Mt.Seymour Hike

At the very beginning Mt.Seymour was just one of the topics on my 'to-do-list'. the trip completely changed my perception of that place.

Technical details:

Difficulty: Intermediate
Time: 5 hours
Distance: 9km (same road return)
Elevation Gain: 450 meters
Season: July - October

Although I went on Sunday in amazing weather, there was very low traffic. Just enough people to scare bears, knowing I am on the right track and feel free. I did not see a bear. This is good news. The only nature challenge were insects. Thousands of flies, bugs and mosquitos accompanied me all way to the peak and back. Learning - do not wear any scented cosmetics at all and do not get dressed in white. Especially in white, they all just love you. For my next hike I have to consider some insect repellent, bear spray and 'anti-bear' jingle bell. Many people here use the jingle bell as a sign 'attention bear, I am here'. I still do listen to my iPhone music, believing that bears understand - music from iPhone = human is close, get away.

Here is the photo story of the day:

Trail profile. Stated 450 meters elevation gain is counted on total
(peak minus starting level).
As you see from the profile, the total elevation gain is higher as the trail goes
few times steep up and down. 

The trail starts in forest and the road is rocky.

Sometimes it looks like the path is leading nowhere.
Can you ever reach horizon?

Brockton point - first view down to the valley - Vancouver from top.

Endless mountains are great motivation.
I am trying not to pay attention to all those bugs and GIANT horseflies. 

The trail looks very often like end of the world. Learning - do not think about
the way down while going up the hill. You will see the trail with very different
eyes when going down. Concentrate on the way up.

Although long period of sunny days without rain small ponds, lakes, plashes and even snow are present along all the way. It is very refreshing. 

Pump Peak with small Inukshuk (in the middle).

Another Inukshuk in detail.

What is Inukshuk? I took the definition from the web site of Inukshuk Gallery in Vancouver: The mysterious stone figures known as inuksuit can be found throughout the circumpolar world. Inukshuk, the singular of inuksuit, means "in the likeness of a human" in the Inuit language. They are monuments made of unworked stones that are used by the Inuit for communication and survival. The traditional meaning of the inukshuk is "Someone was here" or "You are on the right path."

Second Pump Peak. Do you see any path? I have spend about twenty minutes looking for the pathway to Mt.Seymour. The one which I did not like at all finally proved to be the right one. I call it 'jump-in-the-abyss road'.

Abyss - deep between Second Pump Peak and Mt.Seymour,
nevertheless wonderful views. 

Never look back! Way down to abyss (yes, those rocks on the left side is the path),
you may get scared. And do not even think about the return.
Your perspective will change until then.

The peak of Mt.Seymour - I do not know the guy. While taking this picture I thought
he is spoiling my picture, but only at home I realised he looks quite aesthetic.
Deep down in the ocean is Vancouver.

Just wonderful. On top - now you see why is Mt.Seymour my best hike.

On top - whatever direction - the visibility is for Vancouver brilliant
- for the moment this is the top of the world.

Nature is lovely! Even with insects. More follows soon. Come back!