Trip Report – Steep Island – 12 Nov 2018

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On a calm and partly sunny day, four kayaks set out from Q Cove for Steep Island. We first paddled into Unkak Cove as there was a 12 foot tide and much of the Cove dries at a lower tide. There were numerous birds there. It is too bad that there are also numerous old docks that have been left to rot away. From the Cove we traveled up in Discovery Passage by April Point. We were going with the ebb tide, but found many back eddies along the way. It was fun to have the tide moving in all different directions which kept you adjusting your paddling.

We stopped to have lunch and enjoy the sun at Vigilant Island, and shared some smoked salmon, cheese and crackers.  From there we went around Steep Island. There was some current getting there but almost none going along the west side where I thought it might be strong. A person may know if it is ebb or flood tide, but the current is constantly changing near shore. The tide was nearing slack now so we headed straight back to the Cove, though there was still come current against us. On the way we had two sea lions put on a bit of a show for us. It is unsettling for a creature bigger that the kayak to come up close to you. All in all a calm, warm and wonderful day for a paddle especially considering it is November.  7.8 nautical miles and 4 hours.

Les

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Kayaking – Steep Island – 12 Nov 2018

Trip Report – Big Tree Woodlot Loop – 31 Oct 2018

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On a overcast and drizzling day 11 hikers decided to check out Benner’s woodlot. He has put up a newly painted sign that shows most of the roads in his woodlot. This is easy hiking and good for rainy days. We started at the sign and proceeded to Open Bay Main. From there we headed toward Stramberg Lake. Once in the park we found the creek was flooded over the trail so made a slight detour around. At the lake the level of water was so high from recent rains that the trail to the bluff was submerged. A few brave souls scrambled up the rocks to still get a view down the lake. We then proceeded back to the first opening for lunch. After lunch all hiked back around and came out on Village Bay road and then back to the vehicles. 8.3 km and 2½ hours not counting lunch break.

Les

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Hiking – Big Tree Woodlot Loop – 31 Oct 2018

Hiking – Maud Island- 27 March 2019

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This trip was originally scheduled for 27 February

Activity Hiking
Destination Maud Island
Date 27 March Feb 2019, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Sandra Burns
Contact Info sandraburns.ca@gmail.com or 3977.  Please do not call after 8:00pm.  Contact the coordinator in advance of the trip.
Description Hike to Maud Island through varied forest and terrain.  We will do a loop passing over the shoulder of  Mt. Lolo, crossing the causeway to Maud Island, enjoying views of Seymour Narrows, and returning by the salt water lagoon.  Allow 5 hours, including driving, for this walk of approximately 10km.
Meeting Place Heriot Bay Store for car pooling
Departure Time 10:00
Difficulty
 Moderate
Costs none
Trip limits none
Dogs? no
Notes: Bring lunch, poles if you use them and gear for the weather.  We don’t usually do this trip in very poor weather.

Kayaking – Steep Island – 12 Nov 2018

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Activity Kayaking
Destination Steep Island
Date 12 Nov 2018, Monday
Trip Coordinator Les Hand
Contact Info 285-2029 or leshand@gicable.com   Be sure and sign up so I can call you if weather changes
.Description This will be a trip with some current. We will ride the ebb north and there should not be too much current coming back as max is 4.4 at 11:50. This is a higher tide so will be a good time to explore Unkak Cove. If wind comes up we will change to a April Point launch and do Gowlland Harbour.
Meeting Place Quathiaski Cove Ramp
Departure Time Meet at 10:30, launch at 11 am.
Difficulty
 Moderate.
Costs parking
Trip limits none
Dogs? no
Notes: All participants must conform to QIOC paddling guidelines. Participants must have all Coast Guard required equipment and spray skirts.

Hiking – Backdoor/Yellow Mud Loop – 28 Nov 2018

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Activity Hiking
Destination Backdoor/Yellow Mud Loop
Date 28 Nov 2018, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Janis McLean
Contact Info 3614.  Please contact the coordinator in advance of the trip.
Description Starting at Reed Lake, we will go south on Straight as a Dime, turn east on Back Door over the rock bluffs and down to the variously named lake with the large beaver dam.  From here we return along the Yellow Mud trail to Reed Lake.  The loop should take no more than two hours at a leisurely pace.
Meeting Place Heriot Bay store parking lot for car pooling.
Departure Time 10:00
Difficulty
 Easy to moderate (on wet bluffs)
Costs none
Trip limits none
Dogs? Okay under owner’s control
Notes: Bring lunch or a snack, raingear and a hiking pole for slippery bluffs.

