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April.05, 2009
Bowen Island

Set out to Snug Cove (Bowen Island) from Horseshoe Bay on the eleven o'clock ferry for a twenty minute ride aboard the Queen Elisabeth. It cost us 54 bucks for the three of us and the Jetta. Ride went fairly quick. The skies were clear, the sea was calm another perfect day for sailing and of course hiking.

Got off the ferry and headed straight to the trail head. We veered right off the main road onto Mount Gardner Road and then a left on Hikers Trail up until you see the pearly white gates. Through these gates is the rise to Mount Gardner the highest mountain on the island. The trail is called Gardner's Hardener, which is labelled as the islands toughest hike at a double black diamond. It was a solid test up and down the skid, snow, rock and dirt trails to the North Summit for a stunning 359 degree view from the top. We watched a lot of action in the harbor with boats and ferries going every, all visible from the View Point that doubles as a helicopter landing pad.

We ate lunch at the top and continued along the fifteen kilometer Mount Gardner Loop when we suddenly came upon a mother and her 3 kids struggling down the hill. It was a very snowy and steep section and I think the rope had been frozen under. This caused panic and hysteria out of the mother that was coaching her kids slowly down, not making much progress: basically a break down. Well thats when WildNed stepped in a helped them out lending them a hand and encouragement. We were also there for backup support and the mother was very thankful and was able to get through it. Maybe a little early in the season to bring the youngins along for the ride. However the mother was a good teacher, teaching the kids to slide down the mountain on there bum. Not the way I get down the hill but a solution non the least. Which reminds me of the possibility of getting into para sailing. Now that would be the optimal solution on how to get down.

Than a little farther down the hill there were two beer cans. WildNed crushed them and put them into his bag making good on the old saying leave the trail nicer than how you found it. Well Done WildNed. You get a sticker for this hike. There were more lookout points along the way too and Kilarney Lake at the bottom but nothing like the view from the North Summit. The view, the distance, the weather and the lack of people on the trail made for an enjoyable WildNed adventure. Book your hike now to share unique experiences just like this one.