March 10, 2024
~ submitted by Mary Hof
Well, it turned out to be a beautiful hike that I led for the Ramblers today. I had 11 cancel and 1 no show, but to those that came we had a wonderful day.
Continue reading “Maple Mountain”Maple Mountain
Mount Becher via Boston Ridge
February 4, 2024
~ submitted by Pete Hrkac
Solid, consolidated snow made for easy travel. Traction was very useful for ascending and descending the steeper sections. Although we brought axes, we only used them once, briefly during the descent from Boston Ridge toward Mt. Becher.
It was a great loop, easy route-finding.
Tower and Meadow Cabin Loop
March 3, 2024
~ submitted by Evan White
We started the day by parking on Jordan Main when the snow levels were too high to continue.
We hiked to Tower Cabin where we met four ladies that were on their way out from an overnighter. From there we headed to Meadow cabin, breaking trail in up to 3 feet of fresh snow. We arrived at Meadow cabin, made a hot lunch while melting some snow to replenish our water supply.
From Meadow Cabin we broke more trail while heading out on Matty’s trail in more waist high snow.
Our day was a total of 9.5 hours with 6 hours of moving time over 19km. A good day was had!
Cowichan RIver, Part 2
Submitted by Su Castle
Cowichan River was in full flood. The weather was dry, almost warm, with blue skies once the fog burned off.
The trail (just shy of 16 km) was in good condition. Only a few high water/wet spots to navigate around – including a spring river-ing down our turnaround trail!
Monument Mountain to Grassy Lake
January 13th, 2024
~ submitted by Su Castle
The intended trail head (parking lot #2/Sooke Potholes) that would have us closer to our intended destination was locked (icy, windy, steep road); so we changed plans and started off from the Charters Creek trailhead.
Through -5 temps, clear skies, snow and ice underfoot; 4 humans and one dog tromped up Monument instead. We had a brisk pace with very short stops to stay warm.
Coming down off the hill towards the north, we caught icy winds in the face for a short time. We stopped to admire the frozen Grassy lake before returning down Grass Lake trail.
We wanted to include Devastation Hill, but the creek crossing was a little larger than we wanted to attempt.
Took us about 3 hours to hike 12.5 kms with 550 metre elevation gain.
Mount Becher New Years Day Celebration
January 1st, 2024
~ submitted by Greg Deabler
Our New Year’s Day stroll up Becher was thoroughly enjoyed by seven Ramblers: It was +2 at the trailhead with slight traces of snow along the plowlines of the road up and no snow at the parking lot.
Given that there had been rain during the previous week and little fresh snow, we made the decision to leave the snowshoes behind and trust our microspikes. A good decision, the snow was hard and supportive all the way to the summit. No wind and and lots of fog as we ascended and came down served to negate most of the views but made for perfect hiking comfort conditions for the day.
A lingering lunch on top, a few photo shoots involving an igloo constructed by a group who had spent the night, as well as the resident and persistent whiskey jacks made for a nice stop. Headed down at a good pace and arrived back at the cars by 2:15 pm.
A great day with even better company!
The Central Walbran Valley — August, 2023
Ridge Rambler- Gowland Todd One way
–submitted by Su Castle
We left a vehicle at both trailheads and commenced the10km ridge hike at Caleb Pike, taking 3 hours with stops for photos and a detour to see both Cascade Falls and the extremely high tide at McKenzie Bight. While there was wind on the ridge, there was no rain! Elevation gain travelling in this direction was minimal, only 400m.
CPR Trail – Arrowsmith Regional Park
–submitted by Clint Millar
We left from Hwy 4 up the logging road to the TH and made our way up to the lookout. Did the out and back route. Stunning water falls at the bridge, views as we made our way up. When we reached the summit, we were treated to the most beautiful sunny views and enjoyed the inverted cloud views with little to no wind. Being greeted and dive-bombed by whiskey jacks was a highlight as we fed them, and they took it upon themselves to steal what they could of our lunches. The CPR trail is one of my favourites for sure!!
A pretty successful trip for my first time leading!!
Mt. Prevost-Remembrance Service
–submitted by Mary Hof
For 21 years the Cowichan Hikers have been doing a Remembrance Day Service at the cairn on Mt. Prevost, on Remembrance Day. I invited the Ramblers to join. Starting with a welcome as we watched 6 planes flying below, it was very moving. We followed with the trumpet recording of the The Last Post at 11am. We had 2 minutes of silence followed by trumpet playing the Reveille. Flanders Fields was read followed by a Prayer.
