At a glance
- Save the date:Β Tuesday May 14πͺπͺπͺ
- Bears are out - Bear seasonπ»π»π»
- Club Jerseysπ΄ββοΈπ΄ββοΈπ΄ββοΈ
- Summer campποΈποΈποΈ
- Trip Reportsπππ
- Volunteers needed to fill in vacant Executive Committee (EC)positions.π©βπ©βπ¦βπ¦π©βπ©βπ¦βπ¦π©βπ©βπ¦βπ¦
SAVE THE DATEπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ
At the March 21, EC meeting, it was decided to have the next EC meeting as a plenary meeting to which all members of the club will be invited. The main topic of discussion will be β The future of NSH- where will we be 2-5 years from now ?β
Leslie Bohm invited us to her house at 3685 West 25th Avenue, in Vancouver. Closer to the date we will send a reminder with more details and ask for a RSVP. Most likely we will we organize carpooling.
The club will provide savoury snacks and beverages and Leslie will bake her famous fruit pies for all to enjoy.
One of the eveningβs highlights will be choosing the design of the NSH club jersey. See more on this below.
Bear π»π»π»π»Season
If you read the Trip Reports from March, you know now that the bears on the North Shore are out ofΒ hibernation and sharing trails with the hikers.
TRIP REPORT Submitted by: Β Andrea Farmer
Today 6 hikers were walking up Old Buck trail near the Three Chop junction and the two people out front came on a large mama black bear and her cub, probably an year or two old.
None of us had thought ofΒ bears due toΒ the early spring season.
No one had bear spray.
I (Andrea) panicked and did the wrong thing, walked quickly back down the trail.
I looked back and saw the bears running down the trail, seemingly in our direction.
Luckily they headed into the woods.
It has made me realize how dependent we are on bears being uninterested in us, or scared of us. If they are aggressive we are screwed. Since the horrible grizzly attack near Banff last summer, I have been afraid.
One of our group reminded us that groups of people arenβt usuallyΒ attacked.
That the best thing to do is stand in a group, hold our poles out, make noise.
Itβs so hard to not run away.
The rest of the hike was bear free.
There is a lot of information on the Internet about how to deal with bears, and I strongly suggest that you read it. Many situations are described and a lot of advice is given. Sometimes it gets confusing.
There are however two things that are very important and valid in all situations:
- STAY as a group
- Do not RUN from the bear
Please check what the AI has to say about bear encounters:
Encountering a bear in the wild can be a daunting experience, but with the right knowledge and precautions, it's possible to handle the situation safely. Here are some essential tips for dealing with bear encounters:
1. Stay Calm: If you spot a bear, it's crucial to remain calm and avoid sudden movements. Panicking or running can trigger a bear's predatory instincts, potentially escalating the situation.
2. Assess the Situation: Determine the type of bear you're encountering. In North America, you may encounter black bears or grizzly bears, each requiring slightly different approaches. Black bears are generally less aggressive and more likely to flee, while grizzly bears may be more defensive, especially if they have cubs nearby.
3. Give the Bear Space: Back away slowly while facing the bear and speaking calmly in a firm voice. Avoid making direct eye contact, as this can be perceived as a threat. Create distance between yourself and the bear, allowing it an escape route.
4. Make Yourself Known: If the bear hasn't seen you, make noise to alert it to your presence. Clap your hands, talk loudly, or use a bear bell to avoid surprising the bear.
5. Do Not Approach: Under no circumstances should you approach a bear, especially if it's feeding, with cubs, or displaying aggressive behavior. Give the bear plenty of space and avoid getting between a bear and its cubs.
6. Be Prepared: Carry bear spray in bear country and know how to use it effectively. Bear spray can deter a charging bear and provide a non-lethal means of self-defense.
7. Play Dead (for Grizzly Bears): If a grizzly bear charges or attacks, and it's clear it's a defensive, not predatory, behavior, lie flat on your stomach with your hands clasped behind your neck. Spread your legs to make it harder for the bear to turn you over. Remain still until the bear leaves the area.
8. Fight Back (for Black Bears): If a black bear attacks, especially if it's predatory rather than defensive, fight back aggressively using any available means, such as rocks, sticks, or your fists. Aim for the bear's eyes and nose, as these are sensitive areas.
9. Report the Encounter: After the encounter, report it to the local authorities or park rangers. Your report can help monitor bear activity in the area and prevent future incidents.
Remember, bear encounters are rare, and most bears prefer to avoid humans. By staying informed, remaining calm, and taking appropriate precautions, you can minimize the risk and safely enjoy outdoor adventures in bear country.
CLUB JERSEYS π΄ββοΈπ΄ββοΈπ΄ββοΈπ΄ββοΈπ΄ββοΈ
At the same March EC meeting it was decided to provide club jerseys to all members of the club who led at least one club activityΒ in 2024. The amount of subsidy and the design of the jerseys are still being worked on, but we would like you to get involved in the process and help us pick the design at the plenary EC meeting on May 14. More details on how and when the jerseys will be distributed will follow. We hope that this initiative will incentivize all members to lead one or more club activity and will promote the club.
