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 …
Hemingway’s First Overnight Kayak Trip, Blackberry Point on Valdes Island
GPS Route with photographs in place Total Distance: 30 km I’ve made this trip many times before in the company of my good friends (you can find a previous trip here). The destination is not far from where I live, nor is it particularly challenging to get to. However, it …
North Coast Trail – Summer 2014
I just hiked the North Coast Trail… the North Coast Trail, let that sink in a little while. It feels good to say that, finally. I have had my eye on doing this trail since it opened in 2008. Earlier in 2014, I made a resolution to stop talking about …
Hemingway’s First Kayak : The Movie
GPS Route The conditions were not perfect but the day was magical. As the title suggests, this video stands as a documentation of Hemingway’s first kayak trip. A long day for a tiny man. He weathered the conditions well, laughing each time the water sprayed him in the …