It is with sadness to announce the passing of John Cuthbertson. John was a long time member of the club, involved with both hiking and cycling. John's obituary can be read here.
Increase budget for Recreation Sites and Trails agency
The Federation of Mountain Clubs of BC (Rec&Con Committee) has asked member clubs to post a link to a letter-writing tool to ask for an increase in budget for the Recreation Sites and Trails agency.
You can visit the letter writing tool here .
Write your letter by the end of February to meet the deadline.
By Carol Kautz, President NSH
Irene Miller
In February, North Shore Hikers lost a longtime member, Irene Miller, after a short illness at the age of 88. Irene was best known as our A hike coordinator leading hikes until 3 years ago! She held this position for many years and seemed to have a knack of getting members to volunteer to lead hikes. Irene’s knowledge of the north shore mountains was exemplary. For many of us, it helped us understand the maze of trails in the region. Her good sense of direction made it look easy to return to the trail head without getting lost. As a member for over 30 years, she holds the record for leading the most hikes for the club.
She was a very private person. We never knew exactly how old she was even refusing to disclose it to the medics when she needed first aid having injured herself on a hike. Many of us also didn’t realize that she was well known in other outdoor clubs, volunteering on their executives as well!
Irene will be remembered for her dedication, reliability, and conscientiousness during the years she devoted to providing and organizing hikes.
Her husband predeceased her 3 years ago and she leaves behind a son and daughter. The NSH have lost a member who will be thought of with great fondness for years to come.
By Beth Kitts
Coexisting with grizzly bears
The Squamish Chief has published an interesting article on the impact of back-country use for recreation on grizzly bears, see
They advise to carry bear spray and to avoid surprising bears.
However they don't even mention the devastating impact of the resource extraction industry (forestry, mining) on grizzly habitat. Also they don't mention some of the biggest reasons for grizzly deaths : collision with trains and cars and trophy hunting.
Special Public Avalanche Warning
Avalanche Canada has issued an avalanche warning for this weekend for the North Shore mountains and South Coast Region due to unusual snow accumulation and layering. See
https://avalanche.ca/spaw/2021-01-28
Siegfried, NSH News editor.
Be Avy Savvy — What SAR wants you to know
A free online presentation about backcountry safety by Avalanche Canada.
Thu, Jan 21, 2021 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM PST
Be Avy Savvy -- What SAR wants you to know
Join AJ Maheu, volunteer with the N. Shore Search and Rescue and Lisa Paulson, Visitor Safety Specialist with Banff, Yoho and Kootney National Parks speak about the rescues they perform each winter. They will share tips on what every backcountry recreationist should do for trip planning, as well as the gear and training necessary to safely access the backcountry. Learn from others so you do not become a rescue statistic.
https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/2333994217706257935
Obituary Andy Braacx 1951-2021
Sadly our former club member Andy Braacx has passed away.
See https://andy.braacx.com .
Andy will be missed. I have done a few nice hikes with him, including Zupjok-Alpacca, Gravell Peak and Mt. Harvey.
By Siegfried, News Editor.
Q4 activity statistics
For recent club activity see 2020 Q4 report.
By Diane Allison.
In Memory of Anton Tony Stramitz
Click here for stories in memory of Anton Tony Stramitz a long-time and avid NSH hiker who sadly passed away on Oct 1, 2020.
Tony has been donating generously to the club.
By Carol Kautz, President NSH
Obituary Art Alexander
Art Alexander, an avid North Shore Hiker who joined the club in early 1989, passed away on December 20, 2020. Art was a core “C” and “B” hiker, leading many, many trips for the club in rain or shine throughout the years. One of his favourite hikes was Beth Lake. Rest in peace, Art.
Carol Kautz, President North Shore Hikers.