Living the best adventure life, since 1958
January 31, 2026
~ submitted by Matthew Lettington
While we originally had a grand plan to camp overnight and summit Adder Mountain, a terrible forecast forced a change. Then more rain caused another adjustment… and when snow entered the forecast, it was time for a complete rethink. In the end, the ambitious alpine objective gave way to something far less epic — but still well worth doing.
Continue reading “East Sooke Trail — A Fine Consolation”
January 25, 2026
~ submitted by Matthew Lettington
If I could describe a perfect day in the mountains, it would look a lot like the club’s recent trip to 5040 Peak. It was the kind of day that begins with a light chill but never truly feels cold; snow that’s firm underfoot and never collapses beneath your boots; blazing sunshine that warms without scorching; and, of course, good friends to keep you moving upward.
December 28, 2025
~ submitted by Matthew Lettington
We had nearly a full group out for this early-season snowshoe trip, thanks in part to a recent snowfall that piled up just enough snow to make snowshoes worthwhile. In many spots, the snow was only about five inches deep—shallow enough that the picnic benches were still visible. If we’d wanted to, we could have stopped for a proper sit-down break!
January 3, 2026
~ submitted by Matthew Lettington
“Wet” pretty much sums it up.
How wet was it? Wet enough that two people took one look at the trailhead and decided they’d had enough adventure for the day. When we arrived, rain was absolutely hammering down, pooling across the parking lot in what could only be described as a proper deluge.
Continue reading “A Very Wet Snowshoe to Mount Elma”
October 25, 2025
~ submitted by Matthew Lettington
On October 25, only four members were brave enough to face the forecast. Although the trip was originally quite popular, a half-dozen people backed out in the final hours—and honestly, who could blame them? The weather looked downright grim.
Still, the four of us met at the head of the logging road, determined to take on the predicted 50 km/h winds, driving rain, and fresh snow. Our plan was to climb Mount Cokely via the Saddle Route and return along Rosseau Ridge.
Continue reading “Mount Cokely”
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.
June 21, 2025
~ submitted by Matthew Lettington
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.
Continue reading “Nine Peaks”
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.
