Hand Brushing Peter Roulston Swale Crossings Oct 13
Jamie D and Bob T drove up the mid section of the Peter Roulston trail to inspect and brush the x-country swale crossings. These are brush poles lain across the swales or water bars to support a snow bridge for easier x-country skiing. The crossings were in relatively good shape but were overgrown with low brush, which would prevent the snow bridges from properly forming. We had cleared them.
Dennis Basin Recon October 4.25
Bob T and Corinne T hiked Dennis Basin on October 4 to check its suitability for a group hike in 2026. It is a beautiful hike but, like Blue Grouse Basin, a bit challenging. We may consider it for next year but need to make sure those who join are fit.
Brushing Cedar Grove Access & Trail Sept 27.25
Bob T and Michele N drove up to the Cedar Grove access road to give the new Hedge Trimmer a proper workout. It worked great and did a good job of cutting back brush along the road up to shoulder height, as well S clearing low ferns, devils club Bd other brush along the trail. It was easy to use, efficient and quiet. All went exceptionally well until Bob swung the blade too close to his leg and gave himself a nasty cut. Ouch! Chainsaw chaps will be required in the future.
Trying out our new Stihl Hedge Trimmer Sep 23.25
Jamie D and Bob T took our new heavy duty battery Stihl Hedge trimmer out for some test brushing on the Hot Springs lower Trailhead access road. Brian or Jerry beat us to it, it seems, since there was t much to brush, but Jamie gave it a test anyway, and declared it a success. The trimmer cuts fairly thick branches and doesn’t use very much power.
Telegraph Trail Recon Sept 21.25
Michele N and Bob T hiked the Telegraph Trail at Rosebery to determine its suitability for future Group Hikes. We need a greater range of hikes to choose from when organizing group hikes, to suit varying abilities. The Telegraph Hike is an easy hike with a pleasant view of falls and rapids part way up Wilson Creek from H6.
Kimbol Lake South Sign Survey Sept 14.25
Michele N and Bob T hiked from the south Kimbol Lake Trail Head above Horseshoe Lake to the east end of the Kimbol lake and the intersection with the trail from the Hot Springs, to determine trail sinnage requirements for installation in 2026. This portion of the trail is not currently marked. Various intersection and tail signs will be required. A large fall at the east end of the lake where the trail climbs the rubbles slope was identified for removal.
Blue Grouse Basin Recon September 4.25
Corinne T and Bob T checked out the Blue Grouse Basin trail for a possible NACTS Group Hike in later September. This is a beautiful, but lightly travelled trail in the NE corner of Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park. The trail has been recently cleared by Parks Crew and is in good condition with all falls and brush at knee height and above cleared. The trail is easy to follow anlthough a few spots could use some repair and grading. The 5.2 km (one way) trail climbs 800 m up steep slopes through forest most of the way with partial views down the valley on the way up. The basin itself is very pretty with a couple of dried tarns at the base of the mountainous amphitheatre. While well worth the 12 km drive up the well maintained Enterprise Creek FSR for access (30 minutes from pavement to TH), the hike is too steep and strenuous to consider for a group hike. For strong hikers it is a must!
Kimbol Lake Connector Clearing August 6.25
John Hitt, Frank Kennedy and Bob T spent Saturday September 6 clearing the old trail connecting the North end of the lake to the south along the east shore. This opens up the Kimbol Lake Trail for an unobstructed through hike from the Nakusp Hot Springs to the Horseshoe Lake fire road for a hiking distance of 8.4 km. Horseshoe Lake is another 2.4 km past the junction with the quad track to the Kimbol Lake trappers cabin. The Horseshoe Lake fire access road is in good condition except for very deep water bars that require a high clearance 4wd with good break-over angles. The trail along the east shore of Kimbol Lake is easy to hike but requires regrading and repairs in several sections. A climbing switchback when hiking south to north approximately 500 m from the cabin is easy to miss. Better signage is required. Thanks to John Hitt for his excellent chainsaw work. These were big trees hung up on steep precarious slopes. John enjoyed using his knowledge and skill from his days working as a professional faller.
Clearing Whitewater Canyon August 26.25
Jamie D, Frank K and Bob T cleared the Whitewater Canyon Trail near Retallack Lodga on Tuesday, August 26. While this isn’t a NACTS trail, we volunteered to clear it for Recreation Sites and Trails BC since their own crews won’t have time this year and we would like to use it for one of our group hikes on September 7th. It was a beautiful day and the team did a great job of clearing and brushing the trail up to the 3.3 km mark. There are no more deadfall’s beyond that. The trail is clear from the Trailhead to the Hieght of Land below the tarn. Enjoy!
Saddle Mountain Lookout Group Hike Aug 24.25
12 hikers lead by Simone H and Michele N hiked up Saddle Mountain on Sunday August 24. The weather was perfect. All but two hikers made it all the way to the summit, but close counts. We stopped part way up at the bench on a rock outcrop for a rest and snack and again for lunch at the summit lookout. Graham F and Jamie D did a few repairs on the lookout entry and measured and planned for future improvements. Everyone had a good time! The views were stunning. Maybe we go earlier next year so we catch the alpine flowers in full bloom.
