Next Hike

The next hike will be on Saturday, 8th December.

We meet at the Ballpark in Gillies Bay at 10:00am

Last week our hike day was a rainy one, but more than the usual number of intrepid hikers showed up at the meeting place. I decided to break the hike up into three parts to keep the time spent in the rain to a minimum.  First we drove south past Davie Bay and then up the side road to do a quick visit to Stromberg Falls.  As usual in recent years there is still not as much water coming over the falls as there used to be, but quite enough to impress those who were seeing them for the first time.  From there we drove back down the hill to the bridge and then parked again a short distance along the Shingle Beach Rd. Instead of going the full distance we branched off onto the short road down to Yew Tree Bay.  The cabin there is a mess now and would not be a pleasant place to eat lunch, but the next little cove to the north was sheltered from the wind and we sat under the big Arbutus trees there instead. Returning to the vehicles we finally made the neat little beach our third destination, some call it Secret Beach, where Stromberg Creek reaches the sea.  

While being close to the sea for parts of the hike we were not lucky enough this time to see any of our less common marine mammals although I remember one day sitting eating lunch at the little cove near Yew Tree Bay and being entertained by a small gang of Sealions only a stone's throw out from the beach.  However, one morning just three weeks ago, I saw a small pod of our resident Pacific White-sided Dolphin rushing across the middle of Gillies Bay. They were too far away for me to get a good photo, but one of our hikers was much closer to them and got this amazing action shot. Thanks Justin!   

Texada Holiday Potluck Gala

Texada Island Community Society will be preparing turkey, stuffing, gravy and ham. We ask attendees to make their favourite side dish or dessert, and join us Sunday, Dec. 9 at the Community Hall. Doors will open at 5:30 pm, and we will aim to start eating about 6 pm. The event will be licensed, but no Ubrew or homemade spirits are allowed (store bought only). We will be checking.  Also, no minors.

There will be a collection area for the Texada food bank and Christmas hampers. Please bring a non-perishable food item if you can.  

If you plan to go, and have not already done so, please let Linda Bruhn know by Friday.   604-483-1471    email: texadasf@gmail.com

JD.

Pacific White-sided Dolphin close to the shore in Gillies Bay.              Justin Debbink photo.