Category Archives: Club news

Epilogue to Summer Camp 2024

Hiking in the Monashees

At Sol Mountain Lodge

by Diane Whiteley

Summer Camp 2024 in the West Kootenays was greatly affected by the wild fires that broke out near New Denver just a few days before the start of camp.  We chose not to cancel the camp.  Rather, we let the 17 hikers, who signed up for it, decide for themselves whether they would come.  As it turned out, three of us convened at Kokanee Creek Campground and did the hikes planned for that area.

The last two days of summer camp were supposed to be in the Monashees at Sol Mountain Lodge, where 8 of us had booked 2 nights.  Our time there got cancelled due to a fire on the forest service road leading to the lodge.  The owners of the lodge, Sabine and Aaron, gave us the option to book later in 2024 or in summer 2025.  Don and I booked for September 20th and 21st 2024, which turned out to be the last two nights the lodge was open for hiking this year.

The drive in on forest service roads took just under 2.5 hours.  The roads were in good shape, and the drive provided spectacular views of Upper Arrow Lake and the alpine areas on the approach to the lodge.  On the last part of the drive, I looked up to see a large propane truck about a kilometer ahead of us, negotiating the steep incline to the lodge.  Wow, I thought, way up here delivering propane!  Then we caught up to the truck.  Wow, I thought.  Kind of stinky!  It wasn’t a propane truck.  It was a septic system clean-out truck!

On arrival at the lodge, we were greeted by Aaron and Sabine.  The lodge was lovely, spacious and cozy at the same time – a bit stinky as the truck proceeded with its task, but that was short-lived.

After a nice hot cup of tea and short introduction to the trails by Sabine, we headed out on the 3.5 km (one way) hike to Sol Lake.  It was the perfect introductory hike, a moderate grade with views in all directions in the open alpine valley.  It was a cold, brisk day and the higher mountains were dusted with snow that fell the night before.  Perfect weather for photography.  The lake was lovely, but we opted out of the recommended swim.  I would have had to take my toque off!

No swim, but a hot shower back at the lodge was most appreciated.  We were hungry, but dinner at the lodge didn't start until 7:30.  Luckily there were plenty of appetizers to keep us going.  And, dinner was worth waiting for - roasted squash, gnocchi and spiced meatballs with a sprinkling of arugula on top and a yummy tart with fresh raspberries and syrup for dessert.  (I am a vegetarian so the meat options were always replaced with tasty vegetarian fare.)

It was a good group of 12 - some of them friends of the family, some helpers for the end-of-season work party and some guests, who were mountain bikers.  We were the only hikers.  Indeed, we had the hiking trails entirely to ourselves!

The next morning dawned sunny but the ground was hard and the alpine meadows were covered with frost.  After a hearty breakfast, we discussed the options and decided on a challenging hike to Mt. Fosthall, which had snow near the summit.  We hoped it was only a dusting.  I had my Yak Tracks in my pack, but Don didn’t have his.

Mt. Fosthall, our objective

It was a stunning hike on a perfect, sunny day.  The frost quickly disappeared and we were stripping off layers after the first hill.  The first part of the trail is moderate uphill as it wends it way towards South Cariboo Pass.  Then it heads downhill before getting to the steep climb to the summit (2697 m) over rocks, small boulders and scree.  The summit is an 1177 m climb from the trailhead at the lodge.  The last section was steep and slippery. I stopped to put on my Yak Tracks and was glad I had them.

Don, climbing the last push to the summit
Don, summited!
Don, summited!

The effort of the climb was well worth it, though.  The views of the surrounding Monashees are indescribably beautiful.  There are vistas of lakes and mountains in every direction!  It was not windy.  When we returned to the lodge, the first question everyone asked was whether it was windy.  Mt. Fosthall is known for the roaring winds at the summit.  We were extremely lucky!

The 20 km round trip took us about 6 hours.  We thought we were slow but learned that was a good time, given the route-finding and slippery slopes.

We were encouraged to check out the sauna to soothe any stiff muscles we might have.  We considered it only briefly.  The part where you go outside and get hosed down with cold water didn’t sound soothing.  We decided to stay by the warm wood stove in the lodge.

On our last day, the weather forecast was iffy.  Rain was predicted to start around lunchtime.  We opted for the short hike, 1.5 km one way, to Bill Fraser Lake.  There we found the lodge canoe.  We hopped in and canoed around the small lake.  Aaron told us it was the “Canadian” experience to canoe as well as hike in the area.  We returned to the lodge and headed out from a fabulous weekend at a very special place. ♦

The Raven – November and December 2024

At a Glance

  • Highlights from the 2024 NSH AGM
  • New President's Message
  • NSH Christmas party, December 22
  • Hiking gets better in the 70’s
  • Expressions of interest for hiking the Julien Alps in Slovenia in July 2025
  • Information for new leaders
  • Nordic Wrecks are looking for new members

2024 AGM

Twenty five members of the club attended the AGM on November 25. Highlights from the meeting:

-New president: Diane Whiteley

-New Vice President: Roger Francois

-our annual donations to the 4 SARs( Lions Bay, North Shore, Whistler, Squamish) was increased from $100 to $200 to each search and rescue organization.

- a Website Committee of 5 people was formed to address our website issues

-11 AGM attendees selected their  club logo cycling jerseys available free of charge to all leaders of one or more activities in 2024. Your next opportunity to select your jersey, if you qualify, is the Club Christmas party, Sunday, December 22 at the 374 Engine Pavilion.

