Tag: John Young

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Mount Tzouhalem – Spring Flower Frolic

–submitted by John Young. 
 A wonderful excursion on Mount Tzouhalem today. Although the forecast was for rain, the 13 of us lucked out and even enjoyed a little sun. A profusion of flowers – including shooting stars, sea blush, and camas. We spent a leisurely 10 minutes admiring the flowers in the reserve, and then wandered along the ridge to the cross, enjoying wonderful views along the way. Although the parking lot was full, we didn’t see many other people along the way. We had lunch near the summit, before heading down, taking a more inland route back to the car. A most enjoyable nearly three hour jaunt. 

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East Sooke Trail – April 2, 2016

— submitted by John Young
Read the full report on John Young’s Blog, John Young’s Out there

Twelve of us met at Aylard Farm where we had two taxi-vans meet us and transport us to the trailhead at Pike Road. We started hiking under clear skies, but only 3 of us deemed it warm enough for shorts.

After 20 minutes we came to Iron Mine Bay, and some of us donned more clothing to contend with the cool ocean breeze.

The brisk breeze kept the temperatures perfect for hiking, and we marvelled at the views of the Juan de Fuca Strait. I had only done this hike once previously, and had forgotten how rolling it is; you really have to be careful of your step going up and down the rocks! And the ocean is a long ways down from some of the precipitous cliffs!

Read the full report and view all the images on his blog…

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Katzenjammer! Mt. Arrowsmith Judge’s Route – New Year’s Day, 2016

— Submitted by John Young, Read the full report on his Blog, John Young’s Out There 

We set out for the Mt. Arrowsmith climb, looking forward to the snow-covered slopes and the sunny, warm temperatures that were forecast; however, we were not sure about the road conditions, and soon after turning off the highway we had our answer: the road was icy! We inched along, and even at snail-like speeds I found my truck, 4×4 with snow tires, sliding sideways down the road. We therefore opted to park at the Pass Main Junction, rather than driving up to the usual parking spot for the Judge’s Route, adding about 45 min. of walking to our approach.

The 12 of us set off about 9 a.m., and reached the spur road about 9:45. Last year there was no snow on the spur; not the case this year …..

Read the full report on John’s blog. 

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6th Annual Fall Frolic — Ramble through Linley Valley

–Submitted by Matthew Lettington

The fall hiking season is well underway. The weekend of September 24th there were four events on the Island Mountain Ramblers’ schedule.

Saturday, John Young led a group of 6 Island Mountain Ramblers through Linley Valley.

The day was cool but nothing more than the dew of the early morning graced the hikers as they walked about 5 kilometres along the meandering trails. We visited Cottle Lake and two look outs before making our way back to the cars.

After the hike everyone feasted on the delicious fair brought be each hiker. Conversations ranged from what we were busy doing all summer to which hikes the club may put on in the future.

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Cruikshank Canyon

— Submitted by John Young
The day turned out much better than we’d expected. It was raining on the
drive up, but we just had some light mist on the hike, and by the end of it,
the sun actually came out. Although the views weren’t there (couldn’t see
Cruikshank Canyon at all!), the fall colours were wonderful, and the many
mushrooms were dazzling. A lovely seven hour jaunt around Paradise!

View full album… 
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Klitsa Mountain

— Submitted by John Young
Had perfect weather for the June 20th Klitsa Mountain Hike, although the road couldn’t have been any dustier! Our three 4×4’s made it up as far as we could go on the old spur off of Nahmint Main, and our group of 9 started hiking at 9:40. After 1/2 hour walking up the washed-out road, we then entered the old growth on the Brook George trail. A beautiful walk through the forest, and then broke out of the trees after another 1/2 hour, and soon we had views of surrounding peaks, valleys, and lakes. We meandered our way up, reaching the summit about 1:40, where we sighted a ptarmigan. After a leisurely lunch, we started down, and spotted a grouse and chick, and reached the cars about 5 p.m. Great outing! 

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Mt Tzouhalem — Hike & Flower Hunt

–Submitted by John Young

Another lovely jaunt up beautiful Mt. Tzouhalem. Picturesque clouds in the morning, and then cleared off, and warmed up in the afternoon. Spent a little extra time wandering around the bike trails, making it a 6 hour outing, including many breaks. Many other people up at the cross enjoying the great view. Some flowers out, and fresh growth on the Garry Oak was beautiful. 

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Maude Island

— Submitted by John Young

As planned, we caught the 9:20 ferry from Campbell River, under mostly sunny skies, and started hiking just before 10 a.m.  A very quiet day on the trail, as we didn’t see any other hikers! We made good time, even if we did take a wrong turn at the end of Morte Lake and traversed the logging roads for about an hour before getting back on the trail. We still had time, though, to enjoy the splendid view from Maude Island overlooking Seymour Narrows,  and I still marvelled at the moss-festooned trees en route and the wonderful views from the bluffs nearing Maude Island and of Morte Lake. We returned to the trailhead about 4:20, and with the next ferry departing at 5:50, Ken drove like a rally driver and we made it with time to spare. 
 
Another wonderful outing to Maude Island. 
 

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Puntledge River

— Submitted by John Young
What
had been scheduled as a snowshoe, ended up being a most enjoyable hike along
the Puntledge River, starting at Stotan Falls and up to the damn at Comos Lake
and back the other side, and in temperatures that seemed almost summer like! We
ambled along, stopping occasionally for Ken Rodonets to inform us of the
industrial history of the area. We rambled for about 5 1/2 hours, and it was
great to get acquainted with a few prospective members. Thanks, Ken, for a most
enjoyable hike. 

Island Mountain Ramblers hiking the Puntledge River in Courtenay

Island Mountain Ramblers hiking the Puntledge River in Courtenay

Island Mountain Ramblers hiking the Puntledge River in Courtenay

Island Mountain Ramblers hiking the Puntledge River in Courtenay
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Novice Snowshoe!? Really!?

–Submitted by John Young
–Photographs by Matthew Lettington & Bil Derby




The Introduction to Snowshoeing for Novices quickly morphed into an intermediate outing due to the sketchy snow conditions. With 23 of us setting out from Raven Lodge, we split into two groups, with Matt helping to lead the other group. I had decided to head uphill from Raven Lodge, reasoning that the snow would be better higher up, and it would be easier to navigate in the fog going uphill and then descending. 


It was tough going up the slope north of Raven Lodge, however, because the hill, while usually almost bare of trees, was festooned with trees and sloppy snow, resulting in us plunging past our knees in the sodden mess. The going, and the weather, did improve as we went along, though, and the sun almost broke through. And coming down was pleasant in places, where there was enough snow. It was a really nice group to go out with, and I hope we get more snow!

View full album of 15 images…

Total Distance: 5km
Starting Elevation:1087 m
Maximum Elevation 1365 m
Total Elevation Gain: 302 m
Time: 4 hours

Ken, still smiling!

never miss a moment to catch a photograph!

The route down