While I don't like running alone, I do cherish the peace of the trails...something that cannot be found on the Grouse Grind. No peace on the GG. How is it that on adjacent trails, i.e. St Georges, Per Gynt etc you usually don't see a soul, yet there are hundreds of sweaty bodies crawling, huffing, puffing and running up the GG...
Despite that, once a year I drag my sorry behind up Nature's Stairmaster, usually playing tourist guide with an out of town visitor. I usually warn my guests, that the GG and the mountain is a bit of a tourist trap, but nevertheless worth the effort, especially when timing the assault so that one take in the Logger Show.
This morning, my son and 14 year old great cousin from Germany, set out around 10:00am to hike the Grind and sightsee on top...I admit, my secret agenda also included to climb from the chalet on to the top of the mountain, to claim a bag.
Our visitor from Germany blew uphill in a smoking good time of 40min and he wants to return on Friday to beat that time. I took it a bit slower. Slow and steady - never have beaten 1:13 and with a few chats along the way, I came close today with 1:20. Always amazes me, how many folks are on the trail with canvas sneakers and no water. Love the faces at the 1/4 mark, priceless. The amount of garbage trailside also amazed me. Waterbottles, tissues and energy bar wrappers abound... Shame on you Grouse Grinders.
After reaching the chalet, the boys continued via the chairlift to the peak while I hiked the gravel road up to the top (and beat them).
I eyed Dam Mtn, but didn't get much support from the young ones and after discussing the merit of saving $10 bucks by hiking downhill and suggesting to take a longer way down (opposed to the Grind), we decided to take the Gondola. I jokingly asked the young guy selling the download tickets if there are deals for birthday kids...and got a free ride on this, my 20th birthday ;-) OK, I might have gotten the years wrong.
No photos, as I forgot the camera at home - gotta trust me that I reached the top under my own steam.
