Date: Nov 25, 2017
Time: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Category: Hike
B2 – moderate pace. Meet at the Upper Sooke Potholes parking lot. Co-led by Mike Whitney & Peggy Taylor. To register email peggyhiking@gmailcom
This infrequently traveled route starts at the Upper Sooke Potholes and goes up Mary Vine Creek to the second waterfall. A sudden right turn away from the standard route to Peden Lake eventually joins the Todd Creek trail. We’ll go that way, swearing all the while at the wet ferns blocking our way. At the Todd trail we actually turn south again for a short time, then turn east and north to go up Todd Creek along its right bank. When the time feels right, we’ll turn right (east) and ascend to the Grassy Bluffs. (Fording the creek will not be onerous – we think!?) North we’ll find Sam’s Summit, further south there is a challenging arbutus tree and fine views.
After the Bluffs we head east and then north again towards Bert Lake, finding “Peggy’s Pinnacle” (unofficial name) along the way. This peak is so pointy it fits precisely zero people. We will try to get four up there. It is a short and steep jaunt down to Bert Lake and we’ll spend a few minutes trying to find the elusive Bert Beach, which in all likelihood does not exist. Then it is on to Screen Hill, just south of Empress. Although not as tall, it is quieter, and has fine views to the south – views that are not SCREENED, you see.
Now it is time to think about heading home. We head mostly south, but maybe a tad further east, depending on whether we choose Bowflex or Photo Ridge for our route down to Sheilds Lake. Time will tell – elapsed time, that is. To get back to the parking, we could go past Peden Lake or perhaps even Harrison Trail, but probably the former, because in another hour or so dusk will be threatening.
This hike could be as much as 20 km, but if necessary can be cut down to less than 15 km. We’ll plan according to conditions. But be sure to bring good clothing and lighting, and no dogs please. We’ll start at 9 am at the upper parking lot of the Sooke Potholes, which is at least 30 minutes drive from Langford. Carpooling from Helmcken at 8:10 am or Peatt Rd at 8:15 am are possibilities.