Sea Asparagus Hunt up the Inlet

The search began at the Visitor Center so we could arrange car pooling .... we piled into one car and took off [after having a look at the new aquarium ... all agreed it is wonderful].

A bit unsure of the tides [the low was 9' but we thought it would be ok]. Tides were no problem at all ... anf there was virtually no water in the creeks. We even met folks along the way, walking the dog and sightseeing on a ATV.



After a 45 minute walk we reached the spot and plunked ourselves down to harvest ... the walk back might have been a bit slower as we were loaded down with sea asparagus, virtually at its prime!





By the time we got back to the parking lot we met some visitors and explained our harvest and shared some other local knowledge with them ...

Great walk, great harvest ... sun/overcast and no bugs ... just eagles and oyster catchers ..

Sunday June 19, 2011 Rhodo Hunt

The post Hospital Day hike was the annual searching for the Northern Rhododendron ... one group headed to Francis Evans place on Kumdis Island the orther headed to the Nadu/peatmoss plant area of the Edward Evans place.

We scrambled along the trail, crossed the stream then out to the old, very rickety dock ... down to the beach and then south to the breakwater ...the tides were perfect and we had a great walk, checking out lots of seaweeds and somefastmoving "starfish" ... overcast skies but no bugs, great for our hike!

When we got to the breakwater we headed inland, up the trail, marvelling at the work these pioneers had to do settling in such a remote area ... we were not disappointed when came to the entrance to the homesite ... the rhodos were waiting for us ... the whites almost over but the purple ones, some out and some just opening.
We spent time wandering around searching out the remains and perhaps imagining how easy our life is now when comparing it to the Evans.
Then time to return which we did in little groups ... the last group in had a great story to share about finding their lost glasses along the beach.

When when we were back off the beach we detoured to take a look at the some of the remains of the "peatmoss" plant ... trying to figure out what the round cement structure was used for?

It was another great day for the Over the Hill Hikers ... and of course we stopped at the Crow's Nest for our break on the way home.








Included are 2 photos from Dalzels's QCI Book 2
showing the Peatmoss Plant and the view from the Evans Homestead.

Monday June 13, 2011

Some folks were tired, some were sick, some were away, and some were working but some were keen ... clouds looked low on Sleeping Beauty so the weather dictated that we head to Crabapple Creek trails ....

The woods were maximum green, the ferns are fantastic!
It was great to walk with a ex-pat Islander who got to spend some time here this summer ... last hike possibly before leaving the next day. Thanks Sue for coming and making us realize just how great it is to be living here.

More trail marking is necessary ... we locals can travel on any old trail but visitors and those less familiar with the area need more directions ... it is supposed to be a stress free visit into the woods!

Monday June 6 Celebrating Seniors Week

Up early and off at 7 AM to go crabbing at Tow Hill, nice calm day in QCC ... we were ready, gumboots, chest waders, cameras, food [including 2.5 cakes]. Lunch is to be at Agate Beach campsite ... there was some suggestion to be prepared for no crabs!

We are there at 9:am ... not another car anywhere so back to Agate Beach ... where there were a few people  ............... crabbing was looking doubtful as it was hard to stand up it was so windy.


So after some discussions we decided to head  out on Agate Beach, very bundled up ... and of course we are found some sea-goodies.

Next we headed back out to Tow Hill to check the new trail work .... off we went up Tow Hill and back down by the blow hole [tide was too low for much blowing]. Trail work is great, would be nice to hear the story behind it ...

Then back to lunch which was moved to the golf course [protected weather location] ... chatted with folks there and dropped off 1 cake and then continued on into Masset ... 2 of us ended up buying crab traps ... is that not ironic!

Sunday June 5 - Regier Lake Hike

The advertised hike we went off as proposed, after 1 day of showers to settle us down and ready us for the coming week of sunshine ...

The hike, a first time for all of us, is basically uphill til you get to a beautiful high bog and then across to the lake. On the way up there are some inlet views as you are quite high!










Some pretty big trees in there and some very big blowdowns ... the wild flowers are blooming in the bog but it is dry enough for easly walking.


The trail is well marked, and dry ... special thanks to Darryl and all who have worked on it .... Gary's sign is great.

2 Photo Hikes into Naikoon to Celebrate PARKS

After a week of great weather and a forecast of more great weather we did have to have a small break so that we would appreciate our good fortune.

Rain in the parking lot at Tlell

Rain, possibly showers ... but definitly a dampener; although we did have some stalwarts students and some fine instructors come out.









Jason Shafto took us out to the beach near Misty Meadows and into the dunes for some hands on settings instructions as well as some tips on composition ... no more just "auto", and start looking for a polarizing lens!



























With Jack Litrell at Tow Hill we walked to the river, catching different speed shots as well as depth of field exercises and then down the new trail to the Blow Hole for some shots with backlit, into tidal pools, and more.







Special thanks to the HG and BC Arts Councils for their support of these instructional hikes and the Naikoon Photo Show to follow in September.

Thanks again to the 2 great instructors, Jason and Jack, and the hardy students, from QCC, Tlell, Port and Masset, who braved the weather.

The show is open to everyone, as long as the photo is in Naikoon Park ... any image ... any number ... just email them in the highest quality you can to naikoonphotos@yahoo.com before August 31. Shows will be planned for as many communities as we can .... we will print the top 25 or so photos and the rest will be shown on a digital picture frame as the public will help choose the prize winners.

Photo Hikes Saturday June 4

In Tlell at 10:30 meet at Misty Meadows for the walk with photographer, Jason Shafto ... learn some tips on taking prize winning photos and learn about the Naikoon Photo Contest!

In Masset at 1:00 meet at Tow Hill parking lot for a walk with photographer, Jack Litrell to also learn about taking better photos ....

These events are in celebration of the 100th birthday of  Parks!

June 2 ... to Tlell

The tides got us going earlier than normal ... left QC before 9:00 heading to Tlell for a walk on the Pesuta/Shipwreck Trail. Tides were rising so weren't planning to go out to the Shipwreck.

The forecast called for the fog to burn off and the sun to appear - didn't happen. The fog had some moisture in it but didn't both us .... great hike through the woods and onto the beach. We only went as far as Fulton's place ... enjoyed  the buildings and artifacts etc.  No bugs and mild temperatures.

New hikers, so lots of fun and conversations.

Disappointing that the motorized drivers would destroy the sea asparagus ... these are not crop circles!