photos by Rocky RoykoSURGENARROWSOUTDOORTREKKERS RAG
S.N.C.A. Volume 1 Issue Number 8 September 2007
The Snot Rag will continue to receive the community’s outflow of ideas. The results of the name poll were:
Snot Rag – 9; Surge Soundings – 4; Discovery Channel – 2; SNCA n’ Digest – 1. Thank you to all the responders!
Snot Rag – 9; Surge Soundings – 4; Discovery Channel – 2; SNCA n’ Digest – 1. Thank you to all the responders!
ROBBIE BEGG
Robbie Begg, a long time, occasional resident of Rendezvous Island died on August 30 in a scuba diving accident, (caused by a faulty regulator). Robbie was the designer, builder and original owner of Rendezvous Lodge. This beautiful building has been enjoyed by hundreds of visitors from all over the world, and through the years many local people have been employed by the operators of the lodge. Robbie also filled in for a short time in the early ‘80s as a teacher at the Surge Narrows School. He orchestrated one of the school’s most memorable Christmas concertperformances. He will be missed by his many friends and neighbours in the area.
* * * * *
NOSHINE/ HOSKYN LANDING/ END OF ROAD HISTORY AND UPDATE
By Laurie Wood
I have recently talked with a couple of new people to the area who have no idea of the history regarding the Surge Road or Hoskyn Channel dock so I figured that I would write something up as I remember it. If anyone has more to add or correct please do.
1975- When we arrived the public road was in existence and the section from the upper parking lot to the beach was much narrower and steeper. How the road came to be in the first place I don’t know. It was useable until about 1980 when it started to get washed out. Highways were not required to maintain it.
Early 1990 When the Norwegian fish farm (now Discovery Lodge) was put in, the road was upgraded, Highways started maintaining it, and local use of the road increased. Mid 1990 John Dolmage had a net cleaning barge tied at the existing Hoskyn dock site and allowed the locals to tie up to one of his floats. Users of the float found it easier to get into town for emergencies, appointments and shopping, with less worry about the winter SE storms. When John was unable to get an industrial lease for the site he moved out the bulk of his installation but offered to sell the small float to the locals.
1999- A group of about ten families and a local fish farm rallied together and purchased the float for $2,850. At this time it had no ramp, just a transfer raft & pulley system from the float to shore. This worked quite well for the first few years despite the raft sometimes being getting hung up on the beach side at low tide or the rope jamming up, requiring the occasional swim to get out to the float. Maintaining things was on a volunteer basis and the fish farm helped
out with hardware and anchoring when required. However with more use, things need improving, which required money as well as time, so Jim Abram was approached about the Regional District taking it on.
2004- Jim Abram helped in working with the Regional District to get a lease on the dock site and approvals from all agencies. The CSRD then took over ownership and liability of the float. They also provided $10,000.00 to have the ramp built by Cape Mudge Boatworks and engineered by Murray Johnston. All other work was to be done by volunteer labour and donation. About this time Emcon Services built the road to the lower parking lot and to the
beach. This was to be a one shot deal and up to the locals to look after it. Emcon is only obliged to maintain to the upper parking lot. There is a possibility that they may do one more grading as far as the lower parking lot but not to the beach.
Jan 2005- The cedar for the landing was milled locally by donation. A group of locals went out in the middle of the night during low tides to pour footings and to install the landing framework. This required working while the Bute wind was blowing and snowing. Low tides were limited and it had to be done before February when DFO shut things down for herring spawning. Feb Marine Harvest barged the ramp from Cape Mudge and installed it as well as a new anchor. June 2005- Regional District installed a notice board in the upper parking lot with some
rules & regulations.
2006- Locals got together and built a walking trail running parallel to the lower road to the beach. The float was checked over for possible upgrading but it was decided that it needs replacing. Options were looked into and one has been in the works for the last few months. Rob has negotiated with Marine Harvest for two galvanized steel floats and arranged for Peter Heidema Engineering to engineer them and the anchor system. The Regional District has approval from DFO and Navigable Waters and is now waiting to hear from Lands, Water & Air since they will require an extension on the existing lease. Once we have the okay, Marine Harvest will bring the floats over and install them, complete with new anchors.
