Living the best adventure life, since 1958
February 14, 2026
~ submitted by Matthew Lettington
Every winter, our family makes an effort to go snow camping in Strathcona Park. It’s become something of a tradition — one that isn’t always easy to schedule, but is always worth the effort.
Continue reading “Holy Snap! Winter Camping at Helen Mackenzie”
February 15, 2026
~ submitted by Matthew Lettington
Getting the family outdoors can be a real challenge. Between busy schedules and competing priorities, it’s often a matter of simply deciding to make it happen. This summer we have big ambitions: hiking the North Coast Trail together as a family. After my experience hiking the West Coast Trail with my son last year, I learned that success comes from putting in the hours ahead of time. Time on our feet matters. That’s what inspired this recent trip up Mount Benson.
Continue reading “Winter kilometres on Mount Benson now, coastal kilometres later”
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 31, 2026
~ submitted by Matthew Lettington
While we originally had a grand plan to camp overnight and summit Adder Mountain, a terrible forecast forced a change. Then more rain caused another adjustment… and when snow entered the forecast, it was time for a complete rethink. In the end, the ambitious alpine objective gave way to something far less epic — but still well worth doing.
Continue reading “East Sooke Trail — A Fine Consolation”
January 25, 2026
~ submitted by Matthew Lettington
If I could describe a perfect day in the mountains, it would look a lot like the club’s recent trip to 5040 Peak. It was the kind of day that begins with a light chill but never truly feels cold; snow that’s firm underfoot and never collapses beneath your boots; blazing sunshine that warms without scorching; and, of course, good friends to keep you moving upward.
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!
January 3, 2026
~ submitted by Matthew Lettington
“Wet” pretty much sums it up.
How wet was it? Wet enough that two people took one look at the trailhead and decided they’d had enough adventure for the day. When we arrived, rain was absolutely hammering down, pooling across the parking lot in what could only be described as a proper deluge.
Continue reading “A Very Wet Snowshoe to Mount Elma”
October 25, 2025
~ submitted by Matthew Lettington
On October 25, only four members were brave enough to face the forecast. Although the trip was originally quite popular, a half-dozen people backed out in the final hours—and honestly, who could blame them? The weather looked downright grim.
Still, the four of us met at the head of the logging road, determined to take on the predicted 50 km/h winds, driving rain, and fresh snow. Our plan was to climb Mount Cokely via the Saddle Route and return along Rosseau Ridge.
Continue reading “Mount Cokely”
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.
June 21, 2025
~ submitted by Matthew Lettington
I’ve been to Nine Peaks before. It’s a relatively straightforward third-class scramble — if you’re on route and the environment cooperates. But when I picked this location months ago, I had no idea what conditions we’d face. I chose the longest day of the year and planned a four-day itinerary to give everyone a fair shot at summiting. In the days leading up to departure, I nervously checked four different forecast models twice a day, trying to build a reliable picture of what we’d face. Even as we departed, I was still holding my breath.
Continue reading “Nine Peaks”