Forum Index > Trip Reports > Vancouver Island: 07/03/19 - 07/07/19
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fourteen410
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Joined: 23 May 2008
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fourteen410
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PostTue Jul 09, 2019 12:21 am 
We last visited Vancouver Island in February after the infamous snowmageddon event. We were able to visit some of the island highlights such as Elk Falls, Horne Lake Caves, and Mystic Beach, but lingering snow prevented further exploration. Thus, a summer trip was booked. We caught the evening Tsawwassen - Nanaimo ferry and landed on the island just after 10pm. Note - ferry reservations are a must this time of year. The next morning, we left Nanaimo and headed 2 hours NW for a hike up to Triple Peak Lake. However, when we arrived at the TH, everything was socked in. We turned around. On our way back, we stopped to check out the Sproat Lake petroglyphs left by the First Nations people long ago.
We spent the rest of the afternoon exploring an unnamed waterfall as well as Little Qualicum Falls.
Following our waterfall fix, we headed over to the aptly named Goats On The Roof, which is a marketplace with small restaurants and shops...with goats on the roof. The goats only live on the roof between late May-October, so we didn't have the chance to see them back in February. It was a treat to see them this time around. We then headed up to Campbell River for the next few days.
On Friday, we headed further NW to Little Huson Caves. We were going to hike up to an old fire lookout afterward, but heavy rainstorms changed those plans.
On Saturday, we headed west to the Strathcona Provincial Park area. Our first stop was a quick hike to Lady Falls, a very impressive waterfall. There were even ripe blueberries along the trail.
Next were the Upana Caves, where we spent a couple hours exploring Insect Cave, Main Cave, Slither Cave, and Resurgence Cave.
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P1250535-Pano
We then headed down to the Buttle Lake area. Once again, clouds blocked any potential views, but I'm sure the lake is outstanding on a clear day. First stop was a short hike to Lupin Falls.
Then it was another quick hike to Karst Creek Falls. This place is unique in that the outflow creek flows underground.
The last short hike of the day was to Lower Myra Falls. This was one of our favorite stops.
On Sunday, we drove 20 miles on forest service roads to hike to a lesser known lake called Carl's Lake. We were excited to find the hidden cabin after searching the area. The skeeters were horrendous here, so the cabin provided a welcome refuge from the relentless bloodsuckers.
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P1250663-Pano
Our last stop was back in Nanaimo. The Abyss is a geoglogical wonder just outside of town. A short hike will bring you there, but watch your step - it sneaks up on you smile.gif
Before long, it was time to hop on the boat back to the mainland. Looking forward to a return trip when sunshine is in the forecast up.gif

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Ski
><((((°>



Joined: 28 May 2005
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Location: tacoma
Ski
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PostTue Jul 09, 2019 1:48 am 
fabulous! up.gif

"I shall wear white flannel trousers, and walk upon the beach. I have heard the mermaids singing, each to each."
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Michael Lewis
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Joined: 27 Apr 2009
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Location: Lynnwood, WA (for now)
Michael Lewis
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PostTue Jul 09, 2019 10:23 am 
up.gif cool.gif

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Mosquito Food
This is how we do it



Joined: 11 Jan 2008
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Location: Covington
Mosquito Food
This is how we do it
PostTue Jul 09, 2019 4:32 pm 
up.gif

Fueled by cornbread
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Nancyann
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Joined: 28 Jul 2013
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Location: Sultan Basin
Nancyann
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PostTue Jul 09, 2019 8:43 pm 
Thanks for the detailed trip report and great photos. I’d love to explore Vancouver Island, haven’t been there since I was a kid. The trick is to find a few days of good weather in order to enjoy it to its fullest!

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uww
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uww
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PostWed Jul 10, 2019 10:26 am 
Awesome trip! Thanks for the report! up.gif

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drm
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drm
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PostThu Jul 11, 2019 2:02 pm 
Just so all know they need to go check out Buttle Lake some day when it is clear

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