The one criterion for the users is that before MH will do this that we take off the old decking and put on new decking. The floats are on land in CR and the work could be done there. This will require volunteer labour and about $1,800 for the wood. An idea is to request about $60 per family @ 30 families.
The recent roadwork being done by Emcon is in preparation for the logging trucks of the Cape Mudge Woodlot License. We will benefit from this work and Emcon is also planning to take out some of the danger trees in the upper parking lot and enlarging the parking area to the other side of the road for another ten cars or so.
Overall, considering how much usage the dock gets things seem to be working out alright. The dock is intended as a small boat, commuter dock (not for boat storage) and there have been as many as fifteen boats tied up there at one time. The rules sometimes get ignored or misunderstood, (e.g. boat launching damages the lower road and trailer storage stresses the parking availability), but hopefully if users understand the history and take some responsibility for looking after the dock as well as the road there can be more of an appreciation for what they
have. I know that I have pride in knowing that it is possible for locals, governments & industry to work together for their own benefit in a win win scenario.
1975- When we arrived the public road was in existence and the section from the upper parking lot to the beach was much narrower and steeper. How the road came to be in the first place I don’t know. It was useable until about 1980 when it started to get washed out. Highways were not required to maintain it.
Early 1990 When the Norwegian fish farm (now Discovery Lodge) was put in, the road was upgraded, Highways started maintaining it, and local use of the road increased. Mid 1990 John Dolmage had a net cleaning barge tied at the existing Hoskyn dock site and allowed the locals to tie up to one of his floats. Users of the float found it easier to get into town for emergencies, appointments and shopping, with less worry about the winter SE storms. When John was unable to get an industrial lease for the site he moved out the bulk of his installation but offered to sell the small float to the locals.
1999- A group of about ten families and a local fish farm rallied together and purchased the float for $2,850. At this time it had no ramp, just a transfer raft & pulley system from the float to shore. This worked quite well for the first few years despite the raft sometimes being getting hung up on the beach side at low tide or the rope jamming up, requiring the occasional swim to get out to the float. Maintaining things was on a volunteer basis and the fish farm helped
out with hardware and anchoring when required. However with more use, things need improving, which required money as well as time, so Jim Abram was approached about the Regional District taking it on.
2004- Jim Abram helped in working with the Regional District to get a lease on the dock site and approvals from all agencies. The CSRD then took over ownership and liability of the float. They also provided $10,000.00 to have the ramp built by Cape Mudge Boatworks and engineered by Murray Johnston. All other work was to be done by volunteer labour and donation. About this time Emcon Services built the road to the lower parking lot and to the
beach. This was to be a one shot deal and up to the locals to look after it. Emcon is only obliged to maintain to the upper parking lot. There is a possibility that they may do one more grading as far as the lower parking lot but not to the beach.
Jan 2005- The cedar for the landing was milled locally by donation. A group of locals went out in the middle of the night during low tides to pour footings and to install the landing framework. This required working while the Bute wind was blowing and snowing. Low tides were limited and it had to be done before February when DFO shut things down for herring spawning. Feb Marine Harvest barged the ramp from Cape Mudge and installed it as well as a new anchor. June 2005- Regional District installed a notice board in the upper parking lot with some
rules & regulations.
2006- Locals got together and built a walking trail running parallel to the lower road to the beach. The float was checked over for possible upgrading but it was decided that it needs replacing. Options were looked into and one has been in the works for the last few months. Rob has negotiated with Marine Harvest for two galvanized steel floats and arranged for Peter Heidema Engineering to engineer them and the anchor system. The Regional District has approval from DFO and Navigable Waters and is now waiting to hear from Lands, Water & Air since they will require an extension on the existing lease. Once we have the okay, Marine Harvest will bring the floats over and install them, complete with new anchors.
