My, my! Was I ever wrong. There was certainly a lot of snow this year.

While we were drowning in rain down here, we had powder up there -- more then we have seen for a long time. Naturally that doesn’t make it any easier to guess what it’s going to be in April when this magazine reaches you. That leaves us all with wild guesses as to trail conditions.

So whatever we will be able to do, we have to carefully consider where we are going. The lower level trails are interrupted by fallen trees, washed-out bridges, slides and the likes from the recent storms. Up in the snow the trails are also somewhat risky once you leave the groomed places. Giving the situation, what we encounter this spring -- up or down -- is not without risk. Please don’t go alone. Take a friend with you just in case.

Last year at this time we had a really big dump of snow at Easter. We went out to give it another go into the snow. But in spring the snow does funny things. Water underneath and beginning growth melts the snow. Look at the pictures, no mystery spots, these sunken holes are everywhere.

On that east ascent to Black Mountain last year we encountered as usual some little creeks bleeding through right across the trail. On the way up in the morning we just jumped across them. Then, coming down just after lunch on that beautiful sunny day I had to jump one of those creeks. But by now the snow was like a Slurpy and the snowshoes just raked through it. I ended up down in the creek.

My butt, pack and shovel were in the water, with my head downhill and my snowshoes wedged in the snow uphill. At first I thought this was funny and couldn’t stop laughing. Soon I found I couldn’t really get up.

My friend arrived looking over the rim into that little creek inquiring whether I was okay. With her help I got out of there somewhat wet and the only injury was to my pride.

Now the wet part brings us to the subject of gear again. I could walk down to the car without a change of clothes at that spot. I was wearing wet pants, but I didn’t really feel cold. The point is, we never wear cotton out there in the winter! Also we always carry a dry extra set of clothes in our packs just in case.

Another point to consider right now because of these trail conditions: allow for more time on the trails. Check your watch from time to time. It might take you the same time to get out, or more, that it took you to walk in! So it is wise to calculate how far you will be able to advance on the trail in daylight.

And of course carry a torch besides extra clothes and enough food and water. With caution you can still have a lot of fun out there. For companionship check the North Vancouver Outdoors club at www.northvanoutdoorsclub.ca
Did you find the mystery spot? Last issue’s photo was the artifact on your way out of the Lynn headwaters.

Olga is a member of the North Vancouver Outdoors Club

Copyright North Shore Magazine Issue Apr - May 07