Island Backcountry Stashes You Should Know

The Islands’ Adventure Magazine 5th Anniversary Issue FREE take one

Island Backcountry #23 Winter 2003 Stashes You Should Know �� The Great Mountain Treasure �� Hunt at Shames Mountain ��

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Ski any time in 2003* and you could win! It’s simple, fi nd a “Shamey” hidden in the snow and automatically win a prize and the chance to win $5000. Sno-phone: 1-877-898-4754 Web: www.shamesmountain.com Email: [email protected] Location: Shames Mountain, Terrace, BC Packages: Ski, Fly & Stay *Jan - April 2003 �� west coast adventure • www.wildisle.ca

Forbidden Plateau

Mar 8-9 Mar 15-16 Wild Isle � � � �

� Mar 22-23 Girls Camp � � � � � �

� Mar 29-30 � � � � � Apr 5-6 � � �

� 9am to 3:30pm � � � � �

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Ph: 250-338-8128 [email protected] www.jumpcamp.com www.wildisle.ca 3 CONTENTS Coast to Coast: News and Views p.5 Campbell River’s Underground p.10 Backcountry Stashes p.11 www.wildisle.ca west coast adventure • Take to the hills!

Above- Sweet turns on Mt Arrowsmith. Jeni Christi photo. Hidden among the high peaks and deep valleys of Cover- Ryan Stuart sliding some silky powder in the Abel Creek valley, Schoen Lake Park. Philip Stone photo. Vancouver Island waits a world of backcountry skiing Wild Isle and snowboarding, find out more about these gems ... see page 11

Horrne LLake Caves PrroviinciiallParrk We specialize in Kayaks, rentals, sales, lessons & gear.

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We offer many different courses to get WILD you out on the water safely and we are GO CAVING! See ancient fossils now a facility for Wilderness First Aid courses. CAVING and amazing crystal formations! - Easy 1.5 hr. "Family Tours" 610 Oyster Bay Dr. Ladysmith BC www.hornelake.com - 3 hr. "Triple Cave Adventure" - 5 and 7 hr. "Extreme" caving trips 250 -245-7887 (250) 757-TOUR (8687) climbing underground waterfalls [email protected] www.wildisle.ca 3 Jump like a champ WildWild IsleIsle EDITORIAL at Forbidden Plateau Magazine ell as Speaking of long hauls... this they say Jump Camp #23 Winter 2003 issue of Wild Isle is our fifth Wb e t t e r anniversary issue! It has been a late than never, fun and adventure packed journey The slopes of Forbidden Plateau Publisher/Managing Editor finally our winter with Wild Isle since we first put Ski area are empty most of the Philip Stone issue is in print. Not ink to paper in the name of Island winter. But on 5 weekends this Assitant Editor that we’ve been outdoor adventure in January winter the snowboarders will Ryan Stuart slacking here at Wild 1998. It’s neat to look back and see be flying, sliding, flipping and Isle HQ, on the contrary in fact. We’ve landing all over the mountain. Associate Editor what we thought could pass for a been hard at work compiling a long For the third straight winter Ken Reese magazine back then! promised and long overdue guidebook Over the years there have been Patrick Kitto will be hosting Jump to the mountains of Vancouver Island some great stories, many with Camp, an instructional freestyle - ‘Island Alpine’. As I write the final invaluable information on trips and snowboarding camp on the slopes Contributors & proofing stage is underway and we areas. To make this storehouse of of Forbidden Plateau. Photography hope to have this great book in stores beta more readily available we’re Kitto and his co-instructors Jeni Christie, by sometime in March. contemplating making the entire are former professional freestyle Paul Lachapelle, ‘Island Alpine’ is just the first of catalogue of Wild Isle back issues snowboarders who teach tricks in a friendly and positive way. Ryan Stuart, Philip Stone. a series of books we have planned available on CD-ROM. Does this covering outdoor adventure on grab you? Let us know by dropping “We want to give the students a Vancouver Island and the adjacent us a line at [email protected] better feel for freestyle boarding, mainland coast. Watch out later or give us a call at 250 285-2234. wherever they are at,” Kitto said. Wild Isle is published 5 times this year for ‘Island Whitewater’ In the meantime you can always “For some that means grabbing a year by Wild Isle Media and ‘Island Turns & Tours’. The their board in the air; for others it and is distributed free of charge across access Wild Isle backissues in Vancouver Island, the Sunshine guidebooks will draw on many of the various forms on our web site: means 540s and backflips.” Coast, Queen Charlotte Islands and themes we have been publishing in www.wildisle.ca Everything from railslides to big