The one criterion for the users is that before MH will do this that we take off the old decking and put on new decking. The floats are on land in CR and the work could be done there. This will require volunteer labour and about $1,800 for the wood. An idea is to request about $60 per family @ 30 families.
The recent roadwork being done by Emcon is in preparation for the logging trucks of the Cape Mudge Woodlot License. We will benefit from this work and Emcon is also planning to take out some of the danger trees in the upper parking lot and enlarging the parking area to the other side of the road for another ten cars or so.
Overall, considering how much usage the dock gets things seem to be working out alright. The dock is intended as a small boat, commuter dock (not for boat storage) and there have been as many as fifteen boats tied up there at one time. The rules sometimes get ignored or misunderstood, (e.g. boat launching damages the lower road and trailer storage stresses the parking availability), but hopefully if users understand the history and take some responsibility for looking after the dock as well as the road there can be more of an appreciation for what they
have. I know that I have pride in knowing that it is possible for locals, governments & industry to work together for their own benefit in a win win scenario.
* * * * *
DANCE MAKES A PROFIT
The summer dance was a financial, as well as a social, success. The organizers have donated $740.00 to the coffers of the Surge Narrows Community Association! Many thanks to everyone who helped to make the donation possible. It will be used for the continuing maintenance and improvements of the community buildings
* * * * *
MY DAD
by Ava Duff
by Ava Duff
My Dad and Uncle Dave helped a guy pull a plane off of the bottom of the ocean, and they were on the Gung-ho. The guy that they helped was Kevin. He lost 2 brothers on the plane. The next morning they brought the engine into Heriot Bay. When they got there the families of the men that died and the news people were there. My Dad was on TV. I’m proud of him.
* * * * *
SUSANNE STAYS ON
* * * * *
SUSANNE STAYS ON
I am very pleased to finally announce that I have been given a continuing contract for the teaching position at Surge School. This means that I no longer have to reapply for my job each year. I would like to thank all of the parents who were involved with the initial hiring process and the parents who have continued to write letters of recommendation for me each year. I really appreciate your support. I look forward to many more years at the school.
Susanne Hrybko
Susanne Hrybko
* * * * *
HERIOT BAY TRU VALUE “SPIRIT BOARD” WELCOMES SNCA
When you check out your groceries at the Heriot Bay Store, you can now direct your Spirit Board points to the Surge Narrows Community Association when the cashier asks for your preference. You can see an accounting of these points on the bottom of each checkout slip. It shows how many points you have added to the account on that bill, and also the total points accumulated in the SNCA account so far. Your contribution is one point for every penny you spend in the store. SNCA then gets 1cent for every 100 points in the account, (1% of sales). Last time I was in the store, just a few days after SNCA was added to the board, the count was almost 10,000 points or $1.00. At this rate, points should add up quickly. SNCA can redeem these points for merchandise that can be used for fundraisers or community events.
Surge Narrows Community Association is very grateful to the Heriot Bay Tru Value for this fundraising opportunity and commends the management for their community spirit!
Surge Narrows Community Association is very grateful to the Heriot Bay Tru Value for this fundraising opportunity and commends the management for their community spirit!
* * * * *
SURGE MARKET
On the dock on Wednesday, October 17
11:30 to 1:30 p.m.
* * * * *
CLIMBING THE SNOT
By Susan Gilbert
Our big excursion this summer was to conquer Snot Mountain with our 7 year old. We sailed to the head of Frederick Arm and as we approached a huge logging camp in full operation, Merlin, Rob Wood and Josh pulled away from the shore in Merlin’s open skiff and came out to greet us. They were wet and weary. The three of them had taken on the intimidating task of forcing the overgrown salmon berries and alders to regurgitate the trail they had been swallowed up. For twelve hours, they had whacked and chain-sawed their way up to the cabin at 3600 feet, on the tree line. Rain, fog and sodden clothes were their thankless reward. They came aboard to give us route instructions and Rob, in true British form, asked for a pot of hot tea before they faced the windy, two hour trip home. Our friend, Barry, unfamiliar with the boat’s plumbing had inadvertently filled the kettle with salt water so that Rob’s eagerly awaited tea, steaming with milk and sugar, was sadly undrinkable. Dark was falling so there was no time for a remake, no small reward for days of labour.
