WElcome to
"Yarns from the Tarns"
Spring 2026 Edition
With spring in full swing and the mountains awakening from winter, hiking season is once again upon us. From forest trails bursting with new growth to alpine vistas emerging from the snow, this season invites us back outdoors to reconnect with nature, adventure, and one another.
2026 CDMC BBQ!
Let's start the 2026 summer hiking season off with a fun afternoon of games, food and socializing. If you're a returning member this is a great chance to catch up with some old friends and make some new ones. If you're a new member come on out and meet us in a great relaxed setting and enjoy a burger with fixings and sides and maybe a bit of dessert. You don't want to miss this opportunity to meet up with a great group of people!
- Sunday, June 21st, 2:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Black Creek Community Centre – 2001 Black Creek Road
- Bring a salad, side or dessert to share
- Bring your plate, cutlery, and your chair
Smiles and enthusiasm will be on order for the day. Hopefully we can also enjoy a game or two of Bocce or disk golf. Bring close family members or a friend or two and enjoy a burger, sides, dessert and more. We have the pavilion booked so even if it rains the event will still go on.
Setup and Takedown: If you have the time, a few of us will be doing setup 2pm to 2:30pm and takedown 7:30pm to 8pm. Special dietary needs: If you have dietary restrictions please let us know and we will try to accommodate.
The event has been created on Meetup, so sign up online, indicate how many people will attend with you, and your burger preference.
Please note! Cut off for requesting burgers is Wednesday June 17th. After that you are still welcome to join us but we will not have any burger for you!
Preparing for the summer Hiking Season
The hiking season is upon us, and before setting out on a day hike or a multiday backpacking adventure, it is also a time to remind ourselves of our responsibilities as a CDMC member. While the ‘CDMC Meetup’ website is where all the action occurs…. where the hikes are posted, sign-up occurs, and then afterward, trip photos and reports are posted…..this would be a good time to access the CDMC website at https://comoxhiking.com and review the many informative documents there. Once signed in, navigate to ‘Members’, then ‘Members Recourses’ then ‘Guidelines’
Essential Items for Hikers
- Each member is responsible their own safety and well being on CDMC trips. Ensure that you are fully equipped for all eventualities on the trail
Guidelines for Hikers
- The leaders and co-leaders are all volunteers. Please respect and support them, by allowing them to lead.
- Each member on a trip should pay attention to the person behind them. Check that they are there, and ask the leader or co-leader to stop if they are not.
No-Show Policy
- Take your name off the ‘Going List’ as soon as you know you can’t go on a trip, and let the next person on the ‘Waitlist” in.
Finally, although the ‘Going List’ or ‘Attendees’ may have reached capacity of any particular hike or backpacking trip, put yourself on the ‘Waitlist’. Personal situations change, members drop out as the trip day nears, and there is a very good chance that you will get onto the hike.
~ submitted by Brian F
ACCVI 5040 Hut overnighter
On Tuesday May 19th, 12 CDMC hikers gathered for the inaugural overnight trip to the Alpine Club of Canada Vancouver Island 5040 Hut. The weather leading up to the day of the hike had changed several times, however, they experienced favourable weather the entire trip. At approximately 11:30am, they started their ascent toward the hut. A little cloud cover but dry conditions, allowed views of Triple Peak dancing in and out of the clouds as they climbed. With well-deserved breaks along the way, they had time to admire the sights and enjoy each other’s company. They reached the hut at about the 4-hr mark; having travelled around 3km with an elevation gain of 700m.
The hut, which sits at 1319m elevation, was completed in 2018. It is fully equipped with a pellet stove for warmth, propane burners for cooking, two rooms with six bunks in each, solar power for lights and charging devices, an electric kettle, and a large and welcoming space for gathering. From its vantage point on the west ridge of this beautiful alpine environment, the hut overlooks the thawing waters of Cobalt Lake and has picturesque views of Triple Peak and The Cats Ears. A sudden clearing of the afternoon clouds, which had completely enveloped the hut, provided an amazing sunset with bold and vibrant colours. Afterwards the hikers settled in for the night.
