When I looked out the window at 3.45 AM on Saturday morning September 3rd the only thing I could see were twinkling stars.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you “  I said to whoever was listening.

I thought; finally we have been blessed with an awesome day for our Lions Bay community hike.

Rudy wanted an early start. We quickly unpacked the car for set up. Within minutes the first 6 (not local) hikers arrived. They helped with setting up the tent. Louis Peterson soon arrived and took his position, ready with the “Lions Hike” stamp in hand.

Rudy, the 6 hikers and 2 dogs left before 7:00AM full of enthusiasm of the adventure ahead. I returned to pick up last minute items and made Louis a comforting cup of tea. Louis always gets into fashion mode for these events. Outfitted with a beautiful cozy sweater, a warm hat and hiking boots he started stamping passports and hands….

My committed team Albert Forshaw and Myron Loutet made sure that all hikers were signed in. Thank you gentlemen, for being there. What a scene it was to meet /and greet /long time /new residents /and friends from out of town. Shortly before 8 o’clock it was time for the group photo (sorry to the hikers that left early or arrived late) The trek was on.

The hiking route to the Lions was very different this year then any other year I hiked it. Fields of snow and sections of mud made our journey more challenging. People always ask me; “how long does it take to hike the Lions?” Each year and for each person the timing is different.

No matter how tough the ascent was this year, to reach the ridge for most hikers (for some the top of the West Lion) the 360 view was stunning. To be in that environment with friends and share a lunch out of the backpack is better then any 5***** restaurant.

Without a doubt we all reached what we personally were capable of. We did our best, no matter where we turned around.

The Lions descent for me is very personal. Each time I do the Lions hike I am thankful to be a part of it. Each time I hope to stay healthy and in shape and to achieve it again the following year. Yes, it is true the muscles, knees, and the back might hurt. You walk the stairs just a little bit slower for a few days. In time they will all get back to normal. A swim in the cool waters of Howe Sound/stretching whenever possible/a few Advil/lots of water/resting/more hiking /more walking/and a positive attitude will make it soon disappear and you feel better.

When I got to the beach for my therapeutic swim, Linda Henault sat by the shore. Linda and I hiked the “Lions Flag Hike” two years ago. She looked me straight in the eye and said; ”Trudi, did anybody beat our time?” I laughed and said, “No Linda, we are safe, we are still holding the record of 11 hours with Haley and Eric Fleury!”

Later in the evening I called Taryn Biggs to see how far her family managed the hike. I was truly amazed when I heard that they reached the plateau (out of the trees), Oliver with Anika (1) in the carrying pack. Katrina (5) hiked on her own steam all the way there and back. Katrina went to bed that night at 10.30PM.  “She was not tired and nothing hurt” she said. Oh, that tender, young body is a rather distant memory of mine. My family called me the mountain goat/always ahead/never tired.

Congratulations to Devon Hawley (8) who hiked to the plateau as well. Well done Devon and Katrina. You are our rising hiking stars. In time you can become our aspiring new leaders for the annual community event “ Hike the Lions”.

Thank you to Tom Seddon for showing up and being there. Best wishes to Carly Seddon in her recovery. We will miss you Carly, Riki and Tom…. Auf Wiedersehen!!!! Thank you to Vivienne O’Keeffe for sharing the sunscreen. Thank you to the office staff for providing the parking day passes. Thank you to all the chauffeurs for delivering and picking up the hikers. Thank you to Dawne and Brad Colly (local residents) for the beautiful stamp design, “The Old Island Stamp Company”. Thank you to Mike  at VancouverTrails for giving us permission to use the awesome picture of the Lions for our Posters. A very special THANK YOU to Ute Philips ( Lions Bay Arts Council) for your creative and professional poster art.

A very appropriate quote for those hiking and those who are not:
“Be nice to people on your way up. Because you might need them on your way down.”

Want to see more photos of this amazing hike? Click here to visit the 2011 Lions Hike Photo Gallery on Lionsbay.net