Hike to Saint Marks Summit
I haven't been hiking much this year, such is the life with young twins. I look forward to the day they can join me, but for now the tougher hikes have to be without them. Since it's now fall, I figured this weekend was one of my last chances to get up into the mountains. I decided to try Saint Marks Summit, which is close to Vancouver and only 11km so something I could finish before lunch. I roped my friend Andrew into joining me, and he brought along his great awesome dog Genny. [See previous hikes in Lynn Valley, the Chief, and the Lions.]
The overall route is 11km round trip, and it took us almost exactly two hours to get to the summit. In total, it was a four hour hike with close to 30 minutes at the summit. On a clear day, you may want to spend more time at the top, but as you will see from the photos today was not such a day. Feel free to browse these sites for details on the hike: Trail Peak, Vancouver Trails, Live Trails. The route to Saint Marks is just part of a longer trail called the Howe Sound Crest trail which will take you past the Lions and eventually Porteau Cove.
My map of the route, it is very well marked, look for the signs and the orange trail markers.
You start off in the Cypress Mountain parking lot, head to the far north of the lot and up towards the chair lifts. You will stay to the left and look for a route marker saying "Howe Sound Crest Trail".
For the first half, the trail gains elevation but it's well maintained (and they continue to upgrade this trail).
Eventually though, the upgrades end and the trail becomes more natural.
Can you spot Genny?
After two hours, you reach the summit. From other photos I have seen the view is stunning. For us, we were socked in with heavy cloud cover.
A panorama, iPhone vs Nikon
Not the easiest descent. On the way down we passed a yahoo wearing flip flops! I really couldn't believe he made it as far as he did, and I'm sure his footwear will get destroyed and he will have to complete his journey barefoot. These are the types of people North Shore Search and Rescue have to go pull down off the mountain.
Probably my favorite photo from the trip.
Then the weather started to fog my lens, so I packed it in from that point.
Saint Patrick's Day in Vancouver
I was coming back from taking some sunset photos in Lions Bay. On my way home, I saw that BC Place Stadium was lit up green for Saint Patrick's Day. It was a clear night, so I had to stop to get a few extra shots.
Vancouver False Creek Fog
It was a foggy afternoon and I decided to venture down to Granville Island to see if I could get any interesting shots. I couldn't get inspired, so I just watched a few street performers to pass the time. I thought the evening light would make a difference but again, things just didn't come together as expected. I took a few shots but didn't get anything great. After sunset, I walked around the seawall to Science World and took a few shots in the area. It was one of those nights where I went out to get a specific shot and just couldn't get it. Some people things you can just go out and get a good shot, but in reality I may have to visit the same site 10 times before I get a shot that I'm happy with. Here are a few shots from that night.
Hiking the Binkert Trail To The Lions
The Lions are two very familiar peaks that can be seen from Vancouver. I have hiked most of the mountains in the immediate Vancouver area but the Lions always looked down on me with a smug look. Every time I looked to the North Shore I could see the twin peaks and I knew I had to get up there one day. On August 18th, five of us decided to make the trek and I was the only Lions virgin in the group.
The trail starts in Lions Bay and is a 16km round trip journey. The elevation gain is 1280m (4200') with some very steep sections you will feel in your legs. This is a strenuous hike and of the hikes I have completed may be second only to Black Tusk in terms of effort. I would not bring your dog on this trail, there are sections that would not be easy for your four-legged friend and there are some very steep cliffs. The hike took us about 3.5 hours in each direction, with a one hour break at the top to enjoy the view, eat lunch, and take photos. For more detail on the trail feel free to check out these links (some include updates on conditions): Vancouver Trails, Club Tread, Trail Peak, Live Trails.
Some photos from the hike. First, the motley crew ventures out at the start of the day. The trail is fairly flat and everyone is feeling good.
Things begin to get steeper, everyone is still having a good time and chatting.
One of the only waterfalls along the route. Not much rain in the area lately and the snow pack is almost gone so it's really just a trickle at this point. Harvey Creek is much bigger with pools large enough for a dip. There is a well built bridge over this creek so you will certainly know when you are there.
The trail takes a sharp turn up and chatting turns into cursing.
Coming out of the trees, you are finally rewarded with stunning views of Howe Sound.
The Lions are still looming, a long way to go.
The group taking a breather after a few hours of hard climbing.
Back on the trail, hiking turns into scrambling.
And now with snow :)
Near the top of the rock scramble, views are still great and a good motivator.
After a few more tricky sections, you finally reach the ridge and see a full view of the Lions before you.
It was a bit hazy, but the view from the top was truly spectacular. Hard to beat and makes the 3.5 hour climb completely worth it.
You need to be careful with your footing on the ridge, there are very steep cliffs on both sides. One misstep and you won't be around to tell anyone about it.
Up close and personal with the West Lion.
The West Lion towering over Scott and Jason.
It is possible to climb to the top of the West Lion, but only for those with some experience with this type of activity should even attempt it. It is a high consequence climb with no room for error. If you decide to do it, you need to descend down a small cliff (a rope is provided). People here are waiting to climb down.
Once on the West Lion, find the best route up. You can see how steep it is in the photos below.
The hike is popular in the late summer, especially on a nice day. We didn't see many people on the trail, but there were a few at the top.
Of course, some things didn't have to climb to the top. Cheater :)
I can imagine life at the top is not easy for any plants or animals that choose to live here.
Vancouver feels very far away when you are up here.
On the way down, your knees will take a serious beating. The trail through the forest and the gravel road seem to stretch on forever. At the end of the day though, it's an amazing climb and worth the effort for anyone who wants to make the journey.
The Fifth Annual East Van Show and Shine
My friend Eli and I attended the Fifth Annual East Van Show and Shine held at the Whip Restaurant. It is a fundraiser that features live bands, a barbecue, local vendors, and vintage and classic cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Proceeds support the Canadian Cancer Society. We have attended the event for the last few years and it's always fun. There were a few new cars this year, including a late 60's Charger and a late 60's Camaro which are both near the top of my favorites list.
On our way out of the house, Eli noticed a rainbow around the sun. More info about this in my previous post, but it was very cool and not a common sight.
And shots of the cars.
Very cool old Volvo.
The most popular attraction as not the cars, girls, band, or food. It was a pug in a side car :)
Everyone was stopping to take photos.
There were some cool bikes down there too.
Guard dog on duty.
Mr. Grumpy Pants.
Vancouver Sun Halo
Yesterday, on my way to the East Van Show and Shine, my friend Eli pointed out a circular rainbow around the sun. Not something you see every day, and since we both had our cameras we took some photos. Someone suggested that this phenomenon is called a sun dog or sundog (Wikipedia), but I think it is actually a sun halo. A sun dog is a 'mock sun', or a bright point of light similar to the sun. I this case, it's a complete circular halo around the sun and looks like a rainbow. There are some references to these things here and here.
Update (May 29): After posting on a forum, it turns out this phenomenon is called a sun halo. It is seen when thin cirrus clouds are present high in the atmosphere on a sunny day. Light refracts off ice crystals and creates the effect. More info here: 22° halo at Wikipedia, NASA.