B.C. Mainland Coastal Communities. www.wildisle.ca Wild Isle Magazine over the years Enjoy the winter snows, enjoy table tops are set up all over the Editorial & Advertising and we hope they will help make the this read and watchout for the mountain for “campers” to test Inquiries to: magazine a more viable proposition guidebooks later this year! their new skills. Snowmobiles whisk jumpers from one area to Wild Isle Magazine over the long haul. Philip Stone P.O. Box 482, Heriot Bay, B.C. another and at the end of the camp Canada V0P 1H0 tons of prizes are given away. Tel: 250 285-2234 Kitto says campers have ranged Fax: 250 285-2236 in age from 39 to 11 and in ability eMail: [email protected] HAPPENINGS from beginner to expert. Jan 26 Jerry Kobalenko -‘Horizontal Everest’ Sid Williams theatre Courtenay 7pm “Everyone has a great time and Opinions expressed herein are Feb 8 Island Farms Slopestyle Competition Mt. Washington learn lots,” Kitto said. those of the writers & in no way Feb 15-17 Vancouver Outdoor Adventure Show GM Place Jump Camp’s will be held Mar 8- reflect the views of the publishers, March 6 VIMFF ‘Best of the Fest’ Tour Victoria, (250) 380-3829 9, Mar 15-16, Mar 22-23 Girls Camp, west coast adventure •

staff, distributors or advertisers. March 7 VIMFF ‘Best of the Fest’ Tour Nanaimo, (250) 753 3245 Mar 29-30, Apr 5-6 all at Forbidden The sports featured in Wild March 8 VIMFF ‘Best of the Fest’ Tour Campbell River, (250) 287-4611 Plateau, starting at 9:00 am Isle are inherently dangerous with Cost $275. Contact Jump Camp March 9 VIMFF ‘Best of the Fest’ Tour Powell River, (604) 487-0487 real risk of serious injury or death. for more info at 250-338-8128 or In no way whatsoever should this March 10 VIMFF ‘Best of the Fest’ Tour Sid Williams Courtenay, (250) 338-2420 online at www.jumpcamp.com magazine be taken to advocate March 15 Cain Cup ski and snowboard race Mt. Cain Wild Isle participation in any activity April 5 Gutbuster mountain run at Mt. Tzouhalem in Duncan portrayed. Wild Isle is provided for April 18-21 White Water Association Social - Gold River Allan Polk, (250)923-9361 reading enjoyment only. April 27 Snow to Surf Race www.snowtosurf.com If you choose to engage in any activity featured in Wild Isle you do If you want to have your event in HAPPENINGS, send us a fax at (250) 285-2236 or so at your own risk. email at [email protected] with all the dirt.

Printed on Quadra Island by Castle Printing 250 285-2679 VIMFF On Tour outdoor communities of the Pacific Cover- Key Graphics 250 334-4594 North-West, and to offer them films All rights reserved. © 2002 After the main event, at various and slide presentations dealing with ISSN 1480-4026 venues in Vancouver between February mountain culture and mountain sports. Canada Post Agreement 14-22, the Vancouver International The Festival will also create a platform number – 40030406 Mountain Film Festival is coming to for the exchange of ideas between Vancouver Island in Victoria March filmmakers, outdoor activists, and the Next Deadline for 6 (250-38--3829), Nanaimo March 7 public, while at the same time it will Ads & Editorial (250-753-3245, Courtenay March 10 support the most artistic and effective at Sid Williams Theatre & Campbell th ways of communicating outdoor related March 15 , 2003 for River March 8 at Timberline. The issues. For more information log on at Issue 24 - Spring, 2003 Festival’s goal is to approach the www.vimff.org Patrick Kitto, Jump Camp 2002 4 www.wildisle.ca www.wildisle.ca 5 COAST to COAST The inaugral Adopt-a-Crag event a sweeping success Lake Names Honour War Heroes The Squamish Rockclimbers’ Association Over the years, B.C.’s climbing and and the Climbers’ Access Society of B.C.’s first mountaineering community has done a great annual Adopt-a-Crag event went very well, deal of volunteer work to look after our cliffs and Two lakes in Strathcona Provincial Park thanks to a lot of help from volunteers and mountains, going back to the Mountain Access were named this past Remembrance Day in supporters. 52 climbers and friends helped with Committee in the 1960s. memory of Canada’s war dead. Jack Owen, our ongoing stewardship of Squamish’s Little In the Little Smoke Bluffs, this has included of Comox, and Allan Hutton, from Cumberland Smoke Bluffs. many trail building and trail maintenance died defending Canada during World War II. The event included: -a thorough clean-up of projects, clean-up work, toilet building, and In their honour the BC government named all public land in the Bluffs - cliff bottoms, cliff even purchasing land. Not to mention lots of two previously unnamed lakes, south west tops, trails and parking lots. We bagged about meetings. of the Golden Hinde, Owen and Hutton lakes. 20 sacks of garbage! We do our best to be responsible stewards, The lakes are about 10 kilometres south of -general trail maintenance - clearing, moving not just of the Little Smoke Bluffs but of all other the Island’s highest peak. Both officers were obstacles, rebuilding worn areas. We did about climbing areas where we can help. Probably members of the RCAF Aircrew. Owen died 5 km of trails. CASBC’s biggest volunteer event to date was when his plane was shot down returning -building a new access trail to the popular the 2000 Skaha projects, which involved 200+ from a bombing mission in Germany. Hutton’s Penny Lane cliff. Jesse, Dary and friends did volunteer days; the Heathens, our Campbell River plane disappeared somewhere over the an amazing job. The new trail includes two member club, does 100+ annual days looking Mediterranean Sea, and was never found. sections of ladders/steps, plus a lot of clearing after Crest Crags. We’ve adopted lots of crags, The naming of the two lakes is part of the and step-building. It should be finished in the even if they weren’t part of Adopt-a-Crag. BC government’s annual Remembrance Day next few weeks, and the eroded old trail will be tradition of naming geographical features after BC’s war dead. www.wildisle.cablocked off. -coffee for everyone, including our neighbours Looking For Adventure? from nearby residences on Hospital Hill. About For trail conditions, new route info, stories, 25 neighbours came by; 10-12 of them were also snow reports, trip planning links, route climbers, and helped with our work, and few guides, plus our entire catalogue of back 2003 Lillooet Ice Festival non-climbers also helped. issues log on to -free climbing lessons for our neighbours; The 2003 Lillooet Ice festival will be Feb eight gave it a try. wildisle.ca 14 to 17th. www.Lillooeticefest.ca Friday -visits from a reporter for the Georgia Straight, wildisle.ca registration Saturday and Sunday Climbing and from two documentary film-makers. Island Adventure inPrint and onLine and social events Monday depart. Access The weather co-operated, everyone worked will be opened up to Phair Creek. A gear with a will, we had lots of fun, and got a lot done. tryout set up. An indoor climbing wall. Afterwards we socialized and had some draw There may be at least one unclimbed bit of west coast adventure • 24 Hours of Adrenalin˙ 2003

