Due to BC Ferry schedule changes, there will not be enough time for a meaningful foray this weekend. If ferry service is restored by the Victoria Day long weekend we reschedule. Otherwise, perhaps we’ll make the trip over in the fall. Apologies!

There will be a foray to Galiano Island (reached from the Tsawassen ferry terminal) to be led by Kent Brothers & other members on Saturday May 5, weather permitting. This is a full day foray.

You don’t need to take a car onto the ferry — we’re walking on and walking off. We suggest you park in the lot just before the causeway — they shuttle you out to the ferry terminal and back. The ferry leaves Tsawwassen at 9:30 am (almost an hour later than in previous years), arriving at Galiano at 10:24 am. If you don’t see us on the ferry, we will be waiting just up the hill from the ferry dock on Galiano Island under the big trees until everyone is off the ferry. The return ferry leaves Galiano at 4:50 pm (almost an hour earlier than in previous years) and arrives at Tsawwassen at 5:45 pm. There is only one ferry that will get you there on Saturday, and one ferry that will be you back! Ferry fare to the island is $17.70 (age 12 & older) and the return fare is $7.80, but a 2.9% fuel rebate is deducted from these prices. Payment in cash or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, or American Express) is accepted, but debit cards are not accepted.

This is an easy hike to the bluffs overlooking Active Pass and back, moving at a slowish rate to look at all the fungi and such. We’ll aim to have a late-ish lunch on the bluffs, so bring water and food. Wear good walking shoes and clothing for unpredictable spring weather. If we are back near the ferry early enough before the ferry leaves, we may hang out at a cafe to have some food and refreshment if any are open — we’ll check on the way out.

We’ll be in parks & protected areas for most of the walk (mostly the Bluffs Park), so we won’t be collecting for the table, but rather looking for anything that’s interesting (and admiring the beautiful usually-present Amanita aprica) and explaining how to identify fungi. In previous years there were some online maps of Galiano Island, but they’ve disappeared. A rough trail map is attached.

You don’t need to register unless you’re bringing a guest (non-member of VMS). If so, please contact me at kent (at) brothers.ca to let me know how many — I just want to make sure we don’t get too many people coming out.

We don’t preclude bringing dogs on the foray, but some dogs, in their interest to see what we’re looking at, enthusiastically step all over the mushrooms and/or disturb attempts to take photos. As you know your dog best, if you think this would not be an issue and if your dog is friendly, under control, and good with large groups of folks, feel comfortable to bring him/her along. Note that there are no water sources along our route, so be sure to carry enough water for yourself and your dog. (Feel free to replace “dog” with “lawyer”, “mother-in-law”, “therapist”, etc. as appropriate.)

Because the ferry schedules can change, please consult them yourself the day before yourself to confirm departure times

If the weather forecast is for serious rain, the trip may be cancelled as there is no shelter except near the ferry terminal (plus some very limited shelter at the bluffs). Check the web site https://www.vanmyco.org on the morning of Sat May 5 for a go/no-go notice.