March 11, 2023
~ submitted by Dorothy Benneke
4 of us met at Top Bridge Park while Arrowsmith Search and Rescue were setting up for some training exercises. They joked that they were close by if we needed them. One of the members quizzed me……did I have the 10 essentials? (yes) and did I leave a trip plan? (yes). Hope never to contact SAR, but grateful for all that they do.
We set off along the Englishman River, then onto forested trails, marvelled at “Boulder City” and the crazy bike ramps. We lucked with views over to Parksville & Salish Sea and at the summit, views of the mountains.
Did a small loop at the top with another viewpoint looking out toward The Notch before heading down the power line right-of-way back to the river and vehicles.
We were back 12:30ish and off to enjoy lunch and the rest of the day.
Stats: 16km, 455m accumulated elevation gain, total time = 3 hours and 35 minutes.