Timberline Tales

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Marmot Mountain

— Submitted by Matthew Lettington, read the report on his blog

As I write this, I’m drinking a hot chocolate to warm my belly and ease the dull ache of dissatisfaction that’s buzzing in the back of my head. Today, we took a shot at Mount Marmot. Unfortunately, the steep slopes and powdery snow proved too much for the short time we had.

It was already 6:00 am when the fourteen of us met at Harewood Mall. By the time we drove the long road to Nanaimo Lakes, the gates were open; since there was no attendant, we were able to drive right through. Our destination is deep in the heart of the Sadie Creek Valley, along a road familiar to me. We tried to climb this route last winter, but at that time a creek was flowing so fast that we couldn’t hop over it. Today, we discovered active logging in the area, and a new bridge constructed across that creek. With the new bridge, we were able to drive farther into the valley, making the hike several kilometres shorter.

Marmot Mountain Map and GPS Route
Marmot Mountain Map and GPS Route

 

Total Distance: 7.5 km
Starting Elevation: 419 m
Maximum Elevation: 1209 m
Total Elevation Gain: 786 m
Total Time: 6h 45 m

 

 

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Mount Gemini – the twin peak

–submitted by Matthew Lettington. Read the full report on his blog

I did the math: I’m approaching the 100th peak in my Island Alpine Quest. Although most peaks on Vancouver Island have some level of difficulty associated with their approach, some are even more difficult to get to, and Gemini Mountain falls into this category. It’s tucked deep in behind Nanaimo, past Third Lake and south of Fourth Lake. Although there is a good-quality gravel road that drives up to 1200 metres, and the peak would be a lovely short summer hike, the trick is getting access to the road!

gemini mountain, hiking near nanaimo, matthew lettington, island mountain ramblers
Gemini Mountain Map and GPS Route

 

 

Total Distance: 5.4 km
Starting Elevation:  1218 m
Maximum Elevation: 1524 m
Elevation Gain: 600 m
Total Time:

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Sunset/twilight/moonlight

–submitted by Jon Robertson

4 of us started out under a mostly cloudy sky. The sun went down behind the cloud,
without putting on a show for us. Shortly after that, we had some clearing in the west, and were treated to the sight of Venus shining spectacularly brightly, a hand’s-breadth above the horizon.

As the clouds thinned, the moon lit them from behind, illuminating a huge portion of the sky. We had a few drops of rain, but nothing to speak of, and gusts of wind that could take the breath away. We paused for a snack at a high point on the ridge, and enjoyed seeing the lights from the mainland. Even one of the ski hills (Cypress?) was lit up.

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At that point, the moon came out in all its glory. Headlamps were turned off, and we soaked it in. Then, back to the cars, and home for supper.

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Maple Mountain Easy Ramble

–submitted by Beth Avis

13 of us joined in Maple Bay to do the Blue and Yellow trails as a loop. We were very luck to have amazing weather despite the forecast. A few downed trees blocked our way in a few locations so we had to find our way around. We had a blast!

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A girls hike up Mt. Horne

–submitted by Stefanie Bates

We had a fun all ladies adventure up Mt. Horne on Oct 30th. It was not much of a day for views but the company was amazing and we had lots of laughs.
We went in at Cathedral grove before turning up the steep terrain as we got to know each other. One group member (Julie) had never hiked up a mountain so it was pretty exciting for her as well as us. She tackled the whole thing like a champ.
We never did see much as far as views but then again it did not matter. This was more about the journey than the destination.
After a quick lunch at the top we made our way down… Some on their bottoms. A good time all around.

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Maple Mountain Rainbow Route

5 of us enjoyed the hike on Maple Mountain. I started with the Orange Trail, going to Red, then Orange again, then pink, then the other pink to Blue and back to the car. Hike was 4 hours, I used some trails that are not listed on the map.
Everyone enjoyed the hike, we had lots of laughter and a very enjoyable time together
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Westwood Ridges

–submitted by Matthew Lettington

–photographs submitted by Sharon Hagen

I was awoken at 6 am by the sound of my cellphone –ding, an incoming email. I lay in bed a while longer, staring at the ceiling. I was listening for the sound of rain. The South Island was in the midst of a sever weather warning but I was planning on hiking regardless of the weather. As I listened, I could hear droves of rain pummeling the roof and periodically waft against my bedroom window.

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Crest Mountain

–submitted by Lisa Hanlon
Gorgeous day for a hike up Crest mountain. We met at the trailhead at 8:30am on Saturday, September 10th.. After a slog up the switchbacks through beautiful old growth forest, we were rewarded with the first views of King’s Peak. Once we emerged from the forest into the sunny alpine, we stopped for a snack break.

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