prizes. ice that will be unveiled during the festival. Thank you to each and every one of our 52+ Event Schedule Announced Anyone wanting more details should call volunteers and helpers for your great work! Bernard Schulmann at 250-256-0137 or In the meantime, special thanks to our Trilife Sports International announces the email [email protected] sponsors and donors for this event: The release of the 2003 24 Hours of Adrenalin˙ The 2003 BC Ice Conditions page is online Access Fund, Valhalla Pure Outfitters event schedule.* New additions for 2003 at at http://casbc.bivouac.com/ice0203.htm Wild Isle (Squamish), Starbucks (Squamish Station), are South Central USA and Nevada, totaling If you have information for the ice climbing Mountain Equipment Co-op (Vancouver),Wild 14 events across North America. The event report, send it to Adrian Burke (CASBC’s Rock Adventures (Squamish), Mountain series will commence one month earlier webmaster) at adrian.burke@discoveryso Building Centre (Squamish), D&A Fabricating in April 2003, beginning in Fountain Hills, ftware.com (Squamish). Arizona. Adopt-a-Crag is an annual event organized For 2003, 12,000 participants are expected by the Access Fund, the largest climbers’ to participate in the 24 Hours of Adrenalin˙ organization in the U.S.A. 2002 is its third year, event series. 24 Hours of Adrenalin˙ is and there are volunteer events organized recognized as one of the fastest growing around North America, including one in Canada cycling events in North America and is (ours). This year there were over 30 events, known for capturing the spirit of mountain and over 2,500 volunteers helped. The event is biking through the celebration of people and sponsored by Clif Bar, W.L. Gore & Associates, bikes throughout North America, and around and Recreational Equipment Incorporated. the world. www.24hoursofadrenalin.com

4 www.wildisle.ca www.wildisle.ca 5 COAST to COAST The Regional District of Nanaimo offically opens McBey CAA Finds Funding - Vital Creek bridge on the historic Arrowsmith Trail. Public Service off the Ropes

