Earlier this year I added a number of new summits to the list on the Summits-on-the-air program. The smallest of which was the Weatherhead W3 peak between the main Weatherhead peak and Stave Lake. This little guy was just under 500m in height and so I thought it would make for an easy target to hike and activate on a short afternoon. I first considered it with my son Geoff but when we came out he had his two sons and the weather was a bit wet so we decided it wasn’t the trip to go hiking. That was a wise decision looking back on it.

It was now August, the day was dry and my other son Nick was willing to join me and give it a go. So we set off mid-morning and made for the Lost Creek Forestry road. Traffic wasn’t bad for a long week-end, likely everyone was still getting up after a last night of partying. On the FSR we noticed there was a lot more traffic than when I was here with Geoff. We drove up the mainline and soon arrived at the turnoff for the spot I felt we would need to park at to start the hike. The road was in good shape and we got to the fork and a second one without a problem. We parked right where I had expected to and there we got our gear organized and the truck locked up for our hike.

The initial part of the hike was along the over-grown road that we were parked at the start of. This went fairly quickly as it was mostly clear, just a few overhanging branches in the way. When we got to the area I marked as to where we turn up slope ugly dense undergrowth stared back at us! We pushed through the initial bit hoping it would change to mature forest soon, but it didn’t. We continued up very slowly pushing our way through the tall thimbleberry and small hemlock. It was a tiring task. After quite some time we achieved a short open area at the base of a small cliff, it was a good spot to rest for a bit. The next section started off steep and was a bit more open with more mature trees in this area but it still was difficult terrain.

Soon we dropped down onto an upper roadway. Now this road looked to be in poor condition on the satellite view but it showed signs of use and likely we could have driven to this spot! So that was a bit annoying but we just moved on. We followed the road a short way and then cut in up slope. The undergrowth continued heavy but it was for a short distance and then we finally entered the mature forest. Now the understory was thin and we could plan our way up the steep slopes fairly easily. After dropping down a short distance we started up a steep slope and there we stopped to rest. It was here that I noticed my one radio that had been clipped to my belt was missing.  Fortunately it was on and Nick gave a call on his and could just hear my lost one in the distance. I dropped my pack and retraced my steps while Nick continued to call out on the radio. I found it just inside the last of the thicker bush area.

For the past few years I have wanted to return to Lady Peak and to be the first to activate it in the Summits-on-the-air program. I last hiked the mountain back in 2010 and though I got to the top ridge I was a bit shy of the summit. On that hike the clouds were quite thick at the top and it made it look like twilight. Visibility was low enough that the next part of the hike looked like a looming pillar in the dim mists. I was there with another hiker I met on the route and we both felt it was not safe to push further. The location seemed to be at the summit elevation so we felt like we had gotten close enough.  Recently I wanted to retry that section and get to the marked summit location.

So here we are in 2018 and I had the opportunity to do a hike with John Bell who is a professional outdoor guide. He also wanted to activate the peak and so it was an opportunity I couldn’t miss as he was likely the only one I know who would do this hike. We decided to go mid-week as the weather was cooler and the crowds would be absent. The Lady Peak hike shares the initial trail with the Mount Cheam hike and on the week-ends that one may have 200+ people on it. So as we neared the parking area this morning I wondered about how many vehicles would be parked in it,  there was only one jeep! That was so nice compared to last time!

We quickly got our gear organized and started off, the day was forecast to have a chance of rain but as we started out the sky was mostly clear and we had some nice views of the summit. John set a nice pace, fast enough to make decent time but slow enough to not get too tired. This got us moving along at a good pace for me and I think I was going faster along the trail as a result. One hour in we were at the point where the Lady Peak trail leaves the Cheam trail and there we took a few minutes to rest before starting up the steep section ahead.

Now this next section of trail follows a shortcut from the original Lady Peak trail. It is much steeper but saves quite some distance and now shows as the marked route. The trail makes its way up alongside a bare section then turns east to gain a more level section at the base of a steep incline of loose rock. At the top of the rocky section is a 20m cliff face that we must cross to the edge of to continue up. It was around 16 years ago on this very section of rock where I was struggling to climb a few feet at a time that I met a chap sailing down the slope at a fast pace, we chatted and I learned he had started the hike less than 2 hours earlier, I was already well past 2! It was at that spot and moment that I chose to start an exercise program so that I could hike these summits more effectively. Well here I am making good time and barely needing to stop for a rest as I hiked past that spot of 16 years ago!

