Sunday, April 24, 2016

Mount Tzouhalem - 04-24-16 -Island Mountain Ramblers' Outing




A wonderful excursion on Mount Tzouhalem today. Although the forecast was for rain, the 13 of us lucked out and even enjoyed a little sun. A profusion of flowers - including shooting stars, sea blush, and camas. We spent a leisurely 10 minutes admiring the flowers in the reserve, and then wandered along the ridge to the cross, enjoying wonderful views along the way. Although the parking lot was full, we didn't see many other people along the way. We had lunch near the summit, before heading down, taking a more inland route back to the car. A most enjoyable nearly three hour jaunt. 


The flower reserve.
Looking towards Duncan with Quamichan Lake down below. 
A profusion of camas!
Some downhill sections on the way to the cross and then the summit. 
The view from near the cross. 
Lunch time!

Wednesday, April 6, 2016

East Sooke Trail - April 2, 2016



What a beautiful trail!
Twelve of us met at Aylard Farm where we had two taxi-vans meet us and transport us to the trailhead at Pike Road. We started hiking under clear skies, but only 3 of us deemed it warm enough for shorts.

The short hike along Pike Road

After 20 minutes we came to Iron Mine Bay, and some of us donned more clothing to contend with the cool ocean breeze.
Meandering along the coastline trail

The brisk breeze kept the temperatures perfect for hiking, and we marvelled at the views of the Juan de Fuca Strait. I had only done this hike once previously, and had forgotten how rolling it is; you really have to be careful of your step going up and down the rocks! And the ocean is a long ways down from some of the precipitous cliffs!

Steep cliffs along the shore

Ah! It doesn't get much better than this!
And the vistas never quit.

What beautiful scenery! (And I'm not talking about the hiker!)



We admired the view of the Olympic Peninsula Mountains across the strait.


And, after we passed cabin point, more flowers were blooming.



Shooting stars emerging early on the sun-soaked slopes.


Camus awaking early

As we neared Aylard Farm, we encountered more and more walkers, most without any packs, out for a short stroll. At the other end of the trail most of the people we saw were runners, but now they were walkers, many with dogs. Good to see many people out enjoying nature, and getting their kids out at an early age.  

The only thing I'm wondering is why did it take me 15 years to return to this gem of a trail!?