Sumas Peak Done Solo

Aperfect day for hiking so I couldn’t let the day pass in the office. The forecast showed that Thursday would be a nice one, so I organized my life to get out there and activate the summit in the Summits-on-the-Air program. Being mid-week my choice of companions was limited and those who could be available were already busy, so I decided that the trail is easy enough and there are people around so a solo adventure was not risking too much.

The drive to the trailhead was not long, so a later start to the day was going to be just fine. I had the truck and gear prepared last night and so this morning saw me getting some food organized and then a double check on the gear and I was off at the leisurly time of 9:50AM. I made the regular stops  - coffee and fuel and then a fast drive to Batt Road and then on to gravel at Taggart Road. Traffic was moderate along the highways and Sumas was light but road work stalled me out for 10 minutes or so! Once on Taggart I saw no more moving vehicles, so nice.

Once I arrived at the gate I parked the truck and got my gear on and started for the summit. I made good time on the road. If felt good not needing to wait for another nor feeling you are the one holding up someone. Perhaps the lack of conversation is a negative but the silence and serenity makes up for it. On the last bit of the trek the hike leaves the road for a short trail, it had a bit of snow on it in places and I followed a short-cut by accident at one point which led to a steeper than needed area. But soon I was at the viewpoint and unloading my pack. I had a breather and then I gathered a few photos – the valley was already hazed over! So early in the season, it will be really bad later.