Rambling Along Nootka Island–May 19-25, 2022

–submitted by John Young, originally posted on his blog

The western shore of Nootka Island has been designated as a Sensitive Area since 2003, with the area providing non-exclusive recreational use of the trail area. It is under the jurisdiction of The Ministry of Forests, Campbell River Forest District. The Ministry does have plans to install outhouses (A.K.A. “Green Thrones”), in dire need during the busier summer months.

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A Mt. Benson Ramble–November 21, 2021

Just enough snow to make it more beautiful, but not so much to make it a laborious hike. We took the trail to the far right of the main parking lot, crossed the creek below the waterfalls, and up to the west ridge. A steep trail at times, but well-marked and with some great views.

Crossing McGarrigle Creek

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A steep trail at times

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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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Cape-Scott-Exploration

–submitted by John Young. Originally published on his blog

August 21 – to Nels Bight
August 22 – to the Cape Scott Lighthouse return
August 23 – return to the parking lot for resupplies; camp at San Josef West
August 24 – to Lowrie Bay
August 25 – take cover from the rain at Lowrie Bay
August 26 – return to the trailhead

This trip had such variety, well trodden trails, seaside scrambling, old growth forest, broad vistas, historic sites, sunshine, rain, secluded beaches and more visited ones.

And I was so fortunate to share it with such wonderful companions!

The well-trodden trail on our way in on August 21