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Witchcraft Lake to Mt Benson, Nanaimo

Trip report by BestHike editor Rick McCharles

Mt Benson looms over Nanaimo on Vancouver Island.

Though folks make this climb year round, I waited for great weather in May. 😇

Click PLAY or get a glimpse on YouTube.

There are several routes to the summit, but quickest and most straightforward begins at Witchcraft Lake.

Knowing that the summit is busy on a nice day, I camped on Crown Land the night before. Was first starting up the trail in the morning.

I used AllTrails for navigation and only managed to detour on to a side trail one time. 😀

It’s a steady climb. Interesting terrain with a number of viewpoints on the way up.

From the summit most cameras take in the panorama over Nanaimo. Here’s the OTHER vista — looking inland.

Watch a LIVE STREAM of the Benson summit on YouTube.

related trip report – sea2peak

  • 8km round trip
  • 730 meter elevation gain
  • 3-5 hours
  • difficult
  • dogs allowed on leash

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Hiking Alone

Nicole Qualtieri:

I embarked on my first solo backpacking trip in 2014. It’s no small admission to say that the effort changed the course of my life.

That trip was — perhaps — overkill for my first shot at backpacking solo. I completed 150 miles, combined over multiple trips on the Continental Divide Trail in Montana and Wyoming. But I dialed in my system and wilderness skills, powered through blisters, and faced my fears over the course of those miles.

In a world filled with noise, constant companionship, phones that never power down, and internet advice coming at us incessantly, here’s one more bit of advice I’d like to impart — turn it all off. Take a walk in the dirt.

This summer, go backpacking alone. …

Backpacking Alone Is for Everyone
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Va’ Sentiero – 7000 km through Italy

Va’ Sentiero is a grassroot project, thanks to the spontaneous contribution of thousands of people.

Three friends — Yuri, Sara, Giacomo — invented the route.

Today they are documenting the adventure with a team of seven.

So far, at least 1500 hikers have joined them at various stages. It’s open to all.

details – asentiero.org/en

Click PLAY or watch a promotion on Vimeo.

Thanks Jeff.

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Zpacks Free Duo Tent 2021

Though it’s more expensive than my Hubba™ NX Solo ( 1.12 kg / 2 lb 7 oz.), I would love to try the 2-person Z packs Free Duo as a shelter for just myself.

I could keep everything inside, this way.

I don’t hike with poles so will always need a free standing tent.

$699.00 – Weight 30.1 oz / 852 g

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Read a detailed review.

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Neck Point Park, Nanaimo

AllTrails calls it Neck Point Park Loop.

Right in the city of Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, the small park is popular with runners, walkers, dogs, and scuba divers.

A great day hike any day of the year.

Nearby is the Pipers Lagoon hike. Do both on the same visit.

Click PLAY or get a 2-minute glimpse of Neck Point on YouTube.

Read more on Outdoor Vancouver – Neck Point Hike in Nanaimo.