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This is the unofficial report for NSH hike to Elfin Lakes and Columnar Peak on March 6/10. The only reason it is unofficial is because the CD cannot write and I was summoned by Lionel and Chris to tell the story as events unfolded…the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth!
After a 85km drive from Vancouver along the Sea to Sky Highway we drove up to the parking lot on the south side of Garibaldi Park. By 8:30 am we were on the trail for a nice relaxing ascent towards Paul Ridge. Not a cloud in the sky and the snow was crunchy for near perfect snow shoeing. There was 8 hikers lead by our CD Maurice. Vera, J&J, Chris, Michelle H, Lionel and myself. My first hike in a month so I was looking to see if I could find my Mo Joe. Thinking back I was really pleased to see J&J at the parking lot in West Van because they are strong B hikers so I thought they would help keep the pace under control for what was a ‘C’ hike. Not an issue. Everyone seemed really relaxed enjoying the perfect conditions.
All the way towards Paul Ridge everyone was discussing what had just happened in Vancouver in regards to the Olympics. Everyone shared their favorite event. Did you know that Jen was a silver medalist in Scotland as a 15 year old in Figure Skating? It happened sometime in the eighties!
Everyone was enjoying each other’s company so much that it was not long before the entire group felt constipated and broke into separate directions. J&J wanted to go one way, which they did. Maurice and Lionel wanted to go another, which they did. Chris, Michelle, Vera and myself decided to go steeper, which we did. As a side bar have you ever watched Maurice with his GPS? He is always looking at it and going off in some strange direction. Once I was looking over his shoulder to see what he was looking at on the GPS. I did not have the heart to tell him he should press the on button. Sheesh!
Through some miracle we all met at Diamond Head Lodge except for me. I got there first and walked up while three individuals were standing around. I said hello and got nothing back. Hmmmm, this is not where I want to stop and have lunch. So I walked down a ways and perched myself on a view spot so I could size up the rout I wanted to climb to the Gargoyles. I figured Maurice would want to go straight for the saddle but I was seriously eyeing Columnar Peak off to the south. All along Paul’s Ridge I was eye balling the Columnar looking at the avalanche conditions, the potential safest rout and what I thought might be some pretty amazing views.
Once the rest of the group arrived at the lodge only Lionel came down to set with me. I figured it was probably all the garlic I had consumed over the two previous days that discouraged them from joining us. Or maybe it was just that NSH snobbish! Probably the garlic.
We had a great lunch basking in the sun all the while watching for the best route to go further. After an hour I stood and put my pack on and nobody moved except Lionel. In fairness most had recent health issues that set them back so caution was the call of the day. I thought I should go easy but something about The Gargoyles were calling me to pay them a visit. I had to go and Lionel decided to join me.
It was great. For the first time in over a month I felt I had found a missing gear and my Mo Joe. Lionel and I traded off breaking trail moving up the 400m south east side of Columnar in about 60-65 minutes. We stopped several times to take pictures (see below) of what was really stunning views. The steepness and cornases were a distraction but we spoke to each other sizing up the immediate surroundings and trying to pick the safest route. Lionel was great. He kept me in check so I would not do something stupid like fall off the south side which was basically straight down. At the summit I was eyeing the ridge over to the Gargoyles but Lionel made it very clear he was not going. I was stocked, we were stocked, that I was only looking at ‘more’ and Lionel talked me down.
Way off in the distance we spotted the rest of the group heading back along Paul’s Ridge….who is this Paul guy anyways? I was hoping they could see us and in some small way feel the excitement we did at that moment. Awesome climb.
Just before 6 pm Lionel and finally caught up to the rest as they entered the parking lot. We probably only climbed about thousand vertical but we did walk in snow shoes some 28 to 30 km so my ankles and feet were tired. Man, being mortal sucks sometimes!
Thanks Maurice for driving and being the CD.One last question that you might be able to help me with: I love asking kids what they want to be when they grow up…..cause, you know….I am still looking for ideas.
Can anyone help?
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