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Light drizzle didn't stop our group of 9 hikers from heading into the back country to explore Mackenzie and Douglas Lakes and the Mackenzie Meadows. Down a logging road and deep in Strathcona Park, beautiful primary forests line the streams and lakes in the area. Many spots of historic interest dot the route: wooden route signs made decades ago; a cairn in memory of pioneer William Douglas; a wilderness hut well-equipped for a short stay; and a Sportspal canoe, repaired many times, that must have been used to travel down Mackenzie Lake years ago. It was fun to enjoy lunch at the central campsite of the fabled Forbidden Plateau Traverse Trail. During our early morning launch from Blueback Park in Nanoose, marine conditions were favourable and the Probus Paddlers’ spirits were high. Our group of seven completed half the planned route faster than expected, in only 1.5 hours. It was too early to return, so we extended the route and paddled to Ballenas Islands. We had lunch on West Ballenas since South Ballenas was posted as military property. The steady 15 kph wind created rolling two- to three-foot waves for the return crossing and provided a bit of challenge that was satisfying, but well within our ability. It was another Goldilocks Day for the Probus Paddlers. Trip length was 18 km in 6 hours. Bob Allan Kayaking Group Coordinator Wolf Lake, what a beautiful and unique spot to enjoy lunch! Our group of 5 hikers (Denis is taking this fun photo) followed a labyrinth of overgrown bush tracks to the lake, to be surprised by a dramatic view of the area's logging history - supports for a pier and boom chain-up posts, backed by the varied greens of recently planted and older forests. We returned by a well-graded and much appreciated logging superhighway, the Duncan Bay Main.  The Probus Beer Appreciation Group held a tasting at the home of Judie and Henry Irizawa on August 18. The 14 members in attendance enjoyed a variety of beers as well as 3 non-alcoholic beers. After tasting Corona Sunbrew (non-alcoholic) and followed by the regular Corona Extra beer, many remarked how similar in taste they were! One of the beers, NECTAROUS brewed by Four Winds Brewery of Delta, BC garnered comments from many saying that at first taste, it was sour . . . then after the 2nd or 3rd sip, it was very tasty and they rather enjoyed it!  Great event tonight! Big turnout and a wonderful variety of salad and desserts. We had 3 successful Kin Beach BBQs this summer. There were approximately 40 people attending each of the 3 events, sharing food, games, and conversation. Brian and Cheryl would like to thank everyone who attended for helping to make these BBQs successful. Hope to see you next summer. The Probus hiking group met for a wander rather than a hike this week on account of the hot weather. We met at the Northeast Woods and wound our way down to the beach. We sat and enjoyed the sun and the breeze for a bit before heading back through the woods. It was a good choice for a hot day.  Our group of seven launched from Tyee Spit and completed a thorough meander up, down and all around the Campbell River Estuary. Overcast skies provided soft lighting for our colourful pod to shine. We shared the waterway with boats, planes, fisherman and paddlers of the human and feathered kind. Trip length was 8 winding km in 2 hours. Bob Allan Kayaking Group Coordinator A small group of Probus hikers met at Strathcona Park for the second soggy hike of the season. We decided to hike the Kwai Lake trail counterclockwise so as to get the muddy and rooty section above Helen Mackenzie done first. It was a good choice as it would have been slipperier had we done it on the way back. After a snack at the Ranger Station, we carried on to Kwai Lake, which was shrouded in mist. After a short stop we headed back via Croteau, Lady and Battleship Lakes. Have you ever gone on a trip and when you get home and look at the photographs, there are just too many keepers? Well, that was this trip! Seven paddlers came out for Trip #7 from Deep Bay to the Chrome Island Lighthouse (est 1891) with some rambling along Denman Island. The 0.2 m low tide was a challenge for our launch and landing, but an obstacle soon conquered for our determined group. Calm conditions, periodic light rain and our wonderful coastal scenery made this an enjoyable trip for all. Trip length was 11 km in 4 hours. Bob Allan Kayaking Group Coordinator Marty and Helen Dahl hosted a Summer Picnic themed wine tasting challenge on Friday evening. Appetizers were paired with mystery wines, chosen from a variety of countries, that would suit warm-weather gatherings: Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Pinot Grigio, Gamay, and Pinot Noir. Teams used their expertise to identify each wine variety while they enjoyed the delicious pairings. 10 skill-testing questions and a high-point bonus round brought the challenge to a highly competitive end, with the "Wineetas" team putting the "Win" in "Wine" and taking home edible prizes to be paired with future tastings at home. A great summertime meal and laughter-filled conversation followed. It was a very enjoyable evening! |