Trip Report – Shellaligan Loop – 7 Nov 2018

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Nine hikers and a dog enjoyed this classic hike on a beautiful, sunny, fall day.  We hiked from Valdez Rd, down the logging road and along the rocky shoreline on Hoskyn Channel.  We stopped for a lunch/snack on the rocky bluff at the entrance to Village Bay, overlooking the calm waters with views of the outer islands and mainland mountains.  We were entertained by a sea lion, harlequin ducks and a flock of sea birds.  We shared yummy Belgian brownies before continuing along the shoreline into Village Bay, up the hill, through the forest and back along the logging road to the vehicles.  6.9 km; 2¾ hours.

Julie Mellanby

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Hiking – Shellaligan Loop – 7 Nov 2018

Hiking – Kay Dubois Loop – 21 Nov 2018

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Activity Hiking
Destination Kay Dubois Loop
Date 21 Nov 2018, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Jullie Mellanby
Contact Info 285-3978.  Please contact the coordinator in advance of the trip.
Description We will start at the trailhead at the end of Sutil Road and hike along the official (and newly renovated) trail and through logging roads on the adjoining woodlot.
Meeting Place Kay Dubois trailhead at the end of Sutil Road.
Departure Time 9:30
Difficulty Easy
Costs none
Trip limits none
Dogs? Must not run through the group
Notes: Bring lunch and gear for weather.

Hiking – Haskin’s Farm Loop – 14 Nov 2018

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Activity Hiking
Destination Haskin’s Farm Loop
Date 14 Nov 2018, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Julie Mellanby
Contact Info 285-3978.  Please contact the coordinator in advance of the trip.
Description We will follow the Haskin’s Farm trail to the beach and pass by some great old growth trees before walking through the gently rolling paths on the golf course.
Meeting Place Haskin’s Farm trailhead
Departure Time 9:30
Difficulty
 Easy
Costs none
Trip limits none
Dogs? Must not run through the group.
Notes: Bring lunch and gear for weather.

Hiking – Shellaligan Loop – 7 Nov 2018

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Activity Hiking
Destination Shellaligan Loop
Date 7 Nov 2018, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Julie Mellanby
Contact Info 285-3978.  Please contact the coordinator in advance of the trip.
Description Partly due to the deteriorating condition of the road, we will park at Valdez Rd and walk to the shorter loop along the beach, the bluffs and into village Bay.
Meeting Place Heriot Bay store parking lot for car pooling.
Departure Time 9:30
Difficulty
 Easy to moderate.  There are a few rocky bluffs to scramble up and some undulating sections.
Costs none
Trip limits none
Dogs? Dogs must not run through the group.
Notes: Bring lunch and gear for weather.

Trip Report – Rebecca Spit Loop – 24 Sept 2018

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Heavy rain had been forecast for over a week for Wednesday, so we thought we would do this simple trip.  In the end, it didn’t rain, so that was a bonus.  Seven of us started at the south Rebecca Spit parking lot by the shore and walked the short distance south to see the Sasquatch.  The excellent driftwood sculpture by Alex Witcombe of Driftwood Creations is life sized and convincing.  We continued on to Paddy’s Lagoon and the memorial, and walked further to the open driftwood cabin at the end of the lagoon.  From there we followed the new trail up the hill and through the forest, crossing Heriot Bay Rd and following the old logging roads in a loop out and back to the road.  We walked along the shore by the campground and then made the classic loop to the end of the Spit and back in the park.

This short hike has lots of variety and points of interest along the way.  The maple leaves were at their peak.  The trail is mostly very good and the forest is varied – a lovely, gentle walk.  8.0 km; 2¼ hours.

Debbie

Thanks to Norris and Les for photos

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Hiking – Rebecca Spit Loop – 24 Oct 2018