New President's Message: 

I feel both privileged and excited to be your new president! 

As my first official action as president, I want to say a great big thank you to our outgoing president, Cristina Jacob.  During her two-year term, Cristina has been not only an excellent president but also a jack-of-all-eExecutive Committee-trades, assuming a variety of roles as needed.  What roles you ask?  At various times during her term she has been Acting Webmaster, Treasurer, News Editor, Social Convener, and Delegate to FMCBC.  She has also led numerous hikes and snowshoe/nordic ski trips.  And, instead of taking a well-deserved rest, Cristina is continuing on the Executive Committee as Treasurer and Delegate to FMCBC.  So, thank you very, very much, Cristina!

At the AGM we had a brief discussion of ideas for day hikes, multi-day trips and other outdoor activities in 2025.  It’s going to be a great year with a variety of trips. Check the schedule regularly.

 Please consider volunteering for the Executive Committee.  We are in urgent need of a Webmaster and News Editor.  And, there are a variety of other vacant positions.

 I’d love to hear from you.  Send me your ideas for trips or other activities that you think will help the club flourish.  Email me at president@northshorehikers.org

 I hope to see you at the club holiday get together/lights walk!   Diane Whiteley

Christmas party, Sunday, December 22, 2-4pm

The party will be held at the Engine 374 Pavilion, near the Roundhouse in Yaletown.

The location is easily accessible by bus or Skytrain. Free parking available around the corner of Marinaside  Crescent with Drake Street

The club will provide festive refreshments. The Pavilion is fully decorated for Christmas but dress warm as the indoor heating is not up to par.

The party will be followed by a walk through downtown Vancouver to admire the seasonal decorations.

Register either for the party or the walk, or both,  with Cristina Jacob at cristina.jacob@gmail.com

Hiking gets better in the 70s’!!

By Cristina Jacob - This year, Emilia, Helen and I joined the Chilliwack Outdoor Club for a fabulous 14-day trekking in the Dolomites.  We did Via Alpina 1, at a sustained effort of 15 km, 1000m plus elevation gain on a daily basis.

And Emilia was in a stellar hiking 🥾 condition - at a much higher level of fitness that I remember her in the 2019 NSH trekking extravaganza from Chamonix to Zermatt.

So I asked what is the secret and I was told to do the following:

  • CLIMB 4 times a day 10 flights of stairs
  • HIKE 3 times a week the Grouse Grind or the BCMC trail
  • CARRY on All hikes an extra heavy pack( extra relative to your regular pack)

Try it to see if it works for you. It certainly worked for Emilia!

🥾🇨🇦

Expressions of Interest- hiking Julien Alps in Slovenia, July 2025 

If interested, please contact Cristina Jacob at cristina.jacob03@gmail.com

I intend to go hiking in Slovenia in July. I will be using a trekking company from Slovenia. Right now my dates of choice are 5-12 of July. I am somewhat flexible on the dates but I need to be in Switzerland on July 14 for a family reunion. The Slovenia 7 nights/8day hiking trip starts in Ljubljana and ends in Ljubljana. It is fully guided for the hiking portion, and all transportation of participants and their luggage is included ( for the two nights hut accommodation you need to pack light!) More info can be found on the slovenia-trips.com website.

Information for new activity leaders

We need more leaders of activities. It can be a hike of any degree of difficulty, a cycle, a walk, or a social event- like inviting the club to your house for dinner. JUST KIDDING! And if you lead an activity do not forget to take a picture of the signup sheet and any guest waiver, and send them to our SignupSheets Secretary (Carol Kautz) signupsheets@northshorehikers.org   If you have any questions, please contact Carol Kautz or Planning Coordinator (Katy Poon)

Nordic Wrecks is looking for new members

The Nordic Wrecks is a great club. They have very friendly members and enjoy the great outdoors in the winter on cross country skis or snowshoes. Membership cost is a low $20 and with that you can enjoy all day or multi-day trips without the concerns of driving. All of their trips are on warm buses equipped with seatbelts and washrooms.

Their website is nordicwreck.org

Please feel free to contact Jeannette Blanchard (President of Nordic Wrecks) at 604 520-1052 or jeannette_blanchard@hotmail.com with any questions you might have.

The Raven – September/October 2024

President's Message

This year is the biggest travel year for me since I retired 12 years ago. That means that I had less time to dedicate to club activities and I obviously missed the summer camp led by Diane and Don. Her humorous and informative trip report is the main feature of this Raven issue.

Two events to put on your mental calendars for this year:

  • an open , all-invited , Executive meeting to be held in September; date and location to be confirmed.
  • The November AGM with its mix of fun and administrative activities.
Also, a big reminder that we need volunteers to fill positions for the Club Executive. Among others, we will need: a new President , a Webmaster and a Treasurer for 2025/2026. Executive positions are usually filled for a 2-year term. More details and preparatory reports for the AGM will be sent to all two weeks in advance of the meeting.

 

Have a fabulous summer. I will be in Europe in August, South America in October and US in December!!
See you on the trails!!
Cristina Jacob

Summer Camp 2024 - Fun and Flexibility by Diane Whiteley

♦On July 19th when Camp organizers Don and Diane left home, 17 enthusiastic hikers were getting ready to come to camp.  Life was good!

