Lucky enough we were to have rain at night and not on our walk! Starting from the rocks on Noel Ave., we ventured along the trail paralleling Brooklyn Creek and into Mac Laing Park and to the ocean. Calm and peaceful there. We walked by the ocean and to the alpaca farm. Then we changed from our usual route. We walked beside the golf course and eventually to the Cottonwood Greenway, which was new to many of us. Thanks to Patti and Karen B for leading us there. Walk was over 1 1/2 hours but under 2. Debrief at Beninos where the long table could accomodate us all. Photo credit: Cheryl and Karen
0 Comments
Today's group enjoyed a walk from the Courtenay Airpark to the south end of the Courtenay Riverway Heritage Walk. There were a few drops of rain along the way and the day was cooler due to the brisk breeze, but the conversation was just as brisk and the hour flew by. Hot drinks at the Bayside Bistro followed.
Lantzville Lookout and Copley Ridge looked like interesting destinations that are fairly close together. Maps showed lines between them that might allow us to hike a loop. So we set out on an exploratory hike. Trails were good up to the magnificent views at Lantzville Lookout. Not long after that we were bushwhacking through thorns to a logging road. We had to endure logging roads for a few kilometres until we found the Copley Ridge trails. There we found creeks and a waterfall in the forest. I think more exploration in Copley Ridge is in order. Photos by Cathy, Lindsay, Cindy and Bill. What a beautiful warm morning to walk the Royston Seaside Trail and Marine Drive! We started from the picnic shelter. Beautiful wild flowers perhaps scilla, grew at the sides of the road and trail. With the Royston coffee shop closed on Tuesdays now, we drove to town to sit outside in the warmth of the sun at Beans Around the World. Thanks to Dawn for photos.
Surrounded by the City of Nanaimo, this 13 kilometer figure eight alternates between lakes and creeks in the bottom of Linley Valley and high rocky ridges. Most of the time there is no evidence of the city around us. Photos by Tannis, Steve and Bill. The Intermediate walking group enjoyed a sunny walk in Seal Bay exploring the back trails off of Mitchell Rd.Our birding group headed to the Trent River Estuary trail system off Carey Place on Friday afternoon. It was a truly lovely day - warm and sunny - making it a pleasure to be out wandering the trails and shoreline and making up for the rather disappointing bird species count of thirteen. Most of us adjourned afterwards to the Royston Roasting Company for coffee and conversation, completing a pleasant afternoon. Species noted: Anna's Hummingbirds, Chestnut-backed Chickadees, Golden-crowned Sparrows, Dark-eyed Juncos, Bald Eagles, gulls, Mallards, American Wigeons, Gadwalls, Buffleheads, Northern Pintails, Common Goldeneyes, Great Blue Herons Photos by Rob R. and Dawn M. Climbing to the summit of Mount Benson is the most challenging hike our group takes on. While the 720 metre climb is exhausting, it's actually the first couple of kilometres of the descent that hits most of us the hardest. That was certainly true this time. Once we reached the snow on our way up it was mostly frozen hard. It got warmer after our break on the summit, resulting in soft slippery snow underfoot and snow from the trees falling on us as we hiked. I think in the end that we were all glad that we did it, and happy that it was over. Photos by Cathy, Lindsay, Cindy and Bill. Just like SpaceX rocket launches, sometimes outings need to be scrubbed and such was the case two days prior. A big dump of snow the night before and just not enough players to share the trailbreaking on the challenges of Great Big View and Finger Glades trails. This alternate date drew the minimum number of participants that can be called a group, but it was a stellar outing nevertheless. A bluebird day, just the right amount of exercise, and some great conversation. Photos by Sylvia. It was a little chilly and with recent weather, we opted not to go through the woods and muddy trails from Baden Road in Royston. So, it was an enjoyable walk on the Royston Cumberland Rail Trail. Debrief was at The Bayside now that the Royston Cafe is closed on Tuesdays. Photo credit: Karen and Cheryl
The post said "snowshoe somewhere" with an 8:00 AM departure, on the first day of daylight saving time. A group of 8 took the bait... more than expected. With about 20 centimetres of heavy snow overnight our plan was to look for a packed trail to follow. That early there was only one track, left by back country skiers heading toward Lake Helen Mackenzie. It was easier than any other option, so we followed it. After crossing the Piggott Creek bridge the ski track continued west toward Mount Allan Brooks. Rather than break trail up to Helen Mackenzie, we continued to follow the ski track until we had a view of a small lake. After a short lunch stop we retraced our steps. Photos by Bill. With this being just the second outing for some of us,(as a Probus event) we had a pleasant trek around the Old Cabin, Crooked Creek and Tree Beard trails in Paradise Meadows. We stopped at the Crooked Creek bridge for a snack break and a toast to the fantastic weather that we were blessed with. Debrief was at Raven Lodge. Photos by Lori and Cheryl. Links to Katie's pictures, and Bill's pictures. It was a lovely cold morning for the walk at the Airpark and beyond. Smaller group due to the cold and those who went up to Mt. Washington. Debrief was at Beans Around the World. Thanks to Deb for the photos.
This trek was billed as a mystery tour, and it truly was. A few people took turns navigating. We had some ideas about where to head, but our actual route took shape as we went. Exploring off the beaten path was always part of the plan. With 15 keeners we were well set up for lots of trail breaking. Taking fairly short turns at the front of the line (most of the time) allowed us to cover lots of untracked snow. We found a couple of sunny hill tops for our breaks. A few tree wells were also checked out. A debrief at Raven Lodge finished our day. Photos by Cathy, Lindsay, Cindy, Teresa, Stan and Bill. |