Why is South Needle called the South Needle?

Today I learned why the Needles are called the Needles but I'll come back to that later. Let's start at the beginning, I woke up around six and got my stuff together and headed out to have the breakfast of champions, McDonalds. After breakfast it was over to Mountain Hwy. I made my way along the 1km stretch of the Baden Powell to Lynn Headwaters, half way to the headwaters entrance I had a call from nature and it was an emergency. I really didn't feel like squatting this early in the day so I hustled by ass to the headwaters and got to use one of the luxury outhouses. Hey anytime you don't have to go in the forest is a luxury. :)

Shortly after Sean and Nanik were at the first overflow lot getting ready for the day ahead. We had an ambitious plan, of both Lynn peaks and all three Needles. The day started off great with a gentle run/hike up towards south Lynn and shortly after hitting up Lynn summit. I'm becoming somewhat of a re-bagging expert, I bagged these two peaks just over a week ago. Too bad multiple bags don't count in the Bagger Challenge. 

View from South Lynn

Lynn Peak

After this point it when things became interesting, to say there was a lot of descending and ascending is a bit of an understatement. As we were going down the north side of Lynn peak the drop was steep and fast, with a lot of runnable sections. I even slipped and landed on my butt while navigating over a large mossy log, Nanik got a good laugh out of that. As we continued on a short while later I tripped over a tree root and landed face first in the dirt, luckily the ground was soft and I was able to bounce back like nothing happened.

After going up and down for a short period of time, we reached the bottom of the valley and looked the hill was an almost vertical climb up (okay I might be exaggerating just a little but it was steep). We took our time with the climb and got to a marking on a tree that said middle point. We were a little confused since we thought that might of been the Middle Needle but weren't sure, felt like it was too quick from Lynn plus what happened to South Needle? Later we realized that it must of been the half way point to South Needle. We pressed on and in the clearing we saw what we had to climb, it was a beast of the mountain that looked like it was another vertical climb. But of course it's never that easy first we had to go down into another valley. 

Nanik looking down towards the trail at the middle point

The climb up was amazing through the forest, nice a cool and we didn't have to worry about the heat until the peak. As we approached the peak, we were blessed with some amazing views of the city, Seymour area, Haynes Valley and the Grouse area. If we had some binoculars we might of even seen some fellow baggers in the Grouse area. As we reached the top we ran into a couple that got there via Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve. After refueling at the top, we starting looking for a way towards the Middle Needle. There was the option of just going straight off the cliff and tumble down but we decided that might not be the best option. Sean was able to get cell service and was looking online for how to continue onwards. Since there wasn't a lot of information about it we had put our tails between our legs and turn around.

View of Grouse Mountain area

South East view from a lookout just before the peak

South View looking towards Lynn Peak and the city

Me just smiling

Seymour area with Mt. Baker in the background

 

Middle Needle

Since our plans when sideways, Sean and I decided we should just go on an adventure and we decided to go towards Seymour River. Nanik was very excited about the fact she was going to be able to play in the water. The downhill was steep going down. There was another event of me landing on my butt, at least no injuries and just laughs. As we approached the river there were some really nice runnable section that we were able to make up some time. Headed over to Fisherman's trail and finally to the river.

We ran/walked most of the way back to Sean's car along Fisherman's trail and then up towards the gazebo at the entrance of LSCR.  The run back to Sean's car was tiring, I realized I didn't keep the calories coming in and was stating to bonk. I was okay until I had my trek back to my car. The climb up towards Mountain Hwy took a toll on me and I had to slow down significantly. I even sat down for a minute to give my tired legs a rest. Once I made it to Mountain Hwy, I stopped off at the water tap and had some cold refreshing water. That really hit the spot, and slowly jogged to the car. It was another epic day but with the lack of energy all I wanted to do was take a nap.

So why is the Needles called the Needles? Simple answer, it's like going up a needle with steep slops and a pointed top. Doing some research, on how to summit the North & Middle Needle, it seems the Middle Needle has the best view. Now that will be an adventure for another day.

The elevation profile does not do the climb justice

Early morning cooking, bagging peaks & walking on the edge

On Sunday morning, as the most of the city was asleep I decided to wake up and do some cooking before going out for my hike. I love early morning, so I set my alarm for 3:30AM, but as usual the voices inside my head were telling me too early, too dark to be up this early, so I slept in till 4 before starting my day, there was some light towards the east. First on the agenda was to prep food for the week so I have tasty meals and a hardy breakfast. This morning's menu: spicy chicken & veggie stir-fry in peanut sauce and some BBQ chicken for sandwiches.

