Tag Archives: North Shore Hikers

Annual General Meeting

Club news

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

Club news, General news,

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 – July 2023

Club news, General news,

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

Club news, General news,

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

Club news, General news,

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

Club news, General news, Parks and trails,

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

For more information on the project, please visit https://helpshapebc.gov.bc.ca/mount-seymour-provincial-park-recreation-facility-plan.

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

The Raven – March 2023

Club news, General news, Parks and trails,

Trip Report: Scutt Peak

by Alistair Ferries

On Jan 28 nine of us attempted Scutt Pk (also known as Scuff Pk), 2238m, immediately north west of D’arcy. The 1600m bushwack was occasionally thrashy, and it took nearly seven hours to reach alpine at 2,000m, where three participants stayed. The somewhat imposing summit was easier than it looked. Except it wasn’t the summit. The true summit was a bit higher and a bit beyond. And the final 5 metres of it took almost 2hrs. As we first tried to find a safe way up powder snow on icy granite slabs; and then once a route was found; took turns going up and back. By the time we all summited, one member was too frozen to be able to remove his crampons. Fortunately, we had extra clothes, and once lower and out of the wind, he warmed up.

False summit - Whaaa?
Summit - Scutt Peak

March 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 4 Mar D Hike
D2c		 Spider Pk
Tue 7 Mar Back-country Ski
A2a		 Hollyburn Mtn
Sat 11 Mar
6:00 am - 6:00 pm		 C Hike Rainbow Lake Trail Snowshoe
Tue 14 Mar Back-country Ski
A2a		 Callaghan
Sat 18 Mar Back-country Ski
C3b		 Hollyburn / Strachan / Christmas Gully
Sat 18 Mar Hike
B2b/ B1a		 Mt. Galiano/Bluffs
Tue 21 Mar Back-country Ski
A2a		 TBA
Sat 25 Mar D Hike
D3c		 Niche Pk
Tue 28 Mar Back-country Ski
A2a		 Mt Seymour

2023 Social Events 

Our Social Convener, Donna Nyberg and friends have devised a preliminary schedule for our club socials for this year. You may already know that we are not using the Sunrise Community hall anymore, as their rental rates have quadrupled over the past two years( $40/night in 2021, $90/night in 2022 and $150/night in 2023).

Our new socials will add a fun/twist. If you have additional ideas, contact Donna. She'll add it to the preliminary schedule. All club socials will be posted on our Schedule as the dates are firmed up. Here's what we have so far:

April  “Goodbye Winter“ SOCIAL - Date TBA

One night in Squamish at Cristina’s place: potluck dinner featuring your favourite power bar! Two days of snowshoeing and cross-country skiing at Callaghan - if snow conditions are not good, there will be two hikes in Squamish.

 May  “ Hello Spring” SOCIAL - Date TBA

Cycling and hiking trip in Victoria
Two nights in Victoria at a resort or hotel/motel of your choice
Galloping Goose cycle
East Sook Regional Park hike
Potluck dinner featuring your favourite drink!

Summer Social Sunday, July 16th

Derby Reach Regional Park -Serene park offers riverfront trails, picnic areas, camping & picturesque mountain & forest views. Folks can walk or cycle into Fort Langley, stopping along the way at the Heritage Museum, enjoying the small village's unique favourite or even kayak from Fort Langley down to Derby Reach.  There is something for everyone to enjoy and if the picnic tables are all taken, we can pull a lawn chair from our car, sit along the Fraser River banks, and enjoy the potluck.

Cycling/hiking trail from Derby Reach Regional Park to Fort Langley

FALL SOCIAL - Harvest Festival - last week of September - exact dates TBA

Cycle San Juan, Lopez and maybe Orcas Island - kayak out of Friday Harbour, day hike Mount Constitution in Moran State Park and enjoy all that the San Juan Island have to offer.  We will drive down to Anacortes and take the ferry to Friday Harbour - a fun boat ride to enjoy even before the fun starts.

North Shore Hikers supports BCMC proposal for  Blackwall backcountry access in Manning Park

January 30, 2023

RE: Blackwall Backcountry Access Corridor Proposal

Dear Paul,

Thank you for circulating your proposal for a new backcountry access to Blackwall Peak
in Manning Park to our club. We are fully supportive of your proposal. The new access trail will serve the backcountry community and will create a new winter snowshoe opportunity in Manning Provincial Park, providing simple-moderate terrain to the alpine. The route will not interfere with the cross-country trails and will not traverse a high-value wilderness area.

We welcome your club’s efforts in expanding the trail system in our Province.

Cristina Jacob,
North Shore Hikers Society President

Thanks for reading and happy trails

A Log Lies On It - Deep cove

 

 

 

 

 

Raven – January 2023

Club news, General news,

Snowflakes glide down, cloaking the fir and mountain hemlocks in a brilliant robe. The forest stills for winter. Bears in their den. Snowshoe hare prints decorate the glades. Raven waits for the sun's return.

Crown Mountain peaks through the trees on the Dam Mt. trail

Incoming President's Message

Dear Members,

Cristina Jacob

As of November 8, 2022, I am your new president. I am eager and excited to work with our core of volunteers and with all of you to plan and enjoy outdoor activities.

