Trip Reports

It was a few days before the last day of my summer job, and I was eager to finish the summer off strong before heading back to school.  The forecast for Monday, August 27 was clear and cool.  This was a rare day in a summer that saw prolonged heat waves, and long stretches of wildfire smoke polluting the air and blocking views.  More smoke was forecasted to blow in the next day, and the heat would be returning, so the window was short.  This was potentially a perfect day to tackle one of the most strenuous hikes on the North Shore.

Vancouver is often considered one of the most liveable cities in the world, and there is no question that its magnificent mountainous backdrop plays a part in this.  Nowhere else in the world is a populous urban centre bounded by such a rugged, pristine, unforgiving landscape.  I am fortunate to have grown up in this area, and continue to embrace living so close to the spectacular natural wonders in this area.  The extensive North Shore Mountains behind Vancouver. For quite some time I have been interested in seeing what can be accomplished in a full day of biking and hiking on the roads and ridges of the North Shore.  A few years ago, I did a 'Triple Crown' ride on my cyclocross bike where I rode from the ocean to the highest ridable point of each of the 3 North Shore ski areas in one long day.  However, I knew much more was possible - especially if cycling and hiking were combined.  I devised a route where I would ride my road bike to the highest pa...