Breakfast of Champions, Spicy Chicken & Veggies in Peanut Sauce

The base to my amazing chicken, bacon, spinach & cheese sandwiches for the day's hike

Once breakfast was cooked up, I packaged up meals for the early part of the week and started getting ready for the long day ahead. I went through the checklist to make sure I wasn't missing anything: 2L water bladder, 2 x 500mL water bottles with electrolyte tablets (lemon-lime for the day), first-aid kit, wet wipes (just in case nature calls), gloves, headlamp (you never know), compass, trekking poles, camera, dates, Ritz peanut butter sandwiches, Toblerone & BBQ chicken, bacon, cheese and spinach sandwiches (yummy). Oh can't forget the cooler with some watermelon & cold water for afterwards.

Loaded up the car and made my way out for the day. I was meeting Sean, Kyndra & Nani at Cypress to do the Howe Sound Crest Trail all the way to the Lions to bag some peaks. We all arrived within minutes of each other and started our way along the Howe Sound Crest Trail.

The beginning of the first climb

The Lions, our turnaround point

The first peak to bag was St. Mark's Summit, about 5.5km from our starting point, with some elevation change, about 460m. The hike up was amazing with quite a few views of Howe Sound and the Lions. Once we were at the summit it was beautiful and we even got to hang out with a raven. Kyndra has a special relationship with ravens.

Me with the view in the background

View of Howe Sound from St. Marks

Nani watching a raven at the top

Sean & Nani just resting

Lucky raven getting part of Kyndra's burrito

From St. Mark's the trail headed over to Mount Unnecessary, I always wanted to climb this peak mostly because of the name. Along the way to Unnecessary we encountered another peak and named it Mezcal Mountain. Once we reached the south summit of Unnecessary there was a slight gully before reaching the north summit. Sean pointed out a couple of small glacier lakes for us to take a dip in for the return leg. Kyndra and Nani were thrilled about the idea of a swim. By now the Lions were looking so close yet so far.

Wondering if it's possible to dive to the ocean

South summit Mount Unnecessary

Nani's chilling out in the snow

Looking south at Indian Arm & Greater Vancouver, from Mount Unnecessary

All smiles, we knew where we were heading

Nani's proof, she was so excited she knocked over the sign

I have made it to the base of West Lions a couple times now (via Lions Bay) and always through you needed rock climbing gear to reach the summit. I was informed by Sean that it is possible to reach the summit without any special gear but you do need to be very careful. So poor Nani would not get to bag the Lions peak. We found a nice shady spot for Sean and Nani to relax while Kyndra and I go bag the peak. We reached the base and a small gully was in our way to get to the top. Kyndra looked down to assess the situation, she said we could probably get down but not sure if we can get back up. Since she felt like it was not doable, I had to agree with her. So we turnaround and headed back to Sean and Nani. 

We almost reached them as we see Sean coming up towards us, saying he's going to summit the peak. He's done the peak before so I followed him up and left the ladies to nap in the shade. We arrived at the gully that Kyndra and I turnaround at and I let Sean lead the way. This little climb down was a good indicator of what was to come. (NOTE: if you think the chimney at Black Tusk is scary, you should not attempt this) After making it down to the small gully we crossed over to the base of the peak and started heading up. I'd recommend having some basic rock climbing skills from this point on or a Sean with you. I followed Sean's path very carefully and slowly. There were sections of “wide” and narrow ledges along the way that we needed to traverse. (I'm using wide very loosely here) We got to what I now call the rope section.

The rope section is just a short 3 to 4 foot section, where there is a loosely hanging rope that goes from one side to another. The rope did not look like it would of been an easy option to go from one side to another. Sean was able to go across with ease so I followed. Finding footings was a challenge and when you look down the drop was so long that you would need to stop screaming while falling and take a deep breath and continue screaming. I have to admit going from left to right was easier but more on that later. Once we were over to the other side there was some much needed shade with a vertical climb up that was a nice change from the death drop. From this point on it was relativity “easy” climb up to the top. There we took in the view before heading back down. Everything was going smoothly until we were at the rope section again. Now going across the other way I had a weird hold and couldn't get my foot around a rock that was sticking out. I had to go back to safety and try again. Sean guided me the whole way across this section without any other issues. We slowly made our way back to the gully, the last climb up to safe ground proved to be challenging for me just to get a good hold on the rocks. Once on safe ground we high-fived each other and ran over to see a sleeping Kyndra and Nani. We all hung out in the shade and refueled for the trek back to Cypress.

Almost at the peak of West Lions, don't look down

Quick picture up the peak

Looking south at Indian Arm & Greater Vancouver, from West Lions

Looking at East Lions and beyond

Looking west at Howe Sound

 By now it was late afternoon and we started bushwhacking through the alpine shrubbery towards the glacier lake. Our first attempt we realized we were no where near the lake and headed towards the north summit of Unnecessary were we back on the trail. Along the way to the south summit we turned off again to finally find our swimming spot. Nani was the first to take advantage of the cool water. Shortly after Kyndra and Sean were in the water going from one end to the other. I slowly waded in up to my shoulders and enjoyed the coldness of the water. I have discovered that not swimming since I was a kid has made going into water a bit of a challenge. After our short dip, we packed up and headed up towards the boulder field that would lead us to the trail. As we climbed up the boulders a helicopter passed directly above us, I think they were checking us out. There were a lot of air traffic all day for some reason. 

