Use trail-map apps to guide your way
Re: “Hiker calling for better directions on secondary Thetis trails after six-hour ordeal,” Sept. 19.
With regard to letter writers requesting improvements to trail signage and reliance of same for backcountry hiking, it amazes me why anyone tackling a backcountry hike would rely purely on signage. Signs that could be tampered with, vandalized or removed at that. I would surmise that most hikers have a fully charged cellphone where offline maps could be downloaded prior to venturing out.
Apps, such as Maps.me — which uses OSM (open source mapping) and the device’s GPS — are available for free. I have used this app and similar ones, that require no cell or data service, extensively on cycling rides and on trail hikes. Via the app, a hiker’s position is clearly seen on a trail route and one can determine direction and trail junctions easily. As a test, I checked the app and Thetis Lake Regional Park’s trails are clearly apparent.
Come on people, be proactive, don’t rely on others to place directional signs for you. It’s your responsibility to look after your own safety. If you don’t know which direction you are heading, you shouldn’t contemplate any sort of backcountry trail hike.
Adam Kanczula
Sidney
How not to get lost at Thetis
I am also 71 and I have been hiking southern Vancouver Island for about 40 years. I think the current signage at Thetis Lake is sufficient: while some signage is useful, my experience is that it often falls into disrepair and can sometimes be more confusing than helpful. My recommendation for avoiding getting lost on back trails is to carry a fully charged cellphone with a mapping app on it.
My personal preference is OpenStreetMap (openstreetmap.org) for several reasons: It’s free; it shows all trails and footpaths; as long as your phone has GPS (they almost all do) then it will tell you where you are and it will give you directions on how to get where you want to go; you can download the maps when you are at home so you don’t need a data connection when you are out hiking (there are a number of places around Victoria where you won’t get a data connection) and finally you can print out a map as a back-up in case everything else fails.
Jon Punnett
Victoria
Sympathy for those getting lost at Thetis
I am writing in support of Julie Elizabeth and others who have found themselves lost within the Thetis Lake trail network.
This past November, I was among a group of seven older hikers who had a similar experience. Using a downloaded Capital Regional District map, our intention was to complete a loop from Thetis Lake using the Seaborne and McKenzie Creek trails. As these trails are included in the CRD map, we assumed the numerous junctions we were to encounter would be adequately signposted. They were not. It didn’t take too many wrong turns before we became disoriented.
After wandering for three hours, we were fortunate to find our way back to the main trail, just as darkness was setting in.
If trails such as Mckenzie Creek are highlighted on a CRD map, is it not unreasonable to consider these as “designated” trails? If so, the CRD spokesman’s assertion that “all designated trails are appropriately and clearly signed” is less than factual and is certainly misleading.
On the day following this experience, a letter of concern with several suggestions was sent to the CRD. We would have welcomed any acknowledgment or response.
We love this park and appreciate all that has been accomplished to enhance its beauty and safety for all users.
Philip Green
Saanich
Region’s hiking trails not up to standards
Official or designated trails play an important role in the conservation of protected areas. They should be well planned and provide hikers with views and points of interest while avoiding sensitive sites. Designated trails should meet sustainable trail specifications for steepness and safe walking surfaces that reduce the risk of injury. This provides hikers with a safe preferred route that will not erode and damage natural conditions.
Proliferation of beaten undesignated trails in parks is blamed on users, but it is usually a symptom and a result of poor unsustainable designated trail systems. Hikers are unable to distinguish between the official eroding ruts in the ground and the undesignated eroding ruts in the ground. Users prefer sustainable trails that meet safety and environmental standards.
Sustainable trail methods are being employed by leading conservation agencies in the world, but B.C. Parks and CRD Parks do not follow these methods and specifications. Conservation of natural conditions in Victoria area parks is being compromised by erosion and damage to rare wildflowers sites due to unsustainable trails that meet no specifications.
Andrew Mitchell
North Saanich
Listen to Greta, the house is on fire
I’m 65 and have been listening to the warnings from David Suzuki and other scientists most of my life.
Now along comes this gutsy 16-year-old girl from Sweden, Greta Thunberg, who tells us the house is on fire. This isn’t an impending threat anymore; the house is, in fact, on fire.
I wonder what the younger members of my family just entering kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 2, will have to say when they are 16.
Barry Ulrich
Saanich
Put a time limit on judging politicians
How about this? During the current election campaign, politicians are not allowed to use anything against each other that is more than five years old. Let’s judge people by what they say and do now, not who there were in the past.
Jamie Alley
Victoria
‘Mean’ comment destroyed message
Re: “PM’s ‘brownface’ is a distraction — but also a warning,” Geoff Johnson column, Sept. 22.
Too bad Geoff Johnson ignored his own warnings regarding postings on social media.
He quoted University of Victoria educator Dr. James Delaney: “sometimes you may say something … off the cuff … don’t.” He also quoted educator Heather Smith who said, “you have to make sure it’s not … something you want to see publicly posted.”
So why did Johnson label “adolescent social media” attacks and the “childish nastiness of the King of Twitter south of our border” as “mean girl” attacks?
Off the cuff? Likely. But an offensive and unnecessary adjective, destroying an otherwise thoughtful and timely opinion piece.
C. J. Van Elslande
Victoria
Speculation tax is about taking away a luxury
Recently, I read two letters regarding the speculation tax from U.S. residents claiming it is unfair.
They are both retired and own or owned property here and in their home state. I will applaud their hard work to have the ability to have this luxury. That is what they are complaining about — the tax is taking away their luxury.
It’s not really, though. They are going to, and have, made a hard choice. Pay it or sell the property. At least they have a primary home they can live in. There are people all over Canada and United States who have to make financial decisions like this almost on a monthly basis. Whether it be for rent or a mortgage, income tax or property tax. Worse even, heat or food.
The tax is to be used to create affordable housing. It is not unjust or criminal. It is what being a part of Canada is about. We are a nation that tries to help the less fortunate, whether they be here or abroad.
I don’t think complaining about losing a second home in a public forum is really the way to go. Losing your primary residence is a far worse state to be in, and worth screaming at the top of your lungs: “I need help.”
Steve Paris
Sooke
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