Strathcona Park

A Journey Below Vancouver Island

2012-01-23T05:00:00.000-08:00

Have youever wondered what it is like down, deep down, below the surface of VancouverIsland? Strathcona Wilderness Institute is pleased to present Trevor “Mad Mapper”Moelaert with a power point show on caving titled ‘A Journey Below theSurface of Vancouver Island.’

TrevorMoelaert’s caving resume is as long as some of the underground caves on theisland. Beginning in 1991 he and his wife Nancy spend over ten weeks a yearcrawling, wriggling, squirming, swimming and rappelling into the bowels of theearth. He has visited more than 300 caves on Vancouver Island and discoveredabout 100 that were not known to the caving community. His particular interestis in remote areas, not previously visited or known to other cavers, and hisability to find cave entrances baffles many of his comrades.

Inthe caving community he is known as the Mad Mapper, having surveyed, mapped,photographed and GPS’d nearly 60 caves, including some of Canada’s longest anddeepest, several of which are on Vancouver Island. His maps have gained areputation for being some of the finest produced in the country.

Trevor will demonstrate how to identify a caveentrance and then take you on a journey underground and talk you through someof the ‘squeezes’ that he negotiates with just a headlamp. He will talkabout cave ethics, equipment, safety precautions and rescue procedures, allliberally interspersed with amazing photographs. By the end of the evening youwill no longer be in the dark about caving.

The presentation is on Feb. 18 at the North Island College theatre at the top of Ryan Road in Courtenay. Doors will open at6 p.m. with the show running from 7 – 9, followed by a question period. Thereis a cover charge of $10 per person at the door. Proceeds support the work of the Strathcona Wilderness Institute.

SAR at the Centre

2012-01-22T10:01:00.000-08:00

The Strathcona Park Wilderness Centre was able to contribute in a small way to a recent Search & Rescue effort at Mount Washington. CVGSAR has access to the Centre building for use on such occasions as a marshalling station & base for their operations. CHEK News has a video clip : the building makes a brief appearance at 1 min.
Luckily a happy ending for all concerned!

Botany Class 15

2012-01-20T16:10:00.000-08:00

A couple of louseworts: 'wort' means 'plant' in old English. Any species of Pedicularis, a genus of perennial herbs, are louseworts. They were said to make sheep that fed on them lousy.

Botany Class 14

2012-01-18T12:00:00.000-08:00

A closer look at a couple of tiny flowers.

Botany Class 13

2012-01-16T08:51:00.000-08:00

A couple of plants that like the wettest areas in the meadows: the deer cabbage in the flowing streams, and the buckbean actually in the ponds.

Caving Slide Show

2012-01-14T11:28:00.000-08:00

Mark your calendars for Saturday Feb. 18, at 6 p.m. at the North Island College Theatre: a slide show on caving, sponsored by the Strathcona Wilderness Institute. More details to follow!

Blue & Gray

2012-01-12T15:05:00.000-08:00

The past week has been beautiful up at Paradise Meadows, either with blue skies or high cloud. The snow base is about 2.2 m. in the meadows.

Here's the view from late afternoon today.

Botany Class 12

2012-01-04T11:05:00.000-08:00

Continuing with the plants of Paradise Meadows series: a couple of flowers that are much more colourful than the white daisy they resemble.

Hippo Gnu Deer

2012-01-02T19:57:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year from Paradise Meadows! hoping for a season of good snow that then melts away quickly in time for spring (June) hiking!

Botany Class 11

2011-12-30T11:36:00.000-08:00

These two species are among the most fascinating plants to children as well as adults.

Botany Class 10

2011-12-28T12:07:00.000-08:00

Violets are not always violet - in fact there are more species that are yellow.

Today & a Year Ago Today

2011-12-26T11:29:00.000-08:00

Members of the Comox District Mountaineering Club did a three-hour snowshoe trek today around the 'Lakes Loop' - Battleship Lake & Lake Helen Mackenzie. A few snow flurries gave the trip a moody atmosphere.

Exactly one year ago, the CDMC trip had much more snow - here is a photo of the Wilderness Centre from Dec. 26, 2010 taken by Tim Penney.

Nordic ski trails in the meadows won't be groomed by Mt. Washington Alpine Resort until the snow depth reaches at least 1.8 m. to prevent damage to the fragile ecosystem of Strathcona Park beneath.

Winterizing

2011-12-23T14:58:00.000-08:00

Strathcona Wilderness Institute Directors were up at the Wilderness Centre on Wednesday installing some protection for the building, in case there is a repeat of last year's snow levels.

The boards will hopefully keep snow away from the walls of the building. Snow depth at the Paradise Meadows elevation is so far just about 1 m compared with about 5 m at this time last year.

Botany Class 9

2011-12-21T14:24:00.000-08:00

Two blooms that are fairly abundant in the meadows, both very striking when back-lit by the sun.

Botany Class 8

2011-12-19T19:47:00.001-08:00

Two more small white flowers of the meadows, and how to distinguish them.

Botany Class 7

2011-12-14T21:45:00.001-08:00

Ethnobotany, the study of the uses of plants by a group of people, is always a popular topic up at Paradise Meadows.

Mt Elma Snowshoe

2011-12-14T14:28:00.000-08:00

A few days ago it was sunny up at Paradise Meadows - here is a link to a recent snowshoe trip by the Comox Valley Mountaineering Club, with report & photos by Tim Penney.

Peak Quake

2011-12-13T13:13:00.000-08:00

What are the chances of being on top of a mountain during an earthquake??
It happened to a couple who hiked to the Golden Hinde, the highest mountain on Vancouver Island, in Strathcona Park, in September. Check out the detailed trip report for a full account of the six-day trip including the day of the ascent.

Botany Class 6

2011-12-12T21:46:00.000-08:00

Two more plants that have white flowers on a slender stalk:

Botany Class 5

2011-12-10T16:45:00.000-08:00

The wet fens of Paradise Meadows are ideal habitat for these beautiful orchids.

Botany Class 4

2011-12-08T12:01:00.000-08:00

Visitors to the Wilderness Centre often asked for the names of these two abundant flowers seen on the way up to the Park.

Meadows Snowshoe

2011-12-06T09:42:00.000-08:00

Members of the Comox District Mountaineering Club did a snowshoe outing around the meadows a couple of days ago - here is a link to their trip report. The skies were sunny up at 1100m although partly overcast down in the valley.

Botany Class 3

2011-12-05T16:03:00.000-08:00

These two plants are distinctive during the whole summer in the meadows: usually the leaves are noticed first, then the flowers.

Holiday Season Begins

2011-12-01T09:51:00.000-08:00

With seasonal holidays coming up, many people are preparing for giving gifts, and many organizations are looking for support. Strathcona Wilderness Institute is certainly one such organization that could use support for next year's programs & activities.

There are several potential projects: a community display about the organization, its history & the Park; an interpretive nature map of Paradise Meadows; an on-line plant identification gallery. You may even have other suggestions?

If you have even the price of a cup of coffee to spare (o.k., maybe capuccino) there is a donate button on the right! Your support is appreciated!

Botany Class 2

2011-11-29T18:07:00.000-08:00

Next in the series, two flowers named for their 'stellar' characteristics:

Botany Class

2011-11-27T19:44:00.000-08:00

While the weather is dreary, I have been going through some summer photos in preparation for a photo guide to the plants of Paradise Meadows. To start, here are a couple of common early flowers of the meadows, and a tip on how to tell them apart.

Notes on Climate

2011-11-25T12:32:00.000-08:00

Several interesting notes from the 1954 report on the Natural History of Forbidden Plateau Area related to 'Climate':

Notably, it mentions snow from end September to end May - lately, the range has been more like from end October to end June or even July!

A question that recurred a few times from hikers, was about the 'hanging ponds' in areas like the meadows: where surface water remains in ponds that are higher than the surroundings. A possible explanation is given in the last sentence of this paragraph:

The explanation of the 'elbowed' trees I was aware of though!

Winter 2011/12 - First snowshoe trip

2011-11-20T10:34:00.000-08:00

Winter has definitely started in Strathcona Park. I did my first snowshoe trip of the 2011/2012 season yesterday and was able to walk almost the length of Battleship Lake on the ice, albeit along the very edge. Lake Helen Mackenzie is now iced over, but certainly not thick enough to walk on.

The SWI building looks nice in the virgin snow. Remember that it was completely buried last winter, so we have a long way to go to break that record.

Strathcona Park Reserve

2011-11-19T10:54:00.000-08:00

The 1954 report on the Natural History of the Forbidden Plateau Area gives a description of the area:

A quick map of the area described as the Strathcona Park Reserve is shown below:

You can see that most of the present Forbidden Plateau area of Strathcona Park is within the Reserve boundary described in 1929. On the other hand, at some point in time, a great part of the original Reserve area reverted back to private land.

Natural History of Forbidden Plateau Area

2011-11-16T14:25:00.000-08:00

Recently a valuable historical document came into my hands - 'The Natural History of the Forbidden Plateau Area' , dated 1954, by George A. Hardy, Botanist and Entomologist of the Provincial Museum - now the Royal BC Museum - in Victoria.