We left on the 19th because we had home exchangers coming to our place, which was booked with exchangers until August 1st. Our plan was to stay in Summerland for 4 days at a home exchange we’d arranged right on Okanagan Lake.  Then we’d head for Kokanee Creek campground on July 23th, a day before the start of camp.

Oh no!  The best laid plans….  Our home exchange in Summerland got cancelled the day before we were to go there.  We quickly pivoted and, luckily, found another home exchange further south in Osoyoos, just a minute or two walk from Osoyoos Lake.  So far, so good!  Good thing we were close to the lake.   The temperature was around 37 C daily and got up to 42 C one day!  We spent most of our time in the lake.

It was cooler on the 23th, the day we left Osoyoos for the 3 days of camp based at Kokanee Creek campground.  We were worried, though.  Fires near New Denver, the base camp we were going to after Kokanee Creek, were growing.  The town was now on evacuation alert.  I started getting emails.  Hikers began cancelling.  By the time we got settled at Kokanee Creek campground, all but one of our hikers had cancelled!  Craig, who grew up in Trail, was visiting there before camp and was coming!  Hooray!

Ironically, the air quality at the campground was fine and the sandy beach on Kootenay Lake was great for swimming.  Craig arrived on the 24th and set up a gold medal winning camp.  He had a large tent with a sitting room in the front and bedroom in the rear.  He had a fine looking barbecue, which he used to grill luscious steaks.  He had a variety of musical instruments for entertaining guests.  If you go to camp next year, consider sharing a campsite with Criag if we don’t get there first!

On the morning of July 25th Craig, Don and I set out to do our first hike in Kokanee Glacier Park, planned destination Glacier cabin.  The air got a bit smoky as we drove to the trailhead, but it was still pretty good when we started hiking.  The wildflowers were in full bloom, the trail conditions were excellent, and we were a happy group of 3.  After about an hour we turned a corner on the trail and saw the heavier smoke in the distance.  Oh no!  We continued as far as Kokanee Pass, but the smoke was getting worse.  After an impromptu lecture from Dr. Don on fine particulate matter and what it does to your lungs, we decided to turn around.

On the way down, we met a dad and his young son.  We stopped to chat and Dr. Don got into a discussion with them about which is worse for hikers – mosquitoes or smoke?  The youngster said his dad thought mosquitoes were worse.  By the time Dr. Don, expert on tropical medicine, finished his impromptu lecture on mosquitoes that carry malaria, dengue fever, zika virus etc., the young boy’s eyes were wide and worried.  Dad and son continued into the smoky haze.  Hopefully, they did not run into any mosquitoes!

On the 26th it was clear and sunny. We headed for a hike at Whitewater ski area.  Craig, well versed in local lore, provided local colour commentary on the way to the trailhead parking area.  We started our hike on the alpine trail that took us across ski slopes abundant with wild flowers – beargrass, lupins, arnica, valerian, paintbrush, aspen fleabane etc.  We came to an intersection and followed the trail along a high ridge over the minor summits of Hummingbird and Prospector.  On the way back we got to watch a pika eat his lunch.  So cute!

On the 27th, we parted ways with Craig.  After we awarded him 3 gold medals – for showing up, having the best camp set-up and for being a great tour guide – Craig headed for Mable Lake to visit a friend.  Don and I headed north through New Denver and Nakusp to the ferry across Arrow Lake at Galena Bay. We saw several, small fires en route.  Indeed, there were fires very close to Shelter Bay where the ferry docks.  During the drive I managed to book the last available camping cabin at Canyon Hot Springs.  We wanted a roof over our head because rain was in the forecast.

It didn’t rain after all, and the 28th dawned sunny and clear.  There was smoke in the valley below but the alpine area in Revelstoke National Park, where we decided to hike, was clear and perfect for the hike to Jade and Eva Lakes, a spectacular trail!

The last two days of summer camp were supposed to be at Sol Mountain Lodge, where 8 of us had booked 2 nights.  Our time there got cancelled by the lodge, but we have the option to book in August or September this year or summer next year.

So, on the 29th, we headed for Manning Park.  We were in no hurry since it was showery.  We decided to take highway 5A from Kamloops all the way to Princeton.  There were few cars.  It’s a beautiful drive along a valley with lake after lake, surrounded by rolling hills and grasslands.  Highly recommended!

We arrived at Manning, spent one night in the Lodge then camped for 2 nights at Skyview, the new RV campground close to Lightening Lake.  It’s designed for RVs but turned out to be a good choice for tenting too.  We had our own water tap and electrical outlet where we hooked up our cooler, which has an electric option.  The shower building is brand new, and the two ‘outhouses’ close to our campsite had a flush toilets and sinks.

We were puzzled about the forest all through Manning park.  The trees are brown and unhealthy looking.  We found out the park has been invaded by Spruce Bud Worms:

“Defoliation begins at the top of the tree and current-year needles are partially or completely consumed. If large numbers of larvae are present, previous-year needles may also be affected.

 Spruce budworm larvae also feed on staminate (male) flowers and cones. During epidemics, the larvae may destroy all of the cones.

  Severely affected tree stands turn a rust colour due to the presence of dried-out needles held together by strands of silk spun by the larvae. In the fall, most dead needles are dispersed by the wind and defoliated stands take on a greyish appearance.

  A single year of defoliation generally has little impact on the tree. However, it does cause weakening of the tree, making it more susceptible to attacks by other insects.”

