The Probus hiking group met at Snowdon Demonstration Forest this week for our hike. Brian Jackson offered to lead the gang, as he is very familiar with the trails. We started at the Lost Lake parking lot and wound our way around forest, mossy clearings and rock outcroppings. Although it was threatening to rain, there was only a light drizzle, until shortly before our lunch break. Lunch was on the bluffs above Lost Lake so it was a short hike back to the car and nobody got too wet. Along the way our fearless leader decided to poke an underground wasp nest, commenting that it was strange to see fungus in the ground. As I was telling him it was a wasp nest, I was hightailing it down the trail. Luckily the wasps were not perturbed and the only outcome was one embarrassed soul!
It was our best trip this year! Six Probus Paddlers kayaked up the Courtenay River, and on to the Puntledge and Tsolum. The pink salmon were everywhere, attracting seals, herons, vultures, mergansers, anglers and even more paddlers. Delighted by the biodiversity, we were reminded of what a special place our Comox Valley is. Trip length was 6-17 km in 3-4 hours, depending on the launch site used (Courtenay Marine Park or Royston). Bob Allan Kayaking Group Coordinator The Probus hiking group met for another Mount Washington adventure. We started from Henry Road and went up through the Alpine Village to the little known “Snowball Lake”. From there, we headed for the Finger Trail, with a bit of bushwacking along the way. The Finger trail provided us with the “Great Big View” viewpoint and three other viewpoints, each showing us the mountains across the valley in partial cloud and the last one showing us Rossiter and Divers Lakes. We ended the outing with a barbeque and sat around and chatted until the wind came up, the temperature went down and a light rain began. Probus Paddlers have new experiences to share! We launched on a high tide (finally, a shorter walk to launch) and watched while the sun set and the full moon rose. We played with flashlights and glow sticks provided by Teresa. And, navigating in dark conditions certainly switched our senses on “full alert” for possible risks ahead and finding the launch site. The group made it safe while having fun, too. You could say it was a “carpe noctem” event! Bob Allan Kayaking Group Coordinator 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.
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