This fascinating report starts with the topography, climate and geology of the area and then compiles information on the plants, invertebrates, insects, and vertebrates known to the area at that time. Several evocative photographs are included.

At the back, a fold-out map shows the area surveyed including the 'Strathcona Park Reserve' - described as being much of the Forbidden Plateau area.

I will be looking through this document & posting some interesting excerpts over the next while.
One bit of trivia - did you know that other than the Royal Ontario Museum (established in 1912), the other Provincial Museums received the designation of 'Royal' as part of their name only after Queen Elizabeth II visited them - the Royal BC Museum in 1987, the Royal Saskatchewan Museum in 1993, the Royal Alberta Museum in 2005.

Nature Viewing Guide

2011-11-14T16:09:00.000-08:00

Paradise Meadows is one of the special sites featured on a new Nature Viewing Guide brochure being produced by the Comox Valley Naturalists Society.

The brochure will be available at the next CVNS meeting on Sunday Nov. 20 - check their website for time & location. After that, the brochure will be available at the Comox Valley Visitors Centre and at other locations around the Valley.

An on-line version of the Comox Valley Nature Viewing Guide is already available - the website has much more detail & many more sites of interest around the Valley. Check out the Paradise Meadows page here. There are links to photo galleries, bird & plant checklists, geology info & many more resources.

While it will be many months till spring & summer comes again to the meadows, there are many other nature viewing site to explore in the Valley in the meantime!

Snowy Sunset

2011-11-11T17:26:00.000-08:00

Mount Albert Edward at twilight:

4:30 today, with a bit of snow at 1100 m., and temperature at about 4 degrees C.

Time Change & Time for a Change

2011-11-07T07:13:00.000-08:00

As the time changes back from Daylight Savings Time, the seasons have definitely changed also, as new snow has fallen at Paradise Meadows at the 1100 m. elevation.
And, photographer Tim Penney has joined as a new blogger! Tim is a frequent winter explorer of Strathcona Park.

Late Fall Colour

2011-10-27T21:43:00.000-07:00

Still a chance for fall colour in Paradise Meadows , but winter is about to start. Snow has fallen at 1100 m. although it is not lingering yet on sunny days.

Buckbean Pond

Tufted club rush & dwarf blueberry

Long shadows

Paradise Creek

Frosty Morning

2011-10-25T17:02:00.000-07:00

Paradise Meadows has been getting frosty in the mornings lately - this photo from Sunday, with beautiful blue skies. With the radiating lines of the amphitheatre benches leading to the Wilderness Centre this extreme wide angle view gives the scene a dynamic and rather surreal energy.

Thanks to Tim Penney for the photo! More of Tim's work here.

57 Hikes

2011-10-22T18:31:00.000-07:00

A Campbell River hiker has compiled an amazing report of 57 hikes completed in Strathcona Park this summer. Check it out on the Club Tread website here.

Volunteers & Visitors

2011-10-14T11:22:00.000-07:00

Strathcona Wilderness Institute hosted a volunteer appreciation gathering yesterday - thanks again to all the Wilderness Centre staff, nature walk & talk and hike guides. SWI will be in touch with those who weren't able to attend.

A few highlights from the 2011 season:

6867 visitors assisted:
Centre staffed 82 days = overall average 84 visitors to the Centre per day.

In July, the Centre assisted 1589 visitors (25 days staffed=average 64 visitors/day); in August, 2814 visitors ( 28 days=average 103 visitors/day); and in September/Oct, 2464 visitors (29 days=85 visitors/day).

As in 2010, these numbers include those who attended walks, talks & hikes, as well as groups such as students who visited the Park. For 2011 these numbers also included those who attended the special Centennial events.

About 200 visitors were recorded at the Centre on the busiest days . The daily visitor averages in July were lower than in 2010, no doubt due to the late snow year, but the average numbers for August & September were similar to 2010. Overall numbers of visitors assisted was greatly increased from 2010 due to the Centre being staffed almost every day for the three summer months.

Visitors came from:
Comox Valley: 36%
North Vancouver Island : 9%
South Vancouver Island : 21.5%
Rest of BC : 8%
Rest of Canada : 8.5%
USA : 4.5%
UK/Europe/EU/Western Asia : 10%
Other Countries : 2.5%

The proportions are similar to 2010 with slightly higher CV & NVI visitors; slightly lower SVI visitors; slightly higher International visitors.

Countries represented:
Canada: 10 provinces/territories
BC, Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, NWT.
USA: 30 states
Alaska, Hawaii, Washington, Oregon, California, Montana, Nevada, Colorado, New Mexico, Nebraska, Texas, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Louisiana, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York.
Europe/Western Asia: 23 countries
England, Scotland, Ireland, Iceland, Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Belgium, France, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Spain, Italy, Poland, Russia, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania, Hungary, Israel.
Other countries: 16 countries
Australia, New Zealand
Japan, China, Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan, Hong Kong
South Africa, Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania
Mexico, Panama, Brazil, Guatemala .

Visitors were recorded from a much greater diversity of countries & States than 2010.

Compare with last year's visitors here.

Snow Hiking

2011-10-12T15:25:00.000-07:00

A recent report on the Club Tread website of a hike up Mt. Albert Edward found snow at the 1300 m. elevation. Check out the report here.

Above the Clouds

2011-10-06T18:33:00.000-07:00

An outing today up Mt. Washington, adjacent to Paradise Meadows & Strathcona Park, to find blue sky above the clouds that covered the Comox Valley. Fresh snow is at about 1400 m.

From the top of the ski hill, you can see all your favourite peaks. Mt. Albert Edward & Mt Regan, with an interesting snow-covered ridge between - not visible from lower viewpoints.

Comox Glacier with Battleship Lake in the foreground

The Golden Hinde, highest mountain on Vancouver Island at 2200 m.

Sooty Grouse prints in the sub-alpine

Martin also preferred the trails, leaving prints

Striking view down into Paradise Ponds, circled by the Centennial boardwalk.

End of Season

2011-10-02T20:22:00.000-07:00

Last day of opening for the Strathcona Park Wilderness Centre today - some great visitors & some good weather!

Very few items were turned in this season to the lost & found - here is a list of what we have:
pale blue cushion
green Kelty kid's daypack
child's blue/green/white sunhat
childs pink mitten
child's blue mitten
6" lightstick
orange tent poles
black umbrella w/music motif
red/black cell phone holder
black plastic frame sunglasses
silver plastic frame sunglasses
silver dangle earring w/glass facet
Jeep key
Oceans Resort key

After Oct. 13 , most items will go to a 2nd-hand store.
Visitors reported several lost cameras & cell phones but none were turned in to the Centre. If you want to help connect some items contact coordinator(at)strathconapark.org

Changing Seasons

2011-10-01T23:10:00.000-07:00

Fresh snow has fallen on the higher mountains, and fall colours are just starting to change in the meadows.

Bunchberry blossoms have given way to berries.

Late-blooming king gentian is abundant in the meadows.

Finally saw the elusive Great Blue Heron in the meadows that has been reported over the last couple of weeks. Sandhill Cranes have been flying over, migrating south.

Sunny Days Ahead

2011-09-28T10:36:00.000-07:00

The forecast looks good tomorrow for the final nature walk of the season at the Wilderness Centre. Margaret Symon will guide a walk around the meadows looking at Lichens & Trees starting at 1p.m. Thurs. 29th.

The last official day for the Centre to be open for information is Sunday Oct. 2.

Wild Weather

2011-09-26T09:23:00.000-07:00

The wet & windy weather of the past couple of days has meant some difficulties in Strathcona Park. On Sunday a hiker who had tried to venture up Mt. Albert Edward was rescued after spending the night outdoors, making headlines . A reminder that hikers need to be prepared for all weather conditions & carry map & compass.

For a look back at better weather, check out the Island Nature blog - several postings in August focussed on the flowers of Paradise Meadows.

Rainy Day Hike

2011-09-25T09:08:00.000-07:00

The guided hike scheduled yesterday to Panther Lake had a slight change of plans - since the day started rainy, the handful of hardy hikers went to the Kwai Lake area instead. The weather cleared somewhat by later in the day.
The forecast looks better by later in the week, for the final program in the Wilderness Centre schedule: a Nature Walk on Thurs. Sept. 29 on Trees & Lichens with RPF Margaret Symon. The walk around the boardwalk starts at 1 p.m.

Marvelous Marmots

2011-09-22T17:29:00.000-07:00

In spite of the drizzly weather, the presentation on Marvelous Marmots was full to capacity! Alana Buchanan of the Marmot Recovery Centre on Mt. Washington gave an entertaining talk to a couple dozen kids & a half-dozen adults. She is happy to give the talk to any other group interested - contact the Centre at coordinator(at)strathconapark(dot)org to get her contact info.

Paradise Meadows today was actually almost above the cloud - the sun appeared several times & there was a rainbow on the way down the hill! Often when the weather appears cloudy in the Comox Valley it will be nice at 1100 m. elevation.

Valleyview Field Day

2011-09-21T16:27:00.000-07:00

A beautiful day for a field trip yesterday, as a couple dozen kids from Valleyview Elementary with parents & teacher came up to the meadows for a day hike.

