Hollyburn Mountain
July 6, 1975
Hollyburn Mountain is part of the north shore mountains overlooking the city of Vancouver. This mountain was my first introduction into hiking in the great outdoors. I had borrowed Dad’s canvass daypack and had bought a pair of new work boots for this outing.
Initially myself and friend Bally had decided to try out hiking in the mountains but since neither one of us had previous outdoor experience, we invited Blair to join us.
We loaded into Bally’s small volkswagon and drove along the Upper Levels Highway where we unfortunately experienced a flat tire. This seemed like a bad omen for what lay ahead. We left the vehicle at roadside and started walking up Eyremount Drive. It seemed like a long walk on pavement before we finally reached the start of the trail. The path was easy to follow but I found the surface very rocky and it took some time getting accustomed to walking on irregular ground. We followed the trail up through trees and bush which provided welcome relief from the hot sun. I maintained a moderate pace while Bally hiked slower. Blair was in better physical shape as he outwalked us. Every so often he would wait for both of us to catch up. I was beginning to think it was a mistake bringing him along because he complained about our slowness.
The forest eventually gave way to subalpine the higher we climbed. We passed by small lakes and encountered lots of snow further up. The snow was slippery and robbed me of precious energy. I eventually became very exhausted and took frequent rest stops by lying in the cool snow. I had not prepared myself physically for any demanding exercise and little did I know that Blair would pick such an ‘easy’ hike according to him.
I almost gave up in my attempt to reach the summit. Once I laid down in the snow, I didn’t have the desire to get up and start moving. I was physically and mentally drained. Blair was already on top and Bally who had maintained a slow and steady pace passed me.
When I finally staggered the final steps to the top of Hollyburn, I saw a small crowd of other hikers resting on the rocky knoll. I saw the city of Vancouver under a blanket of haze and smog. Mt. Strachan and the Lions were in magnificent form. My exhaustion and dehydrated state prevented me from enjoying the views as much as I could have.
The stay on top was short. Hiking down was mush easier and I had no problems in out pacing even Blair at times. Sliding down in the soft snow was my kind of hiking.
Back home, I reflected on my first day hike. The ‘easy’ hike had turned into an 8 hour ordeal. I ended up being sore and tired for 5 days; my muscles ached all over. I told myself, if this is what hiking is all about, I did not want any part of it. But when the soreness disappeared and I fully recovered, I could not wait to head outdoors again.
Since this very first hike, I’ve never stopped.
barnsis
Well written, not for me with two artificial knees but would love to be able to hike and see the things you never see unless you get off of the main paths in life.
solo75 replied
Sorry about your artificial knees….but I can do the hiking for you :))
Enivea
It may have been a tough outing but sure made for a memorable one! Great story :-)