Timberline Tales

Posted on

Mount McQuillan from China Creek Main

June 15, 2024

~ submitted by Matthew Lettington

It was an excellent day in the mountains despite the weather’s best efforts to confuse us.

While we had dreams of much grander mountains, because of the crappy forecast, we decided to reroute and head over to Mount McQuillan. I’ve done this before from Father and son Lake, but this time we wanted to do it a little bit different. From previous research, I knew that there was an easier route from the north ridge. 

Continue reading “Mount McQuillan from China Creek Main”
Posted on

SSI Hiking Fest – Two Summit Hike

June 7, 2024

~ submitted by Leslie Gardner

This was Day 2 of the Salt Spring Hiking Fest and one of two hikes that were offered that day. Nine of us set out from Burgoyne Bay with the goal of bagging two summits – Mount Sullivan, 3rd highest on Salt Spring at 609m, and Mount Bruce, the highest at 709m. We lucked out with the weather – warm and sunny throughout the day.

Continue reading “SSI Hiking Fest – Two Summit Hike”
Posted on

Mountain Improv with Island Alpine Guides

June 1, 2024

~ submitted by Su Castle

7 of us met Jan Neuspiel, owner of Island Alpine Guides at the Comox Lake crags for our day of instruction.

He ensured we all got what the course promised to deliver at a follow-able pace. Additional knowledge was shared as response to our many questions! Jan was friendly and incredibly knowledgeable. We had a mix of theory and hands on practice. The instructor was able to deliver to the different levels of experience within the group.

Minimizing risk in the mountains was emphasized with many relevant examples and stories. Participants were actively involved and I think we all got what we wanted/needed from the course.  It was a lot of information and we were encouraged to practice and contact IAG with any questions in the future. So worthwhile!

Posted on

CPR Trail – Arrowsmith Lookout Loop

April 13, 2024

~ submitted by Clint Millar

We made our way up the CPR trail continuing on the east side of the Arrowsmith lookout Loop. We were in and out of fog and cloud. It eventually blew out and we had clear blue sunny skies.

As we continued toward to west side of the loop, by the old ski hill road we hit the snow and it was quite cloudy again and cold. Making our way along the west side back to the CPR trail the skies opened up against and we enjoyed a beautiful decent. The whole hike was amazing.

Look forward to posting it again and taking another group up! 

Posted on

Juan De Fuca Trail — Multigenerational Hike

–originally published on John’s blog.

The trail’s east end is about 75 kilometres from Victoria and extends from Jordan River to Botanical Beach, near Port Renfrew.

Untitled photo

Our Itinerary

  • March 20 – China Creek to Bear Beach — 9 k, 6 hours
  • March 21 – Bear to Chin Beach – 11 k, almost 8 hours
  • Marh 22 – Chin to Sombrio Beach – 9 k, 6 hours
  • March 23 – Sombrio to Payzant  Beach – 10 k., 7 hours
  • March 24 – Payzant to Botanical Beach Parking Lot – 7 k, 5 hours

We certainly didn’t break any speed records hiking this trail, covering the 47 kilometers in five days, and a total of about  32  hours, including breaks. The mud, downed trees, and bushwhacking slowed us down.

Continue reading “Juan De Fuca Trail — Multigenerational Hike”

Posted on

Mount Hayes, Christie Falls, Camas Ridge

March 30, 2024

~ submitted by John Robertson

Seven Ramblers connected at the trailhead. Some were old hands and some were new to the club. We started out on time, gradually making our way up the mountain in the near-perfect conditions. We paused for views as we encountered them, benefiting from the excellent visibility.

Conversations waxed and waned as the path became more moderate or more steep. A snack at the summit, then the descent to Christie Falls (approached from the “other” side), and another snack.

Then more descent, and a climb up onto Camas ridge. The Camas were out, but not yet blooming. Another snack (one can’t have too many) then off the ridge, and a bit of a wander in the woods below.

Back to the cars on time, and satisfied with he morning, we bid each other goodbye until the next adventure.