As we reached the top of the boulder field we heard a bear bell, guy by himself was heading back to Cypress as well. We wished him a good day and started over the south summit of Unnecessary, shortly after we were already at Mezcal Mountain and heading down the long decent. The downhill seemed endless on our tired legs. Even Nani who was leading the pack at the beginning of the day was now mid to back of the pack. Once we reached the bottom we started our climb up towards St Mark's again. The climb seemed to go relatively quick and as Sean pointed out I was not allowed to complain since my race was in a month (that's a scary thought). 

St Mark's Summit was beautiful in the evening with about an hour and a half to go before we reach the parking lot at Cypress we picked up the pace where we could and even got in a rest break for Nani who was really struggling. During our break a couple of runners passed us, hammering down the hill. Shortly after we got up and started back down. Eventually seeing the runners that passed us earlier. Sean let us know his intent to catch up to the runners. Kyndra and Nani didn't want any part of that. So as Sean took off running I followed. We ran every downhill and flat section, while power hiking the up hill. About 1.5k from the parking lot we caught up to the runners as they turned off towards a lookout. We waited for Kyndra and Nani there for the walk back to the cars. After eleven and a half hours of being on the trails, with scorching hot rocks, cool alpine breezes, little patches of snow to help top off our water and the beautiful views all around we got to the cars and enjoyed some cold watermelon and Buddy Fruits. Thanks Kyndra to introducing me to those delicious treats.

A Hot Day Collecting Peaks

Sometimes plans don't turn out like you want, like today I planned on leaving the house by 5AM but what happened: I slept through my alarm, didn't get the North Shore Mountains until 8:30 and ran out of water. Overall it was still an amazing day.

So with the late start I decided to head back to Crown Mountain to see the views on a nice day, the Grind was busy (as always) so I decided to take Flint & Feather up. I love this hike, there are very few people ever on it, mostly locals and it is a bit hard to find so it always feels special. 

I thought I was ready for the steep incline and shouldn't be a problem. Boy was I wrong, it took me almost hour and a half to get to the chalet. Unlike the Grind, there's a beautiful view on the way up. 

View from the bluffs on Flint & Feather

After getting to the top, I headed over straight to Crown Mountain. By now I lost track of time, mostly hiking the trail rather then running. Since it is such a technical and steep trail in sections it made sense (in my head) to take it easy. 

Crown, my new favorite spot

Even though I was taking it easy I heard some voices coming behind me near Crown Pass, at the same time I could see a couple guys a head of me just starting the climb up to Crown. Now I'm not really competitive but come on I had to beat the two groups to the top, if I didn't what kind of ultra runner would I be. Of course get to the top I did with plenty of time to spare. I didn't even see the other groups again until I was already heading back down.

View of the valley

Me sitting on the very peak of Crown

The view of the city

View of Grouse

Mt Baker

The Lions, I'll see you on Sunday

After Crown I headed over to Goat to finally bag that mountain. By this time I was getting fatigued with all the elevation change. The climb up to Goat seemed to take forever but I'm sure it didn't take as long as I think. I even ran into someone who said he's seen me around the mountains hiking. I guess being one of the only brown guy going into the forest it's bound to happen. :) I wished the his group a great day and trekked to the top. Lucky there some snow at the top, I felt my water bladder was getting low, I was almost out of water in one bottle and out of water in my other water bottle, so I filled my empty bottle with snow. The view was amazing but since I was a little tired I became a little disoriented and lost my way back for about 5 minutes before finding the trail down. 

View of Crown from Goat

Looking north from Goat

Looking at Grouse with me in the picture :)

After Goat it was a steady pace to see Little Goat and Dam, these were easily done without many issues. Once I got into the Grouse resort area, I ran over to the chalet and bought a Powerade and Coke. With the priced Grouse charges it would be nice if the drinks were cold :( I had a seat in the "chair of death" for about 30 minutes while I ate and drank to my heart's content. It was needed, also gave me a chance to check my water in the bladder. Almost out, I made the decision to call it a day there since there isn't a water tap up at Grouse (if anyone knows of one please let me know, Grouse removed the one at the top of the Grind). The hike down the BCMC was slow but I had a smile on my face because I know how to do it right :) just like the smiley face near the bottom. I actually ran out of water just before the smiley face but knowing there was cold water in a cooler at the car I ran rest of the way.

The smiley face near the bottom of BCMC