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.

Bald Mountain

March 30, 2022

~ submitted by Mary Hof

5 of us enjoyed a wonderful day hiking Bald Mountain. 11km, 650m elevation gain.

We started off hiking near the lake shore above the new housing on Marble Bay Rd. Oh, man – the scotch broom is 6 feet high and covers the whole trail for a section. I believe this part might be on private property, the only way to get around it would be by boat.

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Mount Tzouhalem

–submitted by Mary Hof

December 20th turned out to be an awesome day for a hike. Thanks to those that ventured from Nanaimo and Victoria to join in.

We started at Kaspa Rd trailhead and hiked some trails then got onto the AWESOME trail, and that it was,  with great views and a bench to sit on. We then took Field of Dreams to the far end and came on the Ridge trail, with great views. We had lunch in the sun and ventured our way back coming along side the Flower Reserve where only in a few months the flowers will be blooming.

Thank you for the wonderful people that joined in this hike. The hike was 10.5 km with 700m elevation gain
 
 

A Bounty of Colours on the Forbidden Plateau Traverse

–submitted by John Young; originally published on his blog

This is probably my favourite fall hike and this year didn’t disappoint! With light rain misting the foliage, the colours popped. So vibrant! And it sure made the kilometers (all 27.3 of them) melt away, and even after 9 hours the colours of Paradise Meadows slowed my mind when I looked at them.

I was glad, too, that we had two groups, with Bil’s group starting from Raven Lodge and our group starting at the old Forbidden ski area, thus eliminating the dreadful shuttle.

After about an hour, we were through the old ski resort and entered Strathcona Park

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