The Regional District of Nanaimo officially Two avalanche industry contractors have saved opened the recently constructed trail bridge the Canadian Avalanche Association’s public over McBey Creek on the popular Arrowsmith bulletin. Janod Contractors and Vertec Contractors Trail, on Saturday October 19th. helped bail out the not-for-profit bulletin with The 48 foot bridge spans McBey Creek and private donations. Combined with historic sponsors: replaces a temporary crossing installed by Mountain Equipment Co-op, Marmot, Columbia hikers in 2000. The new bridge is a steel beam Brewery, SEAR Search and Rescue Equipment, structure similar in design to backcountry Sandman Hotels and Inns, Parks Canada, Cloudveil bridges installed by BC Parks on the Della Falls and Survival on Snow the public avalanche bulletin and Bedwell Lake trails in Strathcona Provincial is safe for another winter. Park. The CAA will continue to provide regular The bridge project is a partnership between avalanche bulletins on a phone recording TimberWest Forest Company, who own the and online free of charge. The CAA received land, and the Regional District who hold a The contribution from the Coastal Community government funding from the province of BC renewable five-year access licence over the Credit Union was made through their Community up until last winter. Mid way through the season trail. TimberWest and the Coastal Community Investment Program. Lynne Fraser of the Credit the BC government funding cut backs forced Credit Union both contributed funding for the Union said, “this was an opportunity to invest several government agencies to withdraw their project. Weyerhaeuser who own the higher in the future. It is a great project that supports funding for the bulletin. elevation portions of the trail also granted a people getting outdoors and it is good for the Private sponsors stepped in to keep it going www.wildisle.ca five-year renewable trail access agreement to local lifestyle.” for the rest of the winter. Things looked bleak the Regional District. Despite being only in place for six weeks, this fall until Janod and Vertec stepped in. The VB Evans Construction (Parksville) was feedback from hikers has been extremely public bulletin is still looking for private funding. awarded the contract to install the bridge favourable. Regular trail user, Judy Carlson Anyone who uses their public avalanche over McBey Creek and in conjunction with from Port Alberni said, “the Alberni Valley bulletins, knows someone who does or just the RDN involved volunteers in the work. In Tuesday Hikers group were very impressed wants to see the not for profit service continued August volunteers from various local outdoor with the bridge and congratulate the RDN for is asked to help out in any way they can. clubs packed up a pickup truck load of its work.” The service helps save lives in Canada’s material, including a generator, rock drill, rock The Arrowsmith Trail is best suited to winter backcountry. To support the bulletin in bolts, decking lumber, cement, tools and a moderately fit hikers, and is accessed from its funding fight, support the bulletin’s sponsors, wheelbarrow. In early September a helicopter opposite the Cameron Lake picnic area on contact your MLA and let them know that you flew the bridge beams into place. Decking, Highway 4. Most local hiking books include the think the CAA bulletin saves lives and donate handrails, and access stairs were installed trail and information brochures are available to the CAA. Information and the avalanche west coast adventure • to complete the bridge to the engineered from the Recreation and Parks offices in the bulletin can be found at the CAA website at specifications. District 69 Arena (Parksville) and the Ravensong www.avalanche.ca or by calling 1-800-667- In preparing to officially open the bridge, RDN Aquatic Centre (Qualicum Beach). 1105. Chair George Holme said, “the RDN is pleased to have coordinated the bridge’s construction, and we thank TimberWest and the Coastal Wild Isle Community Credit Union for their generous funding support.” Holme went on to add that he “is very pleased to formally acknowledge the cooperation shown by TimberWest and Weyerhaeuser in ensuring the public has continued access to this long established trail.” Steve Lackey, a TimberWest Forest Company spokesman added, “this is just one more example WHERE FIT COMES FIRST! of how communities and forest companies can work together to provide recreational access to special places on private working forest lands. TimberWest is pleased to have been a partner Running, Walking with the RDN on this project.” Footwear * Apparel * Accessories 436 5th Street, Courtenay Send Wild Isle your news item, press release, event info, new product info etc. ph: 250 703-9544 fax: 250 703-9546 Send them to Wild Isle: [email protected] www.extremerunners.com or by fax to 250-285-2236. 6 www.wildisle.ca www.wildisle.ca 7 New White Water Discoveries on The Vancouver Island Vancouver Island Whitewater Paddling Soc.

Did someone say there aren’t any paddleable How one gets there is quite simple. On your Forming an organization for whitewater rivers or creeks left on Vancouver Island way to “Port”, you turn left just after the hump, kayaking on Vancouver Island is long overdue. that haven’t been run? Shayne Vollmers (the as if you were going to the old ski hill at Mt. Whitewater kayaking on the island has been president of the newly formed Vancouver Island Arrowsmith. When you come to the T, hang a left. growing over the years. There are now active Whitewater Paddling Society) would disagree Continue until you see the Cameron on the left. paddlers in almost every community; from Victoria with you. There’s a culvert. Blink and you’ll miss it. You’re at to Port Hardy, and from Parksville to Tofino. Last spring Shayne and Jason Cathers did the lower take out. The river is at least 100m down This season there will be three events and a first descent of Banon Creek. Banon Creek a 50-55 degree bank. It’s a nice treat after a long several Society socials (trips). There will be flows from north to south and joins the Lower technical run. another kayak surf festival, at Long Beach, Chemainus at the put in to the lower run (near the On the first descent it took Shane and Chris in the fall; www.surfkayak.org There will be hydro lines). Wild stuff! two and a half hours. The second time they ran a rodeo on the Putledge River in Courtenay But an even better discovery that followed was the whole thing, there was a group of seven. and a slalom race on the Cowichan River near the Upper Cameron River. The Upper Cameron is They scouted a lot of the drops (you can scout Cowichan Lake. There will be a Society trip to located between Qualicum and Port Alberni. everything) and it took them five and a half Surge Narrows (a tidal rapid which is off Quadra It runs along side the Port Alberni Hwy. After hours. Island). There will be several Society trips to passing Cameron Lake and Cathedral Grove, To get to the middle take out (the upper half rivers all over the Island. on your way to “Port” you will notice the Upper is easier) continue down the road until you hit Membership in the Society will be $10.00 Cameron on your left hand side (before the the second clear cut on the left. It’s full of clay annually. Members will receive a membership

www.wildisle.caroad turns to the right and goes over the hump). pigeons. Follow the right side of the cut, down to booklet which will include all the other members When we canyoned the lower part of the Upper the bottom and walk to the north east. Continue names, addresses, phone and email addresses. Cameron, this is where we came out. This section till you find access to the river. To get to the put They will then be able to contact paddlers from is full of wood and is very technical. There is a in, continue down the road until you come to the anywhere on the Island, to find out water levels non navigable water fall that may be the take out Cameron River bridge. and paddle with new people on new rivers. for this section, one day. This is only the beginning of a long quest A web site will be maintained to keep the Before that Shayne and Chris Wulff did a first Shayne and his adventurous friends, have members informed on things like events and descent of the Upper Cameron. They ran it after embarked on in search of virgin rivers and creeks Society trips (among other things). Members work, on a nice evening, last spring. What they on Vancouver Island. will be given a code to access member only discovered was a 4 km continuous class 4-4+ This fall we cut two hazardous, river wide, parts of the web site. drop pool river run. On the map it’s called a river three foot diameter trees out of the lower half Members will be given a membership card but it’s more of a creek. Although I haven’t run the of the Upper Cameron canyon. Only paddle this so that they can get 10% off merchandise at the entire thing yet, what I did run reminded me of the creek if your sure the river level is good. If it’s to Alberni Outpost (Port Alberni and Nanaimo), and west coast adventure •

