Since Catalina returned, she determined that we should take advantage of the area we are in and do more hiking. This is a good idea. Last week we determined to implement this plan.
We first had to decide where to go. The last hike we did was a three hour drive away to Joffre Lakes, but we wanted something closer this time.
There are two mountains near Vancouver that are collectively known as “The Lions”. You can see them from many parts of Vancouver, although it is harder from downtown. Unless you live in a tall high-rise. They are the origin of the name for the Lions Gate bridge. (Which, in turn, is the origin of the Lionsgate film studios.)
The initial plan was to try to hike up to one of those peaks. A website claimed it would take eight hours. As we got closer to the departure though, we got the feeling that was too ambitious. There was another trail that started in the same place, Tunnel Bluff. That one was a more achievable four hours.
We went to the small town of Lion’s Bay, where the trail started. I was a little nervous about this place; a lot of the reviews for the trail complained that their car got towed. However, I went to the website of the town and got a detailed description of where it was safe to park. It did mean we had to walk a kilometre to the trailhead, but it also meant we didn’t have to pay for parking.
Note: Lion’s Bay is set into the side of a mountain. When we were driving through, Catalina stated, unequivocally, that it was “F***king gorgeous!” We even went so far to look at property prices when we got home.
The trail started with a series of switchbacks, so it was slow to start. But after an hour, the rest of the trail was surprisingly flat. There were two creeks that had, what might laughably be called, bridges. They were more a log or two across with a rope to help you balance.
The end of the trail was well worth it. You come out of the trees on to a large rock that overlooks the bay. All the climbing you did earlier has paid off and you can see everything. The many islands are all there in the distance and you can see all the boats crossing the sound. The vista is incredible.
And if you looked up the mountain, you could see that the peaks of The Lions were completely shrouded in clouds. We made the right choice of trail.
A nice lunch was had as we enjoyed the view. Took lots of pictures.
The trip back was relaxing. And the car was right where we left it.