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Wesley Ridge, Vancouver Island

Quincy has the best trip report I’ve seen on this excellent, STEEP lake vista climb close to famed Cathedral Grove on Vancouver Island.

Wesley Ridge is one of my favourite Vancouver Island hikes. The views from the top are incredible, and unlike many of Vancouver Island’s best hikes, the trailhead is easily accessed from the highway. …

WESLEY RIDGE ROUND TRIP DETAILS

DISTANCE: 7.2 KM / 4.5 MI

ELEVATION GAIN: 555 M / 1821 FT

HIKING TIME: 3 HRS

The Wesley Ridge hike starts by plodding along train tracks next to the highway. Don’t worry, they’ve been abandoned for years. …

After no more than five minutes, the trail breaks off …. Keep your eyes peeled, as it’s not marked. This fallen tree makes for a pretty good landmark, but there’s no guarantee it will be here forever. ..

Seeing the Elephant – Wesley Ridge

I once climbed up to the Ridge viewpoint — then tried to traverse to the other end of the lake.

#FAIL. 😀

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TOP 10 day hikes ➙ The Wave, Arizona USA

One of our top 10 day hikes in the world.

Only 64 hikers / day are allowed access.

Getting a permit is the BIG problem.

  • on the Utah-Arizona border, halfway between Page, Arizona and Kanab, Utah in the Paria Canyon/Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness
  • Wire Pass trailhead located in North Coyote Buttes permit area of the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument
  •  5.2 miles return
  • you can go any month of the year, if you can tolerate the heat

For details click over to our Wave information page.

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Winter Hiking can be MAGICAL ❅❅❅

For the past 4 years I’ve made the pilgrimage to Banff, Alberta in the Spring.

I alternate one day of downhill skiing — with one day of winter hiking.

Weather-wise, you have to be ready for anything. Carry Yaktrax.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

related – Winter walking in Rathtrevor Park, Vancouver Island (VIDEO)

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Why I Don’t Use Trekking Poles – But You Should

Like JupiterHikes, I don’t use trekking poles.

IF I hiked longer than 3 weeks, I would add them to my kit. But the longest I’ve done — so far — is 17 nights.

My knees and ankles are still good. No pain at all.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

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CRASHED my NEW DJI Mini 4 Pro Drone 😢

For hiking summer 2024 I upgraded my drone from the DUMBEST in the DJI Mini line-up to the best.

DJI Mini 4 Pro

As I’m often alone on the trail, I wanted “follow me” features as well as the best obstacle avoidance I could get.

First flight I was impressed.

BUT trying to hand catch the Mini 4 — I crashed it.

Oops. Not a good start.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Now have the DJI RC-N2 controller with the built-in screen. No longer need to hook up my phone. 

I got the full Fly More Kit which includes 3 batteries, charging hub, carrying case, and extras.

Not inexpensive at CAD $1500 including tax.

Of course buying a warranty is essential. I paid CAD $170 (USD $125) / 2 years. I can replace the drone carcass up to 3 times. But IF I lose the drone, no warranty coverage. 

I bought some accessories, as well:

I could have gone for the slightly less expensive Mini 3, but decided on the 4 for these features:

  • 360 degree obstacle avoidance
  • better low light video
  • it has a built-in light, so I can see the drone in the sky at dusk or dawn
  • more Quickshot options

Most importantly, super powerful Activetrack.

The drone will follow-me wherever I go, avoiding obstacles so I need not manually watch it every second

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Camping with PESKY Kiwi Keas 😀

The kea is a species of large parrot found in the forested and alpine regions of the South Island of New Zealand. …

Kea are known for their intelligence and curiosity, both vital to their survival in a harsh mountain environment.

Kea can solve logical puzzles, such as pushing and pulling things in a certain order to get to food, and will work together to achieve a certain objective.

They have been filmed preparing and using tools. …

Called “the clown of the mountains”, it will investigate backpacks, boots, skis, snowboards, and even cars, often causing damage or flying off with smaller items.

Beware.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.