Living the best adventure life, since 1958
–submitted by Mary Hof
November 1, a great beautiful day on Mt. Tzouhalem, leading a Rambler hike. We did a car shuttle to Genoa Bay and started on the Mad Dog trail continued to the Bench where we enjoyed a snack. We stopped to recognize Daniel who died on the trail in 2025. It was nice to see his memorial and share with the others how life can change so fast.
The Island Mountain Ramblers has been my home for hiking since sometime in 2011. In that time, I’ve had the joy of exploring many far-flung places. Some are tucked away on the outer edges of the coast, some high in the hills, and others are places that simply can’t be shared. Over the years, I’ve also had plenty of time to consider the club’s various hiking and climbing objectives.
I’ve answered many questions from members about who chose these objectives and why. Some choices are obvious, while others leave us scratching our heads. The reality is that access has changed considerably over the years. What once took several days of trekking to reach might now be a two-hour jaunt. A route that was once the standard approach might now take you well out of your way. Even the best routes and trails change as time marches on, whether through windfall, erosion, or other natural forces.
Continue reading “The Mystery of the Upper Cowichan River Trail”
March 14, 2026
~ submitted by Ken Warren
A great day in good weather. We followed Chilco to blue, yellow, blue to the end, Mill Bay pink, Summit, Maple Syrup, Story Connector, Xylem, Tony’s Arbutus, Mary’s Lookout, nnamed trails to m710, to Chilco. 16+ km, 1000+ m. Good company. Thanks. |
February 22, 2026
~ submitted by Matthew Lettington
It seems challenging to get people out on hikes these days! As part of our ongoing effort to improve the family’s general fitness for an upcoming summer backpacking trip, I posted a trip to Mount Tzouhalem on the schedule. While the weather forecast was uncertain, perhaps the kids’ presence deterred some people.
Continue reading “Mount Tzouhalem from Genoa Bay”
January 18, 2026
~ submitted by Mary Hof
What a day to lead a hike on Mt. Tzouhalem.
The sun was so warm and the group from Island Mountain Ramblers and OCV were awesome. We did a short car shuttle and hiked from Genoa bay to Kaspa Rd. 4 hours 575m.
We made a stop at Daniel’s Memorial, was happy to see that it sits just as placed. Thanks to those who shared pictures.
November 11, 2025
~ submitted by Mary Hof
What a beautiful day to hike up Mt Prevost for the Remembrance Day Service. I was happy to be able to lead this service, and it was so good to see so many people coming up.
Continue reading “Mount Prevost Remembrance Day Hike and Service”
November 1, 2025
~ submitted by Matthew Lettington
While we didn’t have all the weather, we definitely experienced multiple seasons. We went up in the fall and came down in the spring!
Driving to the trailhead, I could barely get my vehicle up to the speed limit — it was hydroplaning so badly. Fortunately, by the time we regrouped at the trailhead, the deluge had settled into a steady drizzle.
The three of us took our time gaining the ridge, pausing often to enjoy the misty views and admire the towering trees.
Continue reading “Tzouhalem — Another Day of the Weathers”
October 5, 2025
~ submitted by Mary Hof
What a beautiful day we had along the Cowichan River on October 5th/25. The fall colours along the river were breathtaking.
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.
