Oct. 30, 2011 to Riley Creek

Off the ladies went to Rennell Sound ... the plan was to get a last hike into Riley Creek before the snow flies! This was the night after the Halloween Dance so the start while early was a bit slow ... we began with a walk out to the Knoll in search of the "green chair" ... it had disappeared in the big wind storm a few days ago. No signs.

Next it was out on the logging roads ... Blueberry and her driver did a great job, the roads were pretty good ... no traffic ... only one bear crossing the road [all the cameras were in the back ... it was big and black!].

Watching overhead we could see the odd spot of blue sky and by watching the road carefully we found the trail head into Riley Creek ... we had noticed along the way that the rivers were really rushing! N53 23.401 W 132 29.383

After getting ready ... rain gear and food ... off we went. It is a beautiful hike even though the government seems to have abandoned it. Today we over and under lots of blow-downs and mushed through many muddy spots ... but we were not deterred!

On we went watching for the creek crossing spot ... we had gumboots ready and were prepared to ford the creek and then take the trail along to the southern side of the creek to the beach. We passed the spot where the puppy was lost and saw the rushing river ... there were rapids in the river!

A couple of times we were encouraged when we saw a log across the river that we might cross on .... over the hill hikers we are supposed to be mature and wise ... we didn't try it and instead walked down to the saltwater on the north side - this meant we wouldn't get to beach comb. Yet amazingly we made find ... it perfect condition a huge yellow "marker/bumper" about 50 meters into the bush maybe 500 meters front the creek mouth!

We did get to a new place on the "beach" and there we decided to eat. After retreating a bit to get out of the wind and starting a fire, supplemented by a stove we enjoyed smokies, with all the condiments, chips and hot chocolate ... quite the feast!

Soon we noticed the tide had turned and was rushing in ... at the same time the river was rising! So we hastily decided it was time to head back up the trail as dessert, fresh apple pie was waiting for us at the car!

The hike back was jackets on, jackets off one, as although there were rain showers periodically it was mild.

All in all ... another great hike and we'll be back when the creeks drop ...

October 22, 2011

Once again we piled in the car to head over to Moresby Island ... the plan was a walk around the Spit and then to pick up one of our members who had been missing for a month. She wasn't lost just having a wonderful time on a few other islands; Vancouver, Saltspring and Hawaii!

Weather was great leaving QCC ... sunny with quite a strong westerly but by the time we reached Sandspit the wind had dropped and the clouds had moved in .... not to be daunted we drove to the airport left the car and headed west to walk the loop ... collection bags in hand.

About to the end of the Spit it was fine then ... the wind came up from the south east and the rain began ... so we headed up from the beach to the grassy track ... just one snag was sat upon!

We continued on and fortunately the plane was a bit late as we all arrived at the airport at the same time both the hikers and the plane. We now know it is about 1.5 hrs to walk the short circuit..

Even though wet it was a great hike and great to welcome back to our fellow hiker and to top it all off we got to talk via cellphone to another fellow hiker who now lives in Prince Rupert!

Friday ... Summer continues

Sometimes the right thing happens ... I felt I needed a walk and it was such a gorgeous day with high winds predicted [the tide always seemed high!] so I choose Spirit Lake as I hadn't been up in ages.

Who did I meet but Jags coming out armed with a chainsaw! There is a new trail to explore, new and steep with a very cool view .... so lets plan on it soon.

This photo, while strange, should be seen in this orientation ...

Oct 2 Moresby Island Adventures

The Hikers headed out for Moresby Island to do some mushroom picking, perhaps some fishing and general exploring!

It almost worked as planned ... except one of the hikers missed the ferry! What could we do but keep going, as we were already on the ferry.

Bypassing Sandspit we headed via South Bay to mushroom country. While looking for chantrelles one of the collectors managed to also find false chantrelles ... apparently happy to find any orange-ish mushroom! Fortunately the more experienced picker [rather than the doctor] pointed out the error!

The chantrelles were few and far between but we weren't skunked ... although sales would have been poor had we been professionals.

Next stop was Moresby Camp ... to check out the camping area, new dock [which wasn't there]; lots of work was being done on the road ... bridge replacement - very rough. Perhaps why there were so few people around on such a wonderful day.

The Pallant Creek weir has had 1/3 removed ... saw a few very old chums swimming in the lower section ... a few carcasses. Further towards the mouth we joined a couple of visiting fishermen on the river ... they were quite downcast as had no fish in 2 days! We were not more successful but

we did get to both see and fish with a bear.

Then we just did a bit of exploring ... seeing some pretty amazing stumps.

Looking forward to Banff Film Festival this week ....

October 1, 2011 to Rennell Sound

Some of the Over the Hill Hikers minus their stalwarts headed out to Rennell Sound to enjoy the promised fine weather ... the roads were pretty good, newly graded.

Actually we acted a bit more like Over the Hill Strollers ... we first took a short detour down a forestry road ... just to see where it went!

Next stop was Gregory Beach trail ... muddier than summer ... but the beach was great, lots of driftwood collecting and sun-rays soaking up time.

Next we headed to Bonanza on the rising tide ... where we did more driftwood searching. Found it interesting that these two beaches so close together could have such different driftwood patterns.

Very few people were out enjoying the area, although we were happy to meet Ruby, the dog and her family at Bonanza.

We did see various wildlife: squirrels, marten, deer, raccoon tracks, seals and one bear!