Timberline Tales

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Congratulations Mary on your 20 Hikes Achievement!

Congratulations to Mary Hof who has just claimed her 20 hikes achievement!

Mary offered these words: 

I guess like others, I don’t look at the website too often to see the different awards and challenges the Ramblers put on. But I guess my favourite 20 hikes that I have led or participated in are: Mt. Prevost, Mt Richards, Marys Peak, Mt Horne/ Westley Ridge Traverse, Maple Mountain, Mt. Moriarty, Mt Arrowsmith, Crest Mountain, Gowland Ramble, Three Bears Sooke Hills, Mt. Tzouhalem, Empress Mountain, Minnas/Pea Ridge, Mt. Cokely, Mt. Elma, Mt. Benson, Green Mountain, Bald Mountain, Cowichan River, Mt Quimper and Ragged Mountain.

As many of you know I lead for other clubs as well, and if I can, I encourage you all to lead a hike; it’s only by doing so that our club becomes stronger. You only have to look at social media on the hiking sites to see how many want to hike. I keep telling them to join a club, but that is only good if we have leaders to lead. No hike is too short or boring. Thanks to those leaders that have shown me the way on hikes. Your dedication is appreciated. 

Mary Hof

If you’d like more info on leading trips, the IMR has this information for leaders. 

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Strata Mountain Snowshoe

February 26, 2022

~ submitted by Brian Flemming, photos by Brian Flemming and Matthew Lettington

I joined the Island Mountain Ramblers recently to branch out a bit, meet some new people, learn some new things and participate in some safe group activities and hopefully summit a few mountains I wouldn’t be able to do alone.

Today’s snowshoe was a good example of a hike that I wouldn’t have done alone because of the weather.

Continue reading “Strata Mountain Snowshoe”
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Christie Falls, Thistle Mine, Camas Ridge

—submitted John Robertson
February 6, we opted for a circuitous route to Christie Falls, via the old railway, and Arroyo Road. Conversation made the kilometres pass quickly, and we were at the old cabin  in three quarters of an hour. From there we continued to the falls. Several of the hikers had never seen them, and were suitably impressed.
We then continued to the abandoned Thistle mine. Those that wished to, entered and explored the mine. We had a snack, while idly searching the tailing pile for stray pieces of copper ore.
Next, we headed to the North end of Camas Ridge. The green of the moss was brilliant beyond words. As we continued along the ridge,the sun finally joined us, giving us bright warm sunbeams through the Arbutus trees.
On the way back to the cars, we diverted slightly, to the site of the old Regan resort, to explore what ruins remain.
Then we were back at the cars. We said our goodbyes and carried on with our Sunday.
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Mount Manuel Quimper, Thunderbird Mountain, Ragged Mountain return on the flowline

On January 29, 2022, we finally caught a break. After what seemed like weeks of rain, it relented for a Saturday of hiking through the Sooke bumps. I relied heavily on the beta provided by a friend who frequents the area in planning the trip. I trusted he would provide us with some good routes to highlight some of the best features. He didn’t disappoint!

Continue reading “Mount Manuel Quimper, Thunderbird Mountain, Ragged Mountain return on the flowline”

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Mount Tzouhalem

–submitted by Mary Hof

December 20th turned out to be an awesome day for a hike. Thanks to those that ventured from Nanaimo and Victoria to join in.

We started at Kaspa Rd trailhead and hiked some trails then got onto the AWESOME trail, and that it was,  with great views and a bench to sit on. We then took Field of Dreams to the far end and came on the Ridge trail, with great views. We had lunch in the sun and ventured our way back coming along side the Flower Reserve where only in a few months the flowers will be blooming.

Thank you for the wonderful people that joined in this hike. The hike was 10.5 km with 700m elevation gain