The weekend of July 20 – 22nd was our 4T Plus Ski Club hiking weekend.

Friday morning about 7 am , seven of the eighteen of us left Vancouver for a rendezvous at Squamish, to embark on a hike to Elfin Lakes .  After a very leisurely coffee at Starbuck’s we headed off to the trailhead.  Here we eagerly donned boots, raingear, hats, etc.  Poles in hand, we set off to conquer this 22 km. hike.  The first four km. were very pleasant.  We even got down to shirtsleeves for a short while.  Then the heavens opened up.  At the 4 km. mark we stopped at a hut to have our elevenses; which to some was tea and a snack and to others it was lunch.  Back on the trail, ½ km. later, we came to the snow line.  We all trudged thru this for a short while, encountering fog and mist, before some of the group turned back.

Three of us decided to keep going.  The fog eventually cleared but the snow got deeper.  Rain was coming down in sheets at times but just when we thought of turning back it would quit.  Soon it would start up again but we knew we were so close to the Lakes we thought we really should keep going.  Just when two of us said “That’s it, if it’s not over the next rise we’re turning back” we saw the hut and our final destination.  We triumphantly marched on through the pouring rain which seemed to get stronger with every step.

As we were eating lunch and trying to dry out a little bit, I was trying to decide if I had enough food and water to stay the night.  The thought of a warm bed, wine and burgers gave us the resolve to move on.

Miraculously, as we left the hut to start our return journey, the rain stopped for an hour or so and then was only intermittent.  Our feet were soaked, knees were on fire, but our spirits were high.  At one point we lost the trail.  Every direction looked the same.  A moment of panic set in but logic took hold and we soon found our footsteps from the way in.  The return journey seemed much quicker and we got back to the car after 8 hours on the trail.

We arrived at the cabin at 7:30 to find the rest of the group all there and the appies fully consumed.  We had to settle for wine and the most delicious hamburgers one could have.  All of our jobs were looked after by the non-hikers and we just sat and enjoyed.

We had rented both of our usual cabins at Whistler.  Thankfully the group from Gertraut’s departed early.  We were exhausted and after a glorious hot tub, bed seemed like heaven.

Saturday morning, after a breakfast which featured omelet’s in a bag, eleven of us set out to hike the Cheakamus Lake trail.  This was a hike which allowed most of the group to take part in.  After hiking 7 km. through forested trails, we stopped for lunch at the end of the lake.  The return hike was leisurely, taking time to enjoy the various birds and fungi along the way.

After returning to our respective cabins, hot tubbing and showering, we gathered for drinks and appies and ultimately, dinner.

Après dinner entertainment was a sing song with our very own guitaritist, Jim.  It always amazes me how well we all think we can sing with a few glasses of wine under our belt.

We finally called it a night about 1 am .  Another hike was planned for the morrow.

Sunday morning the enthusiasm from the night before had waned.

After watching the entire British Open on T.V. (starting at 5:30 am ) five of us finally got it in gear and left to hike to Garibaldi Lake .

After six kilometers of switchbacks we stopped at an outcrop of rocks to enjoy the view and have lunch.  Due to starting so late, three of the group had to turn back to get to Vancouver for other commitments.  Two of us decided to continue on to Garibaldi Lake .

Rubble Creak was bulging at the seams and in places it overflowed to create a ribbon of streams down the mountain.  The sound of the rushing water pulsed through our ears.  We could feel the power and the force of the water in our veins.

We returned to the cabin, again late, to find dinner prepared and waiting for us.

The rest of the group had partaken in many of the ventures Whistler has to offer; taking the Gondola up to the Roundhouse and hiking from there, biking or leisurely walks through the valley trails or the many subdivisions.  Some of the group was happy just hanging out and enjoying the ambience of Whistler.

Monday, we all had great intentions to bike but we awoke to a misty, wet day and our enthusiasm waned.  After meeting for coffee in the village, we said our good-byes and went our separate ways to meet again at the next event.

 

Shirley Buckler

July, 2007

See the background collage