Living the best adventure life, since 1958
–submitted by Mary Hof
Hike from Morrell Sanctuary to [redacted by request of Department of National Defence ] and along the South Ridge to the summit of Mt Benson and down the North Ridge to Witchcraft Lake. October 2, 2016.
A slight departure from the scheduled route, an extra leg was added to the hike to extend the day trip.
Four of us started out from the N. end of Westwood L. following the standard ridges route with a first stop at Ridge 1 overlooking the lake. After a brief snack it was on to Ridge 2 for lunch, complete with views to Mt. Benson, Robert’s Roost and Ladysmith inlet. We concluded our hike with a brief tour of a couple of trails in Morrell: the Rocky Knoll trail (not to be missed), and the Beaver Pond.
Good weather, good group, and a nice woodsy ramble fit for anyone with average physical fitness.
— submitted by Mike Hordelski
Grey skies to start to our day, but no rain in sight. The five of us started out 8:45. We weren’t disappointed when we arrived at the creek crossing-lower water level than I expected, and were able to cross without event. Very windy at the viewpoints, saw out first snow just below the Old Road, and a trail runner out with his dog–in training for a marathon, by the looks of it, we followed his tracks along the same route we were taking.
We had an astonishing good hike to the summit, some kick-stepping required on firm snowpack; needed to take shelter for the summit lunch as it was blowing hard. Found a nice spot allowing us to enjoy the falling snow, and feed those thieving whiskey jacks.