Seymour Canyon in North Vancouver. It is a run high, it’s dangerous. If it to low, it’s unrunable. the Vancouver Island Kayak Center (Victoria). that paddlers will enjoy for years to come. It may Enjoy! We will also publish a bi-annual newsletter. one day be as popular as the Gordon River on the Sean Plecas The VIWPS wants to make sure paddlers south island. have access to rivers, now, and for generations to come. There are many mini Hydro Electric projects proposed on Vancouver Island. Wild Isle Construction has already started on some of them. We could lose the Browns River near Courtenay (one of the best play rivers on the Island). The Whitewater Kayaking Association of BC is going to help us with some of these issues. As you can see there are a lot of benefits to being in the Vancouver Island Whitewater Paddling Society. See you on the river. If you’d like to join you can contact us at the address below. Vancouver Island Whitewater Paddling Society C/O Sean Plecas #28-571 Bradley Street Nanaimo, BC, V9S 1B9 telephone 250.754-6296 fax 250.753-5998 e-mail [email protected] Http://www.surfkayak.org 6 www.wildisle.ca www.wildisle.ca 7 COMING SOON: Vancouver Island alpine guide Canadians rule at Tofino Wild Isle Publications has nearly completed a Quiksilver/Roxy surf competition comprehensive guidebook to the mountains on Vancouver Island. ‘Island Alpine’ covers technical climbs, by Josh Temple scrambles and hikes from Mt. Arrowsmith to the Despite thick fog and chilly October conditions brothers Raph and Sepp Bruhwiler dominated Rugged Range and beyond. It includes maps, the 2002 Quicksilver/Roxy Surf Jam held at Cox the surf with flawless maneuvers that displayed access info, route descriptions and all the beta Bay in Tofino this past weekend proved that both style and power. A combination that proved needed to climb in one of the North America’s Canadian surfing, and Canadian surf talent, is as too much for visiting US pro’s as the two top spots least known mountain playgrounds. hot as ever. in the pro men’s short board division went to By the time you read this advance proof copies Pro and amateur surfers from as far Peter Devries and Raph Bruhwiler respectively. will be available for viewing and comments at away as California descended on the quaint A finish that no doubt left visiting Californian pro’s selected Island outfitters. Island Alpine will be on coastal community of Tofino for this year’s big scratching their heads and running for cover. sale some time in late March. Stores may place event hosted by the British Columbia Surfing The pro women’s shortboard division was advance orders by calling 250 285-2234 - faxing Association (BCSA) and Long Beach Lodge. Top equally as exciting and filled with it’s own sense 250 285-2236 - email [email protected] US surf pro’s including Peter Mel and Shaun of high emotion as past champion Catherine The Vancouver Burrell went head to head against Canada’s finest Bruhwiler-Temple, who struggled for nearly four Island Alpine watermen and women and discovered a plethora years competitively as she juggled competitive of local talent that proved more than a match for surfing with raising two children, reclaimed her Climbs their honed professional skills. spot at the top after nearly four years in semi- guidebook will Competing in a myriad of categories including retirement. Besting Kassia , yet another US pro feature classic pro men and women short board, longboard, from Malibu,CA Catherine proved that women’s mountaineering junior, and amateur divisions surfers faced surfing is as strong as ever north of the border peaks like Mt. challenging conditions on day one of the event and able to hold it’s own on a competitive level Colonel Foster, and as dense fog forced two separate delays and with the best the US has to offer. obscure, rarely sent contestants and spectators scrambling for The real cinderella story however belongs to www.wildisle.ca visited giants like their cold weather gear. As finicky as ambient the men’s amateur short board division where Lone Wolf. conditions were however, contestants couldn’t yet another Bruhwiler rose through the ranks to have asked for better surf as consistent October land at the top with a first place finish. Francis swells produced shoulder to head-high waves Bruhwiler, who has historically received more More Route Info Needed with the occasional over-head set rolling through recognition for his alpine skills rather than his to keep things interesting. surfing, decided at the last minute to enter the To fill the Island’s guide book void Wild Isle is Surf contests are usually filled with a certain competition and brought a level of surfing to the also working on two other guide books. ‘Island level of high drama and the 2002 Quicksilver/ Surf Jam that leveled his opposition. Winning his Turns and Tours’ will highlight the little know Roxy Surf Jam was no exception. Undertones championship heat with solid maneuvers that and rarely explored ski touring possibilities on of multinational rivalry predominated the event displayed talent perhaps more suited for the pro Vancouver Island. And ‘Island Whitewater’ will as top US pro’s vied for honours over local division Francis proved that even on an amateur

provide all the needed information on Vancouver Canadian talent. Consequently, Canadian pro’s level Canadian surfing is as exciting as ever. west coast adventure • Island’s rivers, surf spots and tidal rapids. were adamant about defending their titles and With all top honours going to local Canadian We’re looking for beta from backcountry subsequent national pride and dug deep within talent it’s a wonder if we’ll see more US pro’s riders and whitewater paddlers on all the their respective talent pools to produce a strong making the journey north to compete against destinations on Vancouver Island. We need defense against a proven stateside offence. The what’s now considered a formidable opponent in details of river runs, access, grades and result, to the delight of judges and spectators the global competitive surf scene.

