Archive:Golden Ears August25-26

The Basics

The Plan

Christian S. is leading a beginner friendly hiking/backpacking trip up the Golden Ears Peak on the weekend of August 25-26. This is a fairly challenging hike, however we are doing it over two days, which means we will be able to take our time and go at a relatively relaxing pace.

Golden Ears Peak is at 1706m, however the hardest section is an 1160m gain in the first section. Afterwards the trail becomes less demanding. You should expect snow at the summit, however the climb will be gentle enough that you won't need crampons/ice axe or any other fancy equipment.

We will meet in the Golden Ears Provincial Park west canyon parking lot at 8:30am on Saturday August 25. We will hike up to Panorama ridge and camp there overnight. There is a shelter here, however it only sleeps eight, so it would still be good for people who have tents to bring them. We will go for the summit Sunday morning, before hiking down in time for supper.

Planning water is important for this trip. You will want to bring at least 3L worth of water bottles, but only fill enough that would last you a few hours. This is because you do not want to hike the first section with 3L of water in your pack. We will fill all the bottles once we get to Alder flats, because after that there is no water until the snow of the summit.

If you've never been into the coast mountains before (or even never done an overnight hike), and are in good physical shape (or at least tough), this is the trip for you.

More information on this hike, click here, here, and here

Trip Meeting

There will be NO TRIP MEETING. This is because I will be in a remote camp in Mexico until the 23rd, and therefore can't hold one. If you have any questions, the message board will be your best source.

What to Bring

The most important thing is to PACK LIGHT. Don't bring a giant 70L pack. My suggestion would be to bring a day pack and strap your sleeping bag/pad onto the outside.

Clothing

• 1 set of non-cotton clothes (just the one on your back)
• 1 additional warm thing (fleece / down jacket)
• rainjacket / pants
• toque (best warmth/weight ratio going for clothing)
• a sturdy pair of hiking or backpacking boots
• good hiking socks
• sun hat
• sun glasses
• gaiters (not really necessary, there's not that much snow)

Shelter

• Tent, if you have one. If not, there will probably be enough sleeping space to go around.
• Sleeping bag
• Sleeping pad (These are NOT optional - your sleeping bag is useless without one)

Miscellaneous

• Sunscreen
• Headlamp
• lip balm
• camera
• bug net (works way better than bug juice, plus it doesn't wreck the environment or your stuff)
• Toilet Paper
• Toothbrush
• Lighter
• First Aid kit. Hopefully someone will have a more comprehensive one, but it might be wise to carry at least some moleskin, bandages, and some pain relievers (Advil, Tylenol etc.).

Food

• stove + pot + fuel + lighter (or be friendly)
• Plastic thing to eat out of (old yogurt container? Or something fancier)
• spoon
• Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch - remember you'll be on the move all day, so bring extra lunch for Sunday. Eat extra breakfast (which you then don't have to carry on your back) before heading out Saturday morning.
  • Most people can eat somewhat under 1kg of food per day (we're talking dehydrated food - no heavy water).
• Water (3L worth of water bottles)
• Water purifier drops (optional)
• Bearproof bag, or equipment for bearhang (or be friendly).

Luxury

(some things might be worth their extra weight, including):

• songbook
• 1 pair extra socks
• down slippers for camp
• tin whistle / recorder / Ukulele
• Alcohol
• ?

Participants

Write your name, and if you have a tent or stove.

1. Christian Sampaleanu

Car Groups

If you can drive, please write your name down and how many spots you have. Other people can then put themselves into your car.