Kidbag with son on 10-10-10 -- Memorable day, no cowboys!

With 11am sunny weather overhead and an enthusiastic 4-year-old son at my side, the encouragement from my wife to disappear until dinner was all we needed to head straight to North Van for some impromptu baggery.

We left the house with all the right provisions but without a specific distination - I'd figure that out on the drive there.

Three weeks ago Isaac and I failed in our bid to bag the Bluffs of De Pencier, bailing just before the last ascent as we both ran out of steam.  We took the single track trail Jackson described a few blog posts ago, and eating blueberries and admiring Mystery Lake were among the highlights.  Bagging the bluffs that day would've made it a little sweeter but I guess you can't get too greedy.

Today I thought maybe we could bag Lynn (I recalled that having a "K" next to it on the peak list indicating kid-friendliness) but I wouldn't have bet on our success for a few reasons - mostly as I had never been to the peak before (only to the first lookout) and certainly not with one of my young sons.

Today was different though.  I was prepared to try a few different strategies to make it work.

Isaac only needed to be carried on three steep and rocky bits en route to Lynn Peak.  2 1/2 hours from car to peak.

My son also seemed to get excited and engergized by the three viewpoints we stopped at en route to the peak.  I'm sure our frequent rest stops and chocolate snack breaks helped. 

The peak was better than either of us imagined.  If you recall, Isaac's other bagged peak was a cloudbag of Grouse.  Today's sunny and clear view south took our collective breath away. So, please add LYN to mine and Isaac's tally for the 2010 Bagger Challenge!

I carried the sleepy lad atop my shoulders most of the way back to the car, getting a grueling workout in the process -- of my laughing muscles.  Isaac succeeded twice in grabbing overhead leaves and sticking them in my nose, which made him howl and me sneeze.  I retaliated by walking close to low hanging leafy branches that tickled him.

Finally, as we got back to the connector trail with the big LSCR trail signage,  Isaac said something that only a kid would say.  Over the past year he's become great at reading the signage and pointed out trails where bike or dog access is limited.  Today he saw the no horseback riding sign for the first time and looked at me and said, "Dad, no bikes, no dogs, and no cowboys!"