After a bit of an overview about Strathcona Park, wilderness ethics & Leave No Trace principles, the group looked at some plants & trees around the boardwalk.

The skies stayed blue for lunch at Lake Helen Mackenzie.

A highlight of the day was a flock of Sandhill Cranes flying overhead. This is the time of year that they migrate over the Park - some people think they are Canada Geese, but the croak of the cranes is unmistakable.

Any school group that is planning a visit to the Park is welcome to contact Strathcona Wilderness Institute - with just a couple days notice, we can arrange to have the Wilderness Centre open for information, and perhaps provide a naturalist guide.

The presentation at the Wilderness Centre tomorrow at 1 p.m. should appeal to students of all ages. "Marvelous Marmots" will give you a view behind the scenes of the Marmot Recovery Centre. No worries about inclement weather as the presentation will be indoors.

September Flowers

2011-09-18T09:48:00.000-07:00

September flowers are in abundance at Paradise Meadows in spite of occasional September showers! Although the weather has been mixed, it is still great for hiking & exploring.

Sub-alpine daisy

Sitka burnet

Great burnet

White bog-orchid

Mountain arnica

Still some foamflower blooming

Indian hellebore just starting to turn a beautiful gold

A few king gentian are just now starting to bloom. Arctic lupine and white-flowered rhododendron are continuing. Some blueberries are ripening on the bushes - the leaves are not yet turning colour.

New September Programs

2011-09-16T09:07:00.000-07:00

Aiming to extend the summer season, Strathcona Wilderness Institute has scheduled several additional programs at the Wilderness Centre this month.

Thursday Sept. 22, 1 pm:
Nature Talk with Alana Buchanan of the Marmot Recovery Centre at Mt. Washington: a presentation which will appeal to all ages - “Marvelous Marmots: Fun, Fact & Fiction”. The Recovery Centre is not open to the public, so this event is a chance to see behind the scenes: what the facility looks like, how it runs, and what they do with the captive marmots. The presentation will be indoors at the Wilderness Centre.

Saturday Sept. 24, 8 am:
Level 3 Hike with guide Julian Brooks to Johnston & Panther Lakes. This 9-hr. hike will visit an area of Forbidden Plateau less known to many hikers. Meet at 8 a.m. at the Wilderness Centre, wear proper boots, and poles are advisable. The trail is poor in places, and there will be some bushwhacking. Age 16 and over only, no dogs please. In case of poor weather the destination may change. Please pre-register at coordinator (at) strathconapark.org as the group size is limited to 15 people.

Thursday Sept. 29, 1 p.m:
Nature Walk with forester Margaret Symon focusing on lichens, trees, and the sub-alpine ecosystem. Margaret is an engaging presenter for all ages, and her nature walk last year was the most popular walk of that season.

For all activities: dress for the weather, wear proper footwear, bring lunch or snacks, plenty of water, bug spray and sun protection. No pets please on SWI guided nature walks & hikes. Programs are free, although a donation of $5 –10 is appreciated to help with the Institute’s ongoing activities. All SWI activities start at the Wilderness Centre.

Augerpoint & Castlecrag

2011-09-15T10:57:00.000-07:00

The report of a recent trip by the Comox District Mountaineering Club, combining the Augerpoint Traverse & the Castlecrag circuit, has just been posted on their website. The group had a spectacular trek with the clear skies & full moon of last week.

Wilderness Picnics

2011-09-14T20:51:00.000-07:00

Wilderness visitors of all ages & abilities are greatly enjoying the new picnic tables installed in front of the Wilderness Centre by BC Parks last month.

The Wilderness Centre is obviously a great destination for the location & the views, even if not hiking. Thanks to Kate for the photo!

Recent Reports

2011-09-07T09:49:00.000-07:00

Recent birds reported at Paradise Meadows include Red Crossbills, a family of Olive-side Flycatchers, and a Vaux's Swift. An American Dipper was reported in one of the little waterfalls of Paradise Creek.

Some missing items reported also - a couple of cameras in particular. The Wilderness Centre has a lost & found box if anything is turned in between 9 a.m - 4 p.m - otherwise, Mt. Washington Alpine Resort also has a lost & found - contact them here.

Recent reports from the Buttle Lake area of Strathcona Park, via Gerry Roberts, the SWI director who staffs the Buttle Lake Information Hut:

Marble Meadows - Wheaton Hut is easily accessible but still lots of snow. Ice-axes and crampons a must if especially if ascending Mount McBride, Marble Peak and Morrison Spire areas.

Marble Meadows: Morrison Spire in the centre, Marble Peak on the right

Big Interior Mountain - Crampons and ice-axes a must, conditions extremely slippery and difficult even when cutting big deep steps in the ice/frozen snow.
Mount Tom Taylor - Unsafe without crampons and ice-axe.
Crest Mountain Trail - The wasp's nest on the narrow's bridge left handrail has been smashed & treated with wasp killing spray but may still be active or another nest constructed in the area so keep watch.
Cream Lake - Beyond Bedwell Lake towards Cream Lake, the route still mostly snow covered. Little Jim Lake has some open water at the edges. Cream Lake open but Big Jim and Andrew Lakes still frozen and snow covered.
This season there has been more sightings of Cougars than usual, even reports of Cougar in the alpine and on the snow in the Bedwell Lake & Drinkwater Pass area. Here is a link to BC Parks info about safety around wildlife.

Augerpoint Traverse

2011-09-06T21:08:00.000-07:00

A quick report of the Augerpoint Traverse from last week - five days, four nights, westward from Paradise Meadows to Buttle Lake.
The route goes over Mt. Albert Edward & down the south-west ridge & then back up to Ruth Masters Lake, then up again to a ridge (with side trip up Augerpoint Mountain) leading to Jack Shark's Augerpoint trail, down to Buttle Lake. Total distance about 35 km, cumulative elevation gain about 2000m.

Castlecrag in the misty morning, on the way up to Mt. Albert Edward

Bonsai arrangement

Sickletop lousewort

Moat Lake & Castlecrag

Red paintbrush

Heading up to the peak of Mt. Albert Edward

Sooty Grouse

Many plants found only in the alpine:

Silky phacelia

Spreading phlox

Western anemone seedheads

Waterfall outflow from Ruth Masters Lake

Skim of ice on Ruth Masters Lake

Some uncommon plants at Ruth Masters Lake:

Columbia Lewisia

Yellow mountain-heather

Tolmie's saxifrage

Mt. George V above Ruth Masters Lake

Mt. Regan & Mt. Albert Edward from Augerpoint Mountain

Bonsai on Augerpoint Trail ridge

Buttle Lake from top of Augerpoint Trail

Sedum sp.

Sunset on Augerpoint Trail ridge

Golden Hinde morning

Special Visitors Day

2011-09-05T19:35:00.000-07:00

Another day of great weather, and slots of great visitors! Comox Valley residents brought guests from Japan & Hong Kong; Canadians living in Mexico and from the North West Territories came for a visit. Naturalist Hans Boerger from Parksville came to look at the flowers; Gary Schaan of the Strathcona Park Public Advisory Committee came to look at the Centre; Peter Rothermel of the Federation of Mountain Clubs of BC and friends came in to refresh after a three-day trek to Mt. George V. However perhaps the most notable visitor today was Ruth Masters - arriving at the Centre at the same time as a young family who just completed the Augerpoint Traverse from west to east, including a night camping at Ruth Masters Lake!

The guided hike to Lake Helen Mackenzie was popular - thanks to guides Mandy & Charley Vaughan for their expertise with birds, plants & fish along the way.

Art in the Park

2011-09-04T20:09:00.000-07:00

A beautiful day for the Art Talk & Walk in Paradise Meadows with watercolour artist Clive Powsey. Participants included local artists Brian Buckrell , Daphne Triggs, and others from the Comox Valley & Qualicum.

Clive shows examples of landscape art- thanks to Kate for the photos!

Hundreds of people were enjoying the long weekend - many from down island, and many locals & familiar faces!
The hike to Lake Helen Mackenzie tomorrow is the last program on the advertised schedule - however there will still be a couple of additional programs (yet to be finalized) in September, and the Wilderness Centre will be staffed most days during the month up until October 2. Check the calendar at the bottom of the page for updates.

Big Hike Week

2011-09-03T21:30:00.000-07:00

After five days on a big hike this week (the Augerpoint Traverse - from Paradise Meadows to Buttle Lake) there was a big day hike from the Centre today also! Half-a-dozen hardy hikers joined volunteer guide William Wright of the Comox District Mountaineering Club on a long hike to Amphitheatre Lake. Reports of both to follow!

Busy Day

2011-08-28T20:01:00.000-07:00

Perhaps the hottest day yet at Paradise Meadows - and a busy day with two programs - photographer Chris Carter & a history slide show with Lindsay Elms. If you missed either presentation, some of Chris' work can be seen upstairs at the Centre, and Lindsay's book 'Beyond Nootka' as well as postcards of Strathcona Park mountains are for sale there.

Busy day with visitors as well - from Washington to Missouri in the USA, from Switzerland to Germany in Europe , and from Israel in the Middle East!

