I live for the outdoors – water, snow, dirt, ice, you name it – and I would like nothing more then to share these places and experiences with you. Check out my latest trips and adventures…
1st Peak and a Cold Swim
Distance: 6.5 km
Duration: 2 hours 40 minutes
Region: Mount Seymour, North Shore
Company: Marlowe, Bryan, Colin, Paul
Ah, it’s always great being up Seymour. Winter / Spring / Summer / Fall, no matter what the season I love it up there!
Just got back from the first respectable hike of the season – a quick jont up to First Peak followed by a very cold swim by the bravest member of our group in Mystery Lake.
After a much delayed start – had to go pick up another wine making kit seeing as we have nearly polished off the 23 litres from the last one… well that and a BC Parks parking pass for the year – we rolled into the main parking lot of Seymour just before four in the afternoon. It took some convincing but we ended up following the main trail from the bottom rather than the ski runs. The ski runs are definitely the faster way to get up into the alpine but the trail offers a more natural feel.
An After Work Excursion
Well, I planned on doing quite a bit of stuff after work – repairing my bike, doing the taxes, finishing up work on a clients site – that was until I caught sight of the North Shore mountains whilst driving home. Seymour was just sitting there, plastered with snow, so inviting. Decision made.
Got home – ran in – got changed – geared up and I was off.
Helmlock Valley K1 Slalom
Distance: Don't know!
Duration: I left in the dark and got home in the dark!
Region: Fraser Valley, Hemlock Valley
Company: Mount Seymour Ski Club K1's
Up at 5:40 – on the road by 6:00. Off to Hemlock Valley!
The roads and highways were nearly empty and except for a mix up of exits off of route one the drive was uneventful. Well except for the final stage of the drive up to the ski area its self.
The Hemlock Valley road is not for those who are afraid of heights – it’s narrow and twisty with a bit of exposure thrown into the for good measure. I personally find it to be a tonne of fun and I had the pleasure of throwing my car around a few of the corners.
Early Turns on Cypress
After a weekend of very early season turns on Seymour we decided to check out one of the other local hill, Cypress Mountain – venue for a number of 2010 Olympic events including skier cross and aerials.
We were a little nervous as we drove up the access road to the base area. At an elevation where there was a considerable amount of snow on Seymour there was little to none on the side of the road or in the forest. Our concerns were put to rest as we pulled into the car park were their was a healthy 30 cm on the ground.
Upper Perimeter Trail
I decided that it was time to hit up Seymour before the rain and eventually snow come and put an end to the middle elevation hiking season.
The weather was overcast and a bit cool when I rolled into the main car park around 11 AM – perfect hiking weather! My goal for the day was DePencier Peak via Goldie Lake.
Kyia and I descended to Goldie Lake within 15 minuets. Not record time but not bad when you include photo stops. From the lake I had originally intended to bushwhack up the drainage that runs out from the base of the Brockton area but I decided to head off to the north-east.