As we neared the cliff, I mentioned to John that on previous hikes I went to the right, John looked to the left to see if he could spot a trail but none was seen so we crossed the loose rock and started across a snow pack. It was slow going as we had to carefully plant our feet to prevent a slide. We angled down a bit and soon were at its base and making for the far side of green Heather to continue our way up. Following some cairns we soon were above the cliff and on a worn trail heading towards the western ridge above. As we reached the next snow field we stopped to rest a bit and then started up beside the snow. Soon we reached the base of some large rocks, John scouted ahead to find the trail, I mentioned that we stayed below the rocks and bore south before ascending higher. Having viewed the other route he saw that it ended in a drop, so we continued below the rock face and soon were able to start climbing again.

This next section involved steep scrambling over various types of rocks and loose gravel and after a 100+m we reached the upper snow field which was melting and making a stream that flowed down slope. There is a narrow gap just to the north edge of the bottom of the snow field that drops off to the far side of the ridge. Much of the melting water was falling through that gap. With a bit of cloud blowing up through it, it looked very ominous.

Today was Elizabeth’s second adventure into the hills with her grandfather and dad. Ethan thought a gentler road with a lake would be a good second trip and so I suggested the east Harrison and to there we went. Our morning began a bit after 8am with the loading of the truck and the essential first stops. The one key stop Ethan required was to Davis Meats to pick up some real beef jerky. Once the beef was in hand we made quick time to the start of the forestry road.

Elizabeth is still learning on how to deal with bio breaks as an 8 year old girl in the bush. Today she thought a dress might work better. So she arrived in a black one that looked cute but the black leather shoes were perhaps not really the best fit for the day. So we set off and did our best to help her along. Once we reached the logging road we switched over to 4x4 mode and continued in to the Slollicum falls. Here we stopped so Elizabeth could see the waterfall and for me to capture a few more photos of the waterfall I have probably shot more than any other. It is always an amazing sight.

After the waterfall we decided to head down to the cascade peninsula area and visit the small rock cliffs that impressed Liam earlier this year. The rocks blocking the road were still out of the way but the trees were now in full leaf so the road was much tighter to pass through. We inched along pulling in the mirrors to keep them from getting wrecked. Driving through the tight space was quite interesting to Elizabeth. Once we got to the end of the spur and the wide turn-a-round we parked and set off through the side-growth for the rocks. This trip the Thimbleberries were tall along the trail, I walked easily through them in the early spring, and today they were taller than Elizabeth. Ethan and I made a path for her and she slowly made her way through them and up to the rocky ledge at the base of the rocks. From there the way was much easier and we were soon on the top of the first one. She seemed to enjoy the adventure so far. Once down again we decided to hike up a second rock. Soon we were heading back to the truck. When I was almost back I heard an ATV on the road checking out the route and they were just leaving as I emerged from the Thimbleberries.

After completing a hike up Black Mountain last year I turned my attention to the next summit in the area. So for the past year I have been planning on doing Saint Marks some time this season. Since I wanted to do it as new summit in my Summits-on-the-air program it made sense to have Ralph along so we could both get it in our logs. So a few months back I talked it over with Ralph and he was willing to give it a try. A few weeks before our ascent I saw that John Bell was in the area and I invited him along. He was already booked that day but the day before the hike his plans fell through and he was available.

So our adventure begins with Ralph arriving at my house at 7am and us loading into my wife’s electric car for the journey to the trailhead. We met John at the start of the Cypress bowl road and drove up the slope together. We were early enough to find a close parking spot and so we got settled in and our gear on for the hike. Having John along made life on the trail easy as he has hiked the summit before. He took us on a slightly longer route but one that is more scenic and interesting.

The first section of trail is through an old growth forest and some pleasant lily filled lakes. The trail then ascends up the lower slope of Mount Strachan as it makes its way north and to the Howe Sound Crest Trail. The early section of the trail in very well maintained with a solid gravel bed to walk on. Even though it was steep in places it made for a quick walk to the ridge. Just past half way point the developed section of trail stops and one continues on the original one. Now it is still a decent trail but one has to now place their feet carefully due to the many roots growing across the trail. This section of the hike was much slower and tiring.

After a second steep section we emerged near the summit of Saint Marks to find dozens of people roaming around enjoying the various views from the numerous lookouts. The views of Howe Sound are indeed truly amazing. After taking in the sights ourselves we stopped to eat lunch as it was only 11:30 the trek having taken us about 3 hours.

I had hoped to spend the day climbing a hill in the Lost Creek area east of Stave Lake. And so my planning include getting the summits identified and coordinates loaded into my gps. Then to head on out and pick one that looked like we could hike it. Geoff was able to join the adventure along with his two older boys and so we were mostly ready for the adventure. Now all we needed was a cooperative nature with a dry day. Alas nature was not cooperative and the day had showers throughout the morning.

