks or trees they hold onto for balance and whether the hikers in front of them have also used those hand holds. You may wish to use hand sanitizer.

Who can participate: For now the Club will not include visitors on trips. Members who are locals or those who have been on the island for al least 14 days may join a trip. We encourage our members to be friendly to everyone they meet on the trail.

Car pooling: Car pooling is discouraged outside of family or bubble members. If it is necessary, the occupants would be encouraged to wear masks and sanitize surfaces and hands.

Hiking – Shellaligan Pass Trail – 8 July 2020

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Activity Hiking
Destination Shellaligan Pass Trail
Date 8 July, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Valerie van Veen
Contact Info vvv@qisland.ca; must contact the coordinator by 6:00 pm Tuesday night
Description Shellaligan Trail is a lovely, moderate hike that takes us along a rocky shoreline, to a beach where we can stop for snacks/lunch, then up into the woods to follow trails and old logging roads back to our cars. About 2- 3 hours depending on route, pace (moderate), and breaks.
To reach the trail, take the Hyacinthe Bay Road ( which, for unknown reasons, becomes Bold Point Road at the Granite Bay Road intersection) north to Valdes Road, turn right on Valdes, follow Valdes to the residential area, about one block past Marina look out for logging road access and trail signage on your left.
IF you are carpooling from the South End, as per COVID restrictions as discussed at our organizational meeting July 6, (or phone me for details), meet at Heriot Bay Foods Parking Lot at 10 am.
Otherwise, meet at the junction of the logging road (that accesses the Trailhead) and Valdes Road at 10:30 am. I will be at that junction in a green Toyota 4Runner. We will drive to one of the three trailheads, depending on the weather. If not raining we will do the complete Shellaligan Trail. If it is raining, then we will do only the land loop. As this is a “first of the year” hike for many of us, the pace will be very moderate. Speedy hikers who know the route are welcome to go on ahead.
Meeting Place Logging road access to trailhead
Departure Time 10:30
Difficulty
 Moderate.
Costs none
Trip limits 8-9 max, in singles or “pods” as per our Club discussion
Dogs? MUST be in full control, or on leash (deer and fawns)
Notes: As per our Club discussions, we will walk either singly, or with your pod group of 2-3, separated by 6 ft. Our Club decided that: conversations while hiking would be kept to a minimum, even when possible; no sharing of food/snacks; (sorry Les, we will miss your treats!); we will keep distanced during breaks; no sign-up sheet, trip coordinator will keep a record of hikers for the Trip Report; hikers are expected to bring their own simple first aid kits to keep any emergency contact to a minimum; no non-members, family, friends, guests, or Woofers will be allowed to participate at this time; MUST pre-register with trip coordinator. Call or email by 6 pm TUESDAY NIGHT.

COVID-19 Pandemic – as of 1 July 2020

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As British Columbia enters phase 3 of the re-opening during the COVID-19 pandemic, it may be time to consider whether the Outdoor Club should resume activities yet. A few people have mentioned that they miss the hikes and would like to start again.

Just to review what is recommended in phase 3, most of the changes from phase 2 have to do with commercial re-openings. There is currently a very low incidence of COVID-19 in our local area. Nonetheless, “if you are at greater risk (over the age of 60 or with underlying medical conditions), be informed of your risk, think through your risk tolerance and take extra precautions.” No gatherings over 50 people are permitted. The bubble size is still 2 to 6 people. For everyone else outside of the bubble, it is important to remain physically distanced, maintained proper hand sanitizing and other hygiene protocols. At this time the general belief is that the risk of contagion from outside activities, while following these protocol, seems to be quite low.

So, how many of you think it’s time to resume activities? Don’t be bashful. If you don’t speak up, it will seem as if no one is interested. If you think it’s a bad idea, you should also comment. Along with people who want to hike and perhaps kayak, we would also need coordinators. One possibility is to have a planning meeting (outside) to discuss what people want to do. This really needs to be a process driven by member interest. Please respond (either by e-mail or by commenting here) by answering these questions:

I think it would be a good idea to resume Outdoor Club hikes and kayaking outings – yes or no
I would attend a planning meeting – yes or no
I would like to participate in the following trips:
I would like to coordinate the following trips:
Here are my other comments about resuming activities: