And then there were three..........

As there was when David and I picked up Ean at 5.30amish on Saturday morning with heady goals of completing the Seymour Sweep.  The week previous had been early mass enthusiasm and later email silence as others dropped off the "in" list and all that remained were the three of us.  I was secretly trepidatious of this fact as I knew the day would be tough and I was in the company of Baggermeister's extraordinaire! 

I enjoyed the early morning bike ride in to the trail head approx 13km from LSCR parking lot.  Quickly, we were off up steep but what seemed not too bad terrain - on the return trip this would seem a ludicrously simplistic thought.  Early on, the trail passes by some simply massive old growth cedars, two of which were called the General + the Generals Wife - they made a formidable couple. 

We gained altitude quickly and were soon out at Vicar's Lakes - a pretty, albeit marshy spot.  On to the ridge line and Deacon and Presbyter Peaks were bagged by 11am.  The resourceful David provided props to recognize each religiously connotated peak. 

Now we were on the Indian Arm Trail proper, David and Ean began recounting events of last years infamous adventure.  Spooning aside, I now realize that they had one heck of trip full of adventure if not many hair raising moments! I also realized that Mt Dickens was a good ways off the beaten track for us.  With the prediction of three hours return off we went.  Four hours later we reached the true summit of Dickens and I left David and Ean to share a quiet and reflective moment where they had spent their romantic evening the year before. 

Now the debate ensued as to the location of some old trail down to Wigwam Inn on Indian Arm.  In all honesty, I was not keen on this possibility!  One look down and I knew it would be a torturous journey, trail or no trail!  I managed to coax them out of the thought by careful but pointed guidance. 

Passing by beautiful and tranquil Fannin Lake we spied a grassy, rock strewn flattish gully that would cut the return journey to Deacon Peak area.  I fell for this one!  Sure, the first traverse was not too bad but what lay behind was a vertical face of wet rock interspersed with scrubby trees and vegetation. 

At one point, David and Ean were of differing opinions as to the route of least resistance.  I chose to follow the guy with the GPS and quickly found myself thanking God for giving Blueberry bushes and even Heather strong enough roots to prevent vulnerable baggers from falling to their death!  Over to Bishop and by this time the good weather of the afternoon had passed and it was becoming ominously dark. 

Again, another tactful debate on my part that we should return to the bikes rather than traverse out to Seymour where Ean's car had been strategically parked.  As the rain started to fall and 6pm came and went we all agreed to head for the bikes was the best option.  Bishop was mist enshrouded as we all blessed the peak in Mitre's hat. 

A fleeting lapse of concentration cost me dear on the way back to Vicar Lakes.  Not sure which way it twisted but the gut wrenching noise from my ankle as I went down was truly unpleasant and one which I have never experienced before.  It is funny, I was saying earlier in the day to David that I have only ever had one bad fall while on the trails; now I have two.  I immediately had thoughts that, gee, two years in a row and two helicopter rides for David and Ean - not good!  However, three Advil, a gel and some encouraging support from my teammates and off we went onto the Bishop's Trail and down to the road. 

Here, my prediction of 45mins to 1hr proved ludicrously inept!  It was a hellish journey compounded by the pain from my ankle.  At one point, as I stood in the black of night in chest high scrub, slipping and sliding on rotting trees and forest debris, rain so heavy it almost washed my contacts out, I had an epiphany - I love bagging! 

Finally, a holler from David as he reached the road; we were out!  17 hrs return to the truck after a fantastic experience with memories to last a longtime.  My thanks to my compadres in arms for making it a fun and eventful day and also tolerating my immersion into the religious values of the day as I repeatedly blessed our Lord Savior after my fall. 

Also, my thanks and apologies to Carolyn for 1) missing dinner at 7pm and 2) providing her with a modicum of worry throughout the day. 

Cheers,

Neil