From the campground, it was a short walk to Lightening Lake where Don headed off to fish, and I rented an SUP.  The fishing was good.  We had two fresh Rainbow trout for supper!  The next day we hiked to the peak of Mt. Frosty, a hike which Don had never done.  It was a perfect day in all respects.

Much to our surprise, it was a darn good summer camp in spite of oppressive heat, wildfires and smoke. ♦

Annual General Meeting

Save the date!

North Shore Hikers Society Annual General Meeting

7:00 PM

Thursday, Nov 9, 2022
Sunrise Community Hall
1950 Windermere Street, Vancouver

Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Refreshments will be available

North Shore Hikers is your club! We are an inclusive organization. We believe in diversity, mentorship and a sense of belonging. Come to the AGM and show your support. The business session will be concise and informative. We hope to engage you all in a round table discussion about international hikes planned for the future and about increasing the number of hike leaders.

You'll receive a detailed agenda before the meeting 

Feature Presentation: by Ye Chu
Switzerland in 21 days: a NSH group trip to the famous Haute Walker route and more

photos of the trip

 

 

 

The Raven – October 2023

October 2023

Alpenglow on Mt. Brunswick from Hat Pass

Annual General Meeting

Thursday, November 9
Sunrise Community Hall

Mark your calendars! Our club’s AGM this year will convene on Thursday, November 9, at Sunrise Community Hall. An agenda and more details will be sent to all two weeks before the meeting. Everybody is welcome, and please attend. The AGM  is an excellent opportunity to meet the volunteers who make the club work and learn about next year’s “big trips” planned. The meeting has two distinct parts: a business session followed by a slide presentation of a recent adventure.  As in previous years, trip leaders will have the chance to win a $50 gift certificate drawn randomly.

Carpooling or Taking Transit?

By Cristina Jacob,

This write-up is meant for those of us who do not have a car or do not want to drive to club activities. While I have a car, I have been taking transit to Grouse and Lynn Valley lately, and the experience was very positive. I avoid congestion and long delays on First and Second Narrows bridges, which more than compensates for the longer bus ride. Google Maps has excellent information on transit connections, and the bus service on the North Shore is well connected to the Vancouver downtown core or Lonsdale Quay. And when was the last time that I drove to Horseshoe Bay to take the ferry for a hike on Bowen Island? Honestly, I do not remember; it was so long ago. Last month, I also bused with my bike to Tswasswen for a free ferry ride to Victoria for seniors (Monday to Thursday).

 

If you want to carpool, please remember that the trip leaders’ primary role is coordinating and leading the trip, not arranging rides. However, if you mention early enough in your communication with the leader that you need a ride and give details on your location, you have an excellent chance to be connected with a car driver. The leader also appreciates if participants express interest in offering rides to others.

 

As a leader, I usually arrange only for carpooling from a common meeting point to the trailhead. However, I could do more if given more information on participants’ transportation needs and offers. I could connect people and facilitate carpooling arrangements between them. Remember that you can also post a request in the general forum. I cannot see anything wrong in requesting a ride to enable one to participate in a particular activity.

 

See you on the trails.

 

October 2023 Trips

DATE/TIME CATEGORY EVENT
Wed 4 Oct, 2023
9:30 am
B Hike
B2b - Moderate
St. Mark’s Summit
Sat 7 Oct, 2023
8:00 am - 4:00 pm
C Hike
C3C - Relaxed
Cinder cone in Garibaldi Park
Sat 7 Oct, 2023
8:00 am
A Hike
A2b - Relaxed
Lakeview Trail/Buntzen Lake
Thu 12 Oct, 2023
9:00 am
A Hike
A2b - Relaxed
Christmas Gully, Strachan, Cypress
Sat 14 Oct, 2023
8:00 am
A Hike
A2b - Relaxed
Arbutus Ridge to Whyte Lake loop
Tue 17 Oct 2023
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
A Hike
A1A - Relaxed
Mosquito Creek Trail
Sun 22 Oct 2023
8:00 am
A/B2b - Relaxed Historic Hollyburn from Cypress Nordic
Sat 28 Oct, 2023
9:00 am
A Hike
A1a - Relaxed
Pacific Spirit Park North

FMCBC Annual General Meeting

We have now opened registration for our 2023 Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at the University of British Columbia (UBC) campus.

We will be providing Zoom access to the AGM, also. Registration is limited and required – please register promptly to ensure participation.

We are excited to welcome several guest speakers, including the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC (ORCBC), who will keep us updated on the new $10 million outdoor recreation fund for BC. The BC Back Country Horsemen of BC will join us for a presentation, and we welcome special guest Ardath Paxton-Mann to speak on diversity and inclusion in our clubs.

Blair Rifle Range: North Shore Trails Closed for Bomb Search

Starting in mid-October, department of defence workers will be searching with metal detectors to look for military remnants 30 to 45 centimetres below the surface. This stretch of unexploded ordinance (UXO) work is expected to last until May of 2024, with a likely return to the Blair Rifle Range lands next fall and into 2025. This next phase of work will require full closures of the popular hiking, mountain biking and dog walking trails in the areas where crews are working, often for months at a time. The purpose is to give workers a 50-metre buffer when dealing with UXO. Any closed trail will have signs warning people to choose a different route. Get more info here

The Raven – Sep 2023

Photo: Ye Chu

Trip Report: Rainbow, Gin & Tonic Lakes

by Ye Chu

This was a five-star hiking trip to where no one goes: Gin and Tonic Lakes up at Whistler. There are no trails, just wonderful meandering in alpine and subalpine meadows.  A real treat for the eyes as we could see Black Tusk and Overlord glacier ( Russet Lake) in the same view! We wandered amid fragrant flowers for hours, crossing creeks, boulder fields and swampy meadows. Pure panacea. We should make this into an official trail with markers. Thank you, Brent (Erhl)  for introducing me to a new hike. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it. I hope it becomes an annual trip. Next time, we should bring some flagging tape and reinstate Alan Banwell’s trail.

