Living the best adventure life, since 1958
June 8, 2025
~ submitted by Matthew Lettington
Three club members gathered at Piper’s Lagoon on Saturday for a hands-on introduction to rappelling—an essential skill in the mountaineer’s toolkit.
Continue reading “Workshop: Learn to Rappel”
May 25, 2025
~ submitted by Matthew Lettington
Just a few weeks ago, I led a club trip to Marmot Mountain. Thanks to a recommendation from one of the participants, we took a chance and approached via the south ridge. The gamble paid off — we were treated to a lovely ridge walk and even spotted a marmot sunning itself!
With my wife and daughter away at a weekend-long Scout camp, I had the perfect opportunity to head out hiking with my son. We decided to do a double-feature: Gemini and Marmot — doubling his chances of seeing a marmot in the wild!
Continue reading “Marmot Mountain via the South Ridge – again”
May 24, 2025
~ submitted by Matthew Lettington
Gemini Mountain is a consistent family favourite! While Mount Green may hold the top spot in our hearts, Gemini is a close second. With spring in the air and snow finally retreating from the backroads, access to these far-flung areas is getting a little easier.
May 10, 2025
~ submitted by Matthew Lettington
Our Marmot Mountain adventure turned out quite different from what we expected.
In past visits, I’ve always approached the summit from the Nanaimo Lakes side — a route that plunges into steep, brush-choked terrain. That was our original plan again this time, but when fewer than five people expressed interest, I reconsidered. It didn’t seem worth dragging a group through that notoriously rough route unless it was absolutely necessary.
Continue reading “Marmot Mountain from the South: Easier, Quicker, Better?”
March 30, 2025
~ submitted by Matthew Lettington
It’s been many years since I last visited the Westwood Ridges—probably before COVID-19. This time, I had the pleasure of hosting a relaxed ramble and brought my family along for the adventure. The day could not have been more perfect: cool, crisp air with just the lightest breeze, making for an ideal hiking atmosphere.
Continue reading “Westwood Ridges Ridge Ramble”
November 11, 2024
~ submitted by Matthew Lettington
The weather must’ve scared a couple of other people away, but I had a great time with Roland on the cliffs.
While it was a little bit breezy, the rain didn’t show up until our last rappels.
October 6, 2024
~ submitted by Matthew Lettington
While the trip was open to more people, only nine members joined us on the hike up Green Mountain (around 15 people dropped off just days before the trip). Regardless, the group was amazing!
June 27, 2024
~ submitted by Ken Warren
Well the weather was better than forecast for our mountain adventure. Five of us headed up Benson from Morrell at a respectable speed.
By the time we got to the viewpoints the fog obscured our views. We ground on with only a few wrong turns and made the summit by noon. We sat around as the fog got thicker and the temperature dropped. Our wildlife sightings were limited to frogs and grey jays.
We made good time on the descent and arrived at the parking lot tired, stiff, and quite happy.
Thanks all for your company.
We left from Hwy 4 up the logging road to the TH and made our way up to the lookout. Did the out and back route. Stunning water falls at the bridge, views as we made our way up. When we reached the summit, we were treated to the most beautiful sunny views and enjoyed the inverted cloud views with little to no wind. Being greeted and dive-bombed by whiskey jacks was a highlight as we fed them, and they took it upon themselves to steal what they could of our lunches. The CPR trail is one of my favourites for sure!!
June 25th, 2023
~ submitted by Matthew Lettington
Two members joined me for a half day of hanging out on the rope.
We all learned to tie a few knots, and put themself onto the rappel device. By day’s end each of us was able to get on rappel, set the backup Prussic and rappel down the 30 foot cliff safely.
