Living the best adventure life, since 1958
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!
February 17, 2025
~ submitted by Matthew Lettington
Family Day weekend was originally reserved for a multi-day adventure, but the rainy forecast forced a change of plans. Instead, we made a smaller but still rewarding trip to Mount Elma, taking advantage of the best weather window—and what a day it turned out to be!
Our group of ten (nine club members and one guest) enjoyed a beautiful, sunny, clear day along the coast, even glimpsing a pod of orcas heading north.
Continue reading “East Sooke Park Trail – Alyard to Cabin Point”
November 2, 2024
~ submitted by Matthew Lettington
We had a glorious trip planned up Sadie Peak from the west (Nitnat) side. A week earlier, Phil and I explored this approach and discovered that the old road was drivable to nearly 1000 metres, provided that one doesn’t care a lick about their paint. I was primed to do this peak again without the long, busier approach from the Nitnat-Nanaimo Lakes pass. Things didn’t go as expected.
Just 2 kilometres from my house, my water pump decided to give up, drenching the Jeep’s cooling system and killing my power steering. It was a challenging journey back home, with the vehicle on the brink of overheating. But I was not alone in this. I called Chris, who kindly agreed to pick me up, showing the true spirit of friendship. With our camaraderie, we set out to create a new plan, undeterred by the unexpected turn of events.
Continue reading “Gemini Mountain”
October 12, 2024
~ submitted by Mary Hof
With a beautiful sunny 21 degree weather day we were all wondering why we didn’t wear shorts. We did a short car shuttle and started our hike at the cave trailhead.
We hiked Maret Way named after a good friend who loved bushwhacking so this trail probably would not be found without a track. We made our way to the ridge and down Mad Dog. We came out at Genoa Bay.
I loved our group and they were very appreciative of the hike. It was a beautiful day.
A smooth ride to Rugged Point on July 8th
Continue reading “A beaut of a Beachcomb on the Tatchu Peninsula”
This report recounts a story from a less-visited location, although it is not about a club trip.
I have been fascinated by the Brooks Peninsula for some time. Geographically it is significant as it sticks out quite prominently on the west side of the island near the northern tip. It is rumoured to have its own weather system and significant hazards for boaters and kayakers rounding its western point. There are some very hard to reach mountains on the peninsula as well, one called Mount Doom that has a great mystique by name and remoteness. Up in those mountains contain some interesting flora and fauna as this part of the island may have not been covered by snow and ice during the ice age, resulting in some prehistoric plants still living to this day.
I met the Ramblers group for 9am at the Flower Ridge trailhead. Our group of six set out just after 9am. We got to the ridge in about four hours and continued along for another hour or so to camp. It was windy on the ridge but the sun was out, so my gear finally had a chance to dry.
After a solid night’s sleep, we had a casual start to the day departing camp at 9am. Our goal for the day was Central Crags, the summit of this mountain is just over 1650 metres. We made our way along Flower Ridge gaining and losing elevation as we went. The ridge is wide and open offerings lots of different paths and perspectives along their way. The Septimus Rosseau massif started to come into view topped by a thick layer of cloud, but we caught great views of the hanging glacier and snow fields.
~14.7km/1620m (+/-)
Steamboat Mtn falls inside the Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks, A donation was made to the Tribal Park Guardians on the way through.
Up at stupid o’clock by all, had us all together and on foot for 6:30 am. An eager group of 6, we set out on what was planned to be a full day out. How quickly the gentle start of an easy spur trail to distract you fades away, leading to progressively tighter and tighter trail, until the forest consumes you completely and spits you out the other side! Up old creek beds, steep forest, around wasp nests, under logs, over logs, repeat and repeat again and eventually you’ll find yourself at a nice unnamed lake maybe halfway up. A chance to ditch some pack weight, refill water and have a quick snack.