facitilities and the same information on possible alike, was bar none some of the finest surfing For information on next year’s event contact Wild Isle touring paradises. These guides are slated for ever witnessed at a BCSA event. Dom Domic at the British Columbia Surfing publication in late 2003. Local Canadian pro’s Peter Devries and Association at www.bcsa.ca.

�� Recreational Avalanche Awareness �� • Canadian Avalanche Association Curriculum �� • Certified and Experienced Instructors • Customized Courses �� ~Sat/Sun Jan 11-12 2003, • NEW! Backcountry Ski/Snowshoe clinics ~Sat/Sun/ Jan 18-19 �� Don't Leave Home Without It! ~Sat/Sun Feb 1-2 �� ~Sat/Sun Feb 8-9. 2003 We rent avalanche safety equipment. �� Call for more info �� 250-897-3254 �� [email protected] �� www.island.net/~hipski 8 www.wildisle.ca www.wildisle.ca 9 www.wildisle.ca

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� �� call�� 250 285-2234 for�� more info Wild Isle Wild Isle www.wildisle.ca��

KayakKayak SunSun

TheyThey willwill bothboth laylay slumberslumber soonsoon ButBut theythey areare soso alivealive now.now. SlidingSliding waveswaves andand expiringexpiring raysrays yieldyield to:to: TurnsTurns andand trickstricks -- colourcolour andand faith.faith. ItIt isis thethe truetrue essenceessence ofof adventure.adventure. TwoTwo setssets ofof friendsfriends seekingseeking self-worthself-worth InIn whatwhat cancan onlyonly bebe aa circularcircular universe!universe! 88 www.wildisle.cawww.wildisle.ca www.wildisle.cawww.wildisle.ca 99 Exploring Campbell River’s Secret www.wildisle.ca

By: Paul Lachapelle

ave you ever reached a point in your life a small stream runs from the right bubbling broken leg. The lake shore showed promise and when you just wanted to pack your bindle from under the rocky hillside. Halfway up this after an hour of searching, I found two caves Hand walk down the tracks of life to find hill amongst the alder and cedar trees is the that were not deep but fun to enter. the adventure you have always been looking entrance to a small cave large enough to fit into, At each cave I had to shine my light into the cave, throw some rocks in, and make noise, west coast adventure •

for? Well my opportunity came a knocking and I standup, and shine a flashlight around, without answered the door. e n d a n g e r i n g anything so I didn’t surprise some animal that I was studying some old writings about oneself. This maybe living inside. Vancouver Island and came across some cave didn’t go on Ah…… the interesting subjects of how cavernous the for miles, it is a adventure of region of NW Campbell River is. I found that one room – get finding something Memekay mainline logging road would take the thrill type not mapped out or Wild Isle me into some far out areas, with picturesque – cave safely over enjoyed by the scenery, abundant wildlife, and caves. enjoyed on ones masses. This was all Biking from Menzie Bay Logging Division own. An old- mine… to bask in….. tested my endurance right away, as I pedaled timer told me if like finding a lost up four-mile hill. The morning air was cool but I followed this continent. I must be I knew it is going to be a great day. I slowed contour down a left over from the my pace to drink some water and reflect on to the lake, I Cro-Magnon era as the scenery and at this rate, I could scout out should be able to caves have always interesting niches and trails. Past Long Lake find some more felt like home. Road turnoff and over Brewster Lake bridge, caves in the same Memeky Falls As the afternoon I climbed until the falls that flow into the region. sun waned, I realized Brewster stopped me with the magnitude of the C o n t i n u i n g I had just enough scenery and my stomach saying “ Hey time for a downhill, I walked along the hillcrest, following time to setup camp and get comfortable for snack.” The growling wasn’t a bear but my gut the lay of the land. Sure enough, I found several the night. Exploring consumed my time and wondering if any food was forthcoming. top holes, or blowholes from when the steam energy. Settling in for a good night’s rest after Following the road I climbed higher, and arrive had escaped long ago. I had to watch my step completing a campfire meal is a great ending to at a closed road sign. The bridge up the road is and keep an eagle eye open for the top holes a great day. Tomorrow I will start to search the not weight worthy. Mid point to this bridge, you as moss, leaves, sticks, and falling debris often lake edge. should see a pond to your left. To this pond, cover such holes. A missed hole could mean a 10 www.wildisle.ca www.wildisle.ca 11 Backcountry Stashes www.wildisle.ca