Hikers are reporting some snow in meadows past Kwai Lake, with the trail to Circlet fairly clear, Circlet Lake free of ice and just a few tent platforms not yet cleared at the campsite. The trail to Cruickshank Canyon lookout is reported to have some snow around the farthest lakes with possible difficulty route-finding. Many hikers have been successfully hiking up Mt Albert Edward despite snow cover on some of the sections.

Amphitheatre Lake photo by Tim Penney

A preview of next Saturday's hike to Amphitheatre Lake has been posted on the Comox District Mountaineering Club website here.

Mt Allan Brooks: Through the Generations

2011-08-28T07:39:00.000-07:00

A great trip to Mt Allan Brooks with a great group from as far afield as Nanaimo & Campbell River. The 7-1/2 hr. hike traversed through sub-alpine meadow, then bushwacking uphill, up heather slopes, some steeper scrambling, over a few snow slopes to reach the summit with a spectacular panorama of Strathcona Park mountains.

'Heart Pond' on route before ascending uphill through bushy woods

Panorama looking northeast- from Divers Lake to Lake Helen Mackenzie

thanks to John for the photo!

The group on the summit of Mt Allan Brooks

Tom - happy to be on the summit!

Julian Brooks gives a brief history of the naming of the mountain for both his grandfather & father: Major Allan Cyril Brooks, noted ornithologist & artist; and Allan Cecil Brooks (Jr), biologist & teacher.

Penstemon at the top of Mt Allan Brooks

Subalpine meadows below

Common butterwort along the Lake Helen Mackenzie trail

Thanks to guides Steve & Marlene Smith for guiding the hike - a tough route but a very worthwhile day!

Art, Nature, History Weekend

2011-08-26T13:48:00.000-07:00

Several spectacular sunny days in a row up at Paradise Meadows - and many more predicted!

Several visitors have been taking advantage of the wheelchairs on hand at the Centre - they are free to borrow during opening hours, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

There are still a lot of snowy sections past Kwai Lake, so always be prepared for conditions and do not go farther than your ability. A couple of days ago a hiker coming down from Mt. Albert Edward continued too far northward along the shoulder rather than coming off toward Circlet Lake, ending up much too far north & triggering a late-night search by CVGSAR, luckily with a happy ending. Map & compass or GPS are always advisable in the backcountry.

Several hikers have successfully completed the Augerpoint Traverse in the past week - reports of conditions are on the Club Tread website. This classic route goes from the Paradise Meadows area across to Buttle Lake.

Paradise Meadows Panorama copyright Chris Carter

On Sunday Aug. 28th there are two programs scheduled at the Wilderness Centre:

At 10 a.m., join an Art & Nature Talk & Walk with well-known nature photographer Chris Carter on “Great Photo-Ops in Paradise Meadows”. Chris will give an indoor talk about photographic compositions, illustrating with his own work; and then take an excursion into the meadows. Several of Chris’ panoramic compositions are on display and for sale at the Centre.

Old Cabin at Kwai Lake

At 1 pm. join Strathcona Wilderness Institute director Lindsay Elms for an indoor History Talk on “Stories of Strathcona Park”. Elms is an experienced mountaineer & author of ‘Beyond Nootka: a Historical Perspective of Vancouver Island Mountains’. Copies of this fascinating history are available for sale at the Centre.

Mt Brooks Hike is Full!

2011-08-23T08:19:00.000-07:00

The hike on Saturday Aug. 27 scheduled for Mt Allan Brooks is now full - names will be taken for a waiting list. Please email coordinator(at)strathconapark(dot)org to place your name on the list.

Visitors to the Wilderness Centre yesterday included Gil Parker, one of the people involved with the VI Spine Trail. Gil also revised & expanded the latest edition of Hiking Trails 3 - the indispensible guide to hiking in Strathcona Park! Copies are available for sale at the Centre.

Today & tomorrow's volunteer at the Centre is Mary, a member of the Comox Valley Naturalists Society who has already helped out many days, with several of the weekend programs.

Accessible Wilderness Day

2011-08-22T07:57:00.000-07:00

The Accessible Wilderness Day at Paradise Meadows was a great success . Organized by BC Parks & the Accessible Wilderness Society, over 120 people turned out to enjoy the fully accessible Centennial Trail with a variety of mobility devices. Centennial funding for the event was received from MEC as part of their '100 Years of Adventure' partnership with BC Parks , and community groups & businesses contributed cake, draw prizes, and numerous displays.

Piper Brian Shaw entertains the crowd.

Environment Minister Terry Lake acknowledges the work of all those involved in creating accessibility to Paradise Meadows.

Andy Smith of BC Parks describes the freewheel attachment for wheelchairs which allows easier use of trails.

Parks Facility Operator Jerry MacArthur describes the trails to visitors.

Participants in the nature walks guided by Strathcona Wilderness Institute volunteers looked at insects , such as carpenter ants; flowers, such as the newly blooming butterwort; and several birds including the whiskey jacks which always arrive when people gather!

A stuffed animal was reported lost on the trail - if you find a small brown dog, please turn it in to the Wilderness Centre. A couple of items were found as well - please contact the Centre to claim any items: coordinator(at)strathconapark(dot)org

Birthday Visitors Day

2011-08-20T20:07:00.000-07:00

Paradise Meadows is a great place to celebrate a birthday apparently - over 30 friends & family of an 85-year-old birthday girl came up to stroll the boardwalk & have a picnic lunch outside the Wilderness Centre. The sturdy wheelchairs that the Centre has on hand came in handy for the visitors. The watermelon was much appreciated on such a hot day!

Recent Park visitors have included Canadians from all over BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec & Nova Scotia; Americans from Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Minnesota, Colorado, North Carolina, Arkansas, Texas, Florida & New York; Europeans from the UK, Germany, Holland, Switzerland, France, Spain, Italy, & Czech Republic; and other visitors from even farther: Australia, New Zealand, & Panama!

After a few weeks of not visiting, there was once again a young black bear seen in the meadows, on the east side of the Centennial loop.

Weekend Events

2011-08-19T07:33:00.000-07:00

The Comox District Mountaineering Club has posted a schedule of the events for the 'Strathcona Wilderness Festival' happening on Saturday Aug. 20 from 10 am-5 pm at the Buttle Lake area of Strathcona Park. Organized by Friends of Strathcona Park, many other groups involved with the Park including members of the Strathcona Wilderness Institute will be there.

View across Paradise Ponds from the Centennial Loop Trail

On Sunday Aug. 21, from 12:30 -3:30 pm, BC Parks & the Accessible Wilderness Society are hosting 'Family Fun Day for Every-Body' - an Accessible Wilderness Day - at Paradise Meadows. Strathcona Wilderness Institute volunteer Terry Thormin will guide a nature walk around the 2 km. accessible Centennial Trail at 1 pm. Terry is an expert birder & entomologist as well as an excellent photographer - check out his photo galleries!

'Buckbean Pond' along the Centennial Loop Trail

Latest Flowers

2011-08-18T09:41:00.000-07:00

More plants are now blooming up at Paradise Meadows, as the summer continues.

sticky false asphodel (Tofieldia glutinosa)

three-leaved goldthread (Coptis trifolia) and seed capsules

Sitka mountain-ash (Sorbus sitchensis)

Many blooms are even more abundant now.

pink mountain-heather (Phyllodoce empetriformis) & white mountain-heather (Cassiope mertensiana)

Sitka valerian (Valeriana sitchensis)

mountain arnica (Arnica latifolia)

bracted lousewort (Pedicularis bracteosa)

Six-inch-long rainbow trout are flourishing in Paradise Creek.

Picture Perfect Day

2011-08-16T18:10:00.000-07:00

Shaw Community TV visited the Centre today to video some of the Park & interview some of the Strathcona Wilderness Institute volunteers. The whiskey jacks visited too!

Melissa from Shaw TV watches the whiskey jacks

The blue sky was great for scenic photos - reflecting in the ponds & streams of the meadows and providing a perfect backdrop for the mountains.

Reflections in the big pond

Strollers easily negotiate the steps of the Paradise Meadows loop trail

Jutland Mountain with pink mountain-heather

Summer Showers, Summer Flowers

2011-08-15T08:49:00.000-07:00

The nature walk yesterday to identify summer flowers in the meadows began & ended with a few showers, though the rain held off during the walk itself. Below a list of plants reported:
Trees:
Mountain hemlock
Amabilis fir
Subalpine fir
Western white pine
Yellow cedar

Shrubs:
Oval-leaved blueberry
Dwarf blueberry
Alaskan blueberry
False azalea
White flowered rhododendron
White mountain-heather
Pink mountain-heather
Crowberry
Western bog-laurel
Five-leaved bramble
Arctic willow
Sitka mountain ash
Bog blueberry

Liliaceae:
False hellebore
Clasping twistedstalk

Orchidaceae:
Rattlesnake plantain
Northwestern twayblade
White bog-orchid

Saxifragaeae:
Leatherleaf saxifrage

Rosaceae:
Partridgefoot
Sitka burnet

Violaceae:
Early blue violet
Stream violet

Asteraceae:
Mountain arnica
Pearly everlasting

Ranunculaceae:
Alpine white marsh-marigold
Globeflower
False bugbane

Fabaceae:
Arctic lupine

Scrophulariaceae:
Bracted lousewort

Other families:
Three-leaved goldthread
Jeffrey's shootingstar
Pretty shootingstar
Bunchberry
Deer cabbage
Sitka valerian
Swamp lantern
Buckbean
Sundew
Common butterwort
Fireweed

Grasses:
Black alpine sedge
Meten's rush
Arctic bluegrass

Thanks to Mary & Fred for sending the lists!