We tied our sailboat up to the rickety timbered dock for the night. The whining drone of the camp generator made our sleep fitful but in the morning a rosy sunrise followed by brilliant clear sky injected energy into us like ambrosia. Tom, Barry, Tanjira and I cinched our waist straps and started on our adventure into the wilds of coastal BC.
Our start was along an engineered road that ran through hectares of logging at its worst: a giant’s game of pickup sticks. When we reached the end of the destruction a salmonberry entrenched tunnel greeted us. A piece of pink flagging tape indicated we were at the right place. We followed the freshly slashed trail on what we knew to be an old logging road. Tanjira serenaded us with her version of music and song until I finally promised her a Werther’s if she would let the forest music replace hers for five minutes. This proved to be the psychological and physical fuel that infused her with unabated energy and happiness. The trail gently ascended the valley until the dense brambles and a washout diverted our route into dark, unflagged second growth forest. The floor was a soft mattress of needles and rotting debris and, at first, was easy to travel but as we climbed, giant unclaimed logs from the days of springboards and the mighty handsaw made our route difficult and slow.
My three fellow trekkers were unphased by the lack of trail markings but my teeth were clenched as my mind jumped from one potential disaster to another, knowing that we could be eaten by this forest, our bones discovered by some future man in the next millennium. In anxious silence I followed the happy trio, song still radiating from the youngest, and just as Tom said it would, the forest opened onto a switchback in the old road. Signs of the freshly slashed trail once again became my safety net.
The next few hours were like a walk in the park. A flat, clear trail, dotted with drops of sunlight shimmering through the alder canopy, led us easily to the spot known as “The Camp”. Stashed in a tree are a large green tarp, and three cooking pots. It is strategically located before a large creek that must be crossed. Because the creek is fed by snow melt, the water flow at the end of the day is often far greater than in the morning, sometimes making the creek impassable and necessitating an overnight wait. Fortunately, this was not the case for us and we easily waded through the frigid water to the wild blueberries on the other side. The hike now became arduous and would have been impossible had Rob, Merlin and Josh not cleared a narrow trail through the dense brush. We were in a tunnel just wide enough to place one foot in front of the other, with no chance to deviate from the beaten path. This scramble was only a few hundred meters but was the most intense fight with the claws of the bush. The machete that Merlin had left stuck in a tree was indispensable.
The final stretch of our journey was the old growth ascent. Two hours of steep topography stretched before us. A spattering of flagging tape marked our route. We trudged upwards in silence. Even Tanjira conserved her energy for this physical test. Up, up, up we climbed until finally the dark forest gave way to spindly crooked bonsai. We trudged with our heads down but on one of my stops to catch my breath, I saw it. There in the shadow of the last big trees, at the base of the ridge that joins Blueberry Hill and Snot’s Hill, was a little green roofed cabin that was to be our sanctuary for the next three nights. Here a wood stove with chopped firewood awaited us. Here were pots and pans, cups and plates, books to read, games to play, and an open invitation for those who respect the hard work and dedication that has gone into providing this cabin for the Surge Narrows Outdoor Trekkers.
The sun was low in the sky when we threw our packs onto the loft above the eating table. We went and laid on the barren grey rocks that give rise to the summit of the mountain and became drunk on the view. Below us lay the glacier gouged channels, arms and inlets that run into Johnstone and Georgia Straits. Snow drenched mountains and deep valleys drifted into infinity; only the curvature of the earth limited our view. Blue sky, white snow, penetrating landscape, utter aloneness. I dug out the flask of scotch I’d hidden in my pack and gratefully we sipped in silence as the mountains seemed to pull the sun from the sky. The night blackened the silhouetted peaks and stars defined the Milky Way.
Nature’s voice echoed from around the mountains with a great reminder: “You are but a speck of dust resting on a vast, beautiful planet, floating in an endless universe, in a millisecond of history. Have fun!” And that we did.
