Tag: Matthew Lettington

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Tzouhalem — Another Day of the Weathers

November 1, 2025

~ submitted by Matthew Lettington

While we didn’t have all the weather, we definitely experienced multiple seasons. We went up in the fall and came down in the spring!

Driving to the trailhead, I could barely get my vehicle up to the speed limit — it was hydroplaning so badly. Fortunately, by the time we regrouped at the trailhead, the deluge had settled into a steady drizzle.

The three of us took our time gaining the ridge, pausing often to enjoy the misty views and admire the towering trees.

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Nine Peaks

June 21, 2025

~ submitted by Matthew Lettington

The Trip: Nine Peaks

I’ve been to Nine Peaks before. It’s a relatively straightforward third-class scramble — if you’re on route and the environment cooperates. But when I picked this location months ago, I had no idea what conditions we’d face. I chose the longest day of the year and planned a four-day itinerary to give everyone a fair shot at summiting. In the days leading up to departure, I nervously checked four different forecast models twice a day, trying to build a reliable picture of what we’d face. Even as we departed, I was still holding my breath.

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Marmot Mountain via the South Ridge – again

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!

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Marmot Mountain from the South: Easier, Quicker, Better?

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.

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Windswept and Wild: An Easter Adventure at Cape Beale and Keeha Beach

April 19, 2025

~ submitted by Matthew Lettington

Tapaltos, Keeha, and Cape Beale are three of my favourite coastal spots on Vancouver Island. I’ve visited them in every month of the year — even camping once in January! Although they weren’t the original plan for our Easter weekend, they made an excellent consolation choice. With one caveat: the wind!

It blew fiercely for our three-night stay, with gusts reaching up to 50 km/h. Luckily, we were able to move our tents far enough back on the beach to shelter from the worst of it. From our camp, we could see a few other tents that hadn’t escaped the wind — I can only imagine how much they must have flapped and slapped all night long.

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Lost and Found: A Return to Nahmint’s East Ridge

May 2, 2025

~ submitted by Matthew Lettington

After the disappointing loss of my axe in early April, I vowed to return and reclaim it. Having been up the east ridge twice in the past six months, and feeling confident about where I had dropped the axe, I was sure we’d find it! Familiar with the terrain, I invited a larger group of club members to join the adventure.

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Canoe Peak

April 12, 2025

~ submitted by Matthew Lettington

I’ve been up Canoe Peak a few times now, and this marks my third successful summit of this rugged beauty. Every time I go, I’m reminded that it’s probably more grueling than I remembered. Yet somehow, I forget all the bushwhacking, steep gullies, and exposed slopes. There’s just something magical about the view that keeps me coming back.

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