Remember this large lump of granite? This is the Chief - besides the Grind, this is probably the most popular hiking destination in the Vancouver area.
It is claimed to be the second largest monolith (single massive rock) in the world... what is the first? Well the only other one I can think of is Ayer's rock, so that's my guess. Turns out monoliths are quite an interesting topic themselves - did you know in Lalibela, Ethiopia there are 11 churches carved in the 12th century from red monolithic volcanic rocks; and they are considered the 8th wonder of the world? Ok that's enough following wikipedia into the depths of random facts. I could get lost in there for days.
It is claimed to be the second largest monolith (single massive rock) in the world... what is the first? Well the only other one I can think of is Ayer's rock, so that's my guess. Turns out monoliths are quite an interesting topic themselves - did you know in Lalibela, Ethiopia there are 11 churches carved in the 12th century from red monolithic volcanic rocks; and they are considered the 8th wonder of the world? Ok that's enough following wikipedia into the depths of random facts. I could get lost in there for days.
Back to the Chief - there are three peaks to hike to and it takes about 5 hours to do them all (although that is just a bit of hearsay, I have never done it). We just went to the first peak, and because the trail becomes more difficult for dogs, we turned around there. As it was, Tim (the dog) had to be carried up a few ladders, but ultimately seemed to be enjoying himself.
Normally the summit provides a fantastic view of Howe Sound and Squamish below, but we found ourselves in the middle of clouds, that only blew off for glimpses of the town below. It was pretty cool though to be surrounded in clouds, completely in another world.
An update on something I mentioned ages ago - the 40km hike from Horseshoe Bay to Deep Cove that I wanted to do... well my friend Michelle is going to do it with me next Monday!! Yes :D I am so excited!
Normally the summit provides a fantastic view of Howe Sound and Squamish below, but we found ourselves in the middle of clouds, that only blew off for glimpses of the town below. It was pretty cool though to be surrounded in clouds, completely in another world.
An update on something I mentioned ages ago - the 40km hike from Horseshoe Bay to Deep Cove that I wanted to do... well my friend Michelle is going to do it with me next Monday!! Yes :D I am so excited!
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