Wednesday September 10 2025
We are off to Manning Park for a multi day outing with the local hiking club.
My friends L and A on BC Ferries to Tsawwassen.
The accommodations at Manning Park Resort are ideal. We have a "premium" cabin for 4 of us.
We have each brought one dinner for each of our 4 nights here.
Thursday September 11 2025
But first ... The first hike. We are so very fortunate that the weather is perfect!
Led by our 4th roomate C, destination; a hike called Skyline 1.
The views are stunning. The air is smoky however. There was a small wildfire just a couple of kilometres from the resort.
Looking back
We were most impressed with ourselves once we viewed the final stats! If we had known them in advance we would have assumed it would be too much for us. However the elevation was so gradual that it was not at all difficult.
17.16 Kms with 936 M of elevation. Yay us!
Friday September 12 2025
L led what was to be a short easy hike around Lightening Lakes.
It began easily enough ...
Hike Leader L and new friend H
Yes, let's take this lovely lakeside trail ...
No warnings and the trail was a complex obstacle course. Do we turn back or since we are halfway in do we just keep going. I dislike retracing steps and I believe I am not alone in this. We kept on going.
After a good half hour of difficult progress we made it through and up to the proper path.
Normally on our hikes the leaders have opportunity to conduct a "reccy" but since this is so distant from home that was not an option. L renamed a hike a "reccy", I could hear grumbling from behind that normally we do not have 16 hikers taking part in a reccy. Most were understanding and L accepted the outcome with her good sense of humour.
A day later another hike leader W, who was on this hike led a group. When they encountered a log across the trail they claimed they were suffering PTLD. Post Traumatic Log Disorder. She explained all this at the evening get together in such a deadpan manner ...we all had a good laugh about it.
A delightful encounter with a family of grouse.
The hike was 10 kms with little elevation.
On the short drive back to the resort H and I spotted this access sign for the Pacific Crest Trail.
Since we had an afternoon free we decided to go for it.
selfie on the trail looking south towards that blocked border
Very Happy Hikers to have touched a small portion of this famous trail.
We had a quick lunch then walked from the resort back to this trail head. The hike began easily and prettily enough but eventually turned into an uphill slog on an old gravel access road. It was hot with some shade but relentlessly up.
We were very relieved to reach the fork at the top of the pass. Because of the nearby forest fire the lefthand fork to Windy Joe trail was closed.
The righthand fork is the very northern terminus of the Pacific Crest Trail which extends from Canada to Mexico.
We were spent but not too tired to take a few steps down the path.
The distance was 7 or so kms to get to this point, the fire situation seemed worse, we could smell smoke and the helicopters were flying over regularly so it was time to head back.
H and I kept up great conversation the entire way, not only to get to know each other but to make noise to ward off any bears in the 'hood.
In years past we likely would have encountered hikers finishing their multi month hikes but due to today's political situation the border crossing, which is only about 10 kms from here, is now blocked.
The uphill have me an even better respect for the hardy souls that hike this arduous path ... ascending the many mountains and hills while carrying food, water and camping gear.
H noted that we had hiked the furthest today (total of 25 kms) of any of our group.
Saturday September 13 2025
Heather Trail
This hike began with a 20 minute drive uphill on a narrow windy road. We then hiked downhill (which means ending the day with uphill!) to Buckhorn campground.
Soon enough we reached Davis Bay on the Sunshine Coast where we stayed at Davis Bay Bed and Breakfast ... which I highly recommend. The rooms were large with comfy beds and the breakfast was hearty. Unfortunately I had come down with a cold so had to wear a mask for the entire journey in the car. Somehow I did not pass it on to either my roomate A nor my driver C. I missed a few meals but was determined not to miss any hikes!
Thursday September 18 2025
The stunning view from the parking lot!
Hiking down
Before long we were climbing again to be rewarded with a well tended trail and stunning vistas.
The group split up. About 4 or 5 hikers started back after lunch after already having had 2 consecutive of hard hiking. L, A and I hiked on another kilometre while hike leader C and J continued on the First Brother summit. Quite a feat!
Our hike leader C. ... this is where we turned back.
The three of us had a relaxing hike back, taking great pleasure in absorbing the beautiful scenery.
I consider this hike the best that I have ever done! The perfect weather and the great company helped but wow it felt like we were on top of the world.
These reminded us of wee hatted gnomes.