upper Abel Creek, Schoen Lake Park

he first whispers of cloud creep across There are few valleys, forests, peaks, passes require little effort at all. With storms pounding the blue fall sky. Piles of cotton candy and glaciers that have not felt steel and wax at the island almost non-stop “tracked out” is Trace towards the mainland. And then some point. But one corner of the province often not one of the adjectives used for describing the sun disappears as the first rains fall. Winter over look as a backcountry riding destination is Vancouver Island backcountry. While the runs is upon us; snow coats the Island Range in a Vancouver Island. Many of the peaks have are not as long as on the mainland, the solitude

west coast adventure • blanket of icing. Like an alarm clock sounding, been sliced but it is a rare day when anyone and adventure of Island backcountry makes any

the snow signals the devoted to come out and tracking up one of Vancouver Island’s peaks winter trip as rewarding as any in the interior. play! meets another person. And for the adventurous From Heather Mountain to Victoria Peak Well known to anyone who enjoys riding and dedicated there are many first descents to and beyond Wild Isle offers ten destinations through pillows of powder snow, BC’s numerous seek out. that beckon a winter visit. They are a sample mountain ranges are as good a place as any to The mountains are smaller yet the intricacy of of what Vancouver Island’s backcountry has

Wild Isle start winter riding. The interior and Coast ranges the terrain stashes hidden lines endless begging hidden. Some of these places are ridden yearly of the province’s mainland are a Shangri-La for to be skied. Perceived long access turn back and some just look like they should, either way powder hounds everywhere. The backcountry the meek. But the reality is that there are many they promise adventure and turns in the Island is huge in every sense: huge snow, huge runs destinations well worth the effort and some that backcountry. and huge mountains.

CANADIAN Play Safe AVALANCHE Get Informed ASSOCIATION Keep Informed P.O. Box 2759, Revelstoke, B.C. V0E 2S0 Tel: 250-837-2435 Fax: 250-837-4624 Courses • Avalanche Bulletins • Weather Forecasts Voice Bulletins 1-800-667-1105 General Inquiries: [email protected] www.avalanche.ca 10 www.wildisle.ca www.wildisle.ca 11 Heather Mountain Steamboat Peak Big Interior Mountain Map: 92 C/16 - GR 9323 Map: 92 F/3 - GR 2354 Map: 92 F/5 - GR 1381 Gentle ski slopes and great south Island Some of the more extensive alpine terrain Realtively easy access up the Bedwell Trail backcountry rides await on Heather Mountain, found in the Central Island is within Clayquot from Buttle Lake (especially in spring) make just above Cowichan Lake. All sides of the Plateau Provincial Park including Steamboat the glacial bowls of Big Interior a choice mountain are skiable through open old growth Peak. There is plenty of terrain to explore north destination. Ideal ski touring terrain with the subalpine forests. To get there drive around west of the peak along with some good runs option of heading further on to Nine Peaks and Cowichan Lake to the Heather Forest Service down the north and west sides of Steamboat more turns down to Beauty and Della Lakes. Campsite at the far west end of the lake. Follow itself. Easy access may be found from Highway the Heather Mountain Trail up the south side of 4 just west of Sutton Pass up the Caver’s trail. the mountain and follow the ridge to towards the Open alpine ridges and exquiste lakes makes Mt. Myra/Mt. Thelwood summit and the powder runs below. this a promising destination. Watch for sink Map: 92F/12 - GR 1190 holes in the prevelant limestone. As ski touring day trips go it is hard to beat Mt. Myra especially in the spring. A giant north Green Mountain facing bowl, a long north ridge, the tempting north Map: 92F/1 - GR 0234 Mt. McBride and Marble Meadows glacier and several smaller slopes all tempt skiers Home to the Vancouver Island marmot during Map: 92 F/12 - GR 0810 and riders. Myra is also a jumping off point for the summer, when the rodents hibernate the One of the finest multi-day ski tours on longer ski tours to summits like Mt. Thelwood and turning potential comes alive. Green Mountain, Vancouver Island. Begin by paddling across Moyeha Mountain. Access can be gained several not far from Nanaimo, used to be the local ski Buttle Lake to Marble Meadow Trail head near different ways. From the mine at the end of Buttle hill complete with lifts and lodges. But snowfalls Phillips Creek. The trail leads to a vast area of Lake follow the parks trail up the old cat road were sporatic and the hill closed. When the undulating subalpine perfect for exploring on skis. to Tennent Lake. Leave the trail at the pipeline snow line dips low in the hills turn the ski A day trip to the summit of Mt. McBride rewards bridge and follow the left bank onto Myra’s north machine up the Nanaimo Lakes Road to ... The with views Strathcona Park and an epic perfectly west ridge, or continue up the hikers’ trail to the old ski runs make perfect touring terrain. pitched run down McBride’s north snowfield. dam and then up the west ridge. Backcountry stashes 12 www.wildisle.ca www.wildisle.ca 13 Photos: L-R Tim Stanton, Mt Cain, Top: Chris Lawrence Marble Meadows, Below: Ryan Stuart Mt McBride, Sitter, Rugged Mountain, Above: Victoria Peak and Glacier Right: Skiers in the Dream Chute, Mt Cain

