First bag - gardner

My first bag of the year actually took two goes. The first time we followed the 103 hike book (ok attempted) and found ourselves at the tower below the top with not quite enough time to make it to the peak. Sad start given the fact this one is rated one of the easiest... But nevertheless we chalked the initial trip up to an exploration hike and a chance to put on our hiking boots (ok old trail runners). From our experience, I would ignore Matt hill trail and follow mount Gardner trail north and then continue left at the handloggers fork. On the first outing we stopped for a prebag lunch at the snug cafe, which was fabulous. The second round, we had planned to go to the Italian place, since one of my bagging companions raved about it. It was closed due to the holiday, so we went to mitza's. Fantastic. Who knew Bowen island was a culinary dream? Mitza's actually sells a burger made with two huge patties smothered in cheese with 2 sourdough grilled cheese sandwiches in place of bread. The skinny girl across the room ate it. John made it through one layer and not even one fry down. This was a great easy hike and a fun day trip to a beautiful island. I love how you can hike it right from the ferry. Onto more adventure.