Our group of nine hikers and two dogs had a beautiful fall day for this varied loop. We started at the bridge across the creek and climbed up Marlow’s logging road. We followed a flagged route over to the North Gowlland trail and made a side trip to Rousseau Ridge. We enjoyed great views of Discovery Passage, Vancouver Island and parts of Quadra. We carried on northwest along North Gowlland trail, crossing the foot bridge back over the creek and continuing up the Copperhead logging road to the mountain bike trail, Little Black Dress. We passed by the shallow trenches that were an open-pit copper mine and a small woodland lake before we climbed up a rise and had lunch in the sun on a mossy bluff. After lunch we meandered along the Little Black Dress trail, undulating through open forest. Four of our group had early deadlines, so they parted from us just before the Cash Only trail and headed down a logging road to return to their vehicle.

The rest of us followed the Cash Only trail down to the North Gowlland Road and crossed to the mountain bike trail behind the wetland, Lady Lumps. There were a few trees down on the trail, but it was a lovely walk back to the bridge. This mix of trails makes a great loop with lovely forest and lots of variety. 9.3 km; 3¾ hours.

Debbie

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Hiking – North Gowlland Loop – 30 Oct 2019

The Mt. Seymour hike was moved forward to Thanksgiving Monday to avoid the deluge forecast for Wednesday, and Monday turned out to be a great hiking day.  Eight of us made a quick trip to the summit, stopping at the three viewpoints for a nearly 360° view.  The summit was clear with a good view of the clouds approaching the other mountains all around.  The southeast breeze was cool, so we headed back down after a quick lunch.  Les provided tailgate apple crisp when we got back to the vehicles.  8.0km; 470m elevation gain; 3¾ hours.

Norris

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Hiking – Mt. Seymour – 14 Oct 2019

Seven hikers enjoyed what turned out to be a splendid day, after heavy rain the day and night before. The hike began via the South Chinese trailhead in the fog, following the low cloud almost to the top. Here the skies broke into sunshine at the large open east-facing bluff where the group had peekaboo views of the Coast Mountains. From there the weather continued to improve to full sunshine. After turning off the South Chinese Mountain trail, Beech’s trail follows a series of rock bluffs between fir and hemlock forested sections, with arguably the best views of any trail on the Island.

After lunch at the east viewpoint and a brief stop at the top, the group continued on a route only, descending the north side and dropping down to an old logging road. After about fifteen minutes on the road, we followed a convoluted route over another series of bluffs which brought us to the North Chinese Mountain trail. From here, it was a straightforward walk down the steep trail to the parking lot. Even though the sun was shining in the afternoon, extra care was taken on the steep bluff sections since the rock was very wet and slippery. The second half of this loop is not recommended unless hiking with someone who knows the route down the far side of Beech’s Mountain. 6.2 km; 340 elevation gain; total time four hours.

Janis

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Hiking – Beech’s Mtn Loop- 18 Sept 2019

Six hardy souls prepared for rain and began the lovely stroll through the forest before reaching the rockier trails. Recent rains had helped the mosses to pop out in colour, but possibly the most stunning visuals were the fungi. Many we were able to identify, but a small, white cauliflower shaped fungi with shiny red and black markings was unknown and stunning.