Goat mountain was a really fun hike. Richard and I woke up early one morning to tackle the Grouse Grind, rest a bit at the Chalet and then take on Goat Mountain. We arrived at the base of Grouse a little before 7am and it was still dark out. We had a head lamp so instead of waiting for the first morning light to penetrate the canopy, we just started grinding. I felt really winded for the first 15 minutes or so. I couldn't explain it. Each step seemed like it was the hardest thing for me to do. Luckily, that feel subsided and we were on our way to the top, excited to get past the snow makers and get to Goat.
Even though the hike up Grouse got easier and easier, I was still happy to see the top. We stalled at the chalet only for a while before venturing out by the ski hills where the the snow machines droned loudly, working to get the mountains covered with the precious white stuff. We strolled on until we reached the marker for back trails. Like good little hikers, we filled out our names and our assumed return and took off into the woods.We passed only 1 or 2 other people before we made it to Dam mountain. We skirted along the side of Dam with a partially obstructed view of Kennedy Lake. We paused here for a while to enjoy the endless sea of tree dotted mountains.
After this short break we ventured on through the subtle undulation of hills and valleys. The sun was shining brightly and the clouds were rich and fluffy. More than once we couldn't help but stop and take in the scenery. It was the perfect weather for a day in the mountains. Again, we ventured on, turning the corner on the ridge circumventing Kennedy Lake, leaving Dam Mountain behind us and moving closer to Goat Mountain, passing the Camel and Crown Mountain to the north-west.
As we got closer to Goat Mountain, it seemed to jut out of the landscape soar high into the sky. As we reached the base, Goat's presence was rather intimidating. It wasn't until we were actually climbing on chains and nearing the top did we realize that it was much easier than we had expected. The climb from base to peak took us less than an hour at a slow and steady pace and didn't leave us gasping for air.
Once on the peak we enjoyed the panoramic view and had a snack. We fraternised with the local ravens who were none too leery of us humans. They wanted our food, we obliged. We stayed for a while and we were both pretty tired from the hike and the Grouse Grind beforehand. Although the sights could have kept us there forever, it was time to make it back to the chalet and ride the tram down the car. I will leave you with a picture of me getting hustled by a raven.
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