BC Parks rangers Gemma & Geoff were on site assembling the 2nd of two picnic tables, now in place in front of the Centre.

Hikers reported a Great Blue Heron in the Paradise Meadows ponds, a rather unusual sight - though where there are fish, there will be herons!

On the BCVI Birds Yahoo group website, a hiker & birder from Ladysmith reported on a recent trek through the central part of Strathcona Park:
Hermit Thrush: full song at 1200 meters Aug 5 & 1500 m Aug 10
Gray Jays
Rufous Hummingbirds: at up to 1700 m
American Pipits: July 24 etc at 1600 to 1800 m
Peregrine Falcon: at 1600 m
Gray-crowned Rosy Finches: including a begging juvenile
Bald Eagles: 2 "almost adults" at 1700 m with white head & tail and significant light wing patches
Goldeneye (Common?) single female at 1500 m
WT Ptarmigan: lotsa poop, but only one adult sighted at 1740 m
Sooty Grouse adult hen: at 1720 m on Aug 9, the highest I have ever sighted.
in Marble Meadows approx 1475 m elevation: RB Nuthatches, Juncos, CB Chickadees, and very surprising . . . 2 American Robins . . . one of which was an obvious juvenile.

Some lost & found over the weekend: a pair of sunglasses, and a black umbrella with a music motif pattern. Contact coordinator(at)strathconapark.org to retrieve any items.

Hike to Croteau Lake

2011-08-13T23:05:00.000-07:00

The hike to Croteau Lake attracted participants from 8 to 65 for this six hour hike through rolling terrain past meadows, ponds & lakes.

Marsh marigold has been abundant in the meadows for over a month, now accented with globeflower.

Green-flowered bog-orchids are appearing among the swaths of shooting star.

The company of whiskey jacks along the way was especially enjoyable! Just hold out your hand & they will visit.

On the drier rocky areas toward the Plateau, paintbrush is beginning.

Croteau Lake was free of snow - interestingly, one remaining patch filled the old foundations of the Croteau cabin on the edge of the lake.

Thanks to guides Robin & Jennifer for contributing some natural history knowledge, expecially about the 'watermelon snow'! The Wilderness Centre has a copy of the latest BC Nature magazine which explains the ecology of the pink patches of algae seen on snow.

Everyone ably negotiated the remaining patches of snow, mainly past Battleship Lake, on the way to Croteau Lake. Other hikers reported heavier snow from Kwai Lake to Circlet Lake, with some difficulty route-finding. A couple of hikers did camp at Circlet Lake where they reported several tent platforms are now cleared, and the lake is starting to thaw. They were able to summit Mt Albert Edward as the snow was soft enough for kicking steps on the steeper parts.

As the snow melts, the trails are getting muddier, so appropriate footwear is required, so that you can walk through the wet areas rather than widening the trail.

More Sitka valerian is blooming, as well as three-leaved goldthread, pink and white mountain-heathers, bog-laurel, and mountain arnica. Partridgefoot is beginning to bloom.

Divers Lake

2011-08-12T11:12:00.000-07:00

With summer in full bloom, an impromptu outing to Divers Lake was in order. This area, added to Strathcona Park in 2003, is accessed via logging roads through private forest lands. The Park incorporates the last portion of the logging road before the trail enters uncut timber.

red columbine (Aquilegia formosa)

stream violets (Viola glabella)

Columbine were blooming in the open areas and violets in the woods.

A beautifully broken tree is a notable landmark on the trail.

At the outflow from Divers to Rossiter Lake, the flowing water was high enough to make for a rather tricky & nerve-wracking crossing, in order to get to the sub-alpine meadows on the other side. The ponds of the meadows capture reflections of the steep western bluffs of Mt. Allan Brooks and Strata Mountain which appears conical from this vantage point.

Mt Allan Brooks on left, Strata Mountain on right

western bog-laurel (Kalmia microphylla ssp.occidentalis)

The meadows were full of cotton-grass, bog laurel, and pink mountain heather, with accents of early blue violet and northern starflower.

pink mountain-heather (Phyllodoce empetriformis)

early blue violet (Viola adunca)

northern starflower (Trientalis arctica)

One significant difference from the Paradise Meadows ponds was the abundance of Labrador tea.

Labrador tea (Ledum groenlandicum)

Judging by the footprints in the wet areas, deer frequent these meadows - as well as birds - probably the spotted sandpiper seen on the far side of the pond.

Buttle Lake Area Updates

2011-08-11T09:30:00.000-07:00

A few updates on the Buttle Lake area trails in Strathcona Park:

Flower Ridge: Snow patches start just after the spring camping spot, solid snow before leaving the trees. Water available in melted snow puddle on the ridge, solid snow cover as far as could be seen appearing to be at least a metre deep.

Crest Mountain: Almost clear of snow just some patches on the plateau to the summit. Care should be taken crossing the bridge at the start at the narrows, as there is a very large wasp nest on the left handrail: Don't forget it will be on your right when coming back out.

Price Creek Trail: Heavy run-off at the creek crossing soon after leaving the old road, left at the signpost; care needed when crossing, also more than one bear seen in the area.

This info from Gerry Roberts, Strathcona Wilderness Institute director & volunteer operator of the Buttle Lake Information Hut, operated by SWI; as reported by visitors from the weekend of Aug. 5-7.

Rare Birds & Summer Plants

2011-08-07T20:55:00.000-07:00

A rare bird in Paradise Meadows was reported on the VIBC Birds Yahoo Group - an American Three-toed Woodpecker! According to the Victoria birder, "The Three-toed was foraging in the Mountain Hemlocks beside the trail junction at the far southern end of Battleship Lake - at this junction the eastern fork leads to Lady Lake, and the western fork leads to Lake Helen MacKenzie."

The notice was posted on Sat. 6th however the bird was seen on Wed. 3rd. Although these birds breed in the sub-alpine they are very rarely seen.

A walk around the Centennial Trail at the close of a brilliant sunny day today revealed more flowers emerging.

Deer-cabbage

Green-flowered bog-orchid

Early blue violet

Green-flowered bog-orchid, common butterwort, early blue violet, three-leaved goldthread, and deer-cabbage are among the newest blooms.

Western bog-laurel

Globeflower

Bee visiting Jeffrey's shootingstar

White-flowered rhododendron

White-flowered rhododendron and false azalea blooms are increasing. Alpine white marsh marigold are still abundant, interspersed with swaths of shootingstar, and accented with globeflower, western bog-laurel, pink and white mountain-heathers.

Clasping twistedstalk

Mountain arnica

Clasping twistedstalk, mountain arnica and mitrewort species are also emerging.

Some unusual bird behaviour also - a Steller's Jay feeding alongside a log began covering its unknown meal by spreading its wings with a display known as 'mantling' - usually observed with raptors as they try to protect their food from other predators!

By the way, belated thanks to the unknown hiker who turned in a wallet found on the trail - it will shortly be re-united with its owner!

View from Mt Elma

2011-08-06T23:13:00.000-07:00

A spectacular day for the hike up Mt Elma! Although only 1400m high this mountain offers views in all directons. After passing Battleship & Kooso Lake the route heads off westward through meadows & then through the bush. Route finding would be rather difficult without familiarity with the terrain or in this case, the expertise of two great guides who always found the intermittent flagging up the steep hill. While the trails past Battleship were still snow covered, once in the woods going uphill the snow patches were sporadic. On top of Mt Elma from the snow-covered flat plateau we could see the panorama of Vancouver Island mountains as well as the mainland mountains including Mt Waddington, the highest mountain in BC.

Mt Albert Edward, Mt Regan & Jutland Mountain, with the rock bluffs of Strata Mountain in front

Alexandra Peak to the west

Mt Waddington to the north

In the few bare patches, pink mountain heather & the occasional penstemon were blooming. Heading down westwards toward the col below Mt Allan Brooks snow patches were more frequent, while the meadows below were covered, and in the woods around the west side of Lake Helen Mackenzie the trail was only occasionally visible. Marsh marigold & globeflower were blooming profusely where the snow was melting. Once around to the junction at Helen Mackenzie, the lake was a tolerable temperature for swimming. A highlight was an osprey flying over the lake with a freshly caught fish!

Mt Elma from Lake Helen Mackenzie

Overall the hike including rest breaks was 7 hrs - a great group including participants from Qualicum, Pt. Alberni & the Comox Valley, as well as our excellent guides from Quadra.

