While I was “active” in elementary school (played soccer, basketball, baseball) by high school that virtually stopped (my high school had an “English” background to rugby was the sport and, even with other sports if you weren’t “elite” or weren’t welcomed). But, shortly before mty 30th birthday I decided I needed to try to get fit so took a swimming course at the South Slope YMCA … course was named “Scared Silly” … I was). After the first sessions when time came to register for the next session the group was filled so … decided to try a fitness class … named “Puffers” … I did … running around the gym was hard at first (yes, I puffed a lot) but I became a runner and have run ever since.
Above is a somewhat long preamble to saying I have run a long time (now 67ish) but , while I have run through Vancouver Winters, snow and cold were never my friend. I particularing like running in the warmth of Honolulu. But while visiting Honolulu last December I saw that a local Vancouver mountain, Grouse Mountain, offered Beginners Showshoe clinics and I registered. One of the best decisions I have ever made!
I loved it from the very first steps … After the 2nd clinic session I already knew I would buy my own snowshoes (clinic price included snowshoe rental). During the 3rd clinic session I used a borrowed pair of Tubbs Snowshoes (thanks Dan at Grouse Mountain) and immediately after bought my own pair of Tubbs … I never regretted that purchase and absolute love them.
During the period from early January to early April I snowshoed 40 times … some with 2 different clinics and many on my own. I am really looking forward to more adventures this coming Winter.
The photos below are from a number of different adventures. If you have never tried snowshoeing, try it. Grouse Mountain offers great clinics at a reasonable cost and the Snowshoe Grind plus associated trails is a great environment. I highly recommend both!
On Februay 20th, 2017 I went out to Thunderbird Ridge for the first time … a spectacular journey, with great views and lots of up/down hills. The next 5 photos were taken on that hike.
Rick Horne 