I often have folks ask me about what gear I carry with me when camping. Many of my friends know that I don’t like to take a heavy backpack, not anymore anyway. I have worked hard to trim the fat, eliminating what I don’t need while at the same time …
Hiking in the Comox Lake Region, Mount Ginger Goodwin
View from Capes Lake Trail, Warm alpine scented air greeted us as we exited my Subaru on the Cruikshank Main in the Comox Lake Region. The morning of June 7th, we set out early in the morning to avoid the heat of the day; the forecast was for an …
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 …
Paradise Meadows to Wood Mountain — A long established trail in Strathcona Park
Strathcona Park is loved by many for the diversity in mountaineering it offers. It has something for every type of adventurer: short & long day trips, traditional routes, climbing, and mountaineering. If one is looking for adventure in the Alpine they can find it here. Hikers crossing crossing a creek …
Keeha Bay & Meeting my Hero
Hemingway assisting in raising the tent at Keeha Bay Victoria Day, May long weekend, or May-long, no matter which you call it it’s one of the best weekends for camping! It hardly matters if it rains or shines, its a symbol of transition out of the long wet winter and …
Rogers Ridge to Mount Adrian and Car Rescue
Last week a friend and I travelled up island and explored Rodgers Ridge, accessed via the Buttle Parkway (hiway 28). We had and amaing hike and mediocre weather but a great day, until we tried to drive out. Surprise! The snow on the road melted, preventing me from passing a …
High (Mis)Adventure on Roger’s Ridge
Big adventure was in store for my hike on Rodgers Ridge, Sunday April 26th. We left Nanaimo earlier than normal, 6 AM, anticipating the 3 hour drive to Granite Mainline, off the Buttle Highway (Hwy 28). Our goal was to hit up two peaks, Mount Beadnell and Mount Adrian. We …
Learning To Lead Climb — Learning the Ropes with IAG
I have high aspirations, dozens of mountains on Vancouver Island call to me… For the past year I have been actively hiking the multitude of peaks on Vancouver Island on many on f the different ridges and ranges. Most weekends, I head to the hills with my friends. seeking summits. …
Wild Side Trail, Surviving the Trail with 21 Month Old Hemingway
When does the summer start? For many Families living on Vancouver Island they might say, May long weekend as this is when many make their first camping trip of the year. For my family, Easter weekend holds a tradition in my family, not just a lowly ham and/or turkey but …
Mount Gibson via Brigade Lake Trail
*** Note, updated 05/07/2015***Since I hiked this trail, my friends returned and discovered a flagged route that is somewhat reliable. You must hike further up the trail than we did to find the start of the flagged route Today went well, wet but well. A few weeks back Phil, Rick, …