I had an incredible summer full of back country adventures in the mountains, and on the ocean. With the summer well behind me I’m back at work waist deep in students and the daily grind of the job. Adding insult to injury, I’m a student again, retraining myself in the …
Climbing Elkhorn and Elkhorn South Mountain
Elkhorn and Elkhorn South Mountains overlook the Elk River Valley, inside Strathcona Park on Vancouver Island. Elkhorn is easily identifiable by its classic Matterhorn shape, making it distinct in the Strathcona landscape. At 2,194 metres, Elkhorn is the second tallest peak on Vancouver Island. Of note, it is one of …
Hiking to an unnamed peak in the Alberni Valley
It isn’t often that I am able to take time to go camping in the middle of the week. I made a smart decision and took time off work to join in on adventure, a trip up a never-before-summitted mountain. June 8, 9 and 10th, I joined four other hikers. …
Hiking to Comox Glacier’ following the First-Ascent route, over Mount Kookjai and Black Cat Mountain
View from below Black Cat Mountain looking East to Capes Ridge Comox Glacier has taunted since before I knew its name. Driving up Island past Comox and Courtenay it looms on the western horizon. When Phil approached me about doing a two day trip up to the glacier I jumped …
Capsizing Our Double Kayak at the Octopus Islands
I’ve written before about trips that don’t go as planned. Sometimes a route changes, weather can turn and uncontrollable circumstances come into play that force you to change your plans. Mostly these changes are smart decisions that are required for personal and group safety. This trip turnaround was a combination …
Triple Peak summit attempt, on a day that turns wintery…
Not every mountaineering adventure ends on a summit. Actually I suppose no hike should end on a summit, unless your flying off… To kick off March, Phil, Mat Light attempted a popular alpine route, one many other hikers are doing doing recently; Triple Peak. We were inspired to give …
Hiking in the Beaufort Range, Mount Cameron to Mt Tsable
Wow, I’m tired. I have that familiar ache in my legs that lets me know that I didn’t let life pass me by, I went out and found adventure. Valentines Day weekend 2015 was generous, I did two hike! My wife is an amazing woman, so kind to give me …
Hinde Site is Golden, Hiking Vancouver Island’s Tallest Peak
From one of the high points on Phillips Ridge, the route is visible all the way to the Hinde The Golden Hinde needs little introduction, it is after all the summit of Vancouver Island at 2195 meters. Our plan was to do the hike in five days, hitting The Golden …
Beaufort Range Traverse — Summer 2014
Earlier this year I made late spring trip into the Beaufort Range to visit Mt. Joan. On that trip we ended up making a winter ascent to the summit of Mt. Joan, where we were promptly socked in. Saturday, August 30th the Island Mountain Ramblers made an attempt to traverse …
The Hike Through Hell to get to Heaven, Hiking in the Haihte Range
The Haihte Range on Vancouver Island has the nickname, Little Patagonia. My friend Ryan B. often comments on how this is one of his favourite mountain ranges of Vancouver Island because it has ample opportunities for glacial exploration as well as general mountaineering and opportunities for setting gear for trad …