Originally published at: https://accvi.ca/events/thunderbird-via-mt-quimper-b2/
Leaders: Mary Sanseverino & John Ballantyne
Description: Join us for what is arguably one of the finest view hikes in the Sooke Hills – heading up to Thunderbird in the central Sooke Hills via Mt. Quimper and Dave’s Knoll. Return will be off-piste via Thunderbird’s western slopes. If the day is nice and there is time it is also possible to head up the Eastern Rampart. Possibility for a bit of scrambling on the Thunderbird cliffs below the summit.
This route begins at the Harbourview Parking Lot for the Sea to Sea Regional Park. (https://goo.gl/maps/fex129vv7rbSZzyA7)
This route does have the possibility of making some changes at the last minute. So, unless the roads are closed or conditions are beyond the bounds of common sense, this trip will go regardless of weather.
Pack the 10 essentials, clothes for changing South Island winter weather, good boots, lunch, and a warm drink. Poles are recommended. Gaiters and extra socks might be a nice addition as we may have some boggy sections. We will be out for the whole day.
Trip Leaders: Mary Sanseverino and John Ballantyne. To sign up: Please contact Mary (msanseve@gmail.com) to sign up. Contact either Mary or John (ballanj9@gmail.com) for more info.
Distance: ~13.5K Elevation gain: ~900m Moderate pace while hiking, stops for elevenses, lunch, snacks, boulder preening, and tree climbing Some bushwhacking and route-finding are possible. A bit of scrambling up and down steeper slopes may be required.
Number in party: 8