Stats:
Duration: 9+ hours ( we finished at different times as some hikers got slower), elevation gain: 1100+ m, distance: 24.5+ km. Air temperature: 30+C ( three litres of water min. and bring water filter ).

photo: Ye Chu

photo: Ye Chu

Trailhead Closures

Lions Bay

Lions Bay has closed the trailheads to Tunnel Bluffs and the Howe Sound Trail. Their web site says they will consider the closures at the Tuesday council meeting after the long weekend. They have now decided to maintain the closure until Sept 19th.

Joffre Lakes

Access to Joffre Lakes Provincial Park closed again on Tuesday, September 5th as negotiations between the provincial government and the Líl̓wat and N’Quatqua First Nations continue, the B.C. government says. According to the government, Líl̓wat and B.C. Parks have been working on park and visitor-use management since 2018 due to a growing number of park visitors and developed a “collaborative relationship” with the government to develop the Joffre Lakes Park 2019 visitor-use management plan. No re-opening date has been set, although the original date was September 30th.

Upcoming Trips

September 2023

Sun 10 Sep, 2023
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
A Hike

Moderate

Brohm Lake ramble- Squamish Cristina Jacob
cristina.jacob03@gmail.comY
Firm
Wed 13 Sep, 2023
9:00 am
A Hike
A2b - Relaxed
Burnaby Mountain Blair Ballard
blair@creativehome.ca778-318-3309
Contact Leader

October 2023

DATE/TIME CATEGORY EVENT LEADER STATUS
Wed 4 Oct, 2023
8:30 am
B Hike
B2b - Moderate
St. Mark's Summit Blair Ballard
blair@creativehome.ca7783183309
Contact Leader
Sat 7 Oct, 2023
8:00 am - 4:00 pm
C Hike
C3C - Relaxed
Cinder cone in Garibaldi Park Ye Chu
markye@telus.net
Cancelled if wet

Anyone Who Leads Can Win!

Don't forget that anyone who leads a trip gets their name automatically included in a draw for a $50 gift card at the club AGM. Those who lead two or more trips get their names automatically submitted in a second draw.  Five or more trips, a third draw.  Ten or more trips (wow), a fourth draw.

Thanks for reading, and happy trails

The Raven – July 2023

Trip Report: Deeks Lake

Seven hikers assembled at the Porteau Rd parking lot and walked about 100m south to the trail entrance. We proceeded up the logging road after a while, taking a left turn to arrive at the Howe Sound viewpoint eventually. We saw a commemoration plaque for  Mary Tainish and spent a little while remembering her.  We then proceeded upwards to the lake past the magnificent waterfalls. It is fair to say many of us were happy to be done with the gruelling last few hundred meters to arrive at the beautiful snow-surrounded lake. We found a lovely lakefront spot to have lunch and soak up the rays. We were back at the cars after taking some pics for a total time of just under seven hours.

Thanks to all for a great day, Maurice.

Wilderness First Aid Course 50/50

The club is offering to subsidize the 2-day ‘Intro to Wilderness First Aid’ course from Canada West Mountain School (https://themountainschool.com/program/intro-wilderness-first-aid-2021/) for trip leaders. To qualify, one must lead two (2) club trips, of any type or level, between July 1-December 30, 2023. You must pay for the course yourself ($295+tax), and after you have led two trips, the club will reimburse you 50% of the total cost of the course. For more information, contact Ramona at ramona_muljar@hotmail.com

July Trips

DATE/TIME CATEGORY EVENT
Tue 4 Jul, 2023 - Wed 5 Jul, 2023 B2b - Relaxed Poland Lake - Manning Camping
Sat 8 Jul, 2023

8:30 am

A/B3a - Relaxed A/B3a Kennedy Falls
Sun 9 Jul, 2023

7:45 am - 4:15 pm

C Hike

C - Relaxed

South Mount Nutt via East Canyon Trail
Sun 9 Jul, 2023

9:00 am

12-14 Km/ h Avg - Relaxed Iona-Terra Nova- Gary Point.
Sat 15 Jul, 2023 C Hike

C3c - Moderate

Mt Frosty Manning Park
Sun 16 Jul, 2023 A1a - Relaxed Fort Langley to Golden Ears Loop
Mon 17 Jul, 2023

9:30 am

Cycling

- Relaxed

Spanish Banks - Low tide - bike/walk/swim
Sun 23 Jul, 2023

10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Cycling

- Relaxed

BIke to UBC from Richmond

Patagonia is Calling

January 16- 21, 2024 --Torres Del Paine - W Trek 6 days $2500. includes food and tenting accommodation with guide. We are looking for a few others to join us. We are Susan A, Dana D, Lori W

In 2020, North Shore Hikers were going to Patagonia on a club-organized trip. And then the pandemic cancelled international travel, affecting both Patagonia and the North Cascades summer camp.  As you already know, Diane Whiteley has revived the North Cascades summer camp. Susan Allen is reviving the Patagonia trip. Contact her for more details susan.allen881@gmail.com.