Despite the weather, the day was exciting and full of adventure. We set off for the usual spots when setting out for the hills and soon we were approaching the start of the Lost Creek FSR. This area used to be a huge hangout for those shooting guns at targets. It had gotten crowded with shooters, often too close to each other, and so last year the area was closed to target practice.  On arriving we noticed a distinct lack of vehicles in the area! That was quite a relief.

My first summit was to be Weatherhead Peak and we drove straight to the side road that the maps show as leading up the slope. Well just in from the start is a new gate, locked and annoying. So it was on to the next lower peak. It looked possible but the rain quickly dampened our interest. So we decided to head out to the twin lakes side road. This offered a few options as the area was open to target shooting but the road had a huge diversion on it which prevented the truck from accessing the lakes. New roads on the south side were now there so we took the turns which got us on the newer roads. Driving these along the side of Alligator peak was interesting but we were above the lakes and they were not easy to access from them. So when we reached a difficult cross-ditch we decided to forego further travel and try for the old road that did snuggle up on the larger lake.

We back tracked and then continued on to where the old division had stopped me earlier. Today the ditch was well eroded and travel across it quite easy. So on we went and soon we were pulling into a small spur that ends at the lake. Here we arranged the truck and took a few moments to rest before setting up a tarp as the clouds continued to remind us we were in their territory. The boys were having fun running around, exploring a small pier over the lake, tossing rocks in the lake and eating some salmonberries and wild blueberries.

I have wanted a return to the Chief summits for years now but they never seemed to be on the agenda. My first climb was back in 2004, 14 years ago so it was definitely time to revisit the area. It was not a hike that Geoff or my other partners wanted to join me on so it needed to be tackled on a day when they were not available. Well that day finally came and the summit was calling. I also wanted to do it as it would be a new unique activation for me in the summits-on-the-air program.

The morning began at 6:30 and saw me finish loading the car. As this hike didn’t require any forestry roads I was able to drive a car right to the parking lot at the start of the trail. Today I took Carolyn’s all electric Bolt with the goal of seeing how its range held out. So once the gear was stowed I started out for the nearest Starbucks to finish the prep for the hike.  Wouldn’t you know it but when I got into line for coffee it was quite long but once I got my coffee there was no line! So typical and annoying.

The drive went quickly and soon I was looking for a parking spot, the day use area was full and cars were roaming around looking for a gap, the rock climber’s area was also full. Fortunately there was a third lot a bit further along that still had lots of space and there I parked and got my gear loaded. I started my hike by walking back through the chain of parking lots and then the campers’ lot and the actual campsite. And then I saw it, the start of the 2000+ foot climb, a set of stairs made from placed rock. That was new since I was last here.

The rock stairs quickly turned into steep wooden stairs that continued upward for a long distance lost between the trees! The stairs were familiar though they looked well maintained and likely replaced since I was last here. The trail was full of people climbing and descending the stairs. It was a busy place obviously very popular with the improvements in the area. I started up the wooden stairs stopping frequently to regain my breath before trying to raise a weary leg to the next stair. It was very trying especially seeing all those 20 year olds sailing past seeming to miss the whole point of doing penance on a long staircase.

Eventually the wooden stairs end and one is done with the first really steep section. Next came some nicely groomed stone steps that wandered through the trees to some distance place. I continued following them like a dog chasing a rabbit, slowly gaining elevation as the trail made its way up through the valley on the back side of the rock face. Eventually I came to a fork where the route to the third summit splits off from the first two. Most of the crowd was on the left fork but I was headed to the third so the right fork was my choice. This route was much rougher and less travelled, it actually provided some periods of solitude between small groups of people passing by me. The trail was quite steep in places with uneven boulders and loose rock which made the trail a bit more challenging, more so on the return.

After what seemed a long journey I reached the upper fork where the trail connects with another that crosses between 2nd and 3rd peaks, here one can go either way. I continued upward to the higher third. The last bit of trail wasn’t overly long or steep and soon I was breaking through the trees and onto the top of the rock slab that forms the chief. The third summit is very broad and even has a small pond on its top. There are clumps of stunted pines scattered across the broad area and other hikers were able to find small nooks to stake out as their own. I continued to the very highest point and there I settled into an area next to some pines which offered a bit of shade yet still provided a good view of the city of Squamish below. I dropped my gear and wandered a bit gathering a few photos of the views. It was now just past 11:30, I had completed the ascent in 2.5 hours, not all that bad, even considering the pace set by some of those younger people.

