July 30th, 2023
~ submitted by Adrian Glavan
The weather was just right, not too hot and with some breeze at the top.
Mount Mark via the Horne Lake Hustle
Splendor Mountain, member trip report.
–originally published by Eryn on her Facebook Account
What follows are Eryn’s words reporting her recent ascent of Splendor. Her final peak needed to complete her Lifetime Climbing Objective.
Splendor! How lovely. I headed into the backcountry for 5 days with Barry Hansen out of gold river, canoed across Matchlee Bay and up the Burman river until we could go no further, hiked logging roads for another 12ish km then unto the unforgiving bush filled with ground wasps and thick bush. People often ask me if i’m scared of wildlife such as bears and cougars, but really is those stinging tiny little *ssholes underfoot that truly terrify me. Within ten minutes of the end of the logging road Barry had stirred up a wasp nest and I suffered two stings, on my elbow (that turned into an arm with no elbow definition) and my butt (which resulted in half a brazilian butt lift.) The redeeming factor of the bush (and the subsequent bush on the next few days) was the overabundance of huckleberries and blueberries.
Three Sooke Hills
June 5th, 2023
~ submitted by Matthew Lettington
After a few last-minute changes to the roster, Julianna teamed up with Matthew to lead this wander through Sooke. The highlight was walking a few of the less-used trails in the region.
Rappel Workshop
June 25th, 2023
~ submitted by Matthew Lettington
Two members joined me for a half day of hanging out on the rope.
We all learned to tie a few knots, and put themself onto the rappel device. By day’s end each of us was able to get on rappel, set the backup Prussic and rappel down the 30 foot cliff safely.
Mount Maquilla
July 15th, 2023
~ submitted by Matthew Lettington
Another day in paradise! Our group of eight had a luxurious day on the slopes of Mount Maquilla.
In June, Jes and Matthew found this easy route up Mount Maquilla. I described the route as minimal bush, and I’ll stand by that statement. The majority of the bush is found on the overgrowing road, but even that has been trimmed over the years. It wasn’t much more than a minor annoyance.
Boston Ridge and Mount Becher
July 8, 2023
~ submitted by Mary Hof
Boston Ridge returning by way of Mt. Becher was an awesome day. I have never done it before and my co-leader Leslie was there in full support whatever I needed.
Ash Pond and Drabble Lakes
July 3, 2023
~ submitted by John Robertson
Only 2 people arrived at the old Wood Mountain parking lot for an 8:30 start. The
colour of the sunlight betrayed the presence of a smoke haze in the air, and the
otherwise clear skies promised a hot day.
Wrangling on Nootka Island with the Island Mountain Ramblers
Maquilla Peak washed down with Mount Alston
–submitted by Matthew Lettington
In order to make the most of our time on the mountain, I organized a trip to the north island that included visits to two mountains. Both mountains are worth visiting individually, but by combining them into one day trip, we were able to save some money on fuel.
Friday evening Jes and Matthew camped out at the Forest Rec site at Klaklakama Lake. Predawn came even worse than it sounded after a poor night’s sleep (I think too much coffee). It was a short drive to the end of Chuckham Road, and we were hiking to Maquilla by 6:15 am. We parked to 800m, so there was a little more than 1000m to the summit.
We ventured off the road and up a ridge to an adjoining route that gains the peak via the south ridge. We moved quickly through the light to moderate bush. There was no boot track to guide us but we had great beta provided by another club member – thanks, Eyrn!
Continue reading “Maquilla Peak washed down with Mount Alston”
Sooke Hills Ramble
June 17, 2023
~ submitted by Mary Hof
I led (with Ray Billings help) a hike for 8 Island Mountain Ramblers that took us 9 hours and 15 minutes. 1100m elevation gain and 22km. This hike was a Ridge Rambler hike. The weather was good, the wind kept us cool.