Have a  Hikes Bucket List?

Maybe we can help. Let us know which hikes you would like to join in on.
Here's a list that might spark your imagination:

B trips (5-7 hours at a moderate pace)
  • Runner Pk (behind Mt Seymour)
  • Forks Pk (behind Goat Mtn – N Shore)
  • Mt Liddell - Gambier Island
  • Tricouni Pk (past Squamish)
  • Garibaldi Lake (Garibaldi Park)
  • Lookout Ridge, Elk/Thurston/Mercer crossover (south of Chilliwack)
  • The Needle (Coquihalla)
  • Yak Pk (Coquihalla)
  • Llama Pk (Coquihalla)
  • Mt Frosty (larches in fall) (Manning Park)
  • Skyline Trail (Manning Park)
  • Mt Baker (Artists Point) (USA)
  • Goat Mtn (USA)
C trips (> 7 hours at a moderate pace)
  • The Needles (North Vancouver)
  • West Lion (Howe Sound)
  • Mt Hanover (Howe Sound)
  • Anvil Island – Leading Pk (Howe Sound)
  • Skypilot (Howe Sound)
  • Tetrahedron (Sechelt)
  • Black Tusk (Garibaldi Park)
  • Panorama Ridge (Garibaldi Park)
  • Mt Price (Garibaldi Park)
  • Mt Marriot (Duffey Lake Road)
  • International Ridge (south of Chilliwack)
  • Illusion Pks, South (Chilliwack River)
  • Williams Pk (Chilliwack River)
  • Goat Pk (Chilliwack Lk)
  • Mt Daly (Chilliwack Lk)
  • Macdonald Pk (Chilliwack Lk)
  • Grant Pk (Silverhope Creek/Skagit Road)
  • Mt Rideout (Silverhope Creek/Skagit Road)
  • Coquihalla Mtn (Coquihalla)
  • Tomyhoi (USA)
D trips
D hikes tend to be more challenging in some way than a straightforward > 7- hour hike. There could be a fair amount of bushwhacking, exposed scrambling or mixed mountaineering.
  • Lake Lovely Water area (Alpha, Niobe, Omega)
  • Little Ring Mtn (upper Squamish River)  loose class 3
  • Abandoned Pk  (Elaho River)
  • Castle Towers (Garibaldi Park) loose class 3
  • Tigger Pk  (Duffey Lk road)
  • Nraiteskel  (Duffey Lk road)
  • Mt Sloan (ne ridge) low class 4
  • Canadian Border Pk  (Chilliwack River)  low class 4
  • American Border Pk  (Chilliwack River)  low class 4
  • Devil’s Tongue  (Ross Lake)  class 3

Lead a C Hike and Get Into Some Free Gear 

The club received a generous donation of used (but good) mountaineering gear that we will give to the first people to lead C hikes that want an item. The main items are:

  • Two ice axes
  • A down sleeping bag good to about -25c
  • A 40L backpack

The main reason to lead a C hike is that it is fun, of course. That said, this is good gear.  Please get in touch with Ramona about any C hike you wish to lead. First come, first served.

Anyone Who Leads Can Win!

Don't forget that anyone who leads a trip gets their name automatically included in a draw for a $50 gift card at the club AGM. Those who lead two or more trips get their names automatically submitted in a second draw.  Five or more trips, a third draw.  Ten or more trips (wow), a fourth draw.

Help Stop Invasives from Spreading:

The  Sea to Sky Invasives Council is advising outdoor users to clean all mud, seeds, and plant fragments from themselves and gear before moving to new areas to prevent the spread of invasive species. This is particularly important for hikers, climbers and trail runners in the Sea to Sky since many of us travel between different trail networks within and beyond the region. Often without realizing it, seeds, burs, and plant parts can get caught in clothing, hiking boots and trail shoes and transported from one trailhead to the next. This ‘hitchhiking’ is a major cause of invasive species spread, causing harm to the biodiversity of the habitat they are introduced to. Find out more at ‘Play, Clean, Go’

Did you know that Bull Thistle is invasive species? Check out this list of more invasives

photo by R. Mueller

 

The Raven – June 2023

Cascades Summer Camp Returns!

After a three-year pause due to the pandemic, our annual summer camp is back.  The camp will take place in the cascades from August 15th to 21st.  
Save the dates! In a few days, we will send more information about this year’s summer camp including the camp dates, a list of daily hikes, recommended accommodations and registration details.
Gain the freedom to post your own trips

Post Your Own Trips!

Experienced leaders can now post a trip directly to the schedule without obtaining approval. To qualify, you must have been a member for at least one year, and have led at least six trips. To add yourself to the list of people who can post directly, please get in touch with the planner for the trip class (A, B, C, D, Ski or Bike planner) you are most likely to lead. They will make sure you qualify and get you set up.
Eagle Bluffs Exploration

Trip Report: Eagle Bluffs Exploratory

By Katy Poon

This is a special spring snowshoe trip in the forest, making our own trails. There were no designated snowshoe trails… but it is very safe as we ensured everyone was comfortable at their own pace. The spring snow conditions make going up and down more challenging but we all had a lot of fun pushing our own limits…. a big thank you to our encouraging leader, Martin.

