May 13, 2023
~ submitted by Ken Warren
The weather was gorgeous, if a little warmer than expected. Trail conditions were excellent with no snow on the trail, solid footing, and improvements on the lower section.
Mt Benson North Ridges
Crest Mountain Sunday Stroll
October 23, 2022
~ submitted by Ken Warren
As we approached the trailhead on Sunday the temperature dropped, frost formed in the slash, and wearing shorts was obviously a mistake – but onward and upward. With only four we kept a good pace up to the first tarn which was still liquid, although frost was forming around the edge.
Alberni Inlet Stage 1
April 11, 2022
~ submitted by Ken Warren
The drive to the trailhead was rather threatening as the temperature dropped and the slush from the morning’s snow covered the highway. We had to wear our rain jackets when we first set out as the snow was melting out of the trees, but within an hour the skies had cleared and the trees were no longer dripping.
Mount Benson North Ridge route
March 28, 2022
~ submitted by Ken Warren
When I posted this hike the forecast said sun … unfortunately that was not the case. However the rain was light and didn’t last too long.
The trail was mostly clear and we didn’t spike up until near the summit. The wind and fog kept us from lingering too long at the top.
We saw only five other people on the mountain making it the quietest day on Benson I’ve had in many years.
It was a good hike with good company and my first hike with Ravi. Welcome to the club and I hope to see more of you.
The Hordelski – Mt Benson
–submitted by Ken Warren
The forecast was quite grim for New Year’s Day. It called for overnight snow, light snow in the morning, and wind increasing throughout the day. Well there was no overnight snow which made access to the trailhead possible, it wasn’t snowing when we set out, and the wind and temperature were reasonable.
Mt Elma Snowshoe
–Submitted by Ken Warren
January 8, 2022
After a flurry of early morning communications and a change in leader, five of us headed for Mt Elma on snowshoes from Raven Lodge. Although the parking lot was full, the trails were quiet. Fortunately someone had the same destination in mind and kindly broke trail for us. Conditions were ok with the temperature around minus 4, light snow, and light wind. The snow is quite deep and loose so it took some effort to get up to the summit ridge. Visibility was almost nil, but the windrifted snow and the mantled trees made the trip worthwhile.
Camas Ridge, Old Thistle Mine, Christie Falls
November 27, 2021
~ submitted by Ken Warren
Although the weather and other factors kept enthusiasm down, Maggie and I headed into the rain. Camas Ridge was socked in which concentrated our focus on the trees and rock formations reminding us of why we hike.
Arrowsmith Saddle, Mt Cokely
October, 2021
~ submitted by Ken Warren
Unusually for this October, the clear skies demanded sunglasses and not raincoats. Nine of us set off from Pass Main for the Arrowsmith saddle on the snow dusted trail.
Continue reading “Arrowsmith Saddle, Mt Cokely”Green Mountain
October 25th, 2020
~ submitted by Matthew Lettington
It was a chilly mid-morning start for the club trip up Green Mountain. With the popularity of the trip, we hiked as three groups, departing several minutes apart. Although covered in a skiff of snow, the well-worn boot track was easy to follow.
Alberni Inlet Trail – Stage I
October 17th, 2020
~ submitted by Ken Warren
Six of us set off from the Ships Creek trailhead on a cool and overcast Saturday morning. The trail is in excellent condition and is still quite dry. We paused at the first lookout which can give views stretching from Mount Marks to the Comox Glacier, but the clouds had dropped low enough to conceal any mountain presence.
Continue reading “Alberni Inlet Trail – Stage I”