My vision for the future aligns with the directions taken by Carol, our president for the past two years, and includes diversification of types of hikes( we added family and dog-friendly hikes) and sustained efforts in promoting the club and increasing membership. Numbers mean strength, diversity, and more choices.
I plan to give a prominent place to international trips and encourage all members to put forward proposals for such trips. We have experienced members that can help. In 2019 the club did the Haute Route from France to Switzerland and this year we have an exciting cycle and hike trip in Italy. In 2020 the club had an all-planned and paid trip to Patagonia, which was cancelled by the world pandemic. We intend to bring that trip back to our members together with other international destinations.
Who am I?
I am a retired professional engineer and ex-adjunct professor at UBC. My hiking career developed for over a decade in Europe and restarted in my fifties when my children left home to pursue their education and careers. I do pro bono professional consulting and volunteer for several organizations- North Shore Hikers being one of them. I am also a competitive paddler.
I hope to meet many of you on future club activities. And remember to challenge yourself every day, contribute to the club with your time and talents, and enjoy life.
President, Cristina Jacob

December Trip Schedule

Check the trip schedule during the month. We add new trips regularly. Want to join in on a trip? You can click here to find out more if you are a member. Not a member? Then come along as a guest. But, hey why not just join?  Contact membership@northshorehikers.org 

DATE/TIME

 CATEGORY EVENT
Sat 3 Dec A Hike
A2b		 A2b, Dog Mountain, Mount Seymour Area
Tue 6 Dec
8:00 am		 Back-country Ski Cypress Back Country Ski Trip
Sun 11 Dec
10:00 am		 DOG HIKE
A1a		 A1a, Dog Hike, Mosquito Creek, Hikers without dogs also welcome
Tue 13 Dec
8:00 am		 Back-country Ski Diamond Head Back Country Ski
Sat 17 Dec
9:00 am		 A Hike
A1a		 A1a, Pacific Spirit Park Hike, slow relaxed pace

Tue 20 Dec
8:00 am

 Back-country Ski Hollyburn Ski
Tue 20 Dec
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm		 Sunrise Community Center Christmas Party
Mon 26 Dec
11:00 am - 3:00 pm		 Walk Vancouver Christmas lights walk
Tue 27 Dec
8:00 am		 Back-country Ski Callaghan Cross Country Ski
Sat 31 Dec A Hike
A2b		 Lakeview Trail/Buntzen Lake

Celebrate the Season

Join us on Tuesday, December 20th, for our annual winter party.
7:30 - 9:30 p.m. @ Sunrise Community Hall. If you have ideas for activities at the party, please contact Cristina.

Trip Report

Hat Mountain via the north ridge

by Alastair Ferries

the objective from below on the descent route

The only area with a reasonable forecast was Vancouver, so I switched Midian Pk (ne of Pemberton) to Hat Mtn via its ‘tricky’ north ridge.  From the Wettin/Hat col the ridge was steep, but the snow was bomber, and there was a good run out.

About 45m below the summit, the route traverses east on a ledge system.  It was only exposed in one short section (an excellent firm tree to hold onto).  Then it was a bit exposed getting up to the summit plateau, but the snow remained firm and great for kicking steps into.

The route is marked, and it wouldn’t be that difficult in summer.

Whistler Blackcomb Backcountry Access Updates

Visit the Whistler Blackcomb Backcountry page for updates on the 2022-2023 winter season.

Reduction in the Backcountry Lift Pass

  • For members of the public that prefer lift access to Garibaldi Park, Whistler Blackcomb has reduced the backcountry lift pass from $62 to $45

Improvements to the lower mountain route (Blackcomb Bench Climb)

  • Whistler Blackcomb has re-routed a portion of the lower mountain trail to improve the user experience.  This re-route will allow for all-weather access to a juncture point where guests can then choose one of two route options to Garibaldi Park (North or South).
  • The Blackcomb Bench Climb also connects to the Excelerator chairlift via the Excelerator Connector for those guests that have a lift pass, would like to get a bit of exercise and avoid the lineup in the base area.
  • The Blackcomb Bench Climb also provides the public with an uphill exercise route within the Controlled Recreation Area throughout the day.

Interim Access Route (Blackcomb South Route)

  • Whistler Blackcomb would like to provide the opportunity to utilize the Blackcomb South Route again this year and has extended the access to 9:30 am from 9:00am to allow more time for users to travel up to the bottom of Seventh Heaven.

New Blackcomb North Route

  • Whistler Blackcomb will pilot a new winter access route that travels north through the Controlled Recreation Area into Garibaldi Park to the Phalanx area.
  • Based on conversations with stakeholders in 2021, this route could be a very nice route for day trips – fairly easy route for backcountry access, good terrain, gentle climb, beautiful backcountry ski opportunities.   The northern aspect will keep snow for a longer period and extend the use of the trail for winter use.
  • The potential use of this route is unknown; therefore, providing a breadcrumb trail for the 2022/23 season with the opportunity for feedback will be valuable.

Thanks for reading, and Happy trails. 

2022 Photo contest winner: Scenery anytime, anywhere

Photo by Lesley Bohm - Mt Baker area

 

Patrick Brown Passes Away

Club news

We are sorry to report that Patrick Brown passed away on Friday, October 7th while on holiday with his wife, Sandy, in Lisbon, Portugal. Patrick was a long-term member of the North Shore Hikers, a stalwart executive member and a recipient of the North Shore Hikers "Lifetime Achievement" Award.

Patrick was a gentleman and a rock for North Shore Hikers, leading many hikes at all different levels over many years. When funeral arrangements are available, we will pass them along to past and present club members who are interested in attending.

Sincere condolences to his wife, Sandy and family.

Patrick Brown | Obituary | Vancouver Sun and Province (remembering.ca)