Trip Reports
Mt. Garibaldi (A super fun trip in the form of a ‘Mistake List’)
Mistake #1 -The Planning Phase:
Largest group SPOC trip yet. The participation rate at very high
levels; a direct relation to ones ability to move
efficiently.
Mistake #2 –Logistics:
Involve a significantly large variety of mountain skills and equipment.
Bikes, Ski touring stuff, ice axes, harnesses, ropes, crampons, and
pickets. One trailer!? Thanks for the wetnaps Ryan.
Mistake #3 –The meeting point (and time):
While waiting for everyone to get off work we arranged to meet across
from MEC at Martini’s so as to have a comfortable locale,
with the convenience of picking up any last minute rental or gear
items. Martini’s is basically a bar, this was cheap
night for Long Island Ice Teas and since we were there for about 4hrs
you can imagine what happened.
Mistake #4 –Leaving
It is now past 9pm and we are all drunk.
Ride to Black Mountain Parking Lot, polish off the scotch (save some
for teeth brushing in morning), ‘Asleep’ by freeway
at 1:30 am
Mistake #5 –Waking up
4:30am, riding by 5am, Lunchtime in Squamish.
Mistake #6 –Mamquam Rd (Diamond Head Parking Lot Rd).
This took 6hrs from Squamish, including time for Ryan to puke, and
Colin to have a smoke.
Revamp approach plans and crash at the Red Heather Hut (arrive in
darkness).
Mistake #6 –Exhaustion sets in
Takes entire day to get to Elphin Lakes Hut. Doesn’t really
phase anyone, but Ryan decides to go back to girlfriend (no one else
realizes this is probably a good idea).
Mistake #7 –Not everyone phased out.
Factions split up the vegan and non-vegan food teams. Neil (first time
touring), Jesse, Paul, and Jason make summit bid.
Other faction sleeps in and practices (or learns) beacon/probe
techniques. This was not a mistake. Summit Team is turned
back shortly after leaving.
Mistake #8 –Not really a mistake (actually very fun)
Return to Squamish after a 30min descent down logging road. Fantastic!
Rendezvous at Squamish Brew Pub. Mistake: Too much food and beer etc.
Mistake #9 –Leaving the Brew Pub
Though we did get a swim at Petgil Lake in Murin Park.
Mistake #10 – The Sea to Sky Highway
‘nuff said. Redeeming feature: home is at the end of it.
Mistake #11 –Repeatable
Would go back and try again as it has been long enough to forget just
how hard it was.
End Synopsis: Fun had by all. Trip a success.