SUMMER CAMPποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ
NSH Summer Camp in the West Kootenays
The 2024 North Shore Hikers Summer Camp will take place in the West Kootenays from Wednesday July 24th to Thursday August 1st. Β Since each hiker is responsible for booking their own accommodation, it is still possible to sign up to receive further information and decide whether to come for all or part of the camp. Β
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Contact Diane Whiteley at diane_whiteley@telus.net to be on the list of those interested. Β If you register, you will receive emails about the camp and be invited to the meeting in late April to discuss plans and the proposed hikes. Β
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List of Proposed Hikes:
Day/Date |
Activity(Hike or Meeting) |
General Area |
Distance (Round Trip (RT)), Elevation Gain, Time Estimate |
Classification |
Kokanee & Kaslo Lakes |
Kokanee Glacier Park |
17 km to Kokanee Glacier Cabin, 524 m, 5 hrs |
B2b |
|
Sapphire Lakes/Mt. Giegerich (one possible addition from Kokanee Glacier Cabin) |
Kokanee Glacier Park |
8.6 km (RT) 347 m 3 hrs from Kokanee Glacier Cabin to Sapphire Lakes; 9.8 km (RT) 526 m, 3.5 hrs from Kokanee Glacier Cabin to Mt. Giegerich |
C2b |
|
Helen Dean Lake (another (easier) possible addition from Kokanee Glacier Cabin) |
Kokanee Glacier Park |
5 km (RT) 162 m, 1.5 hrs from Kokanee Glacier Cabin |
B/C 2b |
|
Silver Spray Cabin |
Kokanee Glacier Park |
14.4 Β km, 1052 m, 5 to 6 hrs |
B2c |
|
Whitwater (ski area) Summit Trail/Blaster's Ridge |
Whitewater ski area |
9.5 km to Hummingbird Peak, 521m |
A2b |
|
Ymir Summit |
Whitewater ski area |
11.5 km |
B3c |
|
Mt. Loki |
East of Kootenay Lake - ferry from Balfour |
10.2 lm, 1151 m, 7 to 8 hours, scramble with handholds, some exposure |
C3c |
|
Mt. Crawford/Plaid Lake |
East of Kootenay Lake - ferry from Balfour |
8.4 Km, 864 m, 4 hrs |
A2/3,b |
|
Gray Creek Pass |
East of Kootenay Lake - ferry from Balfour |
N & S summits: 8.6 km,796 m, 3 to 4 hrs |
A2b |
|
Gwillim Lakes |
New Denver/ /Valhalla Provincial Park |
to Gwillam Lakes: 11.6 km, 1164 m, 5hrs; for Lucifer Pass add 3 km, 414 m |
B2c |
|
Gimli Ridge |
New Denver/ /Valhalla Provincial Park |
9.8 km, 765 m, 4.5 to 5 hrs, final approach narrow trail on steep slope, light scrambling |
A3b |
|
Monica Meadows |
New Denver/Purcells, Glacier Creek Valley, NE of Duncan Lake |
8.5 km, 580 m, 3 hrs |
A2b |
|
Jumbo Pass |
New Denver/Purcells, Glacier Creek Valley, NE of Duncan Lake |
8.4 km, 715 m, 3.5 to 4 hrs |
A2b |
|
Macbeth Icefield |
New Denver/Purcells, Glacier Creek Valley, NE of Duncan Lake |
15.6 km, 1198 m, Β 7 to 9 hrs |
C3c |
|
Mt. Jardine |
Selkirks Goat Range between Kaslo and New Denver |
Summit:15 km, 1205m, 6 to 7 hrs; W Ridge high pt:14.4 km, 1113 m, 5 to 6 hrs |
B3c |
|
Mt. Brennan |
Selkirks Goat Range between Kaslo and New Denver |
14.6 km, 1525 m, 8 to 10 hrs; steep hike no technical difficulties when no snow, don't attempt before late July, grizzly bear sightings common between trailhead and upper cirque |
C/D3d |
|
Whitewater Canyon |
Selkirks Goat Range between Kaslo and New Denver |
15.8 km, 988m, 6 hrs |
B3b |
|
Texas Peak |
Selkirks Goat Range between Kaslo and New Denver |
10.8 km, 1067m, 5 to 6 hrs |
B3c |
|
Alps Alturas |
Selkirks Goat Range between Kaslo and New Denver |
10 km, 579 m, 3 to 4 hrs |
A3b |
|
Mt. Fosthill |
Sol Mountain Lodge |
18.4 km, 1177m, 6 to 8 hrs |
B/C3c |
|
Sol Mountain/Pride Rock |
Sol Mountain Lodge |
to Sol Mtn: 12 km, 959 m, 5.5 to 6.5 hrs; Β to Pride Rock: 17.4 km, 1369 Β m, 7.5 to 9 hrs |
Sol B3b; Pride C3c |
|
Mission Ridge |
Sol Mountain Lodge |
10.4 km, 515 m, 3.5 to 4 hrs; side trip to Cirque Lake overlook add: 2 km, 140m, .75 hrs |
A2a |
|
Note: Reference Where Locals Hike in the West Kootenayby Kathy & Craig Copeland, third edition 2017, out of print, I think |
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TRIP REPORTSπππππ
Currently the Trip Report Secretary position is vacant and we remind you again not to send the Attendance Sheets in. Please hold on to them for at least 2 years together with the signed Guest waivers.
After the trip, please post ( you or a volunteer participant) a Trip Report under the relevant Forum and include the number of participants( members and guests) so we can compile club activities stats.
In case of an incident requiring external medical/rescue assistance please fill in an incident report and email it to the Club President or Membership Secretary.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDEDπ©βπ©βπ¦βπ¦π©βπ©βπ¦βπ¦π©βπ©βπ¦βπ¦
If you have the time and energy to help us run the club, please contact any member of the Executive Committee to find out how you can get involved beyond attending clubβs activities. We need your talents!. A current list of the EC members is on our Website. Under Club Documents you can also find the minutes of all EC meetings( four per year)
https://northshorehikers.org/about-placeholder/documents/
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