Weekend Updates

2011-08-05T16:50:00.000-07:00

The Nature Walk for the afternoon of Sunday Aug. 7 has had to be cancelled - however the morning Nature Walk on Insects will go ahead as scheduled. Join Tyler Johns in exploring the alpine ecology of the meadows at 9 a.m. Sunday.

Pine white butterfly on Sitka valerian

Conditions are still snowy past Lake Helen Mackenzie - here is a link to a report from a few days ago. Normal hiking time to Circlet Lake with a full pack should be 4-5 hrs!

The 9 a.m. hike tomorrow, planned for Mt Elma, may be adapted depending on the morning's conditions. A few notes from the guides:

"...there sure is/was still piles of snow. This could influence our decision about Elma if the snow is breaking through. We’ll certainly start off and see how conditions are as we proceed..... People should definitely wear boots and carry ski poles or other walking aids in view of snow."

Participants will need to be prepared with proper footwear with good tread, as well as hiking poles, and also prepared for a possible change of plans i.e. shorter hike or lower elevation option.

Plateau Trail Reports

2011-08-02T08:05:00.000-07:00

A spectacular day at Paradise Meadows yesterday, so lots of visitors & hikers, with many reports on trail conditions.

The Strathcona Wilderness Institute guided hike to Battleship Lake found snow still on the trail past the boardwalk junction on the way up to Battleship. Campers at Lake Helen MacKenzie reported three tent platforms are cleared - they camped on snow, and had insulation in the form of ground sheets so were comfortable. Hiking past the lake requires knowledge of the terrain and route-finding skills, map & compass or GPS.

Once at the Kwai Lake campsite, the area is south-facing and therefore clears earlier than the other campsites, according to the Parks Facility Operator.

Campers at Circlet Lake reported the lake is frozen, with a couple of feet of the top of the Parks directional signs visible - meaning 6'-7' of snow cover over the campsite. Getting to Circlet Lake required good route-finding skills with map & compass. They scrambled up the shoulder of Mt Albert Edward in the soft snow of the afternoon, though cautioned that in the mornings the steep part would likely be ice.

A pair of hikers from Sweden arrived at the Centre after taking four days to traverse from Wood Mountain (the old Forbidden ski hill). They reported lots of snow with difficulty finding the route in many cases - although with map & compass they had a successful trip. As a bonus, they were able to find a ride back down the hill into Courtenay with another hiker - having taken a taxi up to the Forbidden end to start their trip! A summer shuttle bus to & from Paradise Meadows would be a great idea...

From the Forbidden side of the Plateau, the snow reportedly starts at the Parks sign at the entry to Strathcona Park - so at about 1040 m elevation. The route up Mt Becher is snow-covered and familiarity with the terrain is required in order to find the correct route up.

Tomorrow's volunteer at the Centre is Robin, past president of the Comox Valley Naturalists Society, member of the Comox District Mountaineering Club & guide for the Croteau Lake hike on Aug. 13.

Fun With Fungi & a Fun Guy

2011-07-31T20:14:00.000-07:00

An excellent Centennial Event today up at Paradise Meadows - the day included the talk & walk by Andy MacKinnon, Research Ecologist & co-author of Plants of Coastal BC; socializing before & after; along with some audience participation, numerous questions & stories, and book-signing. Andy MacKinnon is one of the top botanists in BC, and along with his tremendous depth & breadth of knowledge, is also an extremely engaging nature interpreter.

The audience happily participated in some creative enactments of symbiotic natural relationships.

After the social, Andy signed several books and answered numerous questions.

Refreshments provided as part of the Parks 100 Conservation Events were supplemented by some home-made muffins & greatly appreciated strawberry tarts. Participants came from as far afield as Qualicum, Merville & Toronto! (a visitor with the Merville contingent)

Among the trees, lichens & fungi highlighted on the outing were many of the spring flowers of the meadows.

Western bog-laurel

Alpine white marsh marigold

Jeffrey's shootingstar

Hike to Helen Mackenzie

2011-07-30T21:22:00.000-07:00

A great hike to Lake Helen Mackenzie today, with a small but intrepid group! Starting around the boardwalk Centennial loop, there were still a few persistent patches of snow - but many flowers are rapidly emerging: great quantities of marsh marigold, patches of Jeffrey's shooting star, scatterings of violets, accents of bog-laurel, false azalea, pink mountain heather and bunchberry.

round-leaved yellow violet

false azalea

pink mountain heather with bunchberry (sometimes called dwarf dogwood)

Without the plant signs installed by Strathcona Wilderness Institute, we would have missed this tiny spider-like flower: the fern-leaved goldthread.

After the choruses of Pacific tree frogs in the meadows, heading to Battleship Lake, the patches of snow increased - have to take care to find the sections of path & boardwalk between the snow cover. The lake is now quite open after the slushy surface of a week ago. At least nine Common Goldeneye, females and juveniles, were on the lake.

Water levels are high everywhere - Pigott Creek flowing out from Lake Helen Mackenzie sounded like a torrent. The weather which had started as overcast became misty by the lunch spot at the lake. The slope down through the woods after the lake was again a bit tricky for route-finding due to snow cover, but the trail soon became easier to find as it was mostly free of snow on this side.

Along the way we heard varied thrush, hermit thrush, juncos and chickadees. A flicker was near the Centre - but no gray jays today!

A bear was seen in the meadows from the Centennial trail - possible a young adult, which showed no interest in any hikers.

Battleship Lake Hike

2011-07-28T11:56:00.000-07:00

Kate Pierce, the guide for the Monday Aug. 1 Level 1 Hike to Battleship Lake, has some advice for participants, having just checked out the conditions. "It is quite doable... but really important that people have boots with good tread and a hiking pole . The snow is wet and slushy as well as hard packed and icy in places so one could be sinking in at least 6 inches ... it's probably still 50% snow and quite deep in places. "

The Centre has a few hiking poles available to borrow. Kate adds: "It will be SLOW PACE ... 3 hours is a good estimate. People should have water and possibly a snack." Perhaps the most important note: "The biffy is open and there is toilet paper!"

Mount Elma Hike

2011-07-26T09:21:00.000-07:00

The Comox District Mountaineering Club had a great trek on Sunday, up Mt Elma and around Lake Helen Mackenzie - here is a link to the trip report & photos.

A good preview of conditions for the Strathcona Wildernesss Institute guided hike up Mt Elma, on Sat. Aug. 6 with Heather & Rolf Kellerhalls, members of the Comox Valley Naturalists Society and the Alpine Club of Canada. Heather & Rolf will be volunteering at the Centre on Fri. Aug. 5, so you can stop in & ask them any details beforehand.

Summer in the Air

2011-07-25T09:18:00.000-07:00

Summer was definitely in the air yesterday at the Centre! It was a hot sunny day although hikers report that trails beyond the meadows boardwalk are still snow-covered in most places. Campers at Lake Helen Mackenzie reported many of the tent platforms have been cleared of snow, either by themselves or by the Parks Facility Operator, who is being kept extremely busy this year with all the maintenance & repairs required after the winter.

Botanists looking for the goldthread -thanks to Isabella for the photo!

The talk on 'Plantlife in Paradise Meadows' was standing room only for the indoor slide show -participants came from as far afield as Qualicum. Most went on the walk around the boardwalk after, and many participants spent a couple of hours doing the entire boardwalk loop. New plants blooming include fern-leaved goldthread , round-leaved yellow violet and trailing yellow violet. Many plant signs have now been placed around the meadows & boardwalk trails.

Venturing beyond the meadows requires hiking boots with good tread, and hiking poles are advisable - even a good idea on the boardwalk trails. Route finding is still difficult for those not familiar with the terrain - a day hiker on Friday lost his way when fog descended, and had to spend the night outdoors. Search & Rescue crews were out on Saturday & luckily the hiker made it out on his own in the morning. A good reminder to always leave a trip plan with friends or family - info brochures about trip planning are available at the Centre.

Yesterday's wildlife sightings include a mama black bear & cub by the road below the last hairpin turn. A black-tailed deer had been hit & was lying by the roadside in the morning - by the afternoon, turkey vultures were there. Please drive carefully & watch out for all creatures! Another deer was happily grazing near the road higher up. Biting insects have awakened - some debate as to whether they are deer flies or horseflies.

Far-away visitors yesterday came from Germany, Holland, Switzerland, England, France, Australia, Thailand & Kenya!

A car key was turned into the Centre's lost & found, however a missing Tilley hat was not - though the owner could check at Mt. Washington Alpine Resort's lost & found.

Today's volunteer at the Centre is Linda - tomorrow, Helen & Robbie. Helen is an expert botanist while Robbie photographs the rare plants they find.

Like Lichens?

2011-07-23T10:53:00.000-07:00

If you like lichens, how about having one named after you?

Naming rights to two new species found by botanical researcher Trevor Goward will be auctioned off as fundraisers for two B.C. environmental groups: the Ancient Forest Alliance and The Land Conservancy.

Two top BC botanists are already in on the bidding: Wade Davis and Andy MacKinnon.