We tied our sailboat up to the rickety timbered dock for the night. The whining drone of the camp generator made our sleep fitful but in the morning a rosy sunrise followed by brilliant clear sky injected energy into us like ambrosia. Tom, Barry, Tanjira and I cinched our waist straps and started on our adventure into the wilds of coastal BC.
Our start was along an engineered road that ran through hectares of logging at its worst: a giant’s game of pickup sticks. When we reached the end of the destruction a salmonberry entrenched tunnel greeted us. A piece of pink flagging tape indicated we were at the right place. We followed the freshly slashed trail on what we knew to be an old logging road. Tanjira serenaded us with her version of music and song until I finally promised her a Werther’s if she would let the forest music replace hers for five minutes. This proved to be the psychological and physical fuel that infused her with unabated energy and happiness. The trail gently ascended the valley until the dense brambles and a washout diverted our route into dark, unflagged second growth forest. The floor was a soft mattress of needles and rotting debris and, at first, was easy to travel but as we climbed, giant unclaimed logs from the days of springboards and the mighty handsaw made our route difficult and slow.
My three fellow trekkers were unphased by the lack of trail markings but my teeth were clenched as my mind jumped from one potential disaster to another, knowing that we could be eaten by this forest, our bones discovered by some future man in the next millennium. In anxious silence I followed the happy trio, song still radiating from the youngest, and just as Tom said it would, the forest opened onto a switchback in the old road. Signs of the freshly slashed trail once again became my safety net.
The next few hours were like a walk in the park. A flat, clear trail, dotted with drops of sunlight shimmering through the alder canopy, led us easily to the spot known as “The Camp”. Stashed in a tree are a large green tarp, and three cooking pots. It is strategically located before a large creek that must be crossed. Because the creek is fed by snow melt, the water flow at the end of the day is often far greater than in the morning, sometimes making the creek impassable and necessitating an overnight wait. Fortunately, this was not the case for us and we easily waded through the frigid water to the wild blueberries on the other side. The hike now became arduous and would have been impossible had Rob, Merlin and Josh not cleared a narrow trail through the dense brush. We were in a tunnel just wide enough to place one foot in front of the other, with no chance to deviate from the beaten path. This scramble was only a few hundred meters but was the most intense fight with the claws of the bush. The machete that Merlin had left stuck in a tree was indispensable.
The final stretch of our journey was the old growth ascent. Two hours of steep topography stretched before us. A spattering of flagging tape marked our route. We trudged upwards in silence. Even Tanjira conserved her energy for this physical test. Up, up, up we climbed until finally the dark forest gave way to spindly crooked bonsai. We trudged with our heads down but on one of my stops to catch my breath, I saw it. There in the shadow of the last big trees, at the base of the ridge that joins Blueberry Hill and Snot’s Hill, was a little green roofed cabin that was to be our sanctuary for the next three nights. Here a wood stove with chopped firewood awaited us. Here were pots and pans, cups and plates, books to read, games to play, and an open invitation for those who respect the hard work and dedication that has gone into providing this cabin for the Surge Narrows Outdoor Trekkers.
The sun was low in the sky when we threw our packs onto the loft above the eating table. We went and laid on the barren grey rocks that give rise to the summit of the mountain and became drunk on the view. Below us lay the glacier gouged channels, arms and inlets that run into Johnstone and Georgia Straits. Snow drenched mountains and deep valleys drifted into infinity; only the curvature of the earth limited our view. Blue sky, white snow, penetrating landscape, utter aloneness. I dug out the flask of scotch I’d hidden in my pack and gratefully we sipped in silence as the mountains seemed to pull the sun from the sky. The night blackened the silhouetted peaks and stars defined the Milky Way.
Nature’s voice echoed from around the mountains with a great reminder: “You are but a speck of dust resting on a vast, beautiful planet, floating in an endless universe, in a millisecond of history. Have fun!” And that we did.
