Tag: Mount Richards

February 4th and 5th, 2023

~ submitted by Mary Hof

I am writing this blog for both hikes to Mt. Richards for Feb 4th and 5th. I offered the same hikes for both days, because at the beginning I saw so many people on the wait list, and I saw many were first timer, and I didn’t want them to miss the opportunity. In the end 7 hiked on Saturday and 8 on Sunday. Saying all that, I am happy I kept the two days of hiking on Mt. Richards and that I was able to lead for many that have not been there before.

The weather was dreary both days, but we got some views both days also. Lots of history on Mt. Richards with the Lenora railway and we got to walk in history where the track once was. We saw beaver lodges and freshly cut trees cut by beavers.

The Saturday group got to do some off trail hiking lol, which everyone enjoyed, but wasn’t planned. But what is a hike if no bushwalking is involved right?

Thanks Ramblers for a great two days of leading hikes.

June 7, 2020

~ submitted by Mary Hof

Having said I would lead an official hike under the new normal for the Island Ramblers I kind of felt a bit apprehensive. I knew 5 of the 6 people (4 were members, and 2 were guests and no other member emailed) but for some reason I had this feeling that I never had in the 24 years I have been leading hikes.

I arrived at the Mt Richards trailhead early and with clipboard in hand I made sure I had everyone’s emergency contacts cell numbers. Usually I just pass the clipboard around but with COVID, I held on to it and took the information myself. I then carry that paper with me in case it’s needed. It always amazes me (not this hike) but some hikes that people don’t have a emergency contact they can give me, once I even had someone gave me their lawyer I mentioned their office was closed how would I reach him Lol. 

Today, once we made a circle and everyone introduced themselves, I felt good to go. It was a beautiful hike using my new trails on Mt Richards, hitting many few points and so many beautiful flowers, ferns, lake, and pine trees. We even had a photo shoot with some beautiful foxgloves flowers.

The hike was 11.5km and took 4.5 hours and the company was awesome. I love where we live and hike.

~ submitted by Mary Hof

December 14, 2019

It was a week of cancelations and additions – I always say organizing the hike is much harder than leading the hike. Really I didn’t know the exact number till I headed off Lol.

At 9:30 I had 11, and my cell phone wasn’t ringing so we left. It said a small amount of rain in the forecast but we got none, in fact we had sun for a little while.

Everyone seemed to enjoy the hike, with the scenery, lush greenery, mushrooms, forest, and a wonderful group. There is new logging which because I reccee it on Wednesday I was able to lead the group around some of it. We finished 4.5 hours later.

Thanks group for your pictures you shared with me.