Monthly Archives: March 2009

Hollyburn Peak 29/03/09

Chris on Hollyburn:
“Cara, Christian, Leticia, Ming and Rob joined me on a quick trip up Hollyburn on Sunday. The weather was, of course, beautiful (hope I can keep this up all year). The snow was firm on the way up and softening in the sun on the way down. Snowshoes weren’t needed but it was slippy on the steep bits. The place was a zoo – many people on the trail and at the peak. In the shade, the air was definitely cool to cold but in the sun, it was almost shorts weather. The sliding on the way down is best near the top where it’s steep.”

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Garibaldi Lake 29/03/09

Rob M. on (yes, on) Garibaldi Lake:
“We drove up the Sea-to-Sky enjoying the remarkable vistas surrounding us on a day that easily exceeded our expectations. A flagon of caffeine in Squamish and we were on our merry way. A 2k walk to the trailhead and we were met by the forceful rushing sound of Rubble Creek and the Barrier standing majestic and articulated in the bright sun. Myself and Jamie quickly made our way up the Barrier in hikers while Mel, Sarah-Jane and Dan were strapped into pace-setting snowshoes. With a chorus of oohs and aahs, we perched ourselves for lunch on the Barrier enjoying the shenanigans of Whisky Jacks. Fully sated, and after hours of single track hiking, we descended through a few feet of fresh powder onto the wide expanse of Barrier Lake. A few minutes later we entered and exited another creek to be met by the larger Lesser Garibaldi Lake surreally covered in large puffs of pristine snow broken by rivulets of streaming water. Just before the canyon, we engaged the summer trail and were soon rewarded by the sight of Garibaldi Lake – we descended onto miles of flat searing white snow surrounded by Panorama Ridge, Gentian Peak, Garibaldi Mountain, Mount Price and Clinker Peak. Small pixels in the distance gained substance over time to become a couple of hiking/skiing clubs. We sucked in the grandeur of it all in and let it burn into our retinas and eventually returned. Boot-skiing our way down the trail as much as possible, we made excellent time – enough to enjoy a hardy meal and a brew in Squamish. Total elapsed time – just under 9 hours.”

Garibaldi Lake

Baden-Powell Trail 22/03/09

Steve on the B-P trail between Deep Cove and Lynn Canyon:
“What a pleasant surprise! After a sunny Saturday I was wondering if I had picked the wrong day, but as it turned out, the entire weekend was great. A full load of 8 did the one-way trip starting at the east end. What shocked me was how it really was not all that muddy. We were prepared for it, but the gaiters and poles simply were not needed. Also, we may have taken a grand total of 25 steps on snow and the streams were not as high as I had expected (I wonder if this might be cause for concern in the Summer months).

Regardless, hike season without snowshoes is definitely here for those willing to stay at low elevation. This trail was chosen because it offers rain protection even on the worst days, so if you have a nice forecast, I’d suggest leaving this one for the next time it’s “iffy”.

We put up a reasonable pace with this group and had a good time meeting new people. The downside was all of the calories that we burned over 4.5 hours were replenished by ½ a donut at “Honey’s” in Deep Cove.”

Lokking over Indian Arm and Grey rock.

Mt Seymour 22/03/09

Chris on Mt Seymour:
“Cara, Christian, Eric, John, Ribeka and Rob joined me on a trip up Mt Seymour where snowshoes really weren’t needed (but crampons would have been good). Despite a not great forecast, the weather was stunning. On the way up, the snow was of a styrofoam consistency – pretty solid with the tiniest bit of give. The marked route takes you to within 10m of the first peak (pump, whatever you want to call it). We ventured on to the second peak. From this point, the route to the final peak requires crossing some VERY steep terrain. A couple of us decided to attempt cutting a route but most people were quite happy to sit and enjoy the view here. On the way back, we sought out every butt- and boot-skiable slope available.

The afternoon snow was pretty sloppy in places as the temperature rose and, off the beaten path, postholing became frequent. In the shade higher up, some areas had a solid crust of slick ice.”

Seymour 2

Diez Vistas 21/03/09

Michelle on Diez Vistas:
“Tres Hombres & Un Bebé, Más Dos >> John, Erez and Eric joined me for a fabulous day of pure sunshine and clear views of Vancouver and the lower mainland, Belcarra and Deep Cove, Seymour and the white crested neighbouring mountains and Indian Arm. We all indulged in a little sun basking and eagle watching on the bluffs at viewpoint uno after lunch – at which point we picked up two additional Wanderung fellows who joined our band for the rest of the day. Along the ridge we encountered a few stretches of snow but the patches were shallow, compact and easily tread on – save for a couple steep parts, which poles proved useful on. We still did better than book time. The trail was in great shape with next to no mud and several other groups of hikers were out on the trail. Spring is here and so is hiking season!”

Diez Vistas Mar 21/09