Six of us took advantage of the fantastic fall weather to hike up to Mt. Seymour to enjoy the views. The cooler, crisp air was perfect for hiking. There were hardly any mushrooms on the way up in this drier environment. We enjoyed the views all along the open, rocky bluffs and visited the three outlooks at the summit for a nearly complete view. We had lunch on the east-facing bluff and stayed quite a while. We could have stayed there all day! 8.0 km; 4½ hours.
The cold front and rain passed in the night, so in the morning we had beautiful fall day. Nine of us hiked the path from Village Bay Lake, passing by Vic's Marsh and the old cabin to the pond viewpoint. From there the trail heads north through the forest into Main Lake Park. Although neglected for some years, the trail is now quite well flagged and maintained. We passed through the junction of the old logging roads to the south and east of Stramberg Lake and we continued on the eastern road headed north. With the sun and recent rain, everything was vibrant green. The mushroom, mosses and liverwort were abundant. We crossed the little creek and climbed up to the old growth grove. After admiring the old trees and stopping for lunch, we followed the loop through the glade and retraced our path back to the vehicles. About 12 km, 5+ hours.
Description This is a great hike and we're hoping for wonderful views on a clear day. It's a steady climb up old logging roads, until the trail branches off and follows open bluffs and forest to the summit at 620 m, the highest point on Quadra Island. We will then descend by the same route. Four to five hours.
Notes: Bring lunch and hiking poles if you use them.
Contact Info debbie.quigg@ualberta.ca or 3710. Please contact the coordinator in advance.
Description This is a flagged route from the Surge Narrows road, following old logging roads and paths through mature forest to the east end of Main Lake. The route is not far (about 7.0 km), but quite slow due to rough conditions. Expect wet sections and some climbing over deadfall. If the group wants more of a walk, we can continue on to Yeatman Bay.
Difficulty Moderate due to the rough trail conditions.
On Oct. 4 with cloudless skies, 7 of us explored around the Kellerhals farm and forest situated near Hyacinthe Creek. With the property map in hand we had a delightful time exploring. We hiked some of the trails through the forest, up to a lookout, relaxed at their pond and observed some rock cliffs and gravel pits of archeological interest.
We all laughed, lunched and lounged during a memorable hike. Thanks to Heather Kellerhals for sharing her property with us.