Galiano Island

 It was a great weekend away at Galiano where we explored the island from one end to the

We hiked the bluffs which are great as you can drive up and then just walk along. 

We loved the views and found a few caches as well. We then drove along the west side of the island and went to a few beaches and looked at the sandstone coast line. We tried to find the cave at Retreat Cove but with no luck. The beach though was lovely.

That evening we drove down to Montague park which was just beautiful. The beaches were white with crushed shells and the sun was peeking out from the clouds. It was a lovely loop trail with a campground as well. I could have stayed for hours but as we didn't want be out past dark we headed home before sunset. 

The next day we hiked #24 out to Dionisio Park which is a marine park that you are not suppose to access except by boat. We ran into a couple of other folks though so we weren't the only ones to hike in. It was forested park with two campsites for boaters. The small island had wonderful sand stone which was awesome to see.  I wasn't brave enough to hike around the outside but my pal did. We found many caches and saw some loud sea lions along the shore. It was 11 kms and wet but we had fun. 

That afternoon we drove around the south end of the island going to the beach accesses and nabbing a few more caches. By then the sun was shining.We went back to retreat cove at low tide and after my pal walked across the slippery sandstone to the cave I butt scooted across behind her. It was pretty cool to see but full of water so couldn't climb into the one section. 

In the morning we hiked #25 up the Bodega ridge and into the fog...thankfully by the time we were up on top it had cleared and we had some wonderviews of the pass with all the ferries and ships coming and going. 

After that we went to a park near the ferries and watched the boats and sea life. It was a great weekend and so good to get away. If nothing else we learned not to be too early for little island ferries as they don't run often and they don't let you in the parking lot lol 

60th Year 60 Hikes

I will be turning 60 this year and felt I should find a way to mark my entering into a new decade of my life. So I have publicly challenged myself to do 60 hikes which include 6 summits before my 60th birthday. I didn't feel it would be too difficult but I must admit I am finding it hard as I will need to find the time to do more than one hike a week for some of the weeks. My first hikes  included a hike along the Trans Canada trail in Sahtlam and then one out to Shawnigan Lake, another up Cobble Hill Mountain. 

 

Then I did a couple of smaller hikes with my little ones but as they were under 5kms I am not counting them as part of my 60. I do love getting the younger ones outdoors and up trails. Sometimes we go to find caches and other times just to explore. 

Hiking to the waterfall close to home to nab a cache. Great little hikers!

 

Up in Comox with family exploring Seal Bay park.  So many trails but they can’t hike more than a couple of Kms  yet. 

Then did a nice hike along the Cowichan River. Always a great place to explore. 

Then another hike down to the Chemainus river to see that waterfall 

There was an assortment of hikes. Was difficult to find the time but found a few new short trails around the area and loved getting out in nature.