Crown Mountain - 3rd of August, 2003

Chris and Bruce collect Dan, who is hung over from last night's stag yet all gung-ho about the hike of the day. We jump into "Clint", Dan's ragtop '65 Parisienne Custom Sport. The top is down as we storm over the bridge and up to the Grouse parking lot, which is of course, totally full.

At the Grind trailhead we meet up with Kurt, who is busy putting on his ankle weights for added pleasure. After about 30 seconds of deliberation we decide to take the BCMC trail to the Nest due to the multitudes of people going up the Grind on this sunny Sunday afternoon. After a couple of wrong turns, and much banter and story-telling, we get to the top of the trail, a pleasant alternative to the Grind.

After a pit stop at the cafeteria, and a farewell to Kurt, we start the march away from civilization. Not even 5 minutes past the Grizzly pens, and we come across a very tame deer. Up along the ridge past the summits of Grouse, Dam, Little Goat, and Goat Mountains, great views, beautiful sunshine, just enough shade. Then comes the descent, very steep in places, down to Crown Pass. A great spot with Haynes Valley to the east and Crown Valley and Capilano watershed to the west; a paradise for back-country boarding.

The final push for the top of Crown requires the use of all 4 paws in a lot of places, over boulders, consolidated rock faces, creek gullies, and gnarly stunted trees. One false move at the summit could result in a nasty, painful, spectacular death. So we take care as we straddle the very peak, absorb the amazing world surrounding us, and take a few pictures. It's a little too sketchy to digest our food so we retreat to a ledge a couple of metres down for some lunch, treats and to entertain some fellow adventurers. Especially worthy is Dan, who makes a valiant effort and makes it up with little sleep and much residual alcohol in his veins. It is here in our beloved playground all around us that we plan our next adventure: Lake Lovely Water and the Tantalus! Hmmmmm….sounds like plan.

Then it was back down to Crown Pass and up and down to the chalet again, hang with the grizzly cubs for a bit (one has to stay connected with other of the earth's creatures), then into the gondola for the download. This proved to be one of the more intense sensory experiences of the day! We pack like smelly sardines into the gondola, many of us (yes, we are guilty) emitting a powerful aroma from our bodily pores after hot day's strenuous hiking. Also, at least one other person (not guilty!) contributes a more foul odour from a lower orifice.

With tremendous relief we exit the gondola for the far more refreshing fast ride in "Clint" down Cap Road, over the Lion's Gate, and through the park. The day's finale is a sunset from the penthouse patio over cold malty beverages and pizza. After much confused debate it is determined that we gained a total of 2000m (6550ft) on the day. Another successful summer day concludes.

Till next time!

Crew: Chris, Dan, Bruce, Kurt
Words: Bruce
Pics: Chris