Hiking

Hiking Group

This group is for members who want a rigorous hike, with varying degrees of difficulty, lasting 2-3 hours. In addition to a regular hike we may also schedule an alternate, longer more rigorous hike. Members should be reasonably fit, wear hiking shoes or boots, bring water and a snack. Many bring hiking poles on the more hilly hikes. After the hike, coffee is our reward! The hiking group meets Fridays at 8:50 am. at the Fowler Road parking lot.

The group relies upon members to suggest and lead hikes. When proposing a Hike, please refer to the schedule and provide the date & destination. When submitting your specific hike details for group circulation, kindly aim to have these e-mailed to me latest by the Wednesday afternoon before hike day.

When considering to lead a hike, you may find that our list of hikes will be of use. The data has been compiled by Mick Phillips and, while not exhaustive, provides a comprehensive list of locations tackled over the years by the CB55+ Group. We’re indebted to Mick for pulling this together for us. A number of these will be quite familiar to most of the Group however, for those members less so, a quick “google” will provide you with more detail. That said, if anyone has other fresh ideas on where we could hike, please do feel free to bring them forward. As with new leaders, new destinations will always be welcomed.

Contact: Stew Arnold at stewart.arnold@shaw.ca

August 18th — Oak Bay Ramble & Swim

This Friday’s hike will take in the highs and lows of Oak Bay, starting at Gonzales Bay Park. From there we will walk through the Chinese Cemetery and up King George Terrace to the Gonzales Observatory, where we will take in the views. Then down the other side and onto Anderson Hill for more views over the Olympic Mountains and hopefully Mount Baker (approx. 2 1/2 hours ). Back down to Beach Drive and return along the waterfront to our starting point at Gonzales Bay.

We will then drive to Geoff and Sue’s home at 3080 Uplands Road. There we will enjoy the pool and have lunch. Please bring a picnic lunch, swim suit and towel (warm water in the pool will be supplied as well as beverages etc.)

Directions: Meet as usual at Fowler Park parking lot at 8:50 am., to car pool in readiness for a 9:00 am. departure. Proceed down Foul Bay Road to the end by the water and turn right onto Crescent Road. Gonzales Bay Park is located at 1809 Crescent Road. Departure time 9:30 am.

2017:

August 18 Oak Bay Ramble & Swim Geoff/Rolf

August 25

September 1

September 8 Saturna Island Izett

September 15

September 22

September 29

Saturna Island – September 8th

Please find the detailed information below for the proposed Saturna jaunt; a relatively easy 3-destination hike over part of this beautiful island.

This would be a full day outing from Victoria, with ferry departure from Swartz BAy at 9:15; returning from Saturna on the 4:30 pm. sailing, with an estimated time of arrival at Swartz Bay of 6:20 pm.

The plan this year would be to take different trails from previous visits, to provide us with the opportunity to see other parts of the Island. Hiking time would be approximately 4 hours, with a level of difficulty in the moderate range. Ilka & Allen Olsen, Island residents, would be our hosts/hike leaders as before.

A packed lunch would be required, but hopefully we’d be back at the ferry terminal in time to grab a quick refreshment at the pub before boarding the ferry. (Unfortunately, the earlier departure this year will not allow time to have dinner before sailing, however that could be an option once we’re back at Swartz Bay ~ Sidney?)

Cost sharing would apply, so car pooling would be organized to keep that to a minimum. Per vehicle fare is $41.90; passenger fare is $13.45 return. (“Experience Card” holders may provide discount benefit for all travellers, on both vehicle and passenger fares.)

Members interested in going on this outing are requested to inform Stew, our Hiking Group Coordinator, at their earliest convenience. Further details will follow.