WElcome to
"Yarns from the Tarns"
Winter 2025 Edition
Updates, upcoming events, and member reminders for 2025
2025 Membership Dues and Waivers
We would like to remind you that your 2025 CDMC membership fees are now due. If you haven't already done so, please complete your membership renewal now.
Dues for 2025 must be paid before February 1, 2025.
CDMC 2025 Waivers are also due for all members, so please complete your 2025 Waiver at the time of your renewal.
Please Note: Members who joined the CDMC after October 1, 2024 are fully paid for the 2025 year, but DO need to complete a 2025 waiver form by clicking the link above.
Lifetime members, please complete your 2025 CDMC Waiver form at the link above before signing up to participate in any 2025 CDMC event.
Thank you to our members who have already continued their membership for 2025 with us! We look forward to seeing everyone on the trails.
CDMC 2025 Board of Directors
At the Annual General Meeting in November 2024, your CDMC Board of Directors was decided. Your Board of Directors members are: President: Petra Strougal, Vice President: Juanita Wells, Secretary: Dave Osmond, Treasurer: Yvonne Tinney, and Directors-At-Large: Lynn Barley, Cathy Beacham, Ken Rodonets, and Ed Tickner.
Thank you all very much for volunteering your time and effort to the club!
coming soon! CDMC member communication option
The CDMC is creating a community forum for members on the WhatsApp platform. This will allow those who wish to participate the ability to chat with and message other members.
The CDMC community forum will include separate groups to discuss gear, trail concerns, or general questions.
Stay tuned for more info coming in February.
CDMC 96th Annual Potluck
2024 Photo contest
Back by popular demand, the 2024 photo contest is open on Meetup. Check out the event and upload your photos to get in on the chance to win bragging rights with some recognition for your fabulous foto-grafy skills.
Upload your photo and in the comments, list the category, a brief description, and the club trip it was taken on. The four categories are: Summer / Winter / Flora and Fauna / People
The deadline for entries is Monday, January 20 at midnight. Maximum 2 photos per category per person, please. Voting for the category winners will take place at the Potluck on January 25.
Remembering Vincent 'Joe' Lumsdon
July, 1950 - December, 2024
The CDMC would like to acknowledge the passing of Joe Lumsdon, a long-time member, former President, and friend to many.
"It was a perfect bluebird day on Mount Washington when Joe passed away while snowshoeing with friends on the mountain that he loved.
Joe had a very positive attitude toward life and lived it according to his motto “Treat others as you wish to be treated.” He lived an active and health-focused life and took pleasure in time outdoors, hiking, biking, snowshoeing and traveling.” This note was from Joe's obituary.
I met Joe while hiking with the CDMC club. I was just new to the Comox Valley. He took over as CDMC club President in 2015 for a few years, because he wanted to make a difference in the club. He convinced me to join him in his effort and I became 3-4 years Director at Large and finally I took over as Secretary. Now I am back as President; you never know where you will end up.
I can remember after one potluck we were so full, that we decided to go on a walk the next day. I just thought it was a walk. I didn't bring much and didn't know the area. Lisa Jackson joined us and we actually hiked up Mount Curran from the bare bottom and I was just wiped out after.
He always pushed my limits. We did uncountable snowshoes, snowplowing he loved to do just through the forest, where there was no path. He had always joy which was contagious. After the snowshoe we would sit in his truck going down the mountain and we would have Lindt chocolate which was waiting on his dash.
Another hike I remembered was up to Landslide Lake, just for the day: 24km. I must have not been in good shape, so I was done again and I just handed over the car key to him and smiled and went to sleep. We always talked about it and kept laughing.
He was very much a social butterfly and during winter season we would get together with friends and play Euchre. It was always lots of fun.
In the last years he had lots of health issues, and he couldn't do so much as he would have liked.
Gone too soon as you say. Joe, we miss you. You will always be in our memories while we are hiking and snowshoeing in the mountains.
~ Article by Petra Strougal ~
Based in the Comox Valley, Island Alpine Guides are Vancouver Island's most experienced mountain professionals, and your ticket to learning more about how to safely explore the spectacular alpine and coastal areas on the island and BC's Coast Ranges.
IAG offers winter courses including Safe Winter Travel, AST1, AST Theory to Practice, Crevasse rescue, and Ski Touring.
Check out their upcoming trips and courses on their website and increase your safety and fun in the outdoors this winter!
EDUCATION FUNDS AVAILABLE!
CDMC offers members an opportunity for subsidizing courses that further the wilderness learning and safety of the club and themselves. Navigation, avalanche training, and first aid courses are examples of education that would qualify for subsidy.
Leaders (who have led at least 1 trip in the last year) are able to request $100 subsidization per course. Co-leaders (who have co-led at least 1 trip in the last year) can request $50 subsidization per course. Members can request $25 subsidization per course.
Winter is here! If you haven't already changed your pack for the cold season, now's the time to do it! Here are some reminders of gear for winter trekking:
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Layers!
- Thermos for hot drinks
- Gloves, Wool socks, Scarf, Toque
- Rain/waterproof pants and boots
- Gaiters
- Hand/toe warmers
- Micro spikes/snowshoes
- Poles with baskets
- Extra water/hydration system - insulate it for extra cold days!
- Headlamp
- Extra snacks
- Chap Stick
- Tissues
- Fire starting device
- Emergency blanket
- First Aid kit
Heading out for some snowy winter adventures? Don't forget to check the conditions first!
Avalanche Transceiver, Shovel and Probe
Your avalanche safety gear should always be with you in the backcountry while you’re skiing, boarding, snowmobiling or snowshoeing. Each member of your party should carry these critical pieces of gear and have the training to use them properly. It could save your life!
Avalanche Canada is also hosting a weekly webinar series focusing on various aspects of avalanche safety. The webinars are free, but pre-registration is required. Click the button below to learn more!
Special events coordinator needed
Are you looking for more special events to be hosted by the CDMC? Would you like to get a chance to know some of the members of the CDMC in a different setting? The CDMC is lookingfor someone (or a couple someones) to fill the position of Special Events Coordinator(s).
Presently we have an end of year Potluck, June BBQ and the AGM, but we’d love to also host some different get-togethers and activities such as picnics and informal events to meet new members, talk to directors and trip leaders, and enjoy an evening or afternoon together.
If this is something you’d be interested in helping with, please forward your name to our new president at comoxdistrictmountaineering@gmail.com
Request for CDMC newsletter Submissions
The CDMC newsletter needs your input! We’re now requesting submissions for the spring newsletter. If you have a story to tell or something you’d like to share with other members please forward your writeup to our new president at comoxdistrictmountaineering@gmail.com.
A story about a recent hike or adventure you’ve enjoyed, or even a misadventure you’re willing to admit to would be great. How about an article about a piece of gear you won’t leave home without?