The return trip (car to car) just took over 4 hours with “many” stop ’n go… no one needed a real break until we arrived at the top of Hollyburn Mountain.   We then had a well deserved long and leisure lunch break bathing in the sunshine.   We had the entire peak to ourselves except a few whisky jack trying to “share” our lunches….

I learned from my last Eagle Bluffs hike that I need to guard my food  ALL THE TIMES…. I lost my plastic box of trail mix when a crow scooped it out of my backpack as soon as I walked away from it. Both this Cypress scramble and the Eagle Bluffs exploratory hikes are safe, fun and out-of-the-ordinary trails.

Our booth at the recent ‘Wilderness at your doorstep’ in Lynn Headwaters regional park. Members participated in this event to promote the club - hopefully we’ll see some interested new members join!

June 2023

DATE/TIME CATEGORY EVENT
Sat 3 Jun, 2023 B Hike
B2c - Moderate
Deeks Lake
Sat 3 Jun, 2023 - Mon 12 Jun, 2023 A Hike
A/B - Relaxed
Hiking in the Amalfi Coast, Italy
Sat 10 Jun, 2023
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Moderate - Moderate Squamish bike and hike
Sun 11 Jun, 2023
8:00 am - 2:00 pm
B Hike
B - Moderate
Erin Moore Trail, Lions Bay
Tue 13 Jun, 2023 - Wed 14 Jun, 2023 Cycling
Easy pace - Relaxed
Saltspring Island bike camp
Sat 17 Jun, 2023
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
A Hike
Moderate - Moderate
Squamish hike
Sun 25 Jun, 2023
9:00 am
A Hike
A2b - Relaxed
Fishermans’ Trail in Seymour Demonstration Forest
Get to terminals early enough to find parking, or you will miss your boat!

Early Birds Don't Miss the Boat!

Summer is here, and the ferries are busy. Our advice? Get up early!
Please get to ferry terminals early enough to figure out parking. Too often leaders get texts at the last minute saying "can't find parking." Make sure you get to your meeting place on time, by considering this extra step. Better yet, instead of driving, take a bus to Horseshoe Bay or Tsawwassen and forgeddaboutit (the parking that is). Also, beware that BC Ferries are cancelling ferries due to lack of staff - so be prepared to take a water taxi or to make a reservation -- even as a foot passenger.

Thanks for Reading and Happy Trails

Mt. Underhill

 

 

 

The Raven – May 2023

No One Wants to get Long-Lined

Thud, thud, thud - the ominous sound of a North Shore Rescue Talon heli booms off the mountains. Don't you always look up when you hear them and wonder "Uh-oh, I wonder what's going down up there" ?

Photo: Alexa Smith
Saturday, May 13th
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. @ Ecole Argyle

On Saturday, May 13, North Vancouver School District is hosting its second annual Outdoor Safety and Emergency Preparedness Open House at École Argyle Secondary in North Vancouver. The event features first responders and local emergency management experts, who will showcase their expertise. Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue, North Shore Emergency Management, North Vancouver RCMP, and both North Vancouver fire departments will be there along with North Shore Rescue, BC AdventureSmart, and the BC Earthquake Alliance. All are welcome. This is a family-friendly event. You might even get to board a Talon : )

North Shore Hikers will be attending this event with a display

Come see our display and learn about the trails, history, flora and fauna in Lynn Headwaters park.

May 2023

Date/Time Category Event
Sat 13 May, 2023
9:00 am
B Hike
B2b - Relaxed
B2b Dias Vista loop trail Buntzen Lake
Sat 13 May, 2023
9:15 am
A Hike
A2a - Relaxed
Old Buck Trail to Quarry Rock
Sat 13 May, 2023
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Cycling
B - Relaxed
Lionsgate bridge to second narrow's bridge via the historic green necklace bike in north vancouver
Sat 20 May, 2023 B2c - Moderate Mount Gardner / Bowen Island
Sat 20 May, 2023
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Cycling
B/C - Relaxed
bike ride down arbutus ridge to steveston via crabapple ridge

June 2023

Date/Time Category Event
Sat 3 Jun, 2023 - Mon 12 Jun, 2023 A Hike
A/B - Relaxed
Hiking in the Amalfi Coast, Italy
Hiking in the Amalfi Coast, Italy
Tue 13 Jun, 2023 - Wed 14 Jun, 2023 Cycling
Easy pace - Relaxed
Saltspring Island bike camp
Saltspring Island bike camp

NEW! Post Your Trip Directly to the Schedule

Experienced leaders can now post a trip directly to the schedule without obtaining approval. To qualify, you must have been a member for at least one year, and have led at least six trips. To add yourself to the list of people who can post directly, please contact the planner for the trip class (A, B, C, D, Ski or Bike planner) you are most likely to lead. They will make sure you qualify and get you set up.

Random Spring Encounter

I can has blackberry shoots?

Your Club Needs You: Trip Mentors

If we all agreed to lead just one hike per year, we’d have a lively program full of choices in no time.  Most of us don’t just hike with our club, but also with other groups and personal friends. We invite you to share some of the hikes you’ve learned about and enjoyed, by proposing them on the schedule and leading them. We really need more A, B and C trip leaders. Worried about how to lead? We can pair you with a "trip mentor" - someone with experience that will help you figure it all out and join you on the trip. Please contact  Ramona to learn more.

