sunday morning started at 6am and there was no time to hit the snooze button. today i had planned to hike the lions, an 8 hour hike to the summit of one of the most notable peaks on the vancouver skyline. my group was a combination of experienced mountaineers, firefighters, friends, and fellow adventurists. i had completed this same hike several years ago and i felt a mixture of excitement, awe, and nerves at the opportunity to summit this incredible mountain again.
my family is known in our circle for being somewhat adventurous and hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, or trail running may be a part of any given day. this mountain however, holds a special significance for me and my family. growing up, my brother and i were in awe of a specific photograph depicting my grandfather holding onto a tree at the peak of the western lion. he had a air of complete confidence and strength. this single photo eventually sparked a series of photographs of each of his sons holding on to the same tree, and striking the same pose, and the tree became affectionately titled 'our family tree'. the day i had my photo added to this collection was monumental. for our family, this hike is a rite of passage.
we started on the trail at 8:30am and progressed from the residential lions bay community into the forest at a moderate pace. everyone was excited and the energy of our group was intense. we hiked through beautiful douglas fir and western red cedar forests, past waterfalls and over harvey creek, stopping for water and to admire the views of howe sound that were beginning to poke through the trees. about 2.5 hours in, we broke through the tree line and confronted the steep trek towards the ridge. this section was still covered in winter's snow and challenged us to find an appropriate route and steady footing. by this time the view of the western peak loomed above us, inspiring me to push on and reminding me of what was to come. we stopped at the ledge where peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, an apple and more water made for a much needed lunch break. our group happily took 20 minutes to recharge and contemplate the route to the summit.
traditionally, the ledge marks the end of the hike, but with our experienced guide (my father), we had the opportunity to continue to the absolute summit of the western lion. this involves navigating a 15 foot drop (also known as 'the gap'), a very precarious ledge, and a scramble up the side of the mountain. i feel the absolute need to caution anyone even thinking about attempting this route. the only way i was able to complete this section was with the incredible guidance, support and skill of my father and the rest of our team. if your team is the least bit inexperienced, i can not recommend this option.
needless to say reaching the summit was unbelievable. it was invigorating, terrifying, and breathtaking. the views of howe sound, greater vancouver, and the seemingly endless ranges to the north of the lions were indescribable. even though i had completed this hike before, the experience left me in awe of the incredible landscape we are so fortunate to live in. my admiration for the land and space around me was strengthened and my relationship with myself was changed as well. i feel stronger and somehow more prepared to tackle my life. one reason i participate in outdoor recreation is because of the life lessons and metaphors i come across. climbing this mountain is clearly metaphorical for going through life. at times i feel terrified but when i can look back and recognize the incredible challenges i have been through, i become inspired. this hike reminded me that i am exactly where i am supposed to be in my life because life is simply the ultimate journey.
i want to send a sincere thank you to my team on this hike. your support was vital. i also want to send out my prayers and best wishes to the young women who was rescued from a fall off the western lion sunday afternoon. i hope your recovery is quick and as painless as possible. also notable are the men and women who put their own lives at risk to participate in the search and rescue team. you are admirable individuals.
Hike: The Lions Trail
Region: Howe Sound
Time: 8 hours
Distance: 16km
Elevation Gain: 1280 meters
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