3 from the water, 2 by bus, 1 just bagged.

As many of the best BC trail runners were out of town and very occupied at the inaugural Fat Dog on the weekend and the rest of Vancouver remained oblivious to the infamous Bagger Challenge, now half over after an explosive start with the Howe Sound peaks on April 1, six repeat offenders started out for Lynn Peak and the South Needle with Middle Needle in their sights. There were not-so-hidden agendas and tired legs to be observed along with another very warm day in a streak of too many to count in our Vancouver paradise.

The day began around 8:30 am with Wendy, Neil and Carolyn doing a right proper sea level start up Lynn Creek to meet Dave, Heather and me at the Rice Lake gazebo before continuing on. Dave and Heather arrived by public transportation from their respective municipalities while I made the short drive from home to the top of Lynn Valley Road. Heather stowed some things in my car and we walked over pipeline bridge to find Dave already standing at the gazebo with the three waterbaggers itching to continue.

We ran past Rice Lake and up Lynn Loop toward our first peak. There were lots of other hikers along the way and at the top. We stopped there only long enough for a couple of pictures and for me to get energized with a still cold Red Bull that I knew would come in handy - not sure if those were cheers or jeers I got from my fellow Baggers.

Onward to the true peak of Lynn and forward through the ups and downs of more steep climbing on the well marked trail. It's a good hour or so to get to South Needle from Lynn Peak and we found the route to be very dry and almost entirely free of other hikers but for one young couple with their dog.

Once at the top we were able to admire the surrounding peaks and most of us are getting pretty good at naming them now. Dave and I compared notes with Neil about the west side gullies of Mt. Seymour and how we might get through there and on to Runner Peak. Dave and I were there on Tuesday and were sure we could see our tracks in the snow we left from sliding down a long way before turning back. I was also up there less than 24 hours prior doing the very technical 11.7 km 5Peaks Enduro race. We also talked about Crown and West Crown and beyond, pointing out Harvey, Hat and the highest peak on the horizon, Brunswick. It was a mere three days since Neil and I had Bagged Brunswick, Fat Ass and Hat.

There were energetic thoughts of including Middle Peak in our adventure but nobody was quite sure how to get there and live to recount the tale. Most of us had a shot at finding the trail and Dave took a good stab at what is likely the way to go. But lack of time and an abundance of good sense prevailed this go-round so it shall remain un-Bagged so far this season.

For the return trip, Neil gets extra credit for a short bit of crewing on the first steep flank of South Needle that rolls off to oblivion, thanks Neil. But all Baggers were in hand for the loop descent down through Hydraulic Creek. It was just how I remembered it from last year: lots of logs to cross, steep, crooked, and pretty long with lots of old growth cedar and some tall thick fir trees as well. Carolyn and I brought up the rear as the others eventually waited for us on the Seymour Valley Trailway so we could do the 5+ km stroll back to the gazebo. I could feel the previous week of Bagging and racing taking it's toll on me. After about the first kilometer I had to back off and enjoy a more careful pace. Wendy and Heather set the pace the whole way and Neil caught a breather at the mid point while Dave called his very kind wife to come and pick him up so they could be on time for the theatre (Lion King).

Making it back to the gazebo in under 6 hours gave us two more peaks and a totally enjoyable Sunday together. Well, except for the Francophone lady that attempted to pull the water fountain hose out of my hand so she could spray her friends - what was that about anyway? I was still washing my legs and spraying my friends first, like, c'mon eh.

Only four more things to do to make the day complete: get cleaned up at my place; drink some chocolate milk and beers (thanks Heather); eat some yummy pub food at the Black Bear and get Wendy back to her car at sea level. And of course look forward to Jackson's report about Fat Dog and Bill's report about his Great Peak Ascent.

See the rest of our pictures on Flickr.