With all the snow that came down over the weekend, snowshoeing was a must do! The Probus hiking group met at Raven Lodge and headed out into a forecast of wind and snow. We travelled to Lake Helen Mackenzie on a beaten track and once there, started to break trail along the lake until we came to the Piggot Creek bridge. After crossing the bridge we again broke trail, but this time through deep snow, following the Lake Trail route. After a quick lunch we returned to Raven Lodge to dry out, warm up and have a hot drink. Strathcona and Glacier snowshoe groups joined forces to create a 15-person trail-breaking team. We took turns leading through knee-deep powder across new terrain and on regular wintertime tracks. The group headed up the Helen Mackenzie trail but diverted over a ridge toward the Battleship Lake trail. Eventually we ended up making new tracks on Battleship and up a fairly steep knoll at the far end where we enjoyed a scenic, sunny lunch. Total snowshoeing time was about 4 hours. Photos by Teresa A small group braved the winds today for our second ride of the season. Old blue (and I) struggled up Lazo Hill directly into the wind. Phew. We all made it (barely).
Willy van Kemenade It was another very well planned and fun evening at Saturday's Mardi Gras Masquerade Madness Party. Guests arrived bedecked in gold, green and purple Mardi Gras bling, bearing a delicious banquet of appetizers and desserts. Music was organized by Barb Larson. And the room was decorated in genuine New Orleans style by coordinator Maryann Amiss and her dedicated crew. To add to the festivities one large table of experts took home the wine prize for their mastery of Mardi Gras trivia. And congratulations to Bob and Pat Allen - judged by the decibels of audience applause - as best costumed for the occasion. Well done everyone! The Comox-Strathcona Probus hiking group invited the Glacier Probus hiking group to join us on our attempt to hang onto winter snowshoeing despite the limited snow. We left from Raven Lodge and made our way to the Alpine Village where we snuck through fresh snow to Snowball Lake. After gazing out to the ocean below we went back through the village to another lookout. Beyond were the sunny peaks of Mt. Elma, Castle Craig and Allen Brooks, and the meadows below. Then off to the surprise of the sculpted ice castles at Sky Island, some even embellished with entrance archways, where we had lunch and again had an amazing view of the ocean and islands and the valley. Back to Raven Lodge where some of the groups enjoyed a coffee or hot chocolate and more fun getting better acquainted with our fellow Probus club. Nine of us were able to attend Snappy Appies this month, hosted in Helen and Marty Dahl's lovely home. The two hours from 3:00 until 5:00 seemed perfect for catching up on holiday and winter event news, sharing laughter and good stories, and enjoying a beverage and tasty plate of appetizers.
Coordinator Teresa Cosco The Probus hiking group took advantage of the dusting of new snow and blue skies on Monday by meeting for a snowshoe outing at Mount Washington. The snowpack was interesting with narrow hard pack on the boardwalk to almost bare boardwalk to some very nice snow higher up. We stopped for lunch at Helen MacKenzie and then carried on towards Battleship. The bridges were challenging but we all made it through unscathed. Some of us stopped for a hot drink at Raven Lodge before heading home.
After a fun snowshoe outing to a ridge above Battleship Lake last week, the snow conditions in Strathcona Park have deteriorated. Rather than struggling through heavy, slushy snow this week, the Probus hiking group met at the Wildwood Interpretive Forest for an easy walk in the forest. The easy walk wasn't so easy though as there was still snow on the trails. Our hike took us from Piercy Road to Burns Road, where we were glad to have a cleared road to walk on for a bit. After making our way to the Bob Webb trail, we stopped at the bench for a quick bite to eat, then headed back along the Burns Road Connector to the Wildwood Rail Grade and to the cars. Despite a forecast of rain, all we got was a little mist.
Anne Flanagan, Hiking Group leader No amount of snow could stop this group from getting together. Carol-Anne and Terry, our hosts, created a dining extravaganza. Terry barbecued in their beautiful winter wonderland setting. Carol-Anne was supervised by one of their Championship pups. We sampled seven lovely BC Wines. |