You may find how the bidding is going at Andy MacKinnon's presentation on "Plants & Fungi with a Fun-Guy" at the Wilderness Centre on Sunday July 31 at 1 p.m. Pre-registration before July 29 is necessary for this Centennial event - contact coordinator (at) strathconapark.org

Plantlife of Paradise Meadows

2011-07-19T12:02:00.000-07:00

More details on the Sunday July 24 nature talk & walk at 1 pm:
The guide for this talk & walk is Alison Maingon, member of the CVNS & retired archaeologist, who has hiked in Strathcona Park for over 25 years.

Her talk & walk “Plantlife in Paradise Meadows” will be an introduction to the flora of a sub-alpine ecosystem and some of their uses.

Indian Hellebore- called "skookum" root, very well respected by all indigenous people

"There will be a brief slide show to illustrate the blooms and fruits that should appear later in the summer, before we walk around to see what is actually emerging from the snow pack!” says Alison. “My passion for plants, cultivated and wild, has been lifelong, and I am especially interested in how cultures, ancient and modern, have made use of them.”

Tomorrow's volunteer at the Centre is Michelle, member of the Comox District Mountaineering Club & the Comox Valley Naturalists Society.

Nature Walk Updates

2011-07-18T20:14:00.000-07:00

A couple of changes to the program of nature walks: the guide for the 1 p.m. Sunday July 24 nature walk on Ethnobotany will be naturalist & archaeologist Alison Maingon of the Comox Valley Naturalists Society.

On Sunday August 7, the guide for the 1 p.m. nature walk will be Frank Hovenden, with "The Snow Forest: Trees of the Mountain Hemlock Zone." Frank is a long-time member of the Comox Valley Naturalists and well-known for his forest walks.

The Paradise Meadows boardwalk trails are mostly free of snow, though some slippery sections still might be encountered, and some repairs to railings need to be done. The trail to Battleship Lake might be hard to find past the junction from the Paradise Meadows boardwalk. Beyond the ponds area on the way to Lake Helen Mackenzie the trail may also be tricky to find due to the snow.
Some great pictures of the Parks Day event on Saturday are on the CDMC website. Thanks to Tim for his excellent photos of the day!

Ptarmigan Day

2011-07-17T21:25:00.000-07:00

A great presentation today by Dr. Kathy Martin of the Centre for Alpine Studies at UBC, on the Vancouver Island White-tailed Ptarmigan. This event was another in the series of Parks 100 Conservation Events in honour of Strathcona Park's Centennial. Participants came from as far afield as Bowser & Quadra Island. Several had heard about the event from the BCVI Birds group on Yahoo and re-discovered some birding connections with Kathy. The social was appreciated and the weather was even sociable with partial sun & views of Mt. Albert Edward.

Tomorrow's volunteer at the Centre is Linda, who is multi-lingual & with multiple interests as a member of the Comox Valley Naturalists Society and the Comox District Mountaineering Club.

Great Parks Day

2011-07-16T20:43:00.000-07:00

Mist, fog, showers & eventually rain couldn't dampen the overall enthusiasm for Parks Day, celebrated at the Wilderness Centre today. An amazing show by Seeds & Salt Theatre, with four very energetic performers: Denise Baughan, Ming Hudson, Lindsay Detta & David Gingerich; bringing to life four great stories of Vancouver Island's history. Thanks to these creative talents for adapting on the fly to the site & weather conditions. Don't miss this show if it comes to your community - just a week or so to go.

The Comox Valley Naturalists Society, Comox District Mountaineering Club, and Friends of Strathcona Park provided displays & all around support. Once again Thrifty's provided an excellent cake, and volunteer Marin kept everyone supplied with coffee, tea & hot chocolate. Volunteers Pam & Don pitched in to staff the Centre while Frank, Dave & Loys helped with set-up - all greatly appreciated.

Dave Nagorsen's presentation on 'Mice, Marmots & Mammoths: Mammals of Strathcona Park' ended up with a full capacity audience with standing room only. Dave left some of his information material at the Centre for reference, and hikers in the park are encouraged to report any mammal sightings (except perhaps the Sasquatch!)

If you attended & enjoyed these presentations, please consider making a donation to Strathcona Wilderness Institute. The continuing programs & operations of the Wilderness Centre depend on your support!

Parks Day was part of a series celebrating Strathcona Park's Centennial with funding from BC Parks 100 Conservation Events . Tomorrow's talk on 'Alpine Ecology & the Vancouver Island White-tailed Ptarmigan' by Kathy Martin at 1 p.m. is the next in the series. The presentation is free & refreshments will be served.

The Show Must Go On!

2011-07-15T17:14:00.000-07:00

In spite of the last few days of rain, the shows at the Wilderness Centre for Parks Day tomorrow will go on as scheduled!

The theatre performance by Seeds & Salt Theatre at 10:30 will go on rain or shine - if there only a few sprinkles, the show will be held in the outdoor amphitheatre, with tents & umbrellas available for the performers & for the audience. If there is more of a deluge we will move indoors although seating will be limited there , so it will be first come first served.

The 3 pm. presentation 'Mice, Marmots & Mammoths' will be indoors as previously arranged - so all will go as scheduled. Those that have already pre-registered for this presentation will have seating priority.

There will be refreshments all day & cake at noon for all the stalwart Strathcona Wilderness supporters!

Walk & Trail Updates

2011-07-12T10:58:00.000-07:00

A couple of updates: the walk & talk scheduled for Sunday July 24 at 1 p.m. on 'Interesting & Useful Plants of Paradise Meadows' will have a new guide TBA - more info to follow.

BC Parks has posted up-to-date trail conditions on the Paradise Meadows area as well as some of the Buttle Lake trails - check out their report.

Tree ID

2011-07-11T09:11:00.000-07:00

The Spring Flora & Fauna outing yesterday, led by expert naturalist Betty Brooks, started with tree identification - a basic element of our ecosystems which are valuable to learn.

Several emerging plants were found where the snow is melting - Sitka valerian, bunchberry, common horsetail, bog-laurel, and round-leaved yellow violet. You know you are with an expert when they can identify a plant from just the leaves!

hint: round leaves...

Oval-leaved blueberry is flowering - an interesting plant, because the blooms emerge before the leaves. A sprig is on the windowsill of the Centre.

A new bird on the outing, not previously seen yet this season, was the hairy woodpecker, now added to the list to date.

Lichens and algae were also noted - in particular, the red algae that causes 'watermelon snow' - a great article on this in the latest BC Nature newsletter (link to follow) .

A mama bear & two healthy cubs were seen by the road, below the final hairpin turn of the Strathcona Parkway. At this time of year the bears are likely to be eating shoots & leaves of young plants. Visitors are more likely to see bears while driving than while hiking. Here is a link to BC Parks bear safety info.

Today's volunteer at the Centre is Mandy, a knowledgeable naturalist & member of the Comox Valley Naturalists Society. Tomorrow will be fellow CVNS member Isabella, who took these photos!

Flora, Fauna & Photos

2011-07-09T19:46:00.000-07:00

A sunny day at Paradise Meadows, so the snow is melting! Tomorrow's nature outing on 'Spring Flora & Fauna' at 1 pm. will start with an indoor presentation, and a short walkabout outdoors, depending on conditions.

BC Parks Rangers Gemma & Geoff were on site today preparing to install a spectacular sign showing the mountains that can be seen from the upper deck of the Centre, with names & historical info. Photographer Chris Carter created the panorama background - his prints can be purchased at the Centre.

Vancouver Island Marmot - photo by Don Munroe

As part of Parks Day, next Saturday July 16 at 3 pm. special guest speaker Dave Nagorsen will continue the Parks Centennial events. Dave was mammal curator at the Royal BC Museum for many years. His presentation “Mice, Marmots & Mammoths” will start 25,000 years in the past and take you into the future, highlighting Strathcona Park’s mammals.

This free presentation will be downstairs at the Centre, and refreshments will be served. Indoor seating is limited so please pre-register with the Coordinator at coordinator(at)strathconapark.org. Transportation up the mountain can be arranged for those who pre-register for this event.

Seeds & Salt Theatre

2011-07-08T09:22:00.000-07:00

An exciting event is coming up next weekend - Seeds & Salt Theatre, a travelling historical theatre company from down island, is coming to Paradise Meadows for a performance in the outdoor amphitheatre. The show happens on Saturday July 16 at 10:30 a.m.

Four talented actors will present four fascinating true stories from Vancouver Island's history: "Bedtime Stories: Dreaming of Vancouver Island" will feature 'Strathcona Park 100' , the story of the creation of Strathcona Park.

“This is not the way you remember history from your school days, this is live. These unforgettable stories capture your emotions in a way the written word cannot,” says Maureen Alexander of the Bamberton Historical Society. “The brilliance of this show is the creation of a lot from a little. The stories are hilariously and movingly told, using minimal props and agile acting that will challenge your imagination.”

Bring the whole family for this entertaining, free performance! The show is part of a series of 'Parks 100' Centennial Events celebrating the 100th anniversary of BC Parks.

By the way, today's volunteer at the Centre is Darrell, who is a member of the Comox District Mountaineering Club - an experienced hiker familiar with Strathcona Park, as well as a talented nature photographer - check out her work here.