The rich red colours in the blueberry bushes was stunning.
And yes we did find a few berries although the season was pretty much over.
A, L, J (C's partner to the summit) and C.
The hiking stats for A, L and me were 14.6 kms with 521 meters of elevation. Not bad for us old ladies.
C presenting Journey organizer extraodinaire L with a card and TShirt.
Sunday September 14 2025
Heading west towards Hope we hit a long stretch of thick forestfire smoke.
A and I enjoying the beach across the busy 101 hwy from our accomodation.
Davis Bay Bed and Breakfast
Monday September 15 2025
A day in Gibsons Landing
C worked out a wonderful itinerary for us.
First stop Soames Hill Park
The views did not disappoint.
Looking down on Gibson's Landing
Wandering the town.
So very picturesque.
And then C astounded us with a performance of her own composition. She had not played the piano in years much less this specific piece. The hands and the voice just knew what to do. She is multi talented!
Next on the itinerary was Lovely Smuggler Cove Marine Provincial Park
where we enjoyed another short hike.
Story Teller L in perfect form and with her joyous enthusiasm.
We enjoyed a packed lunch at the Earl's Cove Ferry Terminal then made our way to Powell River where L had secured us accommodation through her home share connections.
The house was small but wow what a wonderful treat! And the price was right. L had another couple staying in her Victoria home while we were away.
This was my "room", a cozy outbuilding made of cedar where me and my cold germs could isolate.
Relaxing and planning the next day.
Wednesday September 17 2025
The northern half of the Sunshine Coast has a 177 km trail that extends from the very northern tip north of Lund to the ferry terminal at the most southern point. Along the way are huts in which the through hikers may shelter. I discovered the trail about 4 years ago while staying at Desolation Sound Resort with some friends. On that visit we hiked up the trail for about 45 minutes then had to turn around. Ever since then I have been wanting to hike it. I am too old to carry enough food, water and clothing for a week plus long journey but there are easily accessible portions for some great day hiking. Two years ago A, L and I planned a vacation here to do just that but life had a different plan for me. While hiking on Mt Doug with my son, I jumped off a boulder and broke my foot. Fortunately the other two were still able to go and enjoy the full itinerary. Also fortunately they loved it so much that they decided that a second trip to this area was warranted. Very lucky for me!!!
We were staying very close to the trail, day one we walked from the front door to join the trail at Mowat Bay (at km 52). We walked northbound crossing the bridge over Powell River, past Shingle Mill Pub and up Scout Mountain to 46.8 km.
The narrow crossing of Powell River at the mouth of Powell Lake.
Through Hikers can treat themselves to a midpoint (more like quarter way point) motel stay and restaurant meal.
The route is well signed.
A rest stop on the ascent.
Off we go again
Km 48
A gorgeous hike uphill brought us to this bluff area.
The bench plaque had a lovely saying "Life isn't measured by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away."
We decided to turn around at this point ... I expect the group was being very considerate
of me as I was feeling the effects of my cold ... but trying not to show it. They saw
right through me.
Our stats for the day; 12.82 kms and 504 M of elevation.
Another great day!
Happy Hour back at our accommodation. Besides this private outdoor space there
was an outdoor shower which was such a treat after a hot day of hiking.
We drove down to the ferry terminal at Saltery Bay to hike the finale portion of the SCT.
The start
or the end
of the SCT
Enchanted Forest
Stats for the day; 9.23 kms 406 m of elevation.
We enjoyed an early dinner at a Vietnamese Restaurant and then drove back to Powell River to
This was a surprise tucked behind the information kiosk.
Nice wide and well maintained trails to begin.
We enjoyed a short rest stop at Pirate's Cove. There were friendly seals and one can watch
the small Earl's Cove to Saltery Bay Ferry sail by.
There were always interesting conversations ...both while hiking and when
enjoying scenic breaks.
I took this to show my friend in England just how large the trees grow here.
Unfortunately the picture does not do it justice. You will have to take my word for it.
Loving the beautiful moss and ferns.
So West Coast!
We encountered very few hikers on any of these trails. It was late in the season for through hikers but at about this point we did meet a young couple that were hiking their last few of the 177 kms. The woman was hiking in Birkenstocks as her boots had not been broken in before this adventure. They were looking forward to a bed and a restaurant meal to celebrate.