Whoa, Fuel  Costs are Ridonculous, Right?

If you carpool, remember to reimburse the driver for carpooling costs at the end of the day. We suggest that drivers be compensated .30 per kilometre divided by the number of people in the vehicle, including the driver.  For example, if it was a 100km round trip and there was one passenger, the passenger would get charged 100 x .30 = $30 divided by 2 = $15. If there were three passengers, each would be charged: $30 divided by 4 = $7.50. This is just rough guidance, and it's up to the driver to ask for what they think is reasonable.

Thanks for reading and happy trails!

One of our beautiful new display boards. Thanks to Ye Chu for creating them.

The Raven – April 2023

March can be undecided. Is it warm? Or will it snow? New snow on the mountains means an extended ski and snowshoe season. Get up there in the snow while you still can, the crocuses are in bloom!

This Weekend is Social!

Join us on a multi-day activity-filled weekend, including  a social get-together at Cristina’s house in Squamish starting Saturday at 6 pm. Members are invited to spend Saturday and Sunday nights at her house and participate in downhill, cross-country and snowshoeing activities Sat, Sun, and Mon. Saturday night social is a potluck style party featuring your best power bar among other yummy food and drinks you decide to share with your fellow hikers. Contact Cristina for more details and to register

There is plenty of snow up here.

Photo from Scutt peak hike

April Trip Schedule

Check the trip schedule during the month. We add new trips regularly. Want to join in on a trip? Not a member? Then come along as a guest. But, hey why not just join?

DATE/TIME CATEGORY EVENT
Sat 1 Apr - Mon
3 Apr
Social
Intermediate
Club Social Event: Goodbye Winter party
Sat 1 Apr
10:00 am - 4 pm
Moderate Callaghan cross country ski and snowshoe
Sat 1 Apr
10:00 - 4:00 pm
A Hike
A2b
Sea to Summit Trail
Sun 2 Apr
10:00  - 3:00 pm
Moderate A hike Brohm Lake hike in Squamish
Mon 3 Apr
10:00  - 4:00 pm
Moderate Downhill Whistler
Tue 4 Apr Back-country Ski
B2b
Diamond Head
Sat 8 Apr
9:45 am - 4:45 pm
Cycling

B/C

Bike ride to Victoria in a day trip or a long 3 day weekend trip to Sooke for biking and hiking.
Sun 9 Apr
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Cycling leisurely moderate Training rides - 70 km loop
Tue 11 Apr Back-country Ski
A2a
Hollyburn Mtn
Sat 15 Apr
10:00 am - 3:30 pm
Cycling - B Bike ride around Belcarra and Sasamat Lake
Sun 16 Apr
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Cycling
leisurely moderate
Training rides - 70 km loop
Tue 18 Apr Back-country Ski Mt Baker
Sat 22 Apr A Hike
A2a
Lakeview Trail/Buntzen Lake Loop and around the Lake
Sat 22 Apr
10:00 am - 3:00pm
Cycling - B David's loop from Coquitlam, Bert Flinn Park and around Port Moody's waterfront all on bike trails
Sun 23 Apr

9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Cycling
leisurely moderate
Training rides - 70 km loop
Sat 29 Apr
10:00 - 4:30 pm
Cycling b/c colony farm, poco trail and minnekada bike trails
Sun 30 Apr
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Cycling
leisurely moderate
Training rides - 70 km loop

 Attend Patrick Brown's Celebration of Life

 

Mount Seymour Park - Join a Virtual Workshop

As the number of visitors to Mount Seymour Provincial Park continues to rise, there is growing pressure on the park’s facilities and resources. BC Parks is working to identify what facilities and services are needed to:

  • Provide a range of enjoyable, high-quality and safe outdoor recreation opportunities for visitors, and
  • Help manage the increasing number of visitors to protect the environmental and cultural integrity of the park.

We invite your organization to participate in a multi-stakeholder virtual workshop to discuss the project. We will talk about Mount Seymour Provincial Park’s strengths and challenges, and your suggestions for objectives and ideas to consider in the Recreation Facility Plan. To register for the workshop, please visit https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/590753358197

Trip Report: Mt. Galiano

by Carol Kautz

Eleven hikers decided to take on the Bluffs and Mt. Galiano Loop hike on a beautiful, sunny Saturday. And guess what? Every single one of them made it to the finish line, despite the fact they were huffing a puffing like a steam engine.

Special thanks to Dave, who led some of the hikers on a five-minute detour to the old Galiano cemetery. Because you know, nothing SCREAMS “fun Hike” like a quick trip to the graveyard.  But hey, at least they got to pay their respects to some long-gone Galiano residents.

Up on top of Galiano, everyone was treated to some stunning views of the surrounding scenery.  And what better way to enjoy the view than by discussing the local ant and beetle population?  Riveting conversations, folks, and riveting stuff.

The Galiano Soap Works Store continues to make a killing selling Epson and Bath Salts to some of the North Shore Hikers. I guess sore muscles are the price you pay for a day of hiking and bug talk. All in all it was a great time with great company.

Some of the hikers, in case you were wondering, were Galiano newbies, but they handled the challenge like pros.  Thanks to everyone that joined in on the fun!

PS.  When the conversation came up about the roses and thorns of the day.  It was concluded that it was a day of gorgeous roses, with few thorns!

Thanks for reading! Happy trails to all. 
View from Galiano