Report from Circlet Lake

2011-07-06T20:15:00.000-07:00

Hikers that camped at Circlet Lake a couple of days ago left this report at the Centre:

"We managed to make it to Circlet Lake. There is still more than 10 ft. of snow at the camp site. We also managed to make it up the hill towards Mt. Albert Edward (summer route) but it is very slippery and getting down that way can be tricky. (signed: two guys from Victoria)"

Thanks guys for the report! and sorry about the disappearing ink in the pen :)

Monday's presentation on the Comox Lake Bluffs Ecological Reserve was well attended - practically a full house, and all enjoyed the informative talk & photos of the rare plants found there. Afterwards participants enjoyed the display & social thanks to BC Parks who funded this Parks Centennial Event.

Socializing after the presentation

Tomorrow's volunteer at the Centre is Jenny, who is with the Comox District Mountaineering Club, and not only familiar with the Paradise Meadows area but also very knowledgeable about the winter season up at Mount Washington.

Volunteer Days

2011-07-05T07:19:00.000-07:00

Just a quick report that the dates the Centre is staffed may change on a day-to-day basis, depending on the availability of volunteers. Please check the calendar at the bottom of the page for the latest info.

More trail reports & nature notes later this week!

Morning Sun, Afternoon Cloud

2011-07-03T19:35:00.000-07:00

A sunny start to the day, though the clouds moved in later in the afternoon. The snow is melting, though the boardwalk is still mostly covered with about 1m of snow. Hikers are reporting the wet areas around the meadows are quite soft. One hiker successfully camped at Circlet Lake for two nights, and another group should come out today.Several are venturing out with snowshoes. Those familiar with the terrain are managing to explore, although for visitors it is more difficult as the trails are not yet visible.

Far-away visitors today came from Sweden, Germany, and Connecticut - rather than hiking, they contributed some interesting conversations!

A bear was reported near Mt. Washington's biathlon range to the west. Other wildlife is mainly birds - new birds heard lately include olive-sided flycatcher, white-crowned sparrow, and sooty grouse (formerly blue grouse).

Flowers are emerging in spite of the snow: marsh marigold, swamp lantern, as well as a few mystery plants - now identified as wood betony and Indian hellebore. Thanks to Isabella for the photos.

Indian hellebore emerging

Wood betony fronds

Happy Canada Day!

2011-07-01T18:43:00.000-07:00

Paradise Meadows did look a bit like the 'Great White North' on the opening day of the Strathcona Park Wilderness Centre - still about 1.5 m of snow on the meadows, though it is melting steadily. The forecast is for several sunny days in a row coming up however.

In spite of the snow, marsh marigolds and swamp lantern are blooming in the wet areas where the snow has melted. Birds seen around the Centre include gray jays (whiskey jacks) , juncos, and a red-breasted sapsucker which visited the building. Hermit thrush & varied thrush were heard singing nearby.

Many people are eager to start hiking, though possibly only one hiker today may reach his camping destination - he was prepared with GPS tracks to follow. A good familiarity with the terrain, and knowledge of GPS or map & compass, are advisable beyond the meadows, since the summer trails are all still completely covered, and even signposts are not yet fully visible.

Visitors today came from Belgium, Australia, and the lower mainland, as well as many from the Comox Valley or down Island. Lots of questions about the record snow levels. Thanks to Isabella for helping out today!

Comox Lake Bluffs ER Presentation

2011-06-29T10:36:00.000-07:00

The Wilderness Centre opens on Friday, and the first of a series of Parks 100 Centennial Events at the Centre will be on Monday July 4.

Helen Robinson, naturalist & volunteer warden of Comox Lake Bluffs Ecological Reserve, will give a slide show at 1 pm. on the importance of the Comox Lake Bluffs ER, showing the beautiful flora & fauna of the site and highlighting many of the rare species found there.

Ecological Reserves are protected areas, created to provide areas for research into natural ecological processes, preserve genetic 'banks', provide benchmark areas, and provide outdoor classrooms - they are not created for outdoor recreation, therefore different from parks and other recreational areas.

Comox Lake Bluffs ER was created to protect unusual dry-site plant communities in the Coastal Western Hemlock zone.

hooded ladies' tresses (Spiranthes romanzoffiana) with a guest - a white crab spider

As indoor seating is limited, pre-registration is recommended : coordinator@strathconapark.org

The Comox Valley newspapers have featured the SPWC programs this week - check out articles in the CV Record here, CV Echo here , and the July programs here.

Fog!

2011-06-28T17:26:00.000-07:00

Another volunteer meeting at the Centre this morning - however not a sunny day this time, but fog so thick on the road up, that at times we couldn't see more than a few metres ahead! Please take care & drive slowly when going up the mountain at such times. However by about 900 m elevation, the thick fog lifted & the skies were merely overcast.

It looks like the Centre will be staffed almost every day in July, and hopefully August & September will fill up as the season progresses! Check the calendar below for the dates. Thanks volunteers!

2011 Strathcona Bird Search

2011-06-26T14:33:00.000-07:00

A beautiful day for the 20th annual Strathcona Park Bird Search - a couple of us, members of the Comox Valley Naturalists Society, went up to Paradise Meadows this a.m. to count for a couple of hours.

There is still about 2 m. of snow in the meadows, covering practically all the trails. A few visitors were exploring but not venturing too far. So far it's not too bad walking on top of the snow, but as things warm up it will actually get more tricky, as the snowbanks melt from underneath. At one area the boardwalk was exposed, showing some damage due to the weight of the record amount of snow over the winter.

16 species of birds counted today:
Pileated woodpeaker: 1 (above - to my mind, the bird of the day - had a great view of it making quite a racket excavating a tree cavity)
Red-breasted sapsucker: 1
Hairy woodpecker: 1
Northern flicker: 1
Olive-sided flycatcher: 2
Common raven: 1
Gray jay: 9 (always great to see these guys!)
Chestnut-backed chickadee: 6
Red-breasted nuthatch: 3
American robin: 4
Varied thrush: 6
Hermit thrush: 4
Dark-eyed junco: 16
Chestnut-backed chickadee: 6
White-crowned sparrow: 4
Pine siskin: 12

A few marsh marigold are appearing in the wettest areas. Along the road up the mountain, pink heather, lupins and swamp lantern (skunk cabbage) were blooming. In a roadside pond, we saw a female goldeneye - unfortunately not within the park boundary, so we didn't add it to the count. Also on the roadside - a pile of recent bear scat - so the bears are awake!

A Winter Trip in Summer

2011-06-23T17:30:00.000-07:00

Members of the Comox District Mountaineering Club just spent a couple of days going up Mount Albert Edward, camping one night at Circlet Lake. A great trip report & photos here.

Sunny Day at the Centre

2011-06-22T15:08:00.000-07:00

A good volunteers meeting at the Centre this morning - sunny & warmer than expected! However compared to exactly one year ago, more snow lingering - even at the trailhead.

Heather & Rolf, who stayed on the mountain last night, reported nighthawks late in the evening - these birds likely won't be counted on this weekend's Strathcona Bird Search though, as they are only active late in the day. The bird count will probably be done on Saturday or Sunday morning, depending on which day looks more promising for weather.

A few visitors already wanting to hike in the meadows - a couple from England reported that they made an attempt, but kept 'postholing' through the snow - not easy going!

Happy First Day of Summer

2011-06-21T09:49:00.000-07:00

On the first day of summer, Paradise Meadows still has a lot of snow, and a mixture of sun & cloud. The temperature at the meadows elevation of 1100 m. is usually about 5-6 degrees cooler than down in the Valley.

Last year the snow disappeared off the boardwalk by about the first week of July. This year, the guided nature walk programs start a bit later than last year, in the hopes of avoiding the snow. Here is a link to the poster showing the summer schedule of programs - print a copy & keep it handy, or check this blog for regular reminders & updates.

Volunteers Welcome!

2011-06-17T08:32:00.000-07:00

As you can see on the calendar at the bottom of the page, the Strathcona Wilderness Institute has a great program of nature walks, hikes & Strathcona Park Centennial events lined up for the summer of 2011 - thanks to the help of many volunteer guides & presenters.

Volunteers to staff the Wilderness Centre are still welcome , FMI please contact coordinator (at) strathconapark (dot) org .

Trek to Ball Lake

2011-06-14T07:30:00.000-07:00

The Comox District Mountaineering Club had a trek through Paradise Meadows to Ball Lake on the weekend - see the trip report, map & photos here.
A lot of snow has to melt before summer arrives!

Report from Buttle Hut

2011-06-12T07:27:00.000-07:00

The Buttle Lake Information Hut operated by Strathcona Wilderness Institute will be opening this coming weekend - starting Friday at 3 pm. Gerry Roberts who staffs the hut has already received a report of hiking conditions from the Crest Mountain Trail.

"I received a report this afternoon from a neighbour who tried to go up Crest Mountain (Thursday 9, 2011) that he found snow at about 1,000 metre level; it was not soft but like hard ice so he could go no farther as he did not have crampons."

If you plan on hiking around the Buttle Lake area of Strathcona Park, stop in & see Gerry for information. (On the Westmin Rd: go 200m past the bridge where Hwy. 28 to Gold River turns west). See map here.