Haihte Range Victoria Peak Map: 92 L/2 - GR 6643 Map: 92 L/1 - GR 0748 The premier Island alpine area, the Haihte One of Vancouver Island’s most impressive Watch Out for Range home to simply the finest of backcountry summits Victoria Peak’s North Galcier is worth this Wild Isle runs and touring on Vancouver Island. Difficult a visit for a day trip or a couple of nights. and exposed access is possible from the Victoria Peak is best reached from Sayward Guide fall 2003! Nomash valley near Zeballos leading to a wild heading south on the White River Main or via range of glaciers and rock spires. Gold River and Twaddle Lake. Ride the glacier from the Victoria - Warden col or look for good lines below the north west face. The south face has some very long lines but watch out for sun

Hkusam Mountain effected snow conditions! Map: 92 K/5 - GR 9779 From the Island Highway near Campbell River Hkusam’s south west face shimers in the afternoon sun like a mirage beconing snow Mt. Cain area riders of all kinds. A huge snowfield is what Map: 92 L/1 - GR 9067 calls. The tempting slope is easily accessed When it comes to ski touring on the Island from the Stowe Creek Main logging road off it doesn’t get much easier than around Mt. Timber Rd just south of Sayward junction. From Cain ski area. The community hill sports two the farthest point you can drive continue up the lifts that, for a minimal price can lift backcountry road until two trail options lead up to the alpine tourers to lofty heights. From there bowls, chutes above. and sick lines drop in every direction. Valley’s full of powder disappear in every direction. Get a Map: and go explore.

12 www.wildisle.ca www.wildisle.ca 13 BC Hydro May Horizontal Dam Rivers Everest DIRECTORY

In its quest to find environmentally Arctic Adventurer JERRY friendly power sources BC Hydro KOBALENKO will be speaking SPORTS RENT has its eyes on small and medium and giving a “breathtaking” �� volume rivers all over the Island. slide presentation “Horizontal � �� The Vancouver Island Whitewater Everest ... Extreme Adventures on beautiful Quadra Island amidst the Discovery Islands � �� Paddling Society wants to make on Ellesmere Island.” at the Sid � �� sure whitewater paddlers have a Williams Theatre in Courtenay Pub Open All Year say in which rivers become micro- Sunday, Jan. 26th at 7pm. Accommodations, Cottages, �� hydro projects. Shayne Vollmers, Kayak Rentals, Marina, Fuel �� the society pres. says paddlers www.heriotbayinn.com �� were left out when the Tsable Avalanche • Information- 285-3322 • �� River was approved for a micro- hydro project. With nine projects Claims 7 soon to be decided on and 38 Tofino Bus applications being made for other An avalanche in the mountains sites on the Island, the society near Revelstoke has buried and �� wants paddlers to come forward killed seven people including �� before more rivers are dammed. snowboarding pioneer Craig ‘The more people that come Kelley. The dead were from BC, 1-866-9-TOFINO forward and voice their opinions Alberta, Colorado and California �� but only Kelley’s name had been the more likely paddlers will be �� heard’ Vollmers says. Contact the released at press time. �� VIWPS at www.surfkayak.org, Twenty-one people, in two �� email: [email protected] groups, were ski touring on the Durrand Glacier, north of Revelstoke in the Selkirk Mountains, when Winter Ramblers one group was trapped by the Hooksum slide. The backcountry skiers Rambler Peak, Vancouver and snowboarders were part way Outdoor School Island’s fifth highest summit through a week of touring with outdoor received its first recorded winter Selkirk Mountain Experience. leadership Simply the best ascent earlier this January. Cam The slide happened in the early training biking gear around Powell, Ryan Stuart & Phil Stone afternoon of January 20. The climbed the peak in a nasty winter Canadian Avalanche Association, (250) 670-1120 286-6340 storm January 11th after a two day the RCMP and the coroner will be PO Box 352 Tofino, BC, V0R 2Z0 [email protected] approach to Elk Pass under clear investigating the slide, which they www.hooksumschool.com 151 Dogwood St Campbell River skies! The trio climbed the standard assumed was a slab avalanche. route via the lower East Gully and Kelley was one of the first upper North Gully. The climbing well snowboarders in the early 1980s. He stared in extreme skiing �� was moderate up to Grade 3 ice on LOOKING superb well formed néve. Whiteout, movies. The owner and guide of the Force 9 conditions made for some guiding company, Ruedi Beglinger, for an affordable way to �� good sport. is characterized as a safe and professional guide. He has run SME since 1985 and was a heli-ski ADVERTISE guide before that. Wild Isle Directory Ads from only $45 an issue Clients of Selkirk Mountain �� Experience are flown in to the companies base lodge deep in the 250 285-2234 �� Selkirk Mountains. They general spend a week ski touring, under their own power, before returning to Revelstoke a week later by helicopter. The CAA rated the avalanche danger in the Selkirk Mountains at the time as considerable. For up to date avalanche conditions check photo; Ryan Stuart & Cam Scott the CAA avalanche bulletin at descending under Rambler Junior a.k.a. ‘The Needle’ www.avalanche.ca

Canada Post Agreement # 40030406 14 www.wildisle.ca www.mountainmeadowssports.com

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