—submitted by Mary Hof
January 23rd, I led 6 Island Mountain Ramblers, and 6 Outdoor Club of Victoria members, (I am a member of both); to a hike in the Gowlland Range.
The Gowlland Range is just east of Saanich Inlet and south of Brentwood Bay. I started at the Emma Dickson trailhead. We started in fog and even had some hail dropping on us, at times we got some sun. We were above the cloud, which made for beautiful views. I usually don’t take this many people, but I knew that on some of the trails I would take, we would not see anyone on them. It all worked out well.
Hike was 10km and 500m of elevation gain. Both clubs are members of the Federation of Mountain Clubs and it was good to hear why some decided to join a certain club. For me it’s a joy to lead people that love to get out and enjoy our great outdoors. You know sometimes it be easier just to get out there and hike, forget about the work to set it all up, with people joining then canceling. It’s called giving back to your community, when I joined the Outdoor Club 30 years ago, there were leaders showing the way, it didn’t take me long to get involved. I hope one day my grandkids will lead the way.
