Trip to Canada–Grouse Grind and Lynn Canyon

We started our week in Canada with the Grouse Grind – a tough but gorgeous and exhilarating hike up Grouse Mountain.  Grouse Mountain was named by the first recorded hikers to reach the summit in 1894 – in those days climbing the mountain was a three or four epic journey as there was no bridge across Burrard inlet and no road to the base.  Along the way, the group hunted a Blue Grouse and honored the plentiful game bird by calling the Peak '”Grouse Mountain”.  

The trail is 1.8 miles with a 2,800 feet Elevation gain – similar to Colorado’s Incline. Chris and I had never been there so it was especially fun.  Grandma and Grandpa took the gondola up the mountain with Matthew, James, and Kate.  Chris, Katie, Emily, Megan, Luke and I headed up the mountain with Dan, Sarah, Annie, Leah, Mike and Carly.  We weren’t sure how the boys would do on the steep hike but prepared Luke and he was determined to do great – and we could hardly keep up with him.  That kid is a mountain goat with boundless energy.  The girls did awesome too.

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At the top we watched a fun Lumberjack show, had a picnic lunch, watched Eagles and Owls in the ‘Birds of Prey’ presentation and then rode the gondola back down the mountain.  It was a great outing – especially the great climb.

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On the way home, we stopped at Lynn Canyon… one of our very favorite places to walk around and play by the water. Grandma and Grandpa and Carly stayed for the suspension bridge and then headed home and then to the airport to get Amy and kids.  Mike and Dan’s family stayed with us to play around the water.

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Matt just loves climbing over the rocks and through the water.  It wasn’t surprising that after a few minutes in the water, he had dunked his head – probably just a suggestion from his Dad.  This boy isn’t afraid of anything. Oh, and he sure does love to say ‘Namaste’.

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After playing for awhile we headed down to the end – love this spot – and Mike decided he wanted to do a little cliff jumping.  Chris didn’t want to be left out so they both took their shirts off and headed up to the ledge.  The water was FREEZING but they each took a turn jumping from each side of the ravine.   These jumping pictures are from Mike’s camera.

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Fun to see Amy and kids once we got home.  We ate a late dinner and then enjoyed gathering around the TV to see some of Mike’s ‘Jordan Trip’ pictures – which are awesome. 

LisaCanada, Grandma and Grandpa WaltonComment