If someone ever tells you that the hike up to Golden Ears is a walk in the park….tell them they are full of it!

The hike up to Golden Ears is a long and gruelling one. I mean I have the benefit of going hiking with friends that keep the atmosphere light, but there is no mistaking that this one is not for the faint of heart. Like all BC parks, Golden Ears is very beautiful and full of different features; Giant sword ferns and moss covered trees make for a jungle like setting; mammoth old growth cedar stumps dotting the landscape; breathtaking valley view points make for adequate break areas to grab a bite; flowing creeks to provide a thirsty hiker with rejuvenating cold mountain water (don’t forget to filter!), and tangled root and rock ladders that propel you upward to the next plateau make for an interesting and eventful scramble.

The hike to Alder flats from the trailhead was long but gradual in terms of elevation gain. We enjoyed the uneventful start, because as the trail started to climb, it didn’t stop until we reached not one but two major plateaus. The pack factor really weighed in (no pun intended) once the trail veered away from the creek ascending dramatically from Alder Flats. We reached the top of the ridge leading to the famed panorama view point. At that point, not one but both my thigh muscles cramped up, hindering my approach to panorama ridge…..a well hydrated body is a happy one!

Once atop of panorama ridge, my friends and I let down our packs, set up camp and rested our weary bones. Just the thought summating the north ear the next day made my cramped muscles creek, but I was at ease with the thought of hiking it without the 70 litre Bora on my back. It is amazing what some water, trail mix and a nice big plate of fresh pasta alla pomedore (with chalots and garlic) will do to a bunch of tired and weary hikers. Thanks to Bruce for bringing all the dinner time ingredients and lets not forget the after dinner time treat, hot scotch mochas to keep the belly warm before bedtime…..what a tough life hey.

Chris and Bruce decided to sleep without the fly on their tent, and low and behold it was the driest morning I’ve encountered sleeping at 1500m. The temperatures we experienced that evening were record highs for early October. Warm breezes kept flowing through over top the ridge all night as we laughed the night away. Mars was a bright red dot, much more noticeable than the other gazillion stars in the sky. I made a wish on a long shooting star dashing across, dissipating into the black.

The next morning we woke for the sunrise, only to fall back asleep outside in the nice warm rising sun. After some breakfast and a good cup of jo, we started to pack up our tents and wait for Stefano who was crazy enough to do the 10 km, 1000 m climb that morning, in order to make the final approach to the top with us. Sure as shit he popped up at 5 to ten, eager to get our buts in gear. Impressed by Stefano’s accomplishments, we all geared up and made the hike down from panorama ridge and up into the wide bare rock face of the north ear of the Golden Ears summit. This portion of the climb was much more technical and interesting because you had to use your hands quite frequently. We made our way around the snowfield, which was much larger than it appeared from the ridge, and up the west side of the North ear. There were plenty of interesting roots leading to the summit, and we individually explored a lot of them. Once on top, life became simple. Although we shared our moment at the summit with half a dozen other hikers, there was plenty to satisfy the individual senses in 360 degrees, and an air show to boot. Someone flying their Sesna was doing loop de loops and other cool plane tricks, making everyone stand and watch. A bit of a show off if you ask me.

The harsh reality of hiking all the way out became apparent once we decided to leave the amazing 360? view of the lower mainland, Puget sound, Vancouver island, mount Baker, Alouette lake and the abundant unknown jagged peaks to the north. Down, down, down we went, descending at a rapid pace, trying to make the trailhead before dark. We definitely took out sweet time on top of the summit and now we were paying for it, as we had to pick up our gear and pick up the pace. Down, down, down we went to where we thought we were close to the parking lot….then on and on we hiked down the creek bed, switch backs, and low lying flats. The trail seemed like forever, or maybe it was my feet doing the complaining? We finally made it back to the vehicle, put on our sandals, made it out to Alouette Lake for a quick dip (which I slept through), and went to the local pub for some pale ale and prime rib….mmmmm….prime rib.

Doh!!! Lost items: cell phone, red knife, whistle and small pliers. Please contact the Webmaster if you find any of these items on Panorama ridge.

Kudos to Stefano for his efforts in completing the full pull!! On to the next one!!

Rosco

Pictures:
Rosco and Chris

Posse: Rosco, Chris, Stefano & Bruce