On foggy, rainy days I often wonder why I bag. On snowy slopes when I look down and see what a mistake could bring, I wonder, why do I bag? When I'm tired or hungry or busy or stressed, it always feels better to have bagged, but it's not always evident why. Today, however, was a perfect bagging days which answered all of those lingering "whys".
Guy and I drove up to Cypress after work. We took the HSCT and Christmas Gully up Strachan. In a word, it was spectacular.
I've summitted Strachan many times and from all possible routes in rain, in snow, but rarely in the sun. Today I ascended Strachan in the sun. We took what in clear weather is the fabulously scenic west-facing Christmas Gully route. The weather was perfect with a warmish-coolish August breeze and the ground was dry to make for great footing. The setting sun added ambiance, and the wildflowers were beautiful. On top we took a quick video tour of the surrounding mountains (hopefully you can see it here).
A bottle of wine and some crackers would have been a great mountain top option. Next time. We ran the service road down the front for a quick return to the base of the ski area and headed home. A first class run or hike. :)
Submitted by Ean Jackson on 19 August, 2010 - 06:03.
How many places do you figure there are in the world where you actually can enjoy bagging a peak like Strachan after work on a summer evening? Kinda cool to be able to bag just because you can.
By the way, do you know the correct pronunciation of "Strachan" as it refers to this particular peak? I've heard "stra-kan" as well as "straw-n".
and the thing that kills me is you rarely see a single person when you hike non-Grouse peaks after work. Granted, you don't have to pack your own beer at Grouse, but really...
A bottle of wine and some crackers would have been a great mountain top option. Next time. We ran the service road down the front for a quick return to the base of the ski area and headed home. A first class run or hike. :)
Comments
A Classic Bag
How many places do you figure there are in the world where you actually can enjoy bagging a peak like Strachan after work on a summer evening? Kinda cool to be able to bag just because you can.
By the way, do you know the correct pronunciation of "Strachan" as it refers to this particular peak? I've heard "stra-kan" as well as "straw-n".
post-work bagging
and the thing that kills me is you rarely see a single person when you hike non-Grouse peaks after work. Granted, you don't have to pack your own beer at Grouse, but really...