* * * * *
"S - NOT Your Average Hike"
By Sheila Hollanders,
September 2007When my cousin Pelle came to visit from Holland he had his mind set on doing a “good old mountain trip” in the five days he had to visit us. I immediately thought of the SNOTS hike as it really is the perfect hike to do in a short amount of time and satisfies all the criteria of a great hike; climbing through old growth forests, enjoying spectacular views of our natural surroundings, and of course bum-sliding on the snow! I contacted the Alsager's on Quadra to see if they wanted to join us on the hike and a few days later the seven of us were, as Pelle says, “doin' it!”
We had a fabulous time up on SNOTS. We found the cabin in excellent condition and appreciated the wood and propane stoves as well as all the pots and pans and utensils which made our packs lighter for the hike up. After an oatmeal feast with fresh blueberries (picked right outside the cabin door!) we hiked up to the ridge in about an hour. We planned on a day hike so chose not to attempt Van der Est, (Snots Hill, the pyramid shaped mountain that can be seen from Heriot Bay), and instead followed the ridge to the south east to Blueberry Hill. Despite the low clouds we enjoyed views of the Discovery Islands and Vancouver Island to the south, and the mainland mountains and valleys to the north. It took us a few hours to reach the summit since there were just too many spectacular photo ops and snacks to be had!
As we ate our lunch and built an inukshuk on the summit there were smiles all around. Maybe it was the food in our bellies or the fresh air that made us so happy, but I think it was more than that: our success in reaching the top of Blueberry Hill and viewing our natural surroundings gave us an entirely rare and unique perspective of our world. We gained a deeper understanding of how we as humans are just one living entity in our beautifully intricate and delicately balanced environment. It was especially nice to share this experience with my cousin,
who could truly appreciate drinking fresh glacial melt water and seeing the spectacular elevated vistas which are non-existent in his homeland. His broad grin was a constant reminder of how lucky we are to live in coastal British Columbia. When we got home with three days of hiking under our belts it was satisfying to hear Pelle's catch phrase turn to, “we did it!”We'd like to thank the SNOTS community whose hard work on the trail and cabin made it possible for us to access this amazing pristine wilderness and share the “snotty” experience with friends from around the world.
* * * * *
A Word about the Cabin
The cabin was erected about thirty years ago by Jim S. and a local crew to enable access, especially by the children, to our magnificent back country. We have always been discreet about this unauthorized amenity and have discouraged any advertisement of it beyond our community. The trail has been voluntarily maintained through the years by Rob and Laurie and the many other users. It is hoped that there will be continued and frequent enjoyment of the area by new generations of Surge trekkers. Visitors to the cabin have developed particular protocols of use that ensure the cabin’s structural security and the comfort and enjoyment of following groups.
Instructions for the cabin systems, a route map, advice and precautions can be found in a brochure available from SNCA. Please inquire!
Note that this is a multi-day trip through rough terrain and rapidly changing weather conditions. To enjoy it safely, hikers must be fit, well prepared and provisioned, guided or skilled with map, compass and route finding, and ready for emergencies. Cell phone coverage is very unreliable.
Instructions for the cabin systems, a route map, advice and precautions can be found in a brochure available from SNCA. Please inquire!
Note that this is a multi-day trip through rough terrain and rapidly changing weather conditions. To enjoy it safely, hikers must be fit, well prepared and provisioned, guided or skilled with map, compass and route finding, and ready for emergencies. Cell phone coverage is very unreliable.
* * * * *
The Snot Rag is published, usually monthly, by the Surge Narrows Community Association, as a communication tool for the community. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of SNCA. News items, announcements, opinions, stories, photos and art work are needed for the Rag! The goal is to stimulate communication within the community and to encourage the organization of, and participation in, events and programs. Deadline for submissions is the first of each month. Articles and letters may be edited for brevity and clarity. Submit your contribution by e-mail (best method) to judithwright_@hotmail.com (note the underscore before @),OR mail a paper copy to Box 4, V0P 1W0. For short items and notices you may also phone Judith at 250 830 8583.
SNCA membership is $10.00 annually, payable to the Surge Narrows Community Association, P. O. Box 52, V0P 1W0.
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