85. Paradise Meadows

Distance: about 15 km

Elevation: mostly level, some muddy climbing

On October 3, 2020, Herm and I took Evalyn and Heidi for a hike on Mt Washington on Vancouver Island. There were various route branches to take and we went about 15 km. It was enough, I was tired, the girls were amazing.

Much of the trail was on boardwalk because the meadows were so wet and the trail was so popular.
 

 

 Vegetation was so large and green and lush and beautiful; the bunch berries even tasted better.

Lakes along the way.

Chickadees, come and eat.

The meadows were full of low and high bush blueberries which the girls loved picking. They lovingly brought home a bowl of bunch and blue berries for poor mom who couldn`t hike. The red leaves were beautiful.

As we were crossing a bridge, we gratefully gave our tired feet a rest in the cold water. It felt so good. 

Home, sweet home for the tired ladies.

84. Rosewall Falls

 Distance: 5.8 km return

Elevation gain: some climbing up and down along the creek

On September 23, we went for a hike with Dave and Evalyn and Heidi on Vancouver Island. Unfortunately, Esther's sore feet wouldn't let her accompany us. It was a beautiful hike along a rushing creek/river with various falls and between rich greenery. 

Snack.

Group shot.

Beautiful, noisy spot and log for lunch. 

Rosewall Falls 

Trees fell across and they looked safe enough for me to follow Evalyn although she was much faster.

Dave caught a fish while we played, then tossed it back. A highly recommended hike.

 

83. Mount Hoffman

Distance: 8.2 km
Elev. gain: 500 m

On Friday, June 26, we searched for a new hike before a forecast of week long rain and settled on Mount Hoffman in Sheep River country based on amazing good reviews.

The first beauty was the Sheep River with its cliffs and many falls which we had to cross to start.

We followed a gently rising fire road and then forest trail, admiring many flowers along the way, especially the trailing, purple clematis.

After a few short steep sections, we could see the clearing on top of the mountain.

One special flower was numerous Parry's townsendias.

Then the last leg up.

As promised, the views from the top were panoramic and beautiful.

We ate our lunch in the sunshine beside this attractive pinus contorta contorta.

 

Finally, we dutifully signed the register at the top. Not a very accurate record for Covid spread notification since we left no address but an indication of how very popular this trail was.

It was a good, moderate to easy hike so we considered adding another (Windy Point Ridge) but when we got there we decided to save it for another day.