LunchTime
A. luxuriating in the warm September sunshine.
There's the BC Ferry
A spotted this sunlit spiderweb. It was only lit for a few minutes then the trees shaded it again.
My favourite shot of the day.
treat ourselves with ice cream cones before returning to our accommodation. In the evenings
we enjoyed playing Bananagrams and a new fun game to me called Dixit.
Friday September 19 2025
My favourite way to hike, walking out the front door and to the path.
From our "home" we hiked straight up the steep hill to join Gallagher Hill Trail which connects with the SCT. We were immediately rewarded with beautiful views.
Beautiful well maintained trails towards Haywire Bay.
Haywire Regional Park/Campsite
One can see how the trail markers are aligned ...
square for southbound and diamond for northbound.
This day we begin heading southbound.
A hardy fireweed plant growing out of the rock.
We are again hiking the shore of Powell Lake.
Such enjoyable hiking!!!! Thank you trail volunteers!
The gang on the bridge.
Whoops, this is the photo to show my English friend just how big the trees grow here.
There were very few campers.
Hmmmm perhaps we could return with our camping gear!?
Perhaps next year?
Again, rewarded with the view of Powell Lake.
An excuse for a rest from our uphill climb on our way back "home".
At the summit, almost home.
The home owners invited us to pick their raspberries, we enjoyed them on our breakfast granola!
Today's stats 14.76 kms with 410 m of elevation.
Pretty good day, still feeling low with that darn cold.
We enjoyed dinner out at a Mexican restaurant in Powell River and yes, back to enjoy yet another ice cream cone and a walk in Willingdon Beach Park.
Our foursome was about to lose C, she was off to Whistler to visit with friends. In the end there was a ferry breakdown and it took her a very long time to actually get there. C'est La Vie when one travels on BC Ferries. I am very loyal to our ferries but they are aging and $h!+ happens.
Saturday September 20 2025
I am excited about today's hike, this is the one that began it all for me ... the 45 minutes introduction all those years ago. We drove 30 minutes north and along Malaspina Road to hike the Manzanita Bluffs section.
This is the sign at the road intersection.
We began near Km 21.
Flat and easy for the first kilometer or so.
Oh oh, this was unexpected! Logged and piles of slash.
It must be said that much of the trail is through logging company land
and BC is a wealthy province due in large part to our logging industry.
The logging companies do not have to share their land with hikers, I am grateful that they do just that.
But it does hurt to see the land decimated like this.
At the 45 minute point, this is as far as I had previously hiked.
Oh and the logging has been done since that visit.
Manzanita
The area is named for this common bush.
And I noted that the also common bear scat along the trail contains this berry.
We are still talking and singing as much as possible to avoid bears.
Unfortunately we never saw one bear.
A kilometer or so along we encountered a logging road and more logged land.
But with a skookum bench provided by the logging company.
We did encounter a few old growth trees.
Such a well maintained trail!
Km 17
Arrived at Manzanita hut. The bottom floor is fairly open with a ladder to the loft where hikers can sleep away from the wind. Hikers also often camp in their tents. There is a food cache away from the hut to avoid visits from hungry bears.
Again beautiful views. We enjoyed our lunches but did not linger as the wind was really fierce.
Skookum picnic table!
IN MY HAPPY PLACE!!!
I love this photo of L.
I think she should use it as her Author Profile Photo.
Due to the logging there was a new route through land logged perhaps a decade ago.
ferns everywhere
and huckleberries
unfortunately we were too late in the season
We got a bit of rain on the way back.
Amazing trip weather wise!
It began pouring once we got back "home" and rained much of the night,
then was beautiful again in the morning.
Forest Funghi
PTLD
Sisters Spruce and Cedar
Today's stats; 10.8 kms with 395 m of elevation
What incredible timing. We have enjoyed 4 days of sunny hiking in Manning Park now 6 days of sunny hiking on the Sunshine Coast. Now as we are enjoying our final evening away the much needed rain is pouring down.
A couple of the outbuildings.
My "room" on the left, the sauna on the right.
Out of the photo on the left is my "Bathroom" complete with composting toilet.
I didn't want to go out in the rain but here is the outdoor shower.
I will end this account with various photos of me with my hiking companions.
Thank you L and C for all the kilometers driven, C for researching and planning the hikes, L A for organizing Manning and A for being such a caring and constant friend.
THE END
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