Buffalo Hump and Whiskey Jack Creek

–submitted by John Robertson

The weather was perfect for a day’s hiking. We made swift work if the 5 kms on roads to the base of Buffalo Hump mountain. A slightly novel approach at the start led to heavier-than-expected bushwhacking, some extemporized scrambling, and a bit of profanity. After a steep climb and a bit more scrambling, the sub-alpine was reached, and the going was much easier. Views were viewed, and lunch was eaten. The descent was done quickly. From that point, the second objective was the falls on Whiskey Jack creek. Falls were easily found. We assessed the possibility of descent into the ravine and plunge pool, but decided that, despite the temptation of the creek below, there was no safe means of reaching it at that point. We had our creek time at a more accessible point upstream from the falls, and then, refreshed, headed back to the cars.

East Sooke Trail return inland route (Lifetime Hiking Objective)

February 12, 2022

~ submitted by Matthew Lettington

On Saturday, February 12, 2022, four of us hit the trail on what turned out to be one of the finest February days we could have hoped for. 

The East Sooke Coast trail is one of the club’s lifetime hiking objectives. Along with its incredible west coast character, it has a lot of ups and downs. My first time on the trail was in my first year with the club, 2011. At the time I was surprised about the elevation gain on the trail. I remember being amazed at how remote the hike felt. 

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Rambling Along Nootka Island–May 19-25, 2022

–submitted by John Young, originally posted on his blog

The western shore of Nootka Island has been designated as a Sensitive Area since 2003, with the area providing non-exclusive recreational use of the trail area. It is under the jurisdiction of The Ministry of Forests, Campbell River Forest District. The Ministry does have plans to install outhouses (A.K.A. “Green Thrones”), in dire need during the busier summer months.

Untitled photo

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10 Summit Challenge

May 14 & 15, 2022

~ submitted by Mary Hof

10 Summit Challenge Accomplished!

May 14 & 15 saw Island Mountain Ramblers and Outdoor Club of Victoria members hike 40km and 1900m elevation gain. These two days were in preparation for our one day 7 summit hike.

Even though many members signed up, I had lots of cancelations right up to the last minute. Car shuttles were made in advance which complicated things but happy to say it all worked out. Some who were planning to hike the two days, were done after the first day. Good to know people are aware of their limits.

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Springer Peak

April 30, 2022

~ submitted by Matthew Lettington, photos by Jes Garceau

What a day in the mountains! The Prince of Wales range never ceases to offer top-notch hikes and scrambles! 

This was my third trip to the summit. I hosted it because members tell us that they are interested in learning mountaineering skills. This peak offers some great opportunities to practice various skills while providing relative safety. 

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Nile Creek

May 8, 2022

~ submitted by Dorothy Benneke

Stats:  according to my AllTrails recoding, just under 15km with 360m accumulated elevation gain.  Total time:   4h, 25 min.

First:  time to Nile Creek for 3 of the group, time as a loop for 4 of the group, time out on a Rambler hike this year for 2 of the group, and although I’ve led hikes for other groups, first time leading for IMR.

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