Living the best adventure life, since 1958
July 5, 2025
~ submitted by Brian Fleming
Mount Regan is not a summit that gets a lot of visitors. One way to get there would take most people two or three days and has its own challenges. Luckily, we had an access agreement to get past a locked gate and could access the easier North Ridge route.
Continue reading “Mount Regan – North Ridge”
June 29, 2025
~ submitted by Evan Martin
I was a little disappointed when I failed to bag Mount Joan this winter. My first attempt was in March this year. We turned around after 5 hours prior to making the ridge. I was expecting this to be a big day, and was waiting for an opportunity to give it another attempt. So when a free weekend came up early this summer, it became an obvious objective.
I posted the trip with little expectations. Although not officially a long weekend, I figured many people would be taking the Monday off and taking summer trips. However, I ended up with two Ramblers joining me.
Continue reading “Mount Joan, Squarehead Mountain, Mount Curran Loop”
June 10, 2025
~ submitted by Dorothy Benneke
7 of us had one of those perfect Gulf Island days for Mount Geoffrey on Hornby Island…it was a new hike for a few of the group. Â We enjoyed the Middle Bench and Ridge Trails with spectacular views over Lambert Channel. Â
For the lunch spot, a local biker directed us to a bench which offered great views (but also added on a few extra kms!). On the return trip, the busy Denman ferry was running shuttle sailing mode, but an ice cream stand made the wait time a bit sweeter.
My track showed 17.5km with 585m accumulated elevation.
May 31, 2025
~ submitted by Evan Martin
Three Ramblers headed out from Bedwell Lake trailhead towards mount Septimus. We drove through torrential rain from Victoria, feeling pretty pessimistic about the forecast. However, the forecast was true to its word, and we departed the trailhead at 12:30 with clear sky’s. We began to encounter snow just prior to Baby Bedwell. It was patchy and generally supportive, but we had to be extra careful getting on and off staircases, crossing small streams, etc. the snow disappeared again as we crested and started descending into Bedwell Lake, but we reentered it again prior to arriving at the Bedwell Lake campsite at 3:30.
June 6, 2025
~ submitted by Su Castle
It was a hot day up Heather Mountain. The snow had mostly melted; luckily there were a few patches to cool down with.
It was one member’s first hike both on Vancouver Island and with the IMR. Â We had a 12 km round trip as we were able to drive most of the way up.
Great company, big views. We took it slow and steady, made time for rest stops and a little exploring.
Elapsed time: 6 hours. Elevation gain: 750m.
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.
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.
Continue reading “Marmot Mountain from the South: Easier, Quicker, Better?”
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.
Continue reading “Windswept and Wild: An Easter Adventure at Cape Beale and Keeha Beach”
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.
Continue reading “Lost and Found: A Return to Nahmint’s East Ridge”