It was a rainy, foggy Saturday, but I was extremely pleased with this hike. What's better than blue flowers, several lakes, rustic cabins, one huge tree, country music (with a banjo), good company and the unexpected smell of a barbeque?
We attempted to take the route listed in the 109 Walks book, however, with the additional mountain bike trails there several branches of trails which were not listed in the book. To take the route in the book, go through the gate, and then when you see the exclusion of liability sign take the route to the right. We continued straight resulting in taking the route in reverse, with some sidetracking and backtracking.
The beginning of the hike was very atmospheric with the fog, and only a light sprinkling of rain. Along the trail we encounter a couple of giant trees that for some reason missed being logged, and the hollyburn cabins, including the girl guide cabin. As we emerged from the forest near Hollyburn Lodge we could smell hot dogs being barbequed and a band started playing country music, and we briefly square danced and while one of us sang to bring back old high school memories. At Blue Gentian Lake, we saw blue gentian flowers, and the lake was peppered with lilypads.
Unfortunately, I didn't bring my camera since I thought "it's only a West Van hike". It just goes to show, that the most unexpected things can appear when you least expect it!