The next morning, hikers set out at 8 am for the 5040 Summit. Mostly clear skies welcomed them along the way. Some snow travel was required to summit, but the hikers were well prepared. After reaching the summit, and further exploration by some, the remainder of day was enjoyed by all. This included sharing stories and playing card games at the hut. After a rewarding day, the hikers all came out to enjoy the sunset yet again. On the second and final morning, three hikers were out the door at 5am to go up to the ridge behind the hut to watch the sunrise, while others gained a few more moments of sleep. It was all hands-on-deck as they prepared and cleaned the hut as required of its visitors to keep it in good order for those who have the privilege to have the next visit.
The official name of the hut is Hišimy̓awiƛ [Hi-SHIM-ya-wit] which means “Gather Together” in the Barkley Sound dialect of the Ucluelet First Nation. Thanks and appreciation to the ACCVI and all those who contributed to the creation of this hut and to CDMC and its members for the event and the opportunity to ‘Gather Together’. ~ submitted by Lex Klaasen
JOIN BROOMBUSTERS AT WORK!
‘Cut Broom in Bloom!’ ‘Slow. Broombusters at Work.’ = Actual signs of spring on Vancouver Island.
Can you spot the CDMC member/broombuster in this photo? She, along with numerous other volunteers, gets out to help tackle that highly invasive species, Scotch broom. They know that broom can be beaten.
The Comox Valley Broombusters organization has been active since 2010. Joining in some of their group sessions is a great way to learn the Do’s and Don’ts, enjoy the camaraderie, and take away a real sense of satisfaction. And yes, it is Julia holding the broom bouquet! She will confirm that everyone’s help--frequent or occasional—is warmly appreciated.
Check out broombusters.org/comox-valley/
Contact Bev Agur: cvbroombusters@gmail.com
CDMC 2028 - 100 year Challenge
As part of the club's 100 year anniversary we're challenging CDMC members to complete either 20 "Explorer" hikes or 28 "Daytripper" hikes by 2028 - the club's 100 year anniversary. We'll honour those who complete the challenge at our annual potluck with a certificate of completion and a special award.
With summer fast approaching and the snow melting, it is time to start planning your trips. Join our three members who have completed a challenge! Details for the CDMC 2028 Challenge on the website at: https://comoxhiking.com/members-only/#2028challenge
CDMC Partnerships
The CDMC is proud to continue partnering with BC Parks through the BC Parks license plate program, which supports volunteer-driven conservation and trail improvement projects throughout the province. In a recent update to community partners, BC Parks highlighted the important role volunteers play in protecting park ecosystems while improving access and visitor experience — proof that a little hard work and muddy boots can make a big difference. This June, we’ll be putting that support into action during our “Walk the Plank for McKenzie Meadows” project. (No pirates required!) Thanks to funding from the Park Enhancement Fund, volunteers will be installing boardwalk to help protect sensitive meadow habitat from trail damage while creating a safer and more sustainable route for hikers. You can read more about the impact of the license plate program in the BC Parks report. We’re currently looking for volunteers to join the project crew. If you’d like to lend a hand, swing a hammer, and spend a rewarding day or several days in one of our beautiful provincial parks, please sign up through our Meetup event page here: Walk the Plank for Mckenzie Meadows!, Mon, Jun 22, 2026, 8:00 AM | Meetup
CDMC Upcoming Events
Looking for a hike to join? Check out our events page at https://www.meetup.com/comox-district-mountaineering-club/events.
Remember to add yourself to the waitlist if a trip you are interested in is full. Many times, people are unable to make a trip and cancel, opening up a spot for a waitlisted person.
Is there a hike you'd like to do, but it's not on the schedule? Contact a Trip Leader (listed under "Reference Documents" on the Member Login area of the website) and see if they are willing and available to book the trip, or start a new Discussion on the club's Discussion page on Meetup to get the conversation started!