Stats: 10.15 km / 546m gain / 1222m high / 3:20 hrs. MT
This was a relaxing moderate hike, taking us through meadows with numerous picturesque tarns and then to a viewpoint at the corner of Vancouver overlooking Lighthouse Park, Horseshoe Bay & Point Grey. From there we continued on to the south and north summits of Black Mt.
We stayed left at the fork in the Cypress Bowl Rd. and parked at the second parking lot, by the restrooms. Then we walked north past the lodge + chairlift and turned left to begin a half an hour of climbing on a broad gravel path.
This Black Mt. trail took as alongside the ski slopes that held a few lingering patches of snow.
When we got to the junction we turned left onto the Cabin Lake trail (this trail forms a loop).
We did not have to walk on any snow.
At the next junction we turned left again, onto the Baden Powell trail. This is a trail we took back to the first junction. It also starts down at Horseshoe Bay which makes for a much longer ascent.
Narrow boardwalks bordered most of the tarns.
It was muddy and rooty in the forest.
When we arrived at Eagleridge Bluff we had no view. But within minutes the fog began to disperse.
Vancouver Island and a ferry.
Eagle Lake to the left.
We had to watch our food. The one raven managed to stuff 3 of my bread crusts in his mouth! There were many squirrels skittering about. This little guy went right into my bag to collect the nuts.
Horseshoe Bay & Bowen Island -- southwest.
Partial view northwest of Bowen & Gambier Islands.
These two pictures above were taken a few years ago. Just to show you what it would've looked like without cloud. Stanley Park to the upper left and Lighthouse Park below.
Group shot of 16; Jackie, Anne, Liz, Terry, me, Irene, Simon, Anita, Glenn, Leora, Case, Michelle, Astrid (who we met in the parking lot and used to be a regular hiker in our club), Val, Ling + Dave.
Heading back and warning people we passed, of the size of our group.
We stayed left at the junction, turning onto the Cabin Lake trail.
View west from the south summit of Black Mt which was just a hop & a skip off of the Cabin Lake trail.
We agreed to wait at Cabin Lake. But we knew it'd be a bit before the last hikers were there so five of us went on to the north summit of Black Mt. which was only about a 20 minute ascent.
View north on Howe Sound.
Mt. Strachan. To the left (northeast) the twin towers of the Lions remained hidden in the clouds.
Another photo from a few years ago to show you what the Lions would've looked like. I think this north summit has prettier more expansive views.
No one was in any hurry this day. Conversations kept a steady flow and sitting on these warm smooth rocks nearing the end of our hike required a bit more prompting to get going again and try beat the rush hour.
Back on the Black Mt. trail beside the ski slopes. Almost there...
Anne got to ride on Glenn's bike on the way home. Maybe I get a turn next time?
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