We had high hopes for the day, but not all plans come to fruition. Canoe Peak was a lofty goal for any day, but we were adding to the challenge by attempting a winter ascent. On our way through Sutton Pass (230 m) snow was falling fast and accumulating so …
Hemingway’s First Summit: Mount Elma
–all photographs and video courtesy Michael Paskevicious Dear Hemingway, You’re four-and-a-half years old now–time sure flies. I made only two resolutions for 2018, and the first and most important one was to get my whole family out on a mountain adventure (Paradise Meadows doesn’t count). You’ve been my adventure …
A winter trip to Adder Mountain
Phil and I have come to the consensus that, although we have accomplished a lot on our Island Alpine Quest, we have merely begun to scratch the surface. In the past two years, we’ve partnered on more than 60 summits, but the truth is that most of these peaks are …
Octavia’s first snowshoe trip
–Photographs by Mike Hincks and Kim Leong Dear Octavia, You’re a natural outdoorswoman! It was back on December 16th, 2017 that we finally got you out on your first snowshoe trip. I hosted a family/beginner snowshoe trip with the Island Mountain Ramblers as a way to get the whole family …
Snowshoeing Mount Elliot: Fun in the Sun
View PostMount Elliot: To Ski Or Not To Ski
When it comes to winter travel, I’ve always been motivated by finance over fancy; as such, I’ve found my adventures by boot or snowshoe. But in December 2016, I bought a used set of ski touring gear, which has opened up a variety of options for travel. Although I’m familiar …
Genesis Mountain: An Easy Ridge Ramble
Located in the Genesis Range on the northeast edge of Schoen Lake Provincial Park, Genesis Mountain is far from a well-known mountain. It’s out of the way, and surrounded by more impressive objectives, but if your mountaineering interests include easy rambles along alpine ridges, then add Genesis Mountain to your …
Mount Romeo: Prelude to Winter
The highlight of my week is Sunday, when I’m adventuring in Vancouver Island’s alpine. Planning a weekly trip is an involved process that takes considerable planning. In many ways, these trips shape all the activities in my weekly schedule. There’s research, route-planning and plotting, communication with participants, weather-watching, and drafting …
Maitland Range Exploration: a day in the bush
I often wonder how my blog posts are perceived by those who read them. While the website is a vanity site, it’s never been my intent to brag; rather, I’ve always been interested in sharing first-hand experiences gained in Vancouver Island’s diverse backcountry. However, over the past few months, I’ve come to …
Waring Peak: Striking Back
Have you ever struggled to achieve an objective, and been turned back? I have–a lot! Waring Peak in the Sutton Range is among several peaks that we failed to summit last winter. My first attempt came to a premature end, with the group looking longingly at the base of the …