Afew weeks earlier I had discovered that the gate blocking the Norrish Valley was no longer closed. On that day I drove in a ways and decided it really needed a full day to explore the area. Well today was that day, joining me for the adventure was Geoff and two of his sons – Liam and Ben. It was Ben’s first time in the hills with us so it was going to be a special day.

As usual we started off with the normal stops for coffee, fuel and beef before setting out for the hills. In all it went quickly and we were soon on the start of the logging road. Ben was quite annoyed at first at all the bumps and jerks we were experiencing as we drove the start of the mainline. We didn’t press the point that this was actually one of the better roads. In no time we had arrived at the nasty gate and sure enough it was open. So in we went and made fast time to the 18km point which was where I turned back last time.

Today we stopped at the wide cleared area as I did before and let out our two young ones to stretch their legs. Ben was quite amazed at the sights, he ran around climbing some rocks and piles of logs. Next he wanted to shoot his air rifle. Geoff setup a coffee cup for a target and then worked with Ben showing him how to hold his rifle and aim it. Though he tried to get him to aim properly Ben was more interested in just firing it off in the general direction. Safety instruction was paramount in Geoff’s teaching.

Once we had rested a bit we piled back into the truck and started up the valley to the next fork. This fork was supposedly the current mainline around the lake and on to the next valley. So we turned up it and followed the major branch at each turn. Our first direction led us to the service road for the transmission line. We continued to the first tower and there we stopped to have a look. The sides were quite steep which was creating a concern in Ben. He wasn’t sure he liked being out here.  We coaxed him out of the truck and soon he was just fine. Liam on the other hand had gotten too close to the edge and slide down slope about 10m. It was to slippery on the steep incline to come back up directly so we directed him sideways to where the slope leveled off a bit. He was soon back up with us.

The grand kids are coming of age, all too soon, Liam has been on a few trips but today was to be the first for Elizabeth. Ethan wanted to start her off easily so we picked a nice trek to Chilliwack Lake and the wide beach area two thirds the way down the lake. This would expose her to a bit of rough road and then allow her to enjoy the beauty of the lake. Well, most of our plans worked out but not quite all.

We began the day as usual with the arrival at my home of whoever was joining me for the day. We loaded up the truck and realized that Elizabeth had no jacket. Now the day started warm but up in the hills it is less predictable and the clouds were thicker now than when Ethan left home. My wife found a jacket for her and we set off for coffee and fuel. The drive along the highway went quickly as did the drive along Chilliwack River Road. We stopped at the Lindeman Lake parking area to use the outhouse and then made our way to the start of the gravel road.

The first thing we noticed was that the park had a no campfires sign posted! Now that would get in the way of a wiener roast. But we continued on to the road and soon we were bouncing all over in the potholes. This road does tend to be very bad for them and so it was a rough drive over the next number of kilometers. We came by a couple of nice waterfalls that caught Elizabeth’s attention and so we stopped for her to look them over. Finally we came to the spot to park for access to the beach area.

We parked the truck and made our way down the trail to the water. Unfortunately we were stopped well short of the beach! The water level of the lake was very high with spring runoff and the path was under water! Looking forward we realized that the beach area was also mostly submerged. At first I thought of working my way through the trees to get to the beach but we decided it wasn’t worth the bother as the beach was mostly missing and with the campfire ban it was better to look for a spot outside the park where we could eat lunch.

So we returned to the truck and continued further south along the road eventually coming to the far end of the road where the bridge is barricaded. A bit before the final bridge the creek was over-flowing its banks and washing across the road. It wasn’t deep but it would be a fun drive for Elizabeth to experience a water crossing. So Ethan took her across and back again while I took a few photos. A bit back from the water was a side spur that was less travelled which headed east into the bush area. It was a deactivated road but without the potholes it was actually much smoother.

Ralph hadn’t activated McKee Peak in the summits on the air program and as he was looking for an easier hike to start off the season, McKee was a good choice for the day. I hiked it last year with Carolyn so I knew where to park and the basic route up the trail which made for a quick start and no unwanted detours.

We left my home at 8:30 and made for the normal next stop – coffee. That is normally followed by a fill-up for the truck but today we were on pavement the whole way to the trail-head so we used Carolyn’s EV. It felt good zipping by the gas station running on pure electrons! Soon we were pulling into the parking area and getting our gear loaded and ready for the hike. It is only 3km each way so not an overly tiring hike but it still takes some effort. The initial trail has a few steeper sections but it soon slows the elevation gain for a bit as one reaches the level of the highest houses. There is only one spot where the trail nears a property and the house can be seen, everywhere else is quite secluded.