When Joyce Folbigg joined the Outdoor Club of Victoria, it was a way for the 19-year-old to make friends and explore the outdoors around Greater Victoria and beyond.
Sixty-four years later, Folbigg, the clubB次元官网网址檚 longest-standing active member, may have scaled back her involvement for health reasons, but hasnB次元官网网址檛 changed her appreciation for the outdoor social group, which turns 70 this March.
B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 certainly been a good club to belong to, right from the beginning,B次元官网网址� said Folbigg, now 83. B次元官网网址淭he hikes and the activities were available to us right from the beginning when there werenB次元官网网址檛 so many available to (the public). Some of the things that we did, IB次元官网网址檝e really cherished my whole life.B次元官网网址�
Hiking Sooke, building the trails in Goldstream Provincial Park and taking group trips through the Olympic Mountains are among some of the highlights from the Oak Bay residentB次元官网网址檚 time with the club.
After undergoing surgery, Folbigg no longer hikes. But she does attend all of the clubB次元官网网址檚 social events, as plans to be there for its upcoming 70th anniversary celebration for past and present members, set for 10:30 a.m. on March 3 at Uplands Golf Club.
The Outdoor Club of VictoriaB次元官网网址檚 mandate B次元官网网址� of hosting hikes or other outdoor activities and fostering interest in nature B次元官网网址� also hasnB次元官网网址檛 changed much since its inception in 1942, said club president Mary Hof.
B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 nice to have companions and to get out there,B次元官网网址� said Hof, crediting the club with uniting many couples and friends. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 just a good feeling getting high up in the mountains. I like to bag peaks.B次元官网网址�
Folbigg remains close with friends she has known for many decades through the club and hopes it will continue for many more.
B次元官网网址淲e are absolutely blessed to live in this part of the world,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淭he scenery that we have here and the things that are available to us, we are just so lucky.B次元官网网址�
The Outdoor Club of Victoria has about 150 members and continues to host a variety of regular hikes and camping trips, both at home and at destinations throughout B.C., Alberta and the United States. Membership is $22 per year or $40 per couple with no charge for the first three hikes.
are available online. Members may contact berbel@shaw.ca to reserve a seat